25 Feb – 6th March 2026
RAJA AMPAT
We’ll visit the best manta cleaning stations and feeding grounds in the area, and have the opportunity to dive at the most exciting locations for other species at famous sites such as Cape Kri, Mayhem, Sawandarek Jetty, Sardine’s Reef, and Blue Magic.
Dive Raja Ampat with MMF
We are excited to welcome you on board this expedition of a lifetime, as we explore the waters of Raja Ampat, home to the richest coral reef ecosystem in the world during peak manta ray season.
The Raja Ampat Regency covers over 40,000 km2 of land and sea and features more than 1,500 islands, with biodiversity levels considerably greater than any other area sampled in the Coral Triangle. With an abundance of marine life, you will be diving alongside 1,350 species of fish, six of the world’s seven marine turtle species, 27 varieties of marine mammals and large populations of both manta ray species.
Trip Highlights
Dive Raja Ampat in March, during peak manta season.
Hosted by MMF co-founder, world-renowned shark biologist Dr. Simon J Pierce, and manta ray experts.
Enjoy Raja on “The Best Liveaboard in the World”.
Get to know MMF’s marine conservation efforts.
Expert underwater photography guidance and dedicated camera room.
MMF Mantas in Raja Ampat
Enquire
Open trip dates:
25 Feb - 6th March 2026 (11 day / 10 night)
Price per person - TBD
-
Liveaboard cruise on the MV Coralia
Up to four dives a day
Complementary Nitrox
Shore excursions according to the program
Complementary dive equipment for returning guests
All meals and snacks, everyday
Hot and cold soft beverage selection
Tanks, weights, belts
Transfers to and from Sorong
Presentations from MMF hosts
-
International or domestic flights
Sorong accommodation
National park and port fees (~$315 pp)
Dive courses> Dive gear rental *
Alcoholic beverages **
On-board massages
Laundry
Use of on-board satellite phone
Encouraged gratuity
Travel insurance ***
Your guide to the waters of Raja Ampat.
We aim to showcase the diversity of life and ecosystems within these seascapes while heightening your experience with our scientific insights.
DR. SIMON PIERCE
Dr. Pierce founded MMF’s flagship research program on whale sharks, and is a world expert on the species. Simon works globally on whale shark conservation issues, and led the most recent IUCN Red List assessment that classified whale sharks as endangered. He is also a scientific advisor to the online global whale shark database, and regional co-chair of the IUCN Shark Specialist Group.
Highlights.
Your expedition will start and end in Sorong, and we’ll have access to the best dive sites in the region with ample time to explore from Wayag in the north, to Misool in the south.
We’ll visit the best manta cleaning stations and feeding grounds in the area, and have the opportunity to dive at the most exciting locations for other species at famous sites such as Cape Kri, Mayhem, Sawandarek Jetty, Sardine’s Reef, and Blue Magic.
Dampier Strait
The MMF research team has been studying manta rays around the Dampier Strait for over five years. We will seek both reef and giant manta rays as this is the peak season in the region. We’ll visit the best manta cleaning stations and feeding grounds in the area and have the opportunity to dive at the most exciting locations for other species such as Cape Kri, Mayhem, Sawandarek Jetty, Sardine’s Reef, and Blue Magic.
Misool.
We will then head to the far reaches of Raja Ampat with a visit to the southern sections of Misool. This community-protected region explodes with life, with some of the world’s healthiest and colorful coral reefs. Here we will seek out reef and giant manta rays, and their smaller relatives, the devil rays.
This region has extraordinary pelagic life, including game fish, sharks, gigantic fish schools, and great macro life such as pygmy seahorses and unusual nudibranchs. Misool has an abundance of stunning dive sites, private bays for kayaking and paddle-boarding, and calm anchorages where we can dine under the stars. We like to allow ourselves to linger for several days to dive as much as possible and explore the beautiful area with its iconic karst limestone formations before returning to the Dampier Strait region.
Kawe.
While in the north, we will also visit Kawe, diving the famed Eagle Rock and Black Rock, home to even more manta rays, sharks, and game fish. The soft corals bloom in a variety of vibrant colors in this region and the currents support abundant life. We’ll also aim for a world-class night dive at Aljui Bay, where we will hunt for enigmatic critters such as ghost pipefish and little-known octopus.
The Coralia
The World’s Best Liveaboard
Introducing the new liveaboard MV Coralia, managed by Cruise Directors Debbie and Jerry Arriaga, your vessel for this MEGA Expedition – one of the finest boats in the region and recently voted the World’s Best Liveaboard! A classic wooden Phinisi, the MV Coralia was built specifically for dive liveaboards with a commitment to conserve the surrounding environment. Aboard Coralia you will be well taken care of by the dedicated local crew, with a 1:1 staff-guest-ratio. This 48-meter schooner is ideal for travel through the Raja Ampat archipelago.
Master Cabin
Double Cabin
Twin Cabin
Enquire
Open trip dates:
25 Feb - 6th March 2026 (11 day / 10 night)
Prices per person TBA
Master: $6,900 (4 cabins)
Double: $6,700 (2 cabins)
Twin: $6,600 (2 cabins)
Hosted by Dr Simon J Pierce
-
Liveaboard cruise on the MV Coralia
Up to four dives a day
Complementary Nitrox
Shore excursions according to the program
Complementary dive equipment for returning guests
All meals and snacks, everyday
Hot and cold soft beverage selection
Tanks, weights, belts
Transfers to and from Sorong
Presentations from MMF hosts
-
International or domestic flights
Sorong accommodation
National park and port fees (~$315 pp)
Dive courses> Dive gear rental *
Alcoholic beverages **
On-board massages
Laundry
Use of on-board satellite phone
Encouraged gratuity
Travel insurance ***