
Mari Itinerary
Raja Ampat - Best of Central and Dampier Strait11 days / 10 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 11 days / 10 nights
Number of dives Up to 37
Experience Advanced Open Water - Minimum 30 dives
Insurance Required
Highlights
- Circular itinerary around Raja Ampat - Best of Central and Dampier Strait
- Search for Pontoh’s pygmy seahorse at Mioskon
- Cruise through lagoons in Penemu
- Visit unspoiled hard and soft coral gardens
- Discover the most biodiverse thriving coral reefs and marine life at Melissa's Garden
- Enjoy the pinnacles, walls, and coral gardens
- Encounter both reef and oceanic manta rays at renowned Raja Ampat dive sites
- Spend a surface interval visiting Arborek Village
- Dive the well known and action-packed Dampier Strait
- Chance to dive at Big Fish, Cape Kri and Sardine Run
- Night dive is included in the schedule
Day 1: Embarkation and Cruise to Central Raja Ampat - Dampier Strait Kick-Off
After a short transfer in the morning to the harbour from Sorong Airport or your hotel, you will be welcomed onboard the KLM Mari liveaboard. A boat and tour briefing will follow; then you will set up your scuba gear and check in to your cabin. Lunch, dinner and snacks such as fruit, candy bars or ice cream will be served as Mari cruises out to Pulau Matan for a test dive before continuing on to the Central Raja Ampat: Mioskon Area. Variety and fresh produce are the basis of our menu, and a fusion of Asian and International cuisine, as well as local specialties, is served in the spacious outside dining area with a 270° view of the beautiful surroundings.
Central Raja Ampat - Dampier Strait Kick-Off (3 dives + night dive):
An exciting start with current-swept reefs, schooling fish, reef sharks, and rich nocturnal marine life. A thrilling introduction to Raja Ampat with vibrant reefs, reef sharks, and swirling schools of fish. Night diving reveals rich macro life and nocturnal reef activity.
- Saonek Bonde
- Blue Magic
- Mioskon
- Mioskon (night dive)
Day 2: Penemu Region (3 dives + night dive)
Spectacular coral gardens and gentle drifts combined with dense fish populations—a favourite day for underwater photographers, followed by an atmospheric channel night dive.
- Melissa’s Garden
- My Reef
- Keruo Channel
- Keruo Channel (night dive)
Day 3: Yeben Area (3 dives + night dive)
Dramatic reef formations, excellent fish action, and stunning coral slopes by day, followed by critter-rich night diving.
- Yeben Kecil
- Yeben Besar
- Anutas Garden
- Galaxy (night dive)
Day 4: Ridge and Pinnacle Diving (3 dives + night dive)
A dynamic day featuring pinnacles, pelagic encounters, and dramatic reef structures, ending with a rewarding night dive.
- Barracuda Pinnacle
- Galaxy Ridge
- Batu Rufus
- Batu Rufus (night dive)
Day 5: Gam Island Reefs (3 dives + night dive)
Colorful reefs, excellent fish density, and diverse coral formations are a favorite for underwater photographers.
- Way Pretty Shallow
- Mayhem
- Citrus Ridge
- Citrus Ridge (night dive)
Day 6: Mantas and Arborek (3 dives + night dive)
A highlight day with manta encounters, cultural interaction at Arborek Island village, and fascinating jetty night diving.
- Manta Ridge
- Arborek Island (Village Visit)
- Lolosi
- Arborek (night dive)
Day 7: Mansuar and Sawandarek
Gentle manta encounters paired with fish-rich reefs and a classic Raja Ampat night dive beneath the jetty.
- Manta Sandy
- Mansuar Corner
- Sawandarek
- Sawandarek (night dive)
Day 8: Dampier Strait Classics (3 dives + night dive)
High-energy dives in strong currents with massive fish biomass and thrilling underwater action.
- Cape Kri
- Chicken Reef
- Friwin Bonda
- Tapokren (night dive)
Day 9: Big Fish and Current Dive (3 dives + night dive)
One of the most action-packed days, featuring sharks, schooling fish, and exhilarating drift dives.
- Otodima
- Mike’s Point
- Sardine Reef
- Batu Lima (night dive)
Day 10: Signature Finale (2 dives)
A powerful final dive day revisiting two iconic sites renowned for pelagic encounters and dramatic underwater scenery. Overnight return to Sorong.
- Otodima
- Mike’s Point
- Sardine Reef
- Batu Lima (night dive)
Day 11: Disembarkation
Disembark after breakfast with unforgettable memories from one of the most biodiverse marine environments on Earth. Prepare to leave the boat between 5-11 am, after a continental breakfast (or possibly lunch, depending on your post-cruise schedule). Say goodbye to your fellow guests and wish the boat crew farewell before a complimentary transfer will take you to either Sorong Airport or your hotel.
Sample itineraries are for guidance only. Actual itineraries may differ slightly due to factors such as weather, wildlife, logistics, and local regulations.
After a short transfer in the morning to the harbour from Sorong Airport or your hotel, you will be welcomed onboard the KLM Mari liveaboard. A boat and tour briefing will follow; then you will set up your scuba gear and check in to your cabin. Lunch, dinner and snacks such as fruit, candy bars or ice cream will be served as Mari cruises out to Pulau Matan for a test dive before continuing on to the Central Raja Ampat: Mioskon Area. Variety and fresh produce are the basis of our menu, and a fusion of Asian and International cuisine, as well as local specialties, is served in the spacious outside dining area with a 270° view of the beautiful surroundings.
Central Raja Ampat - Dampier Strait Kick-Off (3 dives + night dive):
An exciting start with current-swept reefs, schooling fish, reef sharks, and rich nocturnal marine life. A thrilling introduction to Raja Ampat with vibrant reefs, reef sharks, and swirling schools of fish. Night diving reveals rich macro life and nocturnal reef activity.
- Saonek Bonde
- Blue Magic
- Mioskon
- Mioskon (night dive)
Day 2: Penemu Region (3 dives + night dive)
Spectacular coral gardens and gentle drifts combined with dense fish populations—a favourite day for underwater photographers, followed by an atmospheric channel night dive.
- Melissa’s Garden
- My Reef
- Keruo Channel
- Keruo Channel (night dive)
Day 3: Yeben Area (3 dives + night dive)
Dramatic reef formations, excellent fish action, and stunning coral slopes by day, followed by critter-rich night diving.
- Yeben Kecil
- Yeben Besar
- Anutas Garden
- Galaxy (night dive)
Day 4: Ridge and Pinnacle Diving (3 dives + night dive)
A dynamic day featuring pinnacles, pelagic encounters, and dramatic reef structures, ending with a rewarding night dive.
- Barracuda Pinnacle
- Galaxy Ridge
- Batu Rufus
- Batu Rufus (night dive)
Day 5: Gam Island Reefs (3 dives + night dive)
Colorful reefs, excellent fish density, and diverse coral formations are a favorite for underwater photographers.
- Way Pretty Shallow
- Mayhem
- Citrus Ridge
- Citrus Ridge (night dive)
Day 6: Mantas and Arborek (3 dives + night dive)
A highlight day with manta encounters, cultural interaction at Arborek Island village, and fascinating jetty night diving.
- Manta Ridge
- Arborek Island (Village Visit)
- Lolosi
- Arborek (night dive)
Day 7: Mansuar and Sawandarek
Gentle manta encounters paired with fish-rich reefs and a classic Raja Ampat night dive beneath the jetty.
- Manta Sandy
- Mansuar Corner
- Sawandarek
- Sawandarek (night dive)
Day 8: Dampier Strait Classics (3 dives + night dive)
High-energy dives in strong currents with massive fish biomass and thrilling underwater action.
- Cape Kri
- Chicken Reef
- Friwin Bonda
- Tapokren (night dive)
Day 9: Big Fish and Current Dive (3 dives + night dive)
One of the most action-packed days, featuring sharks, schooling fish, and exhilarating drift dives.
- Otodima
- Mike’s Point
- Sardine Reef
- Batu Lima (night dive)
Day 10: Signature Finale (2 dives)
A powerful final dive day revisiting two iconic sites renowned for pelagic encounters and dramatic underwater scenery. Overnight return to Sorong.
- Otodima
- Mike’s Point
- Sardine Reef
- Batu Lima (night dive)
Day 11: Disembarkation
Disembark after breakfast with unforgettable memories from one of the most biodiverse marine environments on Earth. Prepare to leave the boat between 5-11 am, after a continental breakfast (or possibly lunch, depending on your post-cruise schedule). Say goodbye to your fellow guests and wish the boat crew farewell before a complimentary transfer will take you to either Sorong Airport or your hotel.
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-2601120219421-raja-ampat-best-of-central-and-dampier-strait