Island-Hopping & Snorkeling in Raja Ampat

It depends on the route, the trip length and how many of you are travelling. We charter per boat and split it across your group rather than sell per seat, so we quote each trip instead of publishing a fixed rate — send your dates and group size and you will get the number in writing. The marine park permit is paid separately.

Four things mostly: trip length (half-day vs multi-day), boat type and engine size (a twin-engine speedboat burns more fuel than a slow wooden boat), group size since the boat cost is split across passengers, and how far you travel. Distant spots like Wayag cost more in fuel and time than nearby Piaynemo.

The boat and crew, fuel, a local guide, snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins), drinking water, and the stops listed in your itinerary. Multi-day trips also include homestay nights and meals as stated. Not included: flights to Sorong, the Raja Ampat marine park entry permit, and personal extras like souvenirs or tips.

It is a conservation entry fee (PIN card) that funds reef protection and is checked at the viewpoints. Foreign visitors typically pay around IDR 1,000,000 and Indonesian visitors less, valid for the calendar year. Rates are set by the regency and change, so confirm the current fee with us before you travel. It is paid separately from the tour.

Most trips start from Waisai, the main town on Waigeo island and the gateway to the central viewpoints. Some itineraries can pick up from Sorong on the mainland, but that adds a sea crossing and cost. Tell us where you are staying and we will set the most practical departure point for your dates.

Fly into Domine Eduard Osok Airport in Sorong (connections via Jakarta, Makassar or Manado), then take the public ferry from Sorong to Waisai, which runs most days and takes roughly two hours. From Waisai you join the boat. We can advise on ferry timing so your arrival lines up with your tour start.

Both. Shared day trips put you with other guests and keep the per-person price lower. Private charters give you the whole boat, flexible timing and a custom route, but cost more because one group covers the full boat. Multi-day itineraries are usually run as private charters. Tell us your group size and we will quote both.

October to April generally brings calmer seas and clearer water, which is better for boat travel and snorkeling. Roughly June to September can bring stronger wind and choppier crossings, especially on exposed open-water legs. Conditions vary year to year, so we check the forecast before each departure and may adjust the route for safety.

They are close-by karst viewpoints often confused because of the similar names. Piaynemo is the famous stair-climb lookout over a cluster of small green islands. Pianemo refers to nearby karst lagoon scenery in the same area. Most day trips combine one of these viewpoints with snorkeling stops and, on the full-day option, a sandbar.

Snorkeling gear is included and most stops are beginner-friendly shallow reefs where you float at the surface. You do not need a license or prior experience. If you cannot swim, tell the crew in advance; you can wear a life jacket and stay near the boat. We do not run scuba diving, which requires a separate certified dive operator.

Boats carry life jackets for every passenger, and the crew checks the weather before departure. We may delay, shorten or reroute a trip if conditions on open-water crossings look rough. Raja Ampat is remote with limited medical facilities, so we keep groups together and brief you before each stop. Travel insurance covering boat activities is strongly recommended.

Message us on WhatsApp or email with your dates, group size and the trip you want. We confirm availability and a quote, then hold your spot with a deposit. The balance is settled before departure. Booking ahead matters most for peak months and multi-day private charters.

Yes, families and older guests join our trips often. Day trips with short, calm crossings suit most ages; the viewpoint stairs at Piaynemo involve a moderate climb you can skip. For young children or anyone with mobility or health concerns, tell us in advance so we can suggest a gentler route and seating, and confirm life jacket sizes.

Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a dry bag for your phone and camera, a swimsuit, a light rain layer, and cash for the marine park permit and extras since there are no ATMs at the viewpoints. Bring any personal medication. For multi-day trips, pack light luggage and a quick-dry towel. We provide drinking water and snorkeling gear.

Raja Ampat Boat Tour is an independent local boat-tour operator based in the Raja Ampat area. We arrange and run the boats, crew and itineraries directly rather than reselling another company's package. If a trip needs a specialized service we do not provide, such as scuba diving, we will say so plainly and point you to the right provider.