Raja Ampat: Seven Nights and Twenty Dives in the Heart of the Coral Triangle

WAISAI SNORKEL FIELD GUIDE

Raja Ampat: Seven Nights and Twenty Dives in the Heart of the Coral Triangle

A focused, weeklong live-resort dive trip in Waisai (Dec 6–13, 2025) that delivers 20 guided boat dives from the eco‑minded Meridian Adventure Dive Resort—this guide lays out logistics, highlights, and what to pack.

Raja Ampat: Seven Nights and Twenty Dives in the Heart of the Coral Triangle.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Waisai
Operator
Scuba.com - New York
Category
Snorkel
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Escape to Raja Ampat with the Scuba.com crew for seven nights based at Meridian Adventure, an eco-conscious, PADI 5‑Star dive resort in Waisai. The week (December 6–13, 2025) centers on 20 guided boat dives amid one of the planet’s richest concentrations of coral and marine biodiversity, run from resort-style accommodation nestled behind mangroves with family meals and on-site amenities.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE MARINE LIFE

Manta Rays, Reef Sharks and a Living Coral Library

Raja Ampat’s remote, protected waters deliver clear visibility and dense coral walls full of life — expect encounters with Manta Rays, reef and wobbegong sharks, eagle rays and seahorses across a variety of sites suited to macro shooters and big‑animal seekers alike.

THE RESORT

Meridian Adventure — PADI Green Star Eco‑Resort

The trip centers on Meridian Adventure, a PADI 5‑Star resort and PADI Green Star award winner that emphasizes low‑impact operations, eco‑conscious facilities and resort comforts including air‑conditioned en‑suite rooms set behind a mangrove canopy.

THE DIVING

Twenty Guided Boat Dives with Local Pros

The itinerary delivers 20 guided boat dives from purpose‑built, low‑emission boats with a 4:1 guide ratio. The resort supplies Aqualung rental equipment (mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, BCD, tanks, weights) and dive guides capture GoPro footage of the dives.

What the day feels like

What a Week Feels Like

Weeklong travel rhythms are straightforward: arrive into Sorong, take the morning ferry to Waisai, and settle into Meridian Adventure for seven nights of boat‑based diving, communal lunches and dinners, and morning and afternoon dives that showcase steep coral walls and rich reef channels. The resort handles tanks, weights and basic Aqualung rental gear so you spend more time in the water; evenings are for reviewing GoPro footage, resting and prepping for the next day’s dives.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this trip suits — and what practical requirements to consider.

1
Certified Recreational DiversWell suited to certified divers from beginner to advanced who are comfortable with frequent boat dives; be prepared to pay the Raja Ampat Marine Park permit at the resort and to provide your own dive insurance and any personal speciality gear not supplied by the resort.
2
Underwater PhotographersA strong match: diverse sites and abundant macro and large‑animal life. Note that dive computers and torches are not included in the package, and photographers often bring their own computers, lights or housing rigs.
3
Eco‑conscious TravelersIdeal for travelers prioritizing low‑impact operations — the resort is PADI Green Star awarded and uses low‑emission dive boats — but understand the park permit and local regulations you must follow while diving.
4
Non‑diving CompanionsNon‑divers can be accommodated — the resort offers meals, Wi‑Fi and comfortable rooms — but the core activity is diving and park fees, transfers and dive logistics are centered on dive guests.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Bring any personal specialty dive gear you require: dive computers and dive lights/torches are not included. Basic Aqualung rental gear (mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, BCD, tanks, weights) and tank/weight rental are included; additional rentals can be arranged through Scuba.com NYC before the trip.

Money & Permits

The Raja Ampat Marine Park Permit is not included and must be paid in IDR cash at the resort (listed at $83 in trip materials). Prices listed include 11% government sales tax; alcoholic and non‑alcoholic bar drinks are not included.

Transfers & Arrival

Arrival airport is Sorong (SOQ). The trip includes airport transfers between Sorong and Waisai priced into the package at $122 per person; morning flights from Jakarta timed to arrive around 06:30–07:10 are recommended to make the morning ferry.

Included Logistics

The package includes 7 nights accommodation with breakfast, family‑style lunches and dinners, 20 guided boat dives, free Wi‑Fi at the resort, GoPro footage captured by guides, and standard Aqualung rental equipment.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

When are the trip dates?

December 6–13, 2025 (7 nights).

How many dives are included?

Twenty guided boat dives over the seven‑night stay are included.

What equipment is provided and what must I bring?

Aqualung rental equipment (mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, BCD, tanks, weights) is included. Dive computers and torches (lights) are not included and should be brought or rented separately.

Are transfers included?

Airport transfers between Sorong and Waisai are included in the package and are priced at $122 per person as part of the trip package.

Do I need to pay any local fees on arrival?

Yes. The Raja Ampat Marine Park permit is not included and is payable in IDR cash at the resort (listed as $83 in the trip materials).

Who is the trip leader and how do I book?

The Scuba.com trip leader is Devin Hoag. For booking inquiries email Devin at [email protected].

Are meals and Wi‑Fi provided?

Yes. The trip includes breakfast, family‑style lunches and dinners, and free Wi‑Fi throughout the resort.