Ratu Laut
A non-profit liveaboard focused on education and research, with fantastic itineraries in Raja Ampat
per person
per day
Overview
- Marine biologist led Raja Ampat expeditions supporting a local non-profit - Barefoot Conservation
- Updated interior rooms with comfortable, modern facilities
- Opportunities to identify, and maybe even name, manta rays spotted during your dives
- Relaxed and friendly atmosphere, ideal for outgoing guests and solo travellers
Ratu Laut translates to ‘Queen of the Sea’ - a suitable title for this comfortable sailing phinisi. Guests can expect a fun and friendly social atmosphere, recently refurbished interiors, and service with a personal touch. Plus, guests enjoy easy diving from a spacious deck and multiple tenders, and expert guiding from a marine biologist-led crew. All profits help fund conservation and community projects operated by Barefoot Conservation, making Ratu Laut the ideal option for those who prefer an eco-friendly liveaboard experience.
Upcoming trips
Cabins
- If you are a solo traveller, we aim to allocate shared cabins on a same-sex basis.
- Non-shareable cabins can not be shared with another single traveler outside your party. A single occupancy surcharge will be applied.
Amenities
Boat
Dive facilities
- If you are a solo traveller, we aim to allocate shared cabins on a same-sex basis.
- Non-shareable cabins can not be shared with another single traveler outside your party. A single occupancy surcharge will be applied.
Vessel
Vessel information
The Ratu Laut is operated by Barefoot Conservation, a non-profit organisation focused on marine protection and community awareness. And, each of its exciting voyages directly contributes funding to conservation and community projects. Guests can enjoy up to 12 incredible days at sea and up to four tanks a day aboard this traditional sailing phinisi - one of the region’s most spacious and relaxed options. The Ratu Laut also boasts a laid back and social environment, accommodations for solo travellers, and some of the region’s most budget-friendly shared cabins.
This vessel was recently renovated for cruising the remote waters of Raja Ampat, offering easy diving and plenty of space for all. Each safari includes detailed region-specific briefings, presentations, and talks from resident marine biologists. Topics include marine megafauna research, reef checks, climate change surveys and manta ray identification. These extra experiences and charity-based operations make the Ratu Laut a fantastic choice for environmentally aware visitors hoping to lessen their local impact while enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime liveaboard trip.
Onboard Ratu Laut
Ratu Laut was built in 2008 and refurbished in 2016, updating its spacious solid wood interior. This liveaboard accommodates up to ten guests in four cabins, ensuring personal service and plenty of hands-on coaching and guidance for each guest. Most of this boat’s relaxation areas are found outside, with an open-air lounge and marine ID library, shaded dining area boasting panoramic views, and plenty of space to stretch out in the sun deck’s beanbag zone. While at sea, you’ll enjoy three delicious family-style meals each day, plus unlimited coffee, tea, and snacks.
Diving from Ratu Laut
Up to four dives a day are offered onboard the Ratu Laut, including sunset or night dives depending on which wildlife your group hopes to encounter. You’ll enjoy easy buddy checks, smooth entrances and exits from a spacious dive deck, and two custom tenders. Well maintained rental equipment is available, as is plenty of individual storage for personal gear, camera rinse tanks, and a modern charging station. Groups are kept small aboard this vessel, and diving activities are conducted by a mix of expert local spotters, marine biologists, and highly-trained guides - delivering some of the most magical underwater experiences Raja Ampat has to offer.
Top tips
- You’ll need a minimum of 20 logged dives to join this boat’s adventurous itineraries.
- Don’t forget to bring a bit of cash for extras like rental equipment, tips, and drinks on board.
- This boat’s quad cabin represents fantastic value for money - ideal for backpackers and solo travellers.
- Be sure to pack lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and sun protection for bird of paradise trekking, and hiking on Kri Island.
Conservation
Ratu Laut is operated by Barefoot Conservation, a not-for-profit organisation focused on marine conservation and community awareness. They aim to engage, educate and empower local communities to adopt sustainable lifestyles and build resilience to climate change, globalisation, and other economic and ecological issues. They also hope to raise the quality of life in this remote region, aiding local communities in knowledge about environmental sustainability, waste management, access to healthcare, and more. Barefoot Conservation’s marine research is used by the local government, local stakeholders, local communities and NGO's to help protect Raja Ampat’s rich ecosystem.
All profits from Ratu Laut liveaboard trips go directly to the conservation and community projects run by Barefoot Conservation. While on board, guests can view presentations and hear talks from resident marine biologists on topics such as marine megafauna research, reef checks, climate change surveys and manta ray identification. Proceeds also fund crown of thorns starfish removal, beach and dive site cleanups, and a local dental clinic serving Raja Ampat’s remote local communities. Barefoot Conservation’s educational programmes encourage sustainable entrepreneurship in the region, with the goal of preserving Raja Ampat’s pristine ecosystem for generations to come.
