Plan the Trip

FAQ — rajaampatyachtcharter.com: 100 Questions Answered

Destinations, diving and the practical side of a Raja Ampat charter. For cost, booking, fleet and season questions, see the yacht charter FAQ page.

What are the top destinations on a Raja Ampat yacht charter?

Wayag for the iconic karst lagoons, Piaynemo for the viewpoints, the Dampier Strait for manta sites, and Misool in the south for walls and caves. The destinations page maps all of them.

How do I see Wayag on a charter?

Wayag sits in the north of the park and is typically reached on 10-night and longer routes. The climb up Wayag's viewpoint is the classic Raja Ampat photo, and the lagoon below is kayak country.

Can I include Misool on my itinerary?

Yes — Misool is a standard stop on longer southern routes, with walls, caves and the famous soft-coral sites like Boo Windows and Daram. It needs a few extra sailing days, so it belongs on 10+ night charters.

Can the itinerary change while we are at sea?

Within the permit zone, the captain reviews each day with the group — swapping sites, adjusting dive times and choosing anchorages bends around your group on the spot.

Can a charter include cultural village visits?

Yes — village calls to Arborek and other communities are a standard part of many itineraries, with woodcarving workshops and traditional dance performances.

What wildlife can I expect, above and below the water?

Below: 1,500+ fish species and 500+ coral types — mantas, reef sharks, turtles, and in Cendrawasih Bay, whale sharks. Above: birds-of-paradise at the Sawinggrai hides, sea eagles and frigatebirds.

Can I combine a charter with a land stay?

Yes — a resort or homestay stay in Sorong or Waisai either side of the charter is easy to arrange; transfers connect either way.

What diving experience do I need?

Certified divers at any level are welcome, and several vessels run introductory courses for uncertified guests. Non-divers get full value from snorkelling, kayaking and island excursions.

Can I snorkel at the dive sites?

Most sites — coral gardens, manta cleaning stations, shallow walls — are excellent snorkelling too, and the crew will take snorkellers out alongside the dive groups.

Which dive sites suit beginners and advanced divers?

Chicken Reef and the coral gardens suit beginners; Cape Kri, Blue Magic and the Misool walls suit experienced divers. Cape Kri holds the record — 374 fish species counted in a single dive.

Are dive guides provided?

Yes — every vessel in the fleet sails with an experienced dive team, and guide ratios follow the boat's own operating standards.

What safety protocols cover dive excursions?

Dives follow standard buddy-and-briefing procedures with the vessel's crew, and the captain has a written protocol for the unexpected — weather changes reroute within the permit zone with no dive count lost.

Is night diving available?

On most charters, yes — night dives are arranged with the dive team on suitable sites and seasons.

Is dive equipment included?

Tanks, weights and dive guides come with the charter; BCDs, regulators and wetsuits are available on board on most vessels. Bring your own mask and computer for the best fit.

What is the closest airport to Raja Ampat?

Domine Eduard Osok Airport (SOQ) in Sorong — the gateway for every charter. The marina is roughly 10 km from the terminal.

What flights reach Sorong?

Sorong is served from Jakarta, Makassar and Manado — typically two flights from international arrival, often via Jakarta.

How do I get from the airport to the yacht?

Your charter arranges the transfer from Sorong airport or your hotel to the vessel — it is included in the booking pack and confirmed in the pre-departure briefing.

What visa do I need for Indonesia?

Most nationalities enter Indonesia on a tourist visa on arrival. Check eligibility with Indonesian immigration before you fly; your passport must be valid for at least six months.

Can you cater to dietary requirements?

Yes — vegan, halal, kosher, low-FODMAP and gluten-free all come as standard; tell us at least five days before departure and the chef will plan around it.

Are gratuities included in the charter rate?

No — gratuities are separate. The quote includes a suggested estimate so you can budget, and tipping is at your discretion at the end of the charter.

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