Dive experience: Minimum advanced open water certification required, although Shakti sometimes takes open water divers onboard if they are very comfortable in the water.
Cruise price per person includes: Cabin accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinking water, hot drinks, soft drinks, round-trip transfers to the boat from the airport and hotels, port fees, dives (as detailed in the trips above), 2 experienced English-speaking divemasters, torch, 12 litre tanks, weights and weightbelt, sales tax.
Cruise price per person excludes (mandatory, unless customer provides own): Scuba equipment rental (USD 20 per day), park fees (Raja Ampat: USD 114). Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival.
Optional extras: Alcoholic drinks, nitrox fills for enriched air certified divers (USD 15 per day), 15 litre tanks (only 2!: USD 100 per trip), dive insurance. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival. Note: prices of items purchased onboard are subject to change.
How to get there: Shakti liveaboard diving cruises depart for Raja Ampat from Sorong in West Papua. You can fly directly to Sorong Airport (SOQ), from Jakarta, Ujung Pandang (Makassar) and Manado. If necessary, we can help you arrange return domestic flights from Bali or Jakarta. There is a minibus transfer service from the airport and local hotels to and from the boat. Boarding and disembarkation times can be arranged around your group's needs. The last dive of the trip will be at around 3 pm on the day before disembarkation. Please wait at least 18 hours before flying after diving. For more details, including airlines, see our travel information section.
Non-diver rate: Charter prices apply.
Single supplement (if you do not want to share accommodation): Not applicable.
Dive clubs and group discounts: None.
Whole boat charter rate (per night): All cruises are private charters or a minimum of 8 nights. See prices in the trip schedule.
The northern Raja Ampat archipelago, a scatter of limestone islands and coral cays off West Papua's Bird's Head Peninsula, holds some of the richest marine biodiversity on the planet. For over 2 decades, the Shakti liveaboard has made this remote corner of the Coral Triangle its home, building an intimate knowledge of the region's reefs, currents, and hidden gems that few other operators can match. This 32-metre traditional Indonesian phinisi, launched in 2000 and completely renovated in 2016, operates on a private charter basis only, offering a level of exclusivity and personalisation that standard group trips cannot provide.
The Shakti is available for private charter in Raja Ampat for most of the year, then relocates to Cenderawasih Bay from late June through to late August. This seasonal shift allows charter groups to target 2 very different Indonesian diving experiences. Raja Ampat delivers the Coral Triangle's most celebrated biodiversity, while Cenderawasih Bay offers the chance to encounter its famous resident whale shark population and explore second world war wrecks, all protected from the south monsoon.
This traditional phinisi accommodates up to 12 guests only in 6 spacious cabins, each with en-suite bathrooms, individually controlled air conditioning, and 24-hour electricity. The dive deck features individual stations with direct tank filling, allowing equipment to remain set up for the duration of the cruise. 2 tenders and a nitrox membrane system add to the operational capability, while the onboard chef prepares a mix of Western and Indonesian dishes using fresh local produce. The Shakti liveaboard has even served as a base for the BBC's Planet Earth film crew, a testament to its reliability and the quality of the diving it provides. Starlink on board is available free of charge.
For a private charter aboard the Shakti, itineraries are designed around the specific interests of the group. In Raja Ampat, that might mean exploring the spectacular limestone scenery of Wayag, the critter-rich walls of Penemu, or venturing to Misool in the south. In Cenderawasih Bay, the focus shifts to whale shark encounters and wreck diving, with routes adapted to the season. Night dives, snorkelling, kayaking, and visits to ancient rock art sites can all be woven into the schedule.
The Shakti liveaboard offers a genuine private expedition experience, not a cabin-booking operation. With a maximum of 12 guests, the focus stays firmly on the diving, the extraordinary environment, and the complete flexibility that comes with having the entire vessel and its experienced crew at your disposal. All activities, food, and non-alcoholic beverages are included in the price of this 'best-value' option.
To explore these waters with a team that has logged more time in Raja Ampat than any other liveaboard, and to have the option of following the season to Cenderawasih Bay, the Shakti delivers a rare combination of tradition, knowledge, and exclusive comfort. This is diving on your own terms, in one of the world's last great marine wildernesses. Due to the intimate size and excellent operational track record, the Shakti is highly popular for full-boat charter bookings. Prospective individual guests or groups should plan well in advance to secure their space on one of these sought-after diving cruises exploring the amazing Raja Ampat region.
There are 2 twin bed cabins on the main deck with seaview windows, and 4 twin bed cabins on the lower deck. All cabins have air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms.
All the cabins have:
- Individually controlled air conditioning and fan
- Private bathroom with hot water shower
- Deck and bathroom towels
- Seaview windows or skylight hatches
- Reading lights
- Daily housekeeping
- Polished teak furnishings
- Round twin plug 220V mains outlet, 24 hours per day
- Electric adaptors are available
- Bedding and towel
- Life jackets
- Cupboard for storing clothes
No. of bathrooms / showers - 6 / 6 - hot water
Cenderawasih Bay (Private Charter Only) (9 Days / 8 Nights - 28 Dives)
Trip highlights: whale sharks, manta rays, great macro life/ marine diversity, non diving activities
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, wreck diving
Dive sites and activities: Cendawerasih Bay: Papua Tengah, Kwatisore, Tanjung Manguar, Teluk Raimu, Rippon, Roon and Auri islands, Numfoor. Village visit for tribal dancing, waterfalls and birds of paradise walk.
Day 1
Designed as a starting point, this 8-night sample itinerary gives a sense of what a private charter aboard the Shakti liveaboard in Cenderawasih Bay can deliver. The final route is shaped by your group's interests, the prevailing weather, and sea conditions.
he Shakti crew will meet you at Nabire Airport and transfer you to the vessel. Following a welcome briefing on safety, the dive deck, and life onboard, the afternoon includes a check-out dive at Kalilemon Reef to get your gear dialled in for the days ahead. Enjoy dinner as the boat prepares for the journey into the bay.
Core Days
The Shakti liveaboard takes you into the heart of Cenderawasih Bay, the largest marine national park in Indonesia and one of the most biodiverse marine environments on earth. The primary draw here is the year-round resident population of whale sharks, which gather around the bagans, traditional floating fishing platforms used by local Papuan fishermen. The fishermen consider the sharks sacred and share a portion of their catch, creating an extraordinary and consistent encounter. Snorkelers and divers can spend extended time with multiple sharks at once, often just a few metres below the surface in calm, clear water. The Shakti dedicates several days to the Kwatisore area, where these gentle giants, typically juveniles of 4 to 7 metres, feed in a manner seen nowhere else on the planet.
Beyond the whale sharks, the bay offers a remarkable diversity of diving. At Tanjung Manguar, you'll find dramatic walls adorned with large gorgonian sea fans and soft corals, attracting schools of barracuda, jacks, and reef sharks . The Shakti's expert guides can also take you to Roon Island, known for its excellent macro life, green sea turtles, and reef sharks. The region around the Auri islands offers stunning white sand beaches, healthy coral gardens, and the chance to explore downed World War II aircraft wrecks nestled in the reef.
This itinerary also weaves in the rich culture and topography above the surface. Excursions include visits to local villages where you can witness tribal dancing and learn about the community's strong connection to the sea. Hikes into the jungle offer the chance to spot the region's spectacular birds of paradise in their natural habitat, and there are opportunities to swim beneath refreshing waterfalls. The Shakti is perfectly suited for this, with its decades of experience in the region and its shallow draft allowing access to remote anchorages and pristine beaches .
Day 9
After a final morning of diving or exploring the coastline, the Shakti makes its way back to Nabire. The crew will assist with your luggage before transferring you to the airport for your onward flight, concluding your private charter expedition in the remote and remarkable waters of Cenderawasih Bay.
Raja Ampat National Park (private charter only) (9 Days / 8 Nights - 28 Dives)
Trip highlights: shark action, manta rays, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics, non diving activities
Diving environment: advanced divers, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Raja Ampat - Misool: Daram, Farondi; Wayag, Kabui Passage; Cape Kri, Penemu, Waigeo, Gam and Mansuar. Bird watching, trekking/hiking, ancient rock art, village interactions, bat caves, hiking to scenic viewpoints, visiting beaches and limestone karst scenery.
Day 1
This minimum 8-night sample itinerary offers a flavour of the diving and exploration possible on a private charter aboard the Shakti liveaboard in Raja Ampat. Actual routes are flexible and tailored to your group's interests, weather, and seasonal conditions.
The Shakti crew will transfer you to the harbour in Sorong, where the 32-metre phinisi awaits. Following a warm welcome, the cruise director provides a full briefing on the vessel, facilities, and safety procedures. The afternoon is dedicated to setting up your scuba gear on the dive deck, where individual stations allow your equipment to remain connected for the entire charter. Enjoy your first dinner onboard as the boat departs Sorong and heads towards the heart of Raja Ampat.
Core Days
The Shakti liveaboard opens up a vast archipelago of over 1,500 islands, each offering its own distinct underwater character. The coming days weave through some of the most biodiverse seas on Earth, with dives tailored to conditions and group preference.
Penemu's limestone islands rise from turquoise water, their pretty walls covered in coral and invertebrates. This is classic Raja Ampat: medium current sweeping over slopes that harbour an extraordinary range of critters, from sea spiders to cephalopods. The night dives here are particularly rewarding, with interesting clam species and crabs emerging in the protected shallows.
Further north, the islands of Waigeo and Gam offer a different flavour. Gam is the only place in the world where the Red Bird of Paradise is found, but underwater the focus shifts to pinnacles and sandy slopes. Soft coral-covered walls give way to hard coral reef tops. Look for pygmy seahorses, epaulette sharks, and rare nudibranchs, but keep an eye into the blue for cruising 'biggies'.
The famous Kabui Passage divides Waigeo and Gam, a narrow channel nearly a nautical mile long. The greenish, mystic water feels otherworldly, and the dive reveals mangroves and rainforest shoreline home to archerfish. Colourful soft corals cling to the shallows, while deeper sections host abnormous sponges, sea fans, and hydroids. Turtles and schools of great barracuda pass through this unique habitat.
Wayag's geology resembles Palau, with mushroom-shaped limestone islets rising from crystal-clear water. The surrounding strong currents attract large schools of barracuda and tuna, while overhanging walls shelter big groupers and sharks. Kayaking through this maze, you might spot parrots, kingfishers, and wild orchids.
Around Daram and Efian, dark rock islets rise from deep blue water. This is where colourful soft corals and black corals cover the rocks, and sea fans are home to pygmy seahorses and spider crabs. Thousands of reef fish, batfish, and bannerfish add to the spectacle. At Farondi and Wagmab, caves both above and below the waterline add an adventurous edge to challenging drift dives through sandy slopes covered in black coral bushes and gorgonian fans.
The central sites of Kri and Mansuar offer healthy reefs with medium to strong current. White sand beaches and palm trees fringe Mansuar, while underwater you may encounter mantas, blacktip and whitetip sharks, and grey reef sharks.
Between dives, the Shakti liveaboard offers world-class snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboards, bird watching, and excursions to pristine beaches and limestone karst scenery. Trekking through jungle to scenic peaks or exploring ancient rock art and bat caves provides a welcome surface interval. Village interactions offer a glimpse into local culture, while whale watching opportunities are always a possibility.
Day 9
After a final morning dive and a relaxed breakfast, the Shakti returns to Sorong harbour, bringing your private charter adventure to a close.
[Information is best estimate in ideal circumstances and subject to changes beyond our control. The itinerary is a guide only and may be adapted to best suit the weather, tides, currents, availability and other prevailing events. Price is for the cruise, not for an exact number of dives].
The thrill of Indonesian diving is superbly managed on the Shakti liveaboard, where a routine of 3 to 4 dives a day is expertly supported by high-quality hospitality and generous food service. This 32-meter vessel typically runs 8-10 day cruises, with the experienced crew focusing on maximising encounters in Raja Ampat's vibrant waters.
Your day on the Shakti begins between 6 am and 7 am with a light pre-dive breakfast of coffee, toast, and fruit before your sunrise dive. A full, hearty breakfast follows the first immersion, after which the second dive is scheduled. Lunch, which is a substantial buffet, precedes the third dive in the afternoon. The chef creates meals with a distinctly Indonesian flavour, taking advantage of the exceptional local produce, fish, and seafood, while offering options that are a mix of Western and Asian cuisine. Meals are served buffet-style, either in the salon or open-air, where guests choose from two main dishes accompanied by salad and rice.
Following the third dive, the mid-afternoon includes an available snack and time for relaxing, perhaps through kayaking or visiting a secluded island. Fresh exotic fruits, juices, and snacks are always available, free of charge, alongside coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and water. The optional night dive takes place before dinner, allowing for socialising and unwinding, perhaps while stargazing on the top deck or reviewing photos. Dinner concludes the day, featuring Western and local Indonesian dishes that may be tailored to suit individual tastes. Soft drinks and beer are available for purchase. All dietary requirements can be catered for by Shakti if you send your needs in advance.
"
I also wanted to say that the Shakti, its skipper and staff, were fantastic. They run a very unique operation based on real in-depth knowledge and care for the area of Raja Ampat, a passion for the sea and its creatures, safe but not restrictive diving, and genuine care for their guests and our experience. Our cruise in their care was beyond anything I would have expected ... and I expected a lot! The area will be under increased pressure from dive trips, tourism and exploitation of natural resources so to be there with a team that has spent such a long time there and can respond immediately to weather/sea conditions, other boats and activities, to find the secluded spots with amazing dive sites, makes us feel very privileged. The food was brilliant, cabins lovely, and the boat well maintained and homely. 10 divers is just the right amount!" -
Hanna Slatten, Sweden, 10 December 2010 ...
"
Dave and Din were always calm, personable, interested, informative, and attentive. The food was excellent, the boat crews were very conscientious and knowledgeable, and the crew behind the scenes kept everything in order. Highly recommend if one is looking for adventure and awesome diving!!!!" -
Linda Lacey, USA, 17 April 2010 ...
"
They kindly organized my domestic flights within indonesia, Dave really knows the best dive sites and can predict currents very accurate, food was great and plentiful, I had my own cabin and not even got seasick." -
Katja Gurtner, Switzerland, 13 June 2006 ...
