In One Sentence
The rest of this page lines the two up row by row.
Side by Side
Biodiversity
Unmatched: 1,500+ fish species and 500+ coral types. Cape Kri holds the record — 374 species on a single dive.
Fewer reef species, but consistent big-animal encounters — mantas, sharks and pelagics on the currents.
Scenery
Karst limestone islands — Wayag, Piaynemo, Fam — with turquoise lagoons and expedition-style topside beauty.
Volcanic landscapes, savannah hills and wildlife trekking — Komodo dragons, deer and flying-fox bats.
Diving style
Calm and macro: gentle currents, 27–30°C water, 25–35m visibility — ideal for reef photography and small critters.
Drift and pelagic: strong currents, thrilling dives focused on large marine life.
Best season
October–April: calm seas and minimal rain. Manta peak December–March; Cendrawasih whale sharks year-round.
March–November suits the big-animal season best; the wet season narrows your window.
Access
Remote: fly to Sorong (SOQ), typically 2+ flights via Jakarta or Surabaya. Minimum 4-night charter recommended.
Easy: a direct 1-hour flight from Bali or Jakarta to Labuan Bajo. Three to seven days works well.
Cost
Whole-boat rates from $4,500–$45,500 per night across three tiers — see the cost page for line items.
Generally lower: shorter supply lines and easier access. Whole-boat quotes vary widely by vessel.
Permit fee
IDR 1,700,000 per international guest (IDR 725,000 for Indonesian citizens), valid 12 months.
Park fees are paid at the gates of Komodo National Park and run lower overall.
Top sites
Cape Kri, Manta Sandy, Blue Magic, Sardine Reef, Dampier Strait — and Wayag, Piaynemo, Fam above water.
Manta Alley, Batu Bolong, Kalong Island with its fire-bats, and the dragon trek on Rinca or Padar.
Vessels
24 curated vessels — Lamima, PRANA by Atzaro, Aqua Blu, Dunia Baru, Silolona among them.
Charters run from Labuan Bajo with a smaller pool of superyacht-level vessels.
374
Fish species in one dive
Cape Kri, Dampier Strait
2+ flights
To reach Sorong (SOQ)
Via Jakarta or Surabaya
1 hour
Direct flight to Labuan Bajo
From Bali — Komodo side
$4,500–$45,500
Per night, whole boat
Raja Ampat rate card
The Short Version
Common Questions
October to April offers the calmest seas and best diving visibility. Manta activity peaks December to March, and Cendrawasih Bay whale sharks are a year-round encounter on 14-night routes.
Fly to Sorong's Domine Eduard Osok Airport (SOQ) — typically two or more flights via Jakarta or Surabaya — then transfer to the marina or Waisai. It is a longer journey than Komodo, which is the trade-off for Raja Ampat's remoteness.
Raja Ampat charters cost more overall: the region is farther from Bali, supply lines are longer, and the curated fleet leans to superyacht-level vessels. The published rate card shows the real numbers — entry tier from $4,500 per night whole-boat.
Yes — Cendrawasih Bay, a separate national park roughly 600 km east, offers year-round whale shark encounters at the fishing platforms. It is reached on the longest charters, around 14 nights.
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Tell us your dates, group and diving style — we will be straight with you about which destination fits.