Mari Itinerary
Raja Ampat - Central and North12 days / 11 nights
About Mari
- Spacious vessel accommodating non-divers and families
- Flexible cabin configurations with doubles, twins and bunks
- Up to four dives a day in Indonesia’s top destinations
- Enjoy al fresco dining set to panoramic views of the scenery
Crafted by master boat-builders from Sulawesi, Mari liveaboard offers safe, comfortable, and exciting dive safari voyages throughout the Indonesian Archipelago – including remote regions like Raja Ampat, Cenderawasih Bay, Banda Sea and Triton Bay. With low guest numbers, modest yet contemporary communal areas, and a range of itineraries and destinations, Mari’s remarkable liveaboard adventures represent incredible value for money.
Itinerary details
Length of trip 12 days / 11 nights
Number of dives Up to 33
Experience Open Water - Minimum 30 dives
Insurance Required
Highlights
- Departing and returning to Sorong, this itinerary visits the must-see dive sites of Central Raja Ampat
- Encounter both reef and oceanic manta rays at renowned Raja Ampat dive sites
- Visit unspoiled hard and soft coral gardens
- Dive the well known and action-packed Dampier Strait
- Search for Pontoh's pygmy seahorse at Mioskon
- Cruise through lagoons in Penemu
- Land visit to the lookout point on Piaynemo for that classic Raja Ampat photo
- Search for a Walking shark (Epaulette shark)
- Night dive is included in the schedule
Day 1 - Arrival in Sorong and Embarkation
Guests arrive in Sorong, the gateway to Raja Ampat, located in the heart of the Coral Triangle. After a morning transfer from Sorong Airport or your hotel to the harbour, welcome aboard KLM Mari. Following the boat and safety briefing, guests settle into their cabins and prepare dive equipment while Mari begins cruising toward Central Raja Ampat.
A relaxed check dive around Pulau Matan or Saonek allows everyone to fine-tune weighting and equipment before the expedition officially begins.
Dive Schedule
Check Dive - Pulau Matan / Saonek
Day 2 - Dampier Strait and Arborek
Today focuses on the legendary current-swept reefs of Dampier Strait, one of the richest marine ecosystems on Earth. Strong nutrient-rich currents attract enormous schools of fish, reef sharks, and manta rays. During the surface interval, guests visit the traditional Papuan village of Arborek.
Dive Schedule
Dive Schedule
Sardine Reef
Chicken Reef
Arborek Jetty
Arborek Jetty
Arborek Jetty (Night Dive)
Day 3 - Mansuar and Kri Island
A full day exploring the world-famous reefs around Mansuar and Kri Island, home to some of the highest recorded fish biodiversity on Earth.
Dive Schedule
Cape Kri
Yenbuba Wall
Sawandarek
Sawandarek (Night Dive)
Day 4 - Fam Islands and Piaynemo
One of Raja Ampat’s most spectacular regions above and below the surface. Penemu combines dramatic limestone scenery with some of the healthiest coral reefs in the Coral Triangle. Melissa’s Garden is internationally celebrated for its dense coral coverage and extraordinary biodiversity.
Dive Sites
Keruo Channel
Melissa’s Garden
My Reef
Galaxy (night dive)
Day 5 - Wofoh and Northern Reefs
A quieter and more remote day exploring the reefs surrounding Wofoh and nearby northern Raja Ampat islands.
Dive Schedule
Wofoh North
Wofoh South
Way Pretty Shallow
Gam Ridge (Night Dive)
Day 6 - Batanta and Muck Diving
Today focuses on the lesser-visited southern side of the Dampier Strait near Batanta Island, famous for black sand slopes and macro diving.
Dive Schedule
Black Beauty
Happy Ending
Algae Patch
Black Beauty (Night Dive)
Day 7 - Manta Encounters
One of the signature days of the itinerary dedicated to manta rays and current-rich cleaning stations.
Dive Schedule
Manta Ridge
Blue Magic
Manta Sandy
Saonek Bonde (Night Dive)
Day 8 - Alyui Bay and Macro Paradise
Mari cruises toward Alyui Bay on Waigeo, one of Raja Ampat’s best macro and muck diving regions.
Dive Schedule
Pearl Farm Jetty
Alyui Wall
House Reef
Pearl Farm Jetty (Night Dive)
Day 9 - Dampier Strait Classics
Return to the action-packed reefs of Dampier Strait for more high-energy diving and pelagic encounters.
Dive Schedule
Mike’s Point
Otodima
Friwin Bonda
Friwin Bonda (Night Dive)
Day 10 - Final Full Diving Day
A final full day exploring some of Raja Ampat’s most iconic reefs before beginning the overnight return cruise toward Sorong.
Dive Schedule
Cape Kri
Sardine Reef
Blue Magic
Saonek Bonde (Night Dive)
Day 11 - Final Morning Dives and Return to Sorong
Two final dives are scheduled this morning depending on weather, sea conditions, and no-fly time requirements before the cruise returns to Sorong.
Dive Schedule
Mioskon
Lao Lao Seamount
Mari arrives back in Sorong Harbour later in the day.
Day 12 - Disembarkation
After breakfast or lunch, depending on flight schedules, guests disembark in Sorong. Complimentary airport or hotel transfers are provided by the Mari crew.
Sample itineraries are for guidance only. Actual itineraries may differ slightly due to factors such as weather, wildlife, logistics and local regulations.
Transfer details
Departure
02:00pm
Sorong
Sorong Airport: SOQ
Return
08:00am
Sorong
Sorong Airport: SOQ
Current availability and prices: https://www.zubludiving.com/itineraries/mari/itn-2012201255191-raja-ampat-central-and-north