Raja Ampat in late feb/early march?

[puncho]

Hi, I've been reading some stuff on RA on these forums. I haven't dove for awhile but I'm hoping to go for 7-10 days. I've seen some recommendations for nitrox...is that needed? I'm looking to max my experience there (within reasonable budget of course) since I won't be able to do such a thing in the near future.

Would you guys highly recommend doing a liveaboard? If so, how do I go about finding a good one or good deal (e.g. websites/facebook/contacts)? I've seen people mention finding an agent?

I was reading this thread (http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/in...-diving-raja-ampat-budget-october-2012-a.html) and glina seems to suggest it may be ok not doing one.

Thanks in advance for all the advice!

 

[jake11]

I would go on a liveaboard because you will get to see more of RA. You are going at a great time ! We have been there 3x and we always dive nitrox to maximise your bottom time! Have fun ! You will love it. Our best trip there as been on the Dewi Nusantara but their trips are 11 nights long!

 

[Ashantiashanti]

I'm in the same boat, Puncho, especially after reading Glina's thread.
We'll be there sometime Mid Jan.

After my knowledge a liveaboard is not 'a must' in RA, as compared to for example Komodo where, from my research, it is the closest thing to 'a must.'

 

[Interceptor121]

Raja Ampat is a large area. If you are land based You are limited in the choice of sites. The four kings are all slightly different in the diving they offer and not all of them have land based options
Another consideration is weather it does rain all year round in raja Ampat if you pick up the wrong area you will be under the umbrella the whole time so make a careful decision

 

[puncho]

Thanks for the replies so far.

I think I've decided to try the liveaboard...at least if the weather isnt desirable, theyll be able to move locations. The ships I looked at (mermaids and black manta) appear to be full for the dates I was hoping for so I'll have to figure that out.

Ive been in touch with an "agent" from a website, so hopefully I'll be able to book one soon.

 

[DiveExploreIndonesia]

There is a promo for some dates (10 to 21 December and 08 to 19 January ) for a 11 nights dive cruise in Raja Ampat aboard the MV Ambai.
Nitrox is a plus as you do many dive/day on a cruise , but not mandatory.

You will see more of the Raja Ampat with a live aboard, of course it is normally not so much of a budget travelling like glina was counting, but if you can afford it the Ambai promotion is a very good quality /price.

 

[puncho]

Thanks, but I'm looking for feb/march. Is there a reason to be worried if I don't have too much dive experience? Like I said it's been awhile and I plan on taking a refresher/nitrox course.

 

[jake11]

I wouldn't worry about the experience level too much. We went to Komodo with only about 50 dives the first time we were there and did some dives with ripping current. We lived to tell the story! RA has some high voltage dives but not a lot of them. I think you will be fine! We had some people on our boat with us in Palau last March that were newly certified on the Blue Corner dive. They were fine!

Thanks, but I'm looking for feb/march. Is there a reason to be worried if I don't have too much dive experience? Like I said it's been awhile and I plan on taking a refresher/nitrox course.

 

[puncho]

Great, thanks! I just don't want to get burned out/tired if I do many days of diving. hah

 

[gekodivebali]

I'd definitely go for a liveaboard as this affords to see so much more of this great dive destination.
A lot of people stopover and have a refresher dive in Bali before heading onto Raja Empat or Komodo. This could be a way to do it!