The Emperor Raja Laut operates all year round in Indonesia, travelling to some of the best dive sites in Southeast Asia. Between June and September, it heads for Komodo National Park, where dives at legendary spots such as Castle Rock, Crystal Rock and Manta Alley offer unforgettable encounters with manta rays, sharks, turtles and Komodo dragons.
From November, the Emperor Raja Laut sets course for the coral reefs of Raja Ampat, the most biodiverse marine area in the world and the centrepiece of the Coral Triangle. Dives here promise an overwhelming variety of tropical fish species, soft and hard corals as well as fascinating macro highlights.
In addition, limited annual transfer trips are offered, during which the ship travels between the main areas and explores rarely dived regions such as the Banda Sea. These special tours offer the opportunity to discover hammerhead sharks, active underwater volcanoes, extraordinary micro-organisms and impressive sea giants - an adventure off the beaten track.
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The Emperor Raja Laut is a traditional Indonesian Phinisi safari boat made of fine tropical wood - elegantly designed and equipped to offer a maximum of 12 guests a stylish and comfortable diving experience. The yacht combines classic design with modern comfort, adding a touch of royal flair to any voyage through Indonesia's spectacular waters.
There are six stylish cabins on board, divided into three twin and three double cabins. Each cabin is equipped with an en-suite bathroom, individually controlled air conditioning, storage space, mini-safe and a thoughtful layout for personal comfort. The air-conditioned lounge with 49-inch HD flat screen TV, library, selection of games, films and a small bar offers a cosy retreat after diving. On the upper deck, a sun deck with sun loungers, a shaded area and a spacious open-air dining area invite you to relax and enjoy - always with an impressive view of Indonesia's tropical island worlds.
Diving takes place from a rigid-hull inflatable boat, which allows quick and easy access to the respective dive sites. Nitrox is available free of charge for certified guests to enable longer and safer dives.
As with all tours in the Emperor fleet, all harbour, fuel and parking fees are included in the tour price. Guests also benefit from complimentary nitrox and a glass of wine with dinner. There are no additional costs for routes or fuel surcharges - full price clarity including high-quality service.
The best of Raja Ampat itinerary highlights: Sorong - Sorong
- Raja Ampat is the centre of the Coral Triangle and the most biodiverse place on earth.
- Chance to see hammerhead sharks, manta rays and other pelagic action combined with colourful, pristine reefs.
- Be mesmerised by patrolling pelagics on the hunt for their next meal.
- Discover something for the first time, a walking shark!
- Abundant fish life, immense colours and mysterious creatures, there really is something for everyone.
- Land tours: A walk to Panorama of Penemu with breathtaking views of the lagoon and limestone cliffs.
This is a great itinerary for everyone, regardless of experience level. You don't need a minimum number of dives to join this trip, but you should be comfortable diving in currents as they can be unpredictable and strong. Many dives are below 18 metres, so it would be beneficial to have advanced experience, or you can take your PADI Advanced Open Water course on board. Divers may find some dives challenging and may be asked by the cruise director to skip dives that are not suitable for their diving experience. Diving is done from a Zodiac to maintain accurate entry and exit points.
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Double cabin lower deck twin
- 2 single beds (bunk beds)
- En-suite bathroom
- adjustable air conditioning
- max. 2 guests
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Double cabins lower deck
- 1 double bed
- En-suite bathroom
- adjustable air conditioning
- max. 2 guests
Included: VAT, harbour fees, national park fees, airport transfers, hotel transfers, tea & coffee, drinking water, wine with dinner, snacks, full board (all meals), nitrox, dive packages, shore excursions, towels for use on deck, cabin towels.
Optional extras: travel insurance, diving insurance (5 USD per day), tips, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, equipment hire, Nitrox course (170 USD), diving courses.
Prices for rental equipment
Rental equipment is available on this ship. Please indicate on the booking form what you need. Details below of what is included and the additional prices.
- 15 litre tanks 7 EUR per day
- Regulator 11 EUR per day
- BCD 7 EUR per day
- Fins 5 EUR per day
- Mask3 EUR per day
- Nitrox tanks included
- Signal buoy Included
- Torch 6 EUR per day
- Dive compute r 7EUR per day
- Complete equipment (with: regulator, BCD, fins, mask, signal buoy, dive computer, wetsuit) 30 EUR
- Wetsuit 6 EUR per day
- Air temperature: Stable all year round between 26.6 °C and 27.8 °C.
- Water temperature: Constantly warm between 29.0 °C and 29.8 °C, ideal for diving.
- Precipitation: Highest in May (403 mm); lowest in January (132 mm).
Raja Ampat is a famous diving destination in the western part of Papua New Guinea, in the Indian Ocean. It consists of over 1,500 islands and is known for its extraordinary biodiversity.
The area is considered one of the best diving areas in the world and is home to more species of coral and fish than any other place on earthMisool, one of the main islands of Raja Ampat, is another highlight. Misool is known for its dramatic landscape of hidden lagoons, steep cliffs and lush vegetation. Underwater, Misool offers some of the best diving in the world.
Raja Ampat
- Located in the far west of Papua, Indonesia, at the junction of the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
Comprises over 1,500 islands, atolls and rocks grouped around the four main islands: - Waigeo
- Batanta
- Salawat
- Misool
Population
Also very sparsely populated; small, mostly indigenous communities.
Many people live from subsistence fishing and small-scale farming.
The population consists mainly of Papuans, who are culturally different from the Indonesian "mainstream".
- Both regions are predominantly Christian - rare in Indonesia,
- Banda Lake: mainly Protestant, partly Muslim
- Raja Ampat: Protestants, partly also Catholics
- Religion plays a central role in community life.
Economic situation
- Both regions are remote and economically underdeveloped, with:
- Limited infrastructure, low income
- Limited access to education and healthcare
- Tourism, especially diving tourism, is an important source of hope for sustainable development in both regions.
Importance for Indonesia
- The regions are among the most biodiverse marine areas in the world.
Raja Ampat is part of the Coral Triangle, the epicentre of marine biodiversity.
They are internationally recognised as hotspots for ecotourism and marine research.
Governmental and international organisations promote projects for conservation and gentle tourism.
Economic influence of the diving industry
- The diving industry has grown significantly in both regions over the last 20 years, primarily through
- Liveaboard tours (many dive sites are only accessible by boat)
- Eco-resorts, partly with local co-operation models