BND-011Worth a life

Is Liveaboard diving in Raja Ampat worth it?

Yes — for certified divers, it is the summit of the water pillar. Raja Ampat is the most biodiverse reef on earth, and a liveaboard is the only way truly to reach it, with days measured in dives and nights over open water. For non-divers it is simply out of reach, and no snorkel will substitute.

€€€€ · October–April · 7–11 days

Worth it if

  • You are a certified, reasonably fit diver
  • You want the richest reef on the planet
  • A week living aboard appeals to you

Skip it if

  • You are not a certified diver
  • You get seasick or dislike boats
  • The four-figure cost is prohibitive

The catch

This is genuinely remote and dive-heavy, demanding certification, fitness and a real budget just to arrive. Book a boat with strong currents in mind — some of the best sites suit confident divers only.

If it’s not for you, consider

BND-033 · Snorkelling with whale sharks

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