The late afternoon air is heavy with the scent of clove and sun-baked ironwood. From the bowsprit, the only sounds are the gentle creak of the rigging and the whisper of water parting against the hull, a deep turquoise against the dark timber. Ahead, the limestone karsts of the Fam Islands rise from the sea, their silhouettes sharp against a sky turning from apricot to indigo. This is the rhythm of a phinisi expedition in Raja Ampat, a measured passage through the world’s most biodiverse marine sanctuary, far removed from the clamor of the everyday. See also: phinisi raja ampat.

Our fleet represents a direct lineage to the master shipwrights of South Sulawesi, the Bugis seafarers who have navigated these waters for centuries. Each vessel is constructed by hand, without blueprints, using traditional methods passed down through generations. This is not a replica; it is a continuation of a living maritime heritage, refined with the standards of modern safety and comfort required for serious exploratory diving. Aboard our ships, the expedition is as much about the vessel as the destination. See also: book Contact.

The Fleet: A Tradition of Maritime Craftsmanship

The Phinisi Raja Ampat collection comprises two principal vessels, the Samudra Biru and the Ombak Putih, each designed for a distinct expeditionary style. These are not repurposed cargo ships but purpose-built liveaboards, conceived to provide stability, space, and direct access to the remote coral gardens of the archipelago. The construction of each Raja Ampat phinisi schooner is a testament to Indonesian artisanship, primarily using Ulin (ironwood) for the keel and hull, and tropical teak for the decks and superstructures. This meticulous construction process, centered in the boatyards of Tana Beru, can take up to 24 months per vessel.

The Samudra Biru, launched in 2018, is our flagship for dedicated dive charters, accommodating up to 12 guests. Its 40-meter length and broad 8.5-meter beam provide an exceptionally stable platform in the variable currents of the Dampier Strait. The dive deck is the vessel’s operational heart, engineered for efficiency with individual gear stations, multiple rinse tanks, and a dedicated camera room with 220V and 110V charging points. The Ombak Putih, at 36 meters, offers a more intimate setting for 10 guests, ideal for families or small groups seeking a focused phinisi cruise in Raja Ampat with a higher degree of itinerary customization.

Life aboard is structured around the natural cadence of the islands and the optimal conditions for diving. The day begins before dawn, with the aroma of Sulawesi coffee and the quiet preparation of dive equipment. The experience is intentionally analog; while Wi-Fi is available via satellite for essential communication (data packages from USD $100), the focus is on disconnecting from the digital and reconnecting with the marine environment. This is the core of a true phinisi liveaboard Raja Ampat experience: to move with the tides, guided by expert local knowledge. See also: details on Dive Sites Cape Kri Dampier.

Vessel Specifications and Onboard Living

The design of our phinisi fleet prioritizes comfort and function for multi-day expeditions in a remote tropical environment. All interior spaces are fully air-conditioned, with individual controls in each cabin. Electrical power is supplied 24 hours a day by two sound-proofed generators, providing standard Indonesian 220V outlets. Navigation and safety equipment meet or exceed SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) standards, including Furuno radar systems, GPS chart plotters, depth sounders, VHF/DSC/SSB radios, and a complete inventory of life rafts, EPIRBs, and emergency medical supplies. See also: Phinisi Raja Ampat Home.

Cabin Configurations

Each cabin is a private sanctuary, finished in polished teak with traditional detailing. En-suite bathrooms are standard, featuring hot freshwater showers, biodegradable toiletries, and ample storage. Portholes provide natural light and a direct connection to the sea.

• Master Suite (Upper Deck): Our most spacious accommodation, featuring a king-sized bed, a writing desk, and panoramic windows offering 180-degree views. The suite measures 22 square meters.
• Deluxe Cabins (Lower Deck): Four cabins, each 16 square meters, are available. They can be configured with a king-sized bed or two twin beds, offering flexibility for couples, friends, or single travelers.
• Single Cabin (Main Deck): A dedicated cabin for a solo traveler or expedition leader, measuring 12 square meters with a single bed and full en-suite facilities.

Comparative Vessel Details

The following table provides a direct comparison of the primary vessels in our phinisi expedition Raja Ampat fleet.

The Crew: Navigators and Dive Masters of the Archipelago

A vessel, no matter how well-crafted, is defined by its crew. Our team is the foundation of every expedition. The captain of the Samudra Biru, Captain Andi Purnomo, has been navigating the waters of Eastern Indonesia for over 25 years, his knowledge of the currents, anchorages, and weather patterns of Raja Ampat being intuitive and profound. The crew-to-guest ratio is maintained at or better than 1:1, ensuring a level of personal attention and operational seamlessness that is central to our service.

Our dive team, led by PADI Course Director Rinaldi “Aldi” Hasan, possesses thousands of logged dives specifically within Raja Ampat. They are not merely guides but marine life experts, adept at locating rare macro subjects like the Pontohi pygmy seahorse or the blue-ringed octopus. Safety is the paramount operational principle. All dives are conducted in small groups (maximum 4 divers per guide), with comprehensive briefings covering site topography, potential currents, and marine life encounters. The crew is trained in emergency first response and oxygen administration, and the vessel is equipped with a comprehensive first aid station and DAN oxygen kits.

A Sample 10-Day Dampier Strait & Cape Kri Expedition Itinerary

This itinerary for a phinisi cruise raja ampat is a representative example; the final route is always subject to weather conditions and is optimized by the captain for the best possible diving experience. The expedition originates and concludes in Sorong (SOQ), West Papua.

• Day 1: Sorong Arrival & Embarkation (0 Dives)
  14:00: Arrive at Sorong Airport, where you are met by our team. Transfer to the harbor to board the vessel. Welcome briefing and vessel orientation.
  17:00: Depart Sorong, cruising west into the archipelago as the sun sets.
• Day 2: Manta Sandy & Arborek (3 Dives)
  07:30: First dive at Manta Sandy, a renowned cleaning station for reef mantas.
  11:00: Second dive at Arborek Jetty, known for its dense schools of fish.
  15:00: Third dive, followed by a visit to the local village of Arborek.
• Day 3-4: The Fam Islands (Up to 7 Dives)
  Dives at sites like Melissa’s Garden, a vast coral field, and Keruo Channel, a dynamic drift dive. A sunrise trek to the Piaynemo viewpoint is scheduled for Day 4.
• Day 5-7: The Heart of the Dampier Strait (Up to 10 Dives)
  Focus on the strait’s most celebrated sites. Dives at Cape Kri, which holds a world record for fish species diversity on a single dive (374 species documented by Dr. Gerald Allen). Other sites include Sardine Reef, Blue Magic, and Mioskon.
• Day 8: The Passage & Batanta Island (3 Dives)
  Exploration of The Passage, a unique river-like channel between Waigeo and Gam islands. Afternoon dive focused on macro life in the black sands of Batanta.
• Day 9: Final Dives & Return Cruise (2 Dives)
  07:00: Two final morning dives near Kri island.
  13:00: After lunch, the vessel begins the overnight cruise back towards Sorong. Equipment washing and packing.
• Day 10: Disembarkation in Sorong (0 Dives)
  07:00: Final breakfast on board.
  09:00: Disembark and transfer to Sorong Airport for your onward flight.

Expedition Inclusions, Exclusions, and Pricing

We believe in transparent pricing and comprehensive inclusions to ensure your focus remains on the expedition itself. Our rates are structured to cover all essential aspects of the phinisi liveaboard Raja Ampat experience.

What is included in the expedition rate?

Our per-person rates are comprehensive, covering nearly every aspect of your time with us from the moment you land in Sorong until you depart.

• Accommodation in an air-conditioned cabin with en-suite bathroom.
• All meals, snacks, coffee, tea, and soft drinks.
• Up to 4 guided dives per day (including night dives), tanks, weights, and weight belts.
• Services of the full crew and experienced PADI-certified dive guides.
• Round-trip airport transfers in Sorong.
• All harbor fees and required local permits.

What is not included?

Certain items are supplementary to the main expedition fee, allowing for personal preference and regulatory requirements.

• Raja Ampat Marine Park fees (currently IDR 1,000,000 per person, approximately USD $70, subject to change).
• Full-set dive equipment rental (USD $45 per day).
• Nitrox fills (USD $10 per fill or USD $150 for the entire trip).
• Beer, wine, and spirits.
• Crew gratuities (a discretionary 5-10% of the expedition price is customary).

Expedition Pricing: Rates for our 10-day/9-night Dampier Strait expedition begin at USD $6,850 per person based on double occupancy in a Deluxe Cabin. The Master Suite carries a supplement of USD $1,200 per person. Private charter rates for the entire vessel begin at USD $65,000. Please inquire for specific dates and availability.

Your Questions Answered & Securing Your Berth

Planning a phinisi expedition to Raja Ampat involves careful consideration. Here we address several common inquiries to assist in your decision-making process.

What level of diving certification is required?
An Advanced Open Water certification is strongly recommended due to the presence of strong currents at several key dive sites. Divers should be comfortable with drift diving and have a minimum of 50 logged dives. If you are an Open Water diver with fewer dives, please contact us to discuss a suitable itinerary.

What is the best time of year to visit Raja Ampat?
The primary diving season runs from October to April, which corresponds to the dry season and typically offers the calmest sea conditions and best visibility, often exceeding 30 meters. The shoulder months of May and September can also provide excellent conditions.

Is travel insurance mandatory?
Yes. All guests are required to have comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation and coverage for scuba diving activities. Proof of insurance is required prior to embarkation.

How are dietary requirements handled?
Our chefs are adept at catering to a wide range of dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and specific allergies. Please inform us of any requirements at the time of booking, at least 30 days prior to departure, so we can provision accordingly.

What is the booking and payment process?
Securing your place on a Raja Ampat phinisi schooner is a straightforward process.

1. Step 1: Inquiry. Contact our booking office via email at bd@juaraholding.com or by phone at 0811-3941-4563 with your desired dates and number of guests. Our team will confirm availability within 24 hours.
2. Step 2: Reservation. Upon confirmation, we will hold a provisional booking for 7 days. We will send you a booking form and an invoice for the deposit.
3. Step 3: Deposit. A 30% deposit is required to confirm your reservation. Payment can be made via bank transfer.
4. Step 4: Final Payment. The final balance of 70% is due 90 days prior to the expedition departure date.
5. Step 5: Pre-trip Information. Once payment is complete, you will receive a comprehensive pre-departure package with packing lists, flight recommendations, and contact details.

Beyond the Dampier Strait: Misool & Extended Charters

For returning guests or those seeking a different facet of the archipelago’s character, we offer dedicated expeditions to the southern region of Misool. Typically operated between October and May, these 12-day itineraries explore a seascape of dramatic, forest-covered karst islands and some of the world’s most vibrant soft coral reefs. Dive sites like Boo Windows, Magic Mountain, and Nudi Rock offer a different, though equally rich, marine ecosystem compared to the Dampier Strait.

Misool expeditions require a higher degree of logistical planning and are best suited for experienced divers comfortable with a more remote environment. Due to the extended duration and fuel requirements, these charters carry a price point approximately 20% higher than our standard Dampier Strait itinerary. Full-vessel private charters can also combine the highlights of both the northern and southern regions into a comprehensive 14 to 21-day “Grand Raja Ampat” expedition. Contact our office to discuss a custom-designed route map for your private phinisi expedition in Raja Ampat.