Raja Ampat Yacht Charter
A Raja Ampat yacht charter is truly like a dive into paradise: Above water, Raja Ampat’s landscape is just as stunning. Picture dramatic limestone cliffs, lush green islands, hidden lagoons, and pristine beaches. The rock formations rise straight out of turquoise waters, creating a maze of bays, caves, and channels—perfect for exploring by yacht.
It’s not just about the reefs and rocks, though. Raja Ampat is also home to the iconic Birds of Paradise, famous for their colorful plumage and elaborate dances. This rich biodiversity even attracted Alfred Russel Wallace in the 19th century, whose studies here helped shape the theory of evolution.
Raja Ampat offers some of the best diving in the world. Located in the Coral Triangle, it’s home to the planet’s richest marine biodiversity. The water is crystal clear, with visibility up to 30 meters (100 feet), thanks to nutrient-rich currents that keep the reefs thriving.
Divers can see vibrant coral, manta rays, sharks, schools of fish, and rare creatures like wobbegong sharks and pygmy seahorses.
Types of Yacht Charters in Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat yacht charters are a fairly new phenomenon. Raja Ampat is remote, and while the majority of tourists coming to Indonesia have focused on places like Bali and Java, West Papua has gone more or less untouched. Raja Ampat’s oldest and most established charter fleet is the local Phinsi fleet –big traditional, wooden liveaboards. In recent years we have seen an influx of modern charter catamarans and motor yachts.
Crewed Luxury Liveaboard Charters in Raja Ampat
The best way to explore Raja Ampat is on a fully crewed luxury liveaboard, a traditional Indonesian sailing ship known locally as a Phinisi. On a Phinisi, guests can explore remote islands, dive at truly secluded sites, and enjoy a fully crewed, all-inclusive experience. Phinisis have luxury cabins for 8-20 guests, dining areas, dive gear, and certified instructors, making them perfect for extended, adventurous cruises in places like Raja Ampat and Komodo National Park.
Motor Yacht Charters in Raja Ampat
For a more modern option, you can also charter a luxury catamaran or motor yacht. While these are less common in Raja Ampat, which has traditionally been a Phinisi destination, they are starting to appear. Make sure to book early, as availability can be limited, and some may need to be delivered from other parts of Indonesia.
Catamaran Charters in Raja Ampat
Catamaran charters in Raja Ampat typically start in Sorong, offering comfortable and spacious yachts perfect for small groups or families. With short distances between anchorages, they are ideal for exploring the region’s calm waters. Most catamarans are equipped with diving gear and compressors, catering to divers seeking access to some of the world’s best underwater sites.
When is the Best Time for a Raja Ampat Yacht Charter?
Although you can visit Raja Ampat at any time of the year, we recommend planning your Raja Ampat yacht charter during the peak season (northwest Monsoon) between October and April. Why? In peak season, the seas are smoother, visibility is excellent, often exceeding 30 meters (100 feet), and the conditions are perfect for exploring the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life that Raja Ampat is famous for.
Off-Peak Season: Fewer Crowds, But Less Ideal Conditions
If avoiding the crowds is your main goal, you can opt for the off-peak season (May to September). However, it’s important to note that this is the rainy season, and wet squalls are more frequent. Additionally, heavy rains cause increased runoff from the islands, which clouds the water.
How to Get to Your Raja Ampat Yacht Charter?
To begin your yacht charter in Raja Ampat, you’ll need to fly into Sorong, the main gateway to this stunning archipelago located in West Papua. Sorong’s airport, Domine Eduard Osok Airport (SOQ), has several flight connections available from international airports in the major Indonesian cities: Jakarta (4.5-5 hours), Makassar (2 hours), and Manado (2 hours)
From the airport, it is a 10-15 minute taxi ride to Sorong Harbor, where you will get onboard your yacht charter. We can arrange a pickup. We highly recommend you get out cash in the local currency, Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), at the airport, as ATMs around town don’t always support international cards. You will need cash in remote areas!
Best Yacht Charter Destinations in Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat, meaning “Four Kings,” refers to the four main island groups in this Indonesian archipelago: Misool, Salawati, Batanta, and Waigeo. These regions are surrounded by thousands of smaller islands and reefs, creating one of the most biodiverse marine areas on Earth. Yacht Charters start in Sorong, from where they either head north to Batanta and Waigo or south to Misool –the more remote location.
Wayag
Wayag is one of the most northern island groups in Raja Ampat and often marks the turnaround point for yachts. It’s exactly what you picture when you think of Raja Ampat: tall, steep karst limestone formations covered in lush greenery, rising out of crystal-clear, turquoise waters. And it is a major playground, with so much to discover!
Yachts can enter through a narrow southern passage and sail right into the heart of Wayag, where you’ll be completely surrounded by these breathtaking islands.
There are a few hiking trails that lead to lookout points. The climbs are steep, but the reward is incredible—stunning panoramic views of Wayag and beyond.
The diving here is top-notch, especially at the northern passage, where the current rushes through. You can hop off the dinghy and drift along, watching vibrant coral and fish race beneath you. It’s like riding an underwater conveyor belt, and it’s super fun.
Plus, manta rays are often spotted cruising around the big lagoon, adding to the magic of this place. Wayag is a must-see for anyone exploring Raja Ampat.
Arborek
Arborek is a tiny island located on the southeastern corner of the big island of Waigeo. It is known for its welcoming village and vibrant marine life. It’s famous for its traditional Papuan culture—the local community is deeply involved in eco-tourism and conservation efforts.
The island is surrounded by healthy coral reefs, making it a top spot for snorkeling and diving right off the jetty. You can often see schools of fish, turtles, and sometimes manta rays close to the island. This is a great stoppover for a midday dive and lunch!
Fam Islands & Piaynemo
Fam Island is one of Raja Ampat’s most picturesque spots, famous for its stunning turquoise lagoons, white sand beaches, and the must-see view from Piaynemo Hill. From the top, you’ll get that iconic postcard view of rocky, green islets dotting the crystal-clear waters below—a panorama that’s worth every bit of the climb.
Fam sees more tourism than some of the more remote islands in Raja Ampat, as day boats often make the journey here from resorts on nearby islands, especially for the incredible scenery and snorkeling. That said, it’s still a quiet paradise compared to more popular tourist destinations.
Misool
Misool is one of the four main islands of Raja Ampat, located in the southernmost part of the archipelago, and it is also more remote than the northern part of Raja Ampat.
Known for its rich marine life, Misool’s waters are home to some of the healthiest coral reefs in the world, with incredible biodiversity that makes it a top destination for diving and scientific research.
What sets Misool apart is its commitment to conservation. The island hosts the Misool Eco Resort, which helped establish a large no-take zone around the area, protecting the coral reefs and marine life from fishing. Divers here can explore vibrant reefs, manta ray cleaning stations, shark nurseries, and even underwater caves.
Misool’s landscapes are equally impressive above water, with towering karst formations, turquoise lagoons, and mangrove forests.
What to Prepare Before Going to Indonesia
- Indonesian Tourist Visa
Getting a tourist visa for Indonesia is straightforward. Travelers from over 160 countries can enter visa-free for 30 days, but it cannot be extended. Alternatively, a Visa on Arrival (VOA) allows a 30-day stay, extendable by another 30 days, and costs IDR 500,000 (around USD 35). For longer stays, a 60-day Tourist Visa can be obtained at Indonesian consulates. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and have a return or onward ticket ready.
- Vaccinations
We recommend consulting with your doctor about necessary vaccinations before traveling to Indonesia. While not mandatory, vaccines for malaria, hepatitis, and typhoid are advisable, especially if you plan to spend time in more remote areas like Raja Ampat. Your doctor can provide personalized advice based on your health, itinerary, and current health advisories.
Yachts Available for Charter in Indonesia
PRANA
Summer: Indian Ocean and SE Asia
Winter: Indian Ocean and SE Asia
MANE et NOCTE
Summer: Indian Ocean and SE Asia
Winter: Indian Ocean and SE Asia
DAMAI
Summer: Indian Ocean and SE Asia
Winter: Indian Ocean and SE Asia
Ready to Start Your Raja Ampat Yacht Charter Vacation?
Our Team is ready to help you plan the yacht charter vacation. Just reach out, and one of the expert charter brokers will get back to you ASAP with a list of options tailored specifically to your needs.
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Testimonials
Mark Fei
Our yacht broker, Louis Lamprell, was available, knowledgeable, friendly, and professional throughout the process. He helped me identify the correct size of catamaran for our cruise, as well as helping me—as a first time yach charterer—understand all the ins and outs of the process, what would be needed, what to expect, etc. The entire experience exceeded our expectations. – October 04, 2024
★★★★★
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Testimonials
Glenn Hunter
It started from the beginning with Daniel and trusting him and his company to guide us with our needs. The crew on Project Steel was exceptional and the Captain being flexible with the itinerary and knowledge of the Islands. The food and Chef were fantastic, gained 5 pounds. Marie and Marina very professional. Thomas and Alex were very helpful with all the water toys. – September 23, 2024
★★★★★
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Testimonials
Kirsten Erickson
Our experience with Chris was nothing short of wonderful. He was always responsive both before and during our charter, even checking in to make sure all was well while we were onboard. Would not hesitate to work with him again! – September 15, 2024
★★★★★
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Testimonials
Colin
Contact at the outset wasn’t forced, there was no ‘hard sell’ and responses to questions were fast and deeply explanatory. Sarah was amazing, she provided very clear information that made it very easy to understand every aspect of our planned trip. – July 14, 2024
★★★★★
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