First Timer Liveaboard in Raja Ampat - Help Needed

[scuba_kate]

Hi all! My husband and I are planning to go to Raja Ampat for the first time and do a liveaboard for the first time as well, so have some questions that I failed to find answers to:

- 9 nights trip to central and south vs 12 nights trip central, south, and north (Wofoh, Aljui Bay, Kawe, and Wayag) in December end. The price difference is a lot a lot so we're trying to understand how much we would miss by not going north? From reading so far, north doesn't seem to be the best part of RA but maybe I am just missing posts.

- Should we bring gloves or reef hooks or anything that might help with staying put if the current is too strong? I don't believe it should be and I don't see the liveaboard saying anything about it but wonder if anyone could tell us more.

- Is it worth taking anti-malaria pills? From reading it seems to be on the main islands mostly but when out in the water how bad are mosquitos there?

- Any other recommendations for first-timers? Maybe something that we must bring with us, or do while there?

Thank you all in advance!

 

[Living4Experiences]

Are you going in December 2024 or 2025? Hopefully, you've done a ton of research before posting here because not all liveaboard companies are the same and not all of them are good. What company are you thinking of booking with? Have you read the trip reports here on SB? Here's my trip report from last November/December. Trip Report - Raja Ampat, Live Report, Nov. 7-Dec. 7, 2023. Unfortunately, on my trip, a diver died in the down-current.

If this is a 2024 trip, have you already got your flights? You'll need to allow two days to get there and back and arrive at least 1-2 days prior to the start of the liveaboard to allow for travel delays or lost luggage and jetlag recovery.

There is a lot of info here from very experienced divers that go to Raja Ampat frequently. You can also look at www.undercurrent.org where divers post their experiences about dive travel.

Yes, absolutely bring gloves and a reef hook. The currents can get wicked strong. I did not take anti-malaria meds before the trip. I'm a mosquito magnet and I brought insect spray and permethrin-treated clothing and was fine. I did not, however, go hiking in the bush where more prevention might be necessary.

Do you have DAN dive insurance AND travel insurance?

 

[GF99/99]

Hi all! My husband and I are planning to go to Raja Ampat for the first time and do a liveaboard for the first time as well, so have some questions that I failed to find answers to:

- 9 nights trip to central and south vs 12 nights trip central, south, and north (Wofoh, Aljui Bay, Kawe, and Wayag) in December end. The price difference is a lot a lot so we're trying to understand how much we would miss by not going north? From reading so far, north doesn't seem to be the best part of RA but maybe I am just missing posts.

- Should we bring gloves or reef hooks or anything that might help with staying put if the current is too strong? I don't believe it should be and I don't see the liveaboard saying anything about it but wonder if anyone could tell us more.

- Is it worth taking anti-malaria pills? From reading it seems to be on the main islands mostly but when out in the water how bad are mosquitos there?

- Any other recommendations for first-timers? Maybe something that we must bring with us, or do while there?

Thank you all in advance!

Just to add to @living4experiences good tips and to answer your question about the North. If the cost is alot as you have suggestion then I would say save your money. Remember 9 days of diving is already alot. If you have never been and your only go to the North then obviously the north will seem amazing but if you are going to the South/Misool area and central area and you have to spend a whole bunch more money for only 3 more nights to see the North I don't know if you will be getting your money's worth. But that is just my personal opinion, I know some people love the North. And not that I am saying the North is bad its still amazing! but IMO it was not as spectacular as Misool area. The first time I did Raja I did one of the longer North, South Central trips. The second time I did South, Central and land based and liked that alot more. And now actually all I do is south and land based central, or strictly just land based no liveaboards. You can actually do Raja for very very cheap if you do land based only.

Personally I would take the money you save and spend some time land based relaxing and living the true island life. I really like Kri, Mansuar, Meos Mansar, and Arborek its just a different experience and feeling. All are relatively close and very easy to get to from Sorong. Or the other thing I would do with the cost savings is see some other parts of Indonesia (and not just Bali, there is soooooooo much more to Indonesia than just Bali)

For the gloves and reef hooks, I would say gloves is a personal thing, I have never felt the need for them (also some boats do not allow them because they say it promotes people to touch the coral), but a reef hook is a MUST.

I live in Indonesia for many year and have been to Papua several times along with many many other islands and have never take anti-malari pills and never had any issues. yes malaria is present in Papua but the Raja Ampat area its very very very very minimal if any at all. Honestly the only thing you actually need to worry about is Dengue (I have gotten in 2 times now and many of my friends as well), but there is really nothing you can do for this. As for the mosquitoes, well they love me and I have never had them bite me on the water (as in when your on the boat). But if your on land there are mosquitos but its not as bad as you would think. If I don't have repellent on I will get a couple bits but its nothing to crazy.

As for things to bring usually your liveaboard should provide you a list if not there are many many many list online and youtube videos. The thing I actually see if people bringing too much stuff. Just bring what you need, especially clothing wise.

For other things do to, well how much time do you have??? because Indonesia and surrounding countries have sooooo many things you can do. Indonesia is one of my most favorite countries in the world and I have been to around 70 different countries.

 

[rmorgan]

We’re chugging back to Sorong after a 10-night boat which included the Dampier Strait, northwestern sites, and Misool, and wouldn’t have changed a thing, but agree with 99/99 that the northwest sites were dispensable (we were only there one day). I strongly suggest a pointer/muck stick/whatever. The guides will have reef hooks (bring your own, too), but might not have extra sticks. One person wore gloves. DSMBs were required. Zero mosquitoes on the boat; a few during a resort stay beforehand. We didn’t take antimalarials. Bring waterproof bandaids, antibiotic ear drops, oral antibiotics, antidiarrheals, cortisone cream (prescription strength if possible), patches if seasickness is a possibility, extra batteries for anything that uses batteries, including integrated-air sending units. Do all the night dives if that agrees with you.

 

[JonnieB]

Bring and Indonesian electrical socket adapter (two round prongs). Skip the malaria prophylactics and bring plenty of 15% DEET mosquito lotion for use while on land.

 

[matts1w]

"Bring waterproof bandaids, antibiotic ear drops, oral antibiotics, antidiarrheals, cortisone cream (prescription strength if possible), patches if seasickness is a possibility, extra batteries for anything that uses batteries, including integrated-air sending units."

This is spot on. If I were coming to Indonesia for 2-3 weeks... Bring a Z-Pack and Imodium if you get sick. I have been here 16 years, and always use ear beer starting on day one no matter where I'm diving. If you really want to be safe, do not eat anything that hasn't been cooked or peeled- especially salads. Even at 5-star places, salads can get ya.

 

[jeremyl]

Not that it needs repeating, but I'll second most of the above comments.
1) No gloves would be my rec... most boats dont allow - and none should as it does promote touching... just my opinions... BUT you likely would get stinging nettles on some part of your hand sometime in the trip so a THIN glove and DONT touch anything... but the nettles just float in the water in the high currents and it kinda sucks.

2) Some boats let you use a reef hook for free on the dives that require them. Some charge for this, but having your own is nice.

3) Having a 'pointy stick' is nice... I bring mine on all my SE Asia dives, tho usually only use it on a muck dive.

4) I have not used anti-malarial med since my first couple Indo trips. Esp if you have not used them before you may not react well to them. I can only use one of the 3 main meds or I have reactions. But being on the boat 90% of the time it should not be an issue. Just wear repellant when you are not out at sea, esp at dawn/dusk.

5) ABS plan an extra day getting there. As far as your return flight keep in mind you will likely not get to dive the last dive if your flight is a 'next morning' flight. Many boats will offer a 'noonish' dive the last day but you cant do it if you have an early flight home.

6) My first trip I did the longer northern trip... but this was not my 1st LOB. I do not regret it but I dive every dive on every LOB always... most people do not. For your first LOB I'd say do the 9 day.

7) Ear drops are very useful. Raja isn't so bad but I had a very painful ear infection from Lembeh my first time. These days I bring a little bottle of vinegar and put in a few drops after every dive. Kills any bad stuff and drys out the ears to keep things happy. Otolin is a local 'ear drop' to treat infections and such... I used to get a bottle for any big trip there (cheap at a local pharma) but I have not needed it since that Lembeh trip.

 

[peeweediver]

Some liveaboards have a good checklist to share. Ask yours. One small item that helps us a lot is a few plastic or wooden clips to hang wet bathing suits or shirts from the railing. We hate putting on wet suits so you can either tie them on if they have a string or use the clip. Same for a t-shirt. We have the roundish plastic clips that fit perfect over the railing. Adding to rmorgan's post above, bring antiseptic cream. We've needed that twice due to big scratches (not from the reefs but something sticking out on the boat). The liveaboards we've been on did not allow gloves to stop people from touching coral. Did not use reef hooks in Raja or Wakatobi, but did in Palau and the Maldives. If you're going to try to use one, practice first, not while fighting current as the first time.
Can't answer 9 versus 12 nights. We did 10 nights but added 4 nights on Bangka Island because we were coming all that way (Chicago) and 10 was too short for our group. Central Raja was our favorite with South a close second.
Most important, I hope you have an amazing trip and it goes beyond your expectations!!

 

[scuba_kate]

Are you going in December 2024 or 2025? Hopefully, you've done a ton of research before posting here because not all liveaboard companies are the same and not all of them are good. What company are you thinking of booking with? Have you read the trip reports here on SB? Here's my trip report from last November/December. Trip Report - Raja Ampat, Live Report, Nov. 7-Dec. 7, 2023. Unfortunately, on my trip, a diver died in the down-current.

If this is a 2024 trip, have you already got your flights? You'll need to allow two days to get there and back and arrive at least 1-2 days prior to the start of the liveaboard to allow for travel delays or lost luggage and jetlag recovery.

There is a lot of info here from very experienced divers that go to Raja Ampat frequently. You can also look at www.undercurrent.org where divers post their experiences about dive travel.

Yes, absolutely bring gloves and a reef hook. The currents can get wicked strong. I did not take anti-malaria meds before the trip. I'm a mosquito magnet and I brought insect spray and permethrin-treated clothing and was fine. I did not, however, go hiking in the bush where more prevention might be necessary.

Do you have DAN dive insurance AND travel insurance?

Thank you so much for your reply, I read through your trip report and what a rollercoaster of emotions. I am very appreciative of all the details and insights you provided. It made me do a lot of research into currents and what to do as I did not bring significance to it before. We've been in horizontal currents a few times and did well but this upward downward concept is very new to us.

As to the boat, I read a lot of reviews and settled on Coralia (as this is one of our bucket list trips). Luckily, there were 2 spots open for Coralia Dec 13th-22nd and 2 spots for Jan 24th - Jan 5th, but after reading all the replies I went ahead and confirmed the 9 night trip starting Dec 13th. We are flying from East Coast so planning to do a one day stop in Tokyo and arriving 12th early morning to settle before getting on the boat on the 13th. I am looking at flying with Garuda through Denpasar and their baggage requirements seem confusing. We are thinking of having our BCDs/Regulators/Dive Computers/Cameras in carry on - do you think that would be a problem?

We have DAN insurance and just added their trip protection insurance as well.

 

[scuba_kate]

Just to add to @living4experiences good tips and to answer your question about the North. If the cost is alot as you have suggestion then I would say save your money. Remember 9 days of diving is already alot. If you have never been and your only go to the North then obviously the north will seem amazing but if you are going to the South/Misool area and central area and you have to spend a whole bunch more money for only 3 more nights to see the North I don't know if you will be getting your money's worth. But that is just my personal opinion, I know some people love the North. And not that I am saying the North is bad its still amazing! but IMO it was not as spectacular as Misool area. The first time I did Raja I did one of the longer North, South Central trips. The second time I did South, Central and land based and liked that alot more. And now actually all I do is south and land based central, or strictly just land based no liveaboards. You can actually do Raja for very very cheap if you do land based only.

Personally I would take the money you save and spend some time land based relaxing and living the true island life. I really like Kri, Mansuar, Meos Mansar, and Arborek its just a different experience and feeling. All are relatively close and very easy to get to from Sorong. Or the other thing I would do with the cost savings is see some other parts of Indonesia (and not just Bali, there is soooooooo much more to Indonesia than just Bali)

For the gloves and reef hooks, I would say gloves is a personal thing, I have never felt the need for them (also some boats do not allow them because they say it promotes people to touch the coral), but a reef hook is a MUST.

I live in Indonesia for many year and have been to Papua several times along with many many other islands and have never take anti-malari pills and never had any issues. yes malaria is present in Papua but the Raja Ampat area its very very very very minimal if any at all. Honestly the only thing you actually need to worry about is Dengue (I have gotten in 2 times now and many of my friends as well), but there is really nothing you can do for this. As for the mosquitoes, well they love me and I have never had them bite me on the water (as in when your on the boat). But if your on land there are mosquitos but its not as bad as you would think. If I don't have repellent on I will get a couple bits but its nothing to crazy.

As for things to bring usually your liveaboard should provide you a list if not there are many many many list online and youtube videos. The thing I actually see if people bringing too much stuff. Just bring what you need, especially clothing wise.

For other things do to, well how much time do you have??? because Indonesia and surrounding countries have sooooo many things you can do. Indonesia is one of my most favorite countries in the world and I have been to around 70 different countries.

Thank you for the insight, went ahead with 9 nights! Based on everything I've been reading so far, I think we will be back and will experiment more with diving from land / moving around. This is going to be our first time in Asia and definitely feeling a bit anxious not knowing the culture well and not knowing how language barrier will be. We thought maybe staying in Bali for two nights since we will be flying through it anyways and maybe diving Nusa Penida.


Komodo and Palau are on our list as well, so definitely hope to return to the area.