Raja Ampat - The Last Paradise
In the heart of the coral triangle lies a remote Indonesian archipelago, where dense jungle and towering limestone cliffs give way to the most vibrant coral reefs on our planet. Untouched by most of modern society, this is the ultimate escape for ocean lovers who are looking to disconnect, slow down and immerse themselves in nature. Are you sold yet? Raja Ampat has been on my bucket list since the moment I started scuba diving and I cannot wait to explore it with you all!
My trip is designed to make the most of Raja without breaking the bank and has two parts; one week of scuba diving and one week of island hopping. You are welcome to join for one or both of the weeks depending on what you want to get out of the trip, your budget and the amount of time you have to spare. You may be wondering why I have chosen this layout? Well, Raja Ampat is vast and there is so much to see! As much as I adore diving trips, they tend to be pretty fast-paced and quickly become the biggest expense of your trip, so I wanted to add a second week for those wanting to slow down and enjoy some of the snorkelling/free diving that Raja has to offer as well as its remote, untouched beaches. This will also allow us to explore some of the sites that are only accessible by snorkelling such as mangroves, baby shark nurseries and shallow coral gardens. However, there may still be the possibility to do a couple of dive days if people want! My idea behind the second week is that it will be more relaxed and flexible as well as open up the trip for non-divers and anyone on a tighter budget.
The maximum number of guests will be 7 for both weeks due to accommodation constraints. Make sure you get in there quick as I'm expecting this trip to be super popular! Anyone booking onto the first week will have priority over the second week spots but if there are some left, I will release more Week 2 spots.
Please note that these are rough itineraries that are subject to change depending on tides and dive conditions, so the order of excursions may change slightly. The second week is also not fixed yet, this is just a rough idea of what you should expect! Homestays may change slightly depending on availability.
8th-14th and 14th-21st November 2026
The diving in Raja Ampat is legendary. It is the global epicentre of marine life boasting 75% of all known Coral species. In a single dive, you can see up to 300 species of fish which is more than you can see in most countries!
Other than corals and fish, you can also expect to see larger marine life like Oceanic and reef Mantas (we are visiting during manta season!), Wobbegongs, Eagle rays and Reef sharks.
For Macro lovers, there is also much to see such as pygmy seahorses and blue-ringed octopus, frogfish and nudibranchs.
Strong currents are normal - and that’s a good thing! Currents bring in cool, nutrient-rich water that gives life to these incredibly diverse reefs. Famous sites like Blue magic, Cape kri and Sardine Reef can really pump! Dive sites will be chosen based on tides and group preferences, however, due to the more challenging conditions, you must be minimum Advanced open water certified (or equivalent) to join this trip.
Diving in Raja Ampat
Homestays
Homestays in Raja Ampat are effectively composed of a few small wooden huts on the beach or over the water and are run by local families. This is the best kind of accommodation in Raja for those exploring on a budget. However, most of them are very basic and will only have a bed with a mosquito net, maybe a fan and a bathroom but some will have shared bathrooms. Electricity is often only available for a short period of time such as 6pm-1am and signal may often be very limited. I have done my best to find some of the nicest homestays for us to stay in but if you’re expecting luxury and 24/7 wifi then this is not the trip for you! The benefit of staying in these homestays is that they are often in more remote spots where there are no other people, allowing us to explore the edges of the map without any crowds.
Week 1 Itinerary
Day 1 - 8th November - Yenbuba Homestay x 6 nights
9am - Ferry from Sorong - Waisai
12pm - Speedboat from Waisai - Yenbuba Homestay, Kri
3pm - Snorkel trip
8pm - Games Night
Day 2 - 9th November
7.30am - Morning dives x2
12.30pm - Lunch at Yenbuba
2.30pm - Afternoon dive
4.30pm - Return to dive centre
8pm - Action Cam workshop / video editing
Day 3 - 10th November
7.30am - Manta dives x2
12.30 - Lunch at Yenbuba
2pm - free time to relax, explore the local village or snorkel
8pm - Photography workshop
Day 4 - 11th November
7.30am - Morning dives x2
12.30pm - Lunch at Yenbuba
2.30pm - Afternoon dive
4.30pm Return to dive centre
6.30pm - Night dive (optional)
Day 5 - 12th November
7am-5pm - Full day 3x dive Gam tour - fly in the current of “The passage” dive site and hike to a beautiful viewpoint.
8pm - Lightroom Classic editing Workshop
Day 6 - 13th November
7am-5pm - Full day 3x dive trip to Piaynemo - dive the world famous “Melissa’s Garden” and visit an iconic viewpoint.
Day 7 - 14th November
9am - Slow morning to say goodbye to anyone leaving us
For those leaving:
12pm - Departure to Waisai
2pm - Ferry Waisai - Sorong
4.30pm - Arrive in Sorong
For those staying:
see week 2…
Week 2 Itinerary (TBC)
Day 1 - 14th November
2pm - Boat to Lagoon homestay on Rufas
5pm - Sunset viewpoint excursion
Day 2 - 15th November
8am - Morning snorkel circumnavigating Rufas Island
3pm - Boat to Tanjung Mefiyai Homestay
8pm - games night
Day 3 - 16th November
Enjoy the day as you like, snorkelling, diving or simply sunbathing on a private beach.
Here, the ocean floor is a white sand haven with seagrass beds attracting mantas, turtles, eagle rays and dolphins!
Free-diving photo shoot get some shots of you with the marine life!
Day 4 - 17th November
Another day of Exploring the area in search of mantas and perfect beaches.
Day 5 - 18th November
morning - snorkelling near the resort/ visit the local village
2pm - boat to Methos homestay, Gam
Day 6 - 19th November
Exploring where the Mangroves and reef meet for those perfect over/under shots.
Opportunity for scuba diving.
Day 7 - 20th November
Excursion of our choice - possibly to Wayag - one of the most beautiful areas in Raja where there is a baby blacktip nursery!
Day 8 - 21st November
11am - Departure to Waisai
2pm - Ferry Waisai - Sorong
4.30pm - Arrive in Sorong
Pricing and Inclusions
Week 1 pricing:
Single room - £1450
Single room (own dive gear) - £1400
Shared room* - £1350
Shared room* (own dive gear) - £1300
Please note that if you opt for the shared room, you will be sharing a double bed! so, if you choose this option, it is best to book with someone who you know you are happy to share with!
You must be minimum Advanced open water certified by the time of the trip!
A £500 deposit is due at the time of booking which is non-refundable after 2 weeks. The rest of the payment can be processed at a later date.
Week 2 pricing:
Price TBC
Approx £500-700
Once Week 1 is full, I will see how many people are interested in the second week and plan it from there since I need to know exact numbers for our accommodation bookings.
What’s included - Week 1
Return transfers from Sorong to Kri Island
6 Nights Accommodation
3 meals/day
15 dives including Manta dives and full day excursions
Equipment hire
View points
Photography workshops
Photos and videos taken by me
What will be included - Week 2
Bespoke itinerary
All transfers between homestays
Accommodation in homestays
3 meals/day
Snorkelling excursions
Beach trips
Hiking excursions
View points
Free-diving photo shoot
Photos and videos taken by me
What’s NOT included - Week 1
International flights to and from Sorong
Travel/Dive Insurance
Dive computer rental - 100,000 IDR per dive
Scuba review if you haven’t dived for 1 year - 1,500,000IDR
Tips
Alcohol
What will NOT be included - Week 2
Scuba diving excursions
Travel/ Dive insurance
Tips
Alcohol
Snorkelling gear (you must bring your own)
FAQs
How do I get to Raja Ampat?
You need to fly to Sorong. There are regular flights via Denpasar (Bali) and Jakarta.
Who is this trip for?
This trip is mainly for young travellers who love diving and want an adventure! It’s not a party trip at all and I imagine getting hold of any alcohol will be difficult! It’s an amazing place to visit if you’re an underwater or drone photographer but obviously this isn’t essential. Solo travellers are more than welcome, I imagine a lot of people will be joining solo but if you want to join with a friend or partner it will be convenient since you’ll be able to share a room :)
Do I need to be scuba certified?
Yes! Some of the diving in Raja Ampat is more challenging due to current so you must be Advanced open water certified or equivalent to join the trip.
What can I expect from the accommodation?
Guys, accommodation will be basic! The main expense of this trip is the scuba diving, so please don’t expect luxury! The aim of this trip is to make Raja accessible so if you’re expecting 24/7 electricity and air con, this is not the trip for you! For a more luxurious and comfortable experience join our Komodo trip ;)
Cancellation Policy
If you change your mind within 14 days of paying the initial deposit, it will be returned in full.
After 14 days the initial deposit and subsequent payments become non-refundable.
The full amount must be paid at least 90 days before departure.
In the unlikely event that Ella is unable to host the trip, she will endeavour to find someone of similar experience to replace her.
In the unlikely event of cancellation either by you or by Ella, you are responsible for any costs or losses associated with international travel and it is recommended that you obtain travel insurance.
If the trip is cancelled by the operator, you will receive a full refund or credit towards a future trip.
Terms and conditions
No refunds shall be made for any services or activities that the participant has chosen not to partake in during the trip.
Spot reservation fee is non-transferrable.
The itinerary may be altered due to weather, sea conditions, current strength, safety concerns, government regulations, or operational decisions.
Ella is not liable for any delays, program changes, natural hazards, accidents, machinery breakdowns, weather conditions, park closures or other unforeseen incidents.
Ella reserves the right to publish content on social media and their website featuring participants unless a guest opts out in writing.
The trip requires 7 paid participants to run, if the minimum is not reached, Ella reserves the right to cancel the trip and issue full refunds.
Participants are responsible for ensuring they meet Indonesia’s passport, visa and entry requirements.
Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for their own flights, travel to the departure port, accommodations before/after the trip and any required transit arrangements.
No refunds are issued for missed flights, missed embarkation or late arrival.
All divers must hold a valid certification appropriate for the planned dive depths.
Ella recommends a minimum of 20 logged dives as certain sites will require more experience.
Divers must be medically fit to dive. A dive medical may be required if you answer “yes” to any items on the diver medical questionnaire.
Dive accident insurance is mandatory for diving in remote areas such as Raja Ampat.
Guests participate in diving and all trip activities at their own risk.
Participants agree to adhere to all safety briefings, dive plans, and instructions from guides and crew.
Guests are responsible for bringing properly functioning gear or renting appropriate gear.
Diving, boating and travel in remote areas carry inherent risks. By joining the trip, participants acknowledge and accept these risks.
There is no guarantee of specific wildlife sightings or dive conditions.
Comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, delays, baggage, and medical emergencies is strongly reccommended.
Participants must disclose any medical conditions that may affect their safety during the trip.
Emergency evacuation from remote areas may take time and involve significant cost. These costs are the guest’s responsibility unless covered by insurance.
Disruptive, unsafe, or aggressive behaviour may result in removal from the trip without refund.
Participants must follow local marine park rules, avoid touching marine life, and respect reef-safe diving practices.
Guests may be required to sign a liability release from the boat operator and Ella as a condition of joining the trip.
Participants agree to indemnify the organisers against claims arising from personal actions, negligence, or failure to follow safety instructions.