Raja Ampat Yacht Charter Itinerary
10 nights
Raja Ampat yacht charter takes you to one of the last truly wild places on earth – a remote archipelago of over 1,500 islands in West Papua, Indonesia, where limestone karsts rise from water of extraordinary clarity.
Day 1 - Sorong to Dampier Strait 25nm
Embark in Sorong and clear formalities before heading east into the Dampier Strait – the gateway to Raja Ampat. Cruise past dramatic limestone karsts rising vertically from glassy water as the scale of the archipelago begins to reveal itself. Anchor in a sheltered bay for your first night aboard.
Recommendation: Sundowners on deck as the karst silhouettes catch the last of the light, one of the great first nights in Indonesian sailing.
Day 2 - Arborek Island & Manta Sandy 15nm
A short cruise to Arborek, a tiny traditional village on stilts famous for its manta ray cleaning station just offshore. Snorkel or dive Manta Sandy – one of Raja Ampat’s most reliable manta encounters, before exploring the village and its famous jetty. Anchor overnight in the sheltered bay.
Recommendation: Visit the village early and support the local handicraft weavers, proceeds fund reef conservation directly.
Day 3 - Pianemo & Blue Lagoon 20nm
Head northwest to Pianemo, Raja Ampat’s most iconic viewpoint, a short climb rewards with panoramic views over mushroom-shaped karst islands rising from a turquoise lagoon. Swim the Blue Lagoon by tender before anchoring in a quiet bay for the evening.
Recommendation: Arrive at Pianemo before 9am to beat day-trippers from Waisai.
Day 4 - Wayag Islands 30nm
An early start northwest to the Wayag Islands – arguably the most photographed seascape in Indonesia. Trek to the summit of Mount Pindito for aerial views over the labyrinth of karst lagoons below. Kayak the calm inner lagoons in the afternoon and watch for juvenile blacktip reef sharks in the shallows.
Recommendation: Beach BBQ dinner on a deserted sandbar, the crew will set it up while you explore.
Day 5 - Kabui Bay & Passage 35nm
Cruise south through Kabui Bay, where narrow passages between towering limestone walls create cathedral-like corridors of rock and jungle. Snorkel the sheer walls draped in soft coral before anchoring in the calm of the inner bay.
Recommendation: The Passage at slack tide – one of the most extraordinary natural channels in Southeast Asia.
Day 6 - Cape Kri & Sardine Reef 20nm
Cape Kri holds a world record for fish species counted on a single dive – over 370. Spend the morning diving or snorkelling the reef before heading to Sardine Reef for an afternoon session. This is the heart of Raja Ampat’s marine biodiversity and the water speaks for itself.
Recommendation: Non-divers will find the snorkelling here as impressive as anywhere in the world, the reef starts in just two metres of water.
Day 7 - Misool - Yellu & Fiabacet 80nm
An overnight passage south to Misool – the least visited of Raja Ampat’s four main islands and widely considered its most beautiful. Wake up anchored off Yellu with limestone formations rising from mirror-flat water. Explore Fiabacet Island’s ancient cave handprint paintings by tender.
Recommendation: Misool is where most charter itineraries turn back, continuing here is what makes a 10-night trip worth doing.
Day 8 - Misool - Daram & Boo Islands 25nm
A day exploring Misool’s southern lagoons – hidden lakes accessible only at high tide, flooded caves, and some of the densest soft coral coverage in the archipelago. The Boo Islands offer exceptional diving on pinnacles draped in fan coral with strong current bringing in pelagic species.
Recommendation: Ask the captain to find the flooded lake at Daram, accessible only by dinghy and completely unknown to most visitors.
Day 9 - Kofiau Island 40nm
Head northwest to remote Kofiau – rarely visited and rich in marine life, with healthy reefs and a resident population of dugongs. Snorkel the lagoon, hike to a viewpoint, and spend the afternoon in complete isolation. This is as far from the crowds as Raja Ampat gets.
Recommendation: Save your best bottle for tonight – anchored off Kofiau at sunset with no other vessel in sight is the defining moment of the itinerary.
Day 10 - Yeben Island & Return North 55nm
Begin the return journey north with a morning snorkel stop at Yeben Island – a final flourish of reef life before the cruise back towards Sorong. Anchor in a sheltered bay north of the city for a last night aboard, with a farewell dinner prepared by the chef.
Recommendation: This is the evening for a private beach dinner if the crew can arrange it. a proper send-off for an exceptional trip.
Day 11 - Return to Sorong 15nm
A gentle final morning cruise into Sorong, arriving late morning in time for midday disembarkation. Time for a last coffee on deck, photos with the crew, and farewells before transfers to the airport or onward accommodation.
Recommendation: Book at least one night in Sorong post-charter – the transition back to land is easier with a buffer day, and the city has more charm than its reputation suggests.
