Ring in the New Year in Raja Ampat, one of the most breathtaking dive destinations on Earth. Located in the heart of the Coral Triangle, Raja Ampat is famous for having the richest marine biodiversity in the world, with crystal clear water, vibrant reefs, manta rays, endless schools of fish, and some of the most spectacular diving on the planet.
This 9 night / 10 day adventure combines world class diving with the peaceful beauty of a remote tropical paradise. Our home for the trip will be Waiwo Dive Resort, a beautiful jungle-style beachfront resort designed to blend naturally into the surrounding environment. White sand beaches, lush jungle canopy, birds of paradise, and stunning ocean views create the perfect setting to disconnect from the chaos of everyday life and fully immerse yourself in adventure.
📍 Location: Stunning Raja Ampat — located in the heart of the Coral Triangle and home to the richest marine biodiversity on Earth. Think crystal clear water, vibrant reefs, jungle islands, and unreal marine life everywhere you look.
📅 Dates: 27 Dec 2027 – 5 Jan 2028
9 nights / 10 days celebrating New Year’s in paradise 🎆🥂 — the ultimate way to welcome 2028 beneath the surface.
🤿 Perfect For: Experienced divers, underwater photographers, marine life lovers, and adventurous travelers looking for a truly bucket list destination.
🐠 Diving Details: Enjoy 2 guided boat dives per day plus unlimited unguided house reef diving from 8 AM – 6 PM. Expect manta rays, wobbegong sharks, pygmy seahorses, massive schools of fish, colorful coral gardens, and some of the healthiest reefs on the planet.
🌡️ Water Temperature: Warm tropical water averaging 82°F / 28°C year round — perfect for long, comfortable dives.
🍽️ Full Board Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea, plus complimentary water, local tea, and coffee included daily. Fuel up between dives with fresh meals and island vibes ☀️🍍
🏝️ Accommodations: Stay at Waiwo Dive Resort, a peaceful jungle-style beachfront resort tucked beneath lush tropical canopy with beautiful white sand beaches and stunning ocean views.
🛏️ Room Options: Choose from Waterfront Villas 🌊, Sea View Rooms 🌅, or Garden Terrace Rooms 🌿 — all featuring A/C and western-style bathrooms with hot and cold water.
🦜 Above the Surface: Spot birds of paradise, relax beneath the jungle canopy, enjoy breathtaking sunsets, and celebrate New Year’s in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
📸 Perfect For Photographers: Raja Ampat is legendary for both wide angle and macro photography with endless opportunities for incredible underwater shots.
✈️ Travel Notes: Fly into Sorong (SOQ), Indonesia. Round Trip Airport Transfer is included.
As a PADI Course Director, I bring a wealth of experience and a deep passion for diving, travel, and crafting unforgettable adventures. 🤿
With over 40 countries explored, I’ve had the privilege of diving in some of the world’s most breathtaking underwater ecosystems while immersing myself in vibrant, diverse cultures. As your dedicated travel coordinator, I’m here to ensure that every dive trip is meticulously planned, offering you an experience filled with lasting memories. 🌍
I’m also deeply committed to ocean conservation. From reducing plastic waste to organizing shoreline clean-ups, I actively work towards sustainability in our dive community. Whether it’s making environmentally conscious decisions or diving with respect for marine life, I am passionate about protecting the oceans we love to explore. ♻️
As a veteran of the United States Army 🇺🇸, I bring a strong sense of commitment, discipline, and teamwork to everything I do, particularly in my training and dive trips. Whether you’re just starting your diving journey or are a seasoned explorer, I’m here to elevate your skills, boost your confidence, and foster a sense of camaraderie within our dive community.
So, if you're ready to dive deep and explore the world beneath the waves (and beyond), let’s make it happen. Adventure awaits! 🗺️
Nestled along a beautiful white sand beach in Raja Ampat, Waiwo Dive Resort offers a peaceful jungle-style escape designed to blend naturally into the surrounding environment. Rather than clearing large sections of land during construction, the resort worked carefully to preserve the local vegetation and jungle canopy, creating a truly unique atmosphere where nature remains front and center.
Hidden amongst the trees, the resort feels immersed in the jungle rather than built over it 🌿 The lush canopy helps keep the property naturally cool while creating opportunities to spot local wildlife right from the resort grounds, including colorful birds of paradise and the gentle Indonesian cuscus.
Accommodations are spread throughout the tropical landscape and include three room categories:
🌊 Waterfront Villas
🌅 Sea View Rooms
🌿 Garden Terrace Rooms
All rooms include:
❄️ Air conditioning
🚿 Western-style bathrooms with hot and cold water
🛏️ Twin or double bed options
🌴 Comfortable tropical styling designed for relaxation after a full day of diving
Some rooms are built in a traditional wood style while others feature stone construction, giving the resort a warm and authentic island feel while still offering modern comfort. Whether relaxing on the beach, enjoying the jungle ambiance, or preparing for another incredible dive day, Waiwo provides the perfect home base for exploring Raja Ampat.
The dive operation at Dive into Raja Ampat has recently undergone a major rebuild and upgrade, creating an even more comfortable and streamlined experience for guests exploring the incredible reefs of Raja Ampat.
Underwater photographers will especially love the brand new dedicated camera room 📸 featuring individual charging and workstation setups alongside separate camera rinse tanks to help keep your gear safe and organized throughout the trip.
Divers also now have access to a secure locker room for personal dive equipment storage, conveniently located directly across from the restaurant and central guest areas for easy access between dives and meals.
The dive boats have also received a complete upgrade, including redesigned layouts and new front canopies to provide additional protection from sun, wind, and rain while traveling between dive sites 🌊☀️
A typical dive day includes:
🤿 A 2 tank morning dive excursion
🍽️ Return to the resort for lunch and relaxation
🪸 A 1 tank optional add-on afternoon dive exploring even more of Raja Ampat’s world class reefs
Between the upgraded facilities, comfortable dive boats, incredible biodiversity, and easy access to stunning dive sites, the operation is designed to help guests maximize both comfort and underwater adventure throughout the trip.
December is a spectacular time to dive in Raja Ampat, with warm tropical waters, thriving reefs, and incredible marine biodiversity in every direction. The region sits within the Coral Triangle, making it one of the richest marine ecosystems on Earth and a dream destination for divers and underwater photographers alike. Divers can expect vibrant coral gardens, massive schools of fish, manta rays, reef sharks, wobbegongs, turtles, and an endless variety of macro life hiding amongst the reefs. December also brings lush green jungle landscapes, dramatic skies, and fewer crowds compared to some peak travel periods, creating a more relaxed and intimate experience both above and below the surface. Every dive feels alive in Raja Ampat, whether drifting through colorful soft corals, searching for tiny critters, or watching bait balls swirl across crystal clear reefs.
Getting to Raja Ampat is easier than many people think, and the journey is absolutely worth it once you arrive in paradise.
Our adventure is based out of Waiwo Dive Resort in Waisai, the gateway to Raja Ampat. The resort is home to Dive into Raja Ampat, the sister operation to the well known Dive into Lembeh and White Sands Beach Resort in North Sulawesi.
There are two common and relatively easy routes into Sorong (SOQ), the main airport serving Raja Ampat:
🇮🇩 Via Jakarta or Bali
Daily domestic flights operate from Jakarta to Sorong with airlines such as Garuda Indonesia and Batik Air. There are also flight options connecting through Bali.
🇸🇬 Via Singapore & Manado
Another popular option is flying through Singapore into Manado, North Sulawesi. Many divers choose to spend a night — or even a few extra days — exploring the famous Lembeh Strait, known as the “macro capital of the world,” before taking the early morning flight to Sorong.
Once you arrive in Sorong, a member of the Dive into Raja Ampat team will meet you at the airport and assist with transfers to the ferry terminal.
From Sorong, you’ll take a fast ferry to Waisai on Waigeo Island.
⏰ Ferry duration: Approximately 2 hours
🕘 Departure times from Sorong: 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM daily
🕑 Return ferries from Waisai to Sorong: 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM daily
We strongly recommend arriving into Sorong with enough buffer time to comfortably connect with the ferry schedule. Additional travel guidance and recommended flight timing will be provided closer to the trip.
Be sure to checkout the Seaira Dives Amazon Recommendations: CLICK HERE
The Seaira Dives ShopMy gathers favorite dive equipment, travel staples, and adventure gear that have been tested in real ocean conditions and trusted on real trips. Explore ShopMy
THE SEAIRA DIVES EDIT
This is a hand selected collection of the brands, gear, and ocean lifestyle essentials we genuinely use in real dive conditions. From long boat days and travel to back to back training dives, every recommendation here has earned a place in the Seaira Dives world.
Welcome to the Seaira Dives Amazon Store, your one stop shop for all things scuba. Whether you are just getting started or leveling up your dive game, you will find Ciara’s go to gear, starter kits, must have accessories, and Save a Dive essentials selected for safety, performance, and serious underwater fun.
SEAIRA COLLECTION
After years of diving, teaching, and traveling around the world, Ciara is constantly asked what she actually uses and recommends. The Seaira Dives ShopMy gathers favorite dive equipment, travel staples, and adventure gear that have been tested in real ocean conditions and trusted on real trips.
These are the products that travel with us, live in our dive bags, and show up in the rhythm of real ocean life. Performance matters. Sustainability matters. Loving what you use matters too.
OCEAN BEAUTY
Seaira Dives is absolutely loving KOOK’s sunscreen and pre swim hair mask. These are go to essentials for long dive days, tropical trips, and serious time in the ocean. The hair mask is especially clutch because it does not just wash away after one dive.
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LAYERING ESSENTIAL
Ciara swears by the Kahu Poncho for warming up between dives and bringing comfort to life on the water. We also love that they are made from recycled plastic bottles, making them a natural fit for the Seaira Dives lifestyle.
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REEF SAFE MUST HAVES
Ciara literally buys the reef safe mask defog in bulk because it works that well. We are also huge fans of Stream2Sea’s shampoo, conditioner, and aloe post sun. It is an eco conscious brand we are always happy to support.
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SUN SAFE STYLE
Waterlust is a full Seaira Dives obsession. Their sun suits are Ciara’s go to for long days in the sun and in the water. We love supporting an eco conscious, body positive business that gives back and creates apparel built for adventure.
In addition to what you would normally pack for a tropical dive vacation, we also recommend:
🦟 Bug Spray
Tropical islands and jungle environments can mean mosquitoes, especially in the evenings.
👙 Swimsuits
Bring at least 2–3 so you always have a dry option between dives.
🪸 Rash Guards / Exposure Protection
Great for sun protection, comfort on repetitive dives, and protection from the occasional jellyfish or hydroids.
🤿 Scuba Gear
Bring your personal gear if possible, especially items like your mask, dive computer, SMB, and exposure suit. Rental gear availability may be limited.
🌡️ 3mm Wetsuit or Dive Skin
Water temperatures average around 82°F / 28°C, but many divers appreciate a little extra warmth on repetitive dives.
☀️ Hat & Sunglasses
The tropical sun in Raja Ampat is strong, especially on dive boats.
🧴 Reef Safe Sunscreen
Please help protect the reefs by using reef safe sunscreen whenever possible 🌎
💧 Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated in the tropical heat while reducing plastic waste.
🏖️ Beach Towel
Perfect for relaxing between dives or hanging out at the resort.
👕 Light, Breathable Clothing
Expect warm, humid tropical weather. Lightweight, quick drying clothing works best.
👟 Comfortable Sandals or Water Shoes
Helpful for walking around the resort, docks, boats, and beach areas.
🌧️ Light Rain Jacket or Poncho
December is tropical and lush, so brief rain showers can happen.
🔌 Power Adapter
Indonesia commonly uses plug types C and F with 230V electricity. A universal travel adapter is highly recommended.
💵 Cash (Indonesian Rupiah - IDR)
Useful for tips, small purchases, ferry expenses, and local fees. Credit cards are not always accepted everywhere.
📸 Camera Gear & Extra Memory Cards
Raja Ampat is an underwater photographer’s dream. Bring spare batteries, chargers, memory cards, and any camera maintenance supplies you may need.
🔋 Dry Bag & Portable Battery Pack
Helpful for protecting electronics during boat rides and long travel days.
💊 Seasickness Medication
Some dive sites involve longer boat rides or open water crossings. If you are prone to seasickness, come prepared.
🦜 Binoculars
Fantastic for spotting birds of paradise and other wildlife around the islands.
🧺 Post Dive Cozy Clothes
Light sweatpants, leggings, or a hoodie are perfect for relaxing after a full day of diving.
🛂 Passport & Travel Documents
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. Keep digital and printed copies of important travel documents.
Even when you’re not underwater, Raja Ampat offers incredible opportunities for adventure, wildlife encounters, and relaxation above the surface.
🛶 Blue River Sightseeing Excursion
Explore Raja Ampat’s famous Blue River, known for its unreal crystal clear turquoise water surrounded by lush jungle scenery. This peaceful excursion is perfect for photography, swimming, and taking in the incredible natural beauty of the islands.
💰 Cost: $275 per vehicle
👥 Maximum: 4 guests per car
🦜 Birding for Birds of Paradise
Experience one of Raja Ampat’s most iconic wildlife encounters with an early morning birding excursion searching for the legendary Birds of Paradise in their natural habitat.
💰 Cost: $100 per person
👥 Minimum: 2 participants required
🌅 Beach Relaxation
Unwind on beautiful white sand beaches, relax beneath the jungle canopy, or enjoy peaceful ocean views between adventures.
📸 Photography
Raja Ampat is a dream destination for photographers with stunning island landscapes, tropical wildlife, crystal clear water, and unforgettable sunsets.
🥾 Jungle & Nature Walks
Explore the lush tropical surroundings of the resort while spotting local wildlife including tropical birds and the gentle Indonesian cuscus.
🐠 Snorkeling
The reefs of Raja Ampat are spectacular even from the surface, making snorkeling an amazing activity for non-divers and ocean lovers alike.
🚤 Island & Scenic Boat Excursions
Cruise through Raja Ampat’s breathtaking limestone islands, turquoise lagoons, and dramatic jungle landscapes while soaking in some of the most beautiful scenery on Earth.
Looking to add even more adventure to your time in Raja Ampat? Guests at Dive into Raja Ampat can enhance their experience with additional dives, snorkeling trips, and specialty excursions.
🌊 Extra Boat Dives
Add additional dives beyond the included package.
💰 $50 per dive
🐠 Guided House Reef Day Dive
Explore the beautiful house reef with a guide.
💰 $25 per diver
👥 Minimum 2 divers required
📌 Available for guests with pre-booked dive packages
🌌 Unguided House Reef Night Dive
Experience the reef after dark at your own pace.
💰 $20 per diver
👥 Minimum 2 divers required
📌 Available for guests with pre-booked dive packages
🔦 Guided House Reef Night Dive
Discover Raja Ampat’s incredible nocturnal marine life with a guide.
💰 $35 per diver
👥 Minimum 2 divers required
📌 Available for guests with pre-booked dive packages
🚤 Boat Night Dive
Venture farther from the resort for a guided night diving experience by boat.
💰 $65 per diver
👥 Minimum 2 divers required
📌 Available for guests with pre-booked dive packages
🏞️ Piaynemo Dive Excursion Surcharge
Dive the iconic Piaynemo region, famous for dramatic limestone islands and breathtaking scenery both above and below the surface.
💰 $75 per diver
👥 Minimum 4 divers required
🐢 Snorkeling Trip on the Dive Boat
Perfect for non-divers or relaxing surface intervals while enjoying Raja Ampat’s crystal clear reefs.
💰 $35 per person
📌 Subject to availability
YES! You’ll need a valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond the end of the trip. Indonesia is very strict about passport validity, so double check those dates early!
Many travelers can obtain an Indonesian Visa on Arrival, but requirements vary by nationality. Please check the latest Indonesian entry requirements based on your passport country before travel.
Yes. This trip is designed for certified divers due to the remote nature of Raja Ampat and the diving conditions. Advanced Open Water certification is strongly recommended, along with recent diving experience.
Absolutely! Rental equipment may be available through the dive center, but quantities can be limited in Raja Ampat. We highly recommend reserving gear well in advance if needed.
Advanced Open Water is highly recommended. Some dive sites may have currents, and Raja Ampat is best enjoyed by divers who are comfortable with buoyancy, boat diving, and drift diving.
Nitrox availability will be confirmed closer to the trip. Many divers prefer Nitrox in Raja Ampat because of the repetitive diving schedule and longer no decompression limits.
Water temperatures average around 82°F / 28°C year round. Most divers are comfortable in a 3mm wetsuit, though some prefer a rash guard or full skin for additional sun and marine life protection.
Some dive sites require longer boat rides and open ocean crossings. If you are prone to seasickness, we strongly recommend speaking with your doctor about preventative medication before the trip. Bonine, Dramamine, patches, and ginger products are commonly used by divers.
The official language is Bahasa Indonesia, though English is commonly spoken at dive resorts and within the tourism industry. Learning a few local phrases is always appreciated!
Indonesia uses the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Credit cards are accepted at some resorts and businesses, but cash is strongly recommended for small purchases, tips, ferry tickets, and local expenses.
December is warm, tropical, and lush in Raja Ampat 🌴 Expect daytime temperatures around 80–88°F (27–31°C) with occasional tropical rain showers that help keep the islands vibrant and green. Rain typically comes and goes quickly and does not usually impact diving significantly.
December generally offers warm water, excellent marine life activity, and beautiful reef conditions. Some sites may experience currents, which is part of what makes Raja Ampat so nutrient rich and biodiverse. Visibility can vary depending on weather and tides but is often excellent.
Raja Ampat is one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on Earth 🐠 Divers commonly encounter manta rays, wobbegong sharks, reef sharks, turtles, pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, schooling fish, massive coral gardens, and endless macro life.
Possibly! If two solo travelers are interested in sharing accommodations, Ciara will help introduce roommates when possible. If a suitable roommate match cannot be found, the single supplement may apply for a private room.
Yes, Raja Ampat is generally considered very safe for travelers. The area is remote, peaceful, and heavily focused on eco tourism and diving. As with any international destination, travelers should use standard precautions and maintain awareness of their surroundings.
Non-divers are still welcome to enjoy the stunning scenery, white sand beaches, jungle atmosphere, bird watching, relaxation, photography, snorkeling, and island vibes throughout the trip 🌅
Guests will fly into Sorong (SOQ), Indonesia. From there, the group will transfer to the ferry terminal and take a fast ferry to Waisai on Waigeo Island 🚤 Additional travel guidance and recommended flights will be provided closer to the trip.
YES! Dive insurance or health insurance that specifically covers scuba diving is mandatory for this trip.
We strongly recommend:
DAN Trip Insurance
DAN Dive Accident Insurance
Absolutely 📸 Raja Ampat is considered one of the best underwater photography destinations in the world for both wide angle and macro photography. Bring extra memory cards because you will absolutely need them.
Need gear for the trip? Dive into Raja Ampat offers rental equipment for guests who prefer to travel lighter. We strongly recommend reserving rental equipment in advance, as quantities may be limited.
🤿 Full Set with Dive Computer
$13 per dive
$35 per day
$180 per week
🤿 Full Set without Dive Computer
$10 per dive
$25 per day
$150 per week
🦺 BCD
$8 per dive
$10 per day
$50 per week
⚙️ Regulator
$8 per dive
$10 per day
$50 per week
🌡️ Wetsuit
$5 per dive
$8 per day
$45 per week
👀 Mask, Snorkel & Fins
$15 per day
$90 per week
⌚ Dive Computer
$15 per day
$90 per week
💨 Nitrox
$7 per dive
$20 per day
🛢️ 15L Tank Upgrade
$7 per dive
$17 per day
🔦 Dive Torch
$10 per dive
We still recommend bringing your personal mask, dive computer, and exposure protection whenever possible for maximum comfort and familiarity underwater.
Please read and review CLICK HERE
All rooms are double occupancy. We will do our best to find you a roommate, but in the event we cannot you will need to book the single supplement fee.
Deposits are non-refundable
We recommend Divers Alert Network (DAN) Trip Insurance: CLICK HERE
You can also become a DAN member and sign up for specific dive coverage CLICK HERE
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date you plan to return home from your trip to Raja Ampat.
It is your responsibility to review and meet the vaccination, visa, immigration, and entry requirements for Indonesia and any countries you may transit through during your travels.
Dive accident insurance, including medical evacuation coverage, is mandatory for all divers on this trip. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate coverage and carry proof of insurance during travel.
We strongly recommend both DAN Dive Accident Insurance and comprehensive travel insurance with trip cancellation/interruption coverage.
Your proof of scuba certification and dive logbook may be checked during check-in at the dive center to verify your certification level and diving experience. Please ensure you bring these documents, as failure to do so could impact your ability to participate in diving activities.
Divers must be medically fit to dive and meet the medical standards outlined by Seaira Dives Travel and the local dive operator.
Diving schedules in Raja Ampat may change due to weather, sea conditions, ferry schedules, tides, or operational needs. Guests are responsible for checking with the dive center upon arrival to confirm dive timings and schedules.
Your package price does not include marine park fees, ferry tickets, airport transfers, dive equipment rental, additional dives, night dives, excursion fees, gratuities, or optional activities unless specifically stated otherwise.
Taxes, levies, marine park fees, ferry costs, fuel surcharges, harbor fees, government fees, and operational costs in Indonesia may change before or after booking due to government policy, fuel pricing, weather conditions, or operator decisions. These changes are outside the control of Seaira Dives Travel, and travelers are responsible for any applicable increases.
Travel insurance is not included in your package price. Seaira Dives strongly recommends purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip delays, cancellations, medical emergencies, evacuation coverage, and weather-related disruptions.
Indonesia uses Type C and F electrical outlets with 230V power. Travelers are responsible for bringing appropriate travel adaptors and converters if needed.
In the event of rescheduled bookings or operational changes involving resorts, ferries, or dive operators in Indonesia, payments made toward the original booking remain non-refundable and standard cancellation terms continue to apply.
Travelers are responsible for staying informed regarding Indonesia’s current entry requirements, health protocols, airline requirements, and any transit country regulations before departure.
Changes to airline schedules, ferry schedules, entry requirements, visa policies, government regulations, or resort operations are outside the control of Seaira Dives Travel and do not constitute grounds for reimbursement or cancellation outside standard trip policies.
The Service Provider reserves the right to make operational changes or amendments to itineraries, accommodations, dive schedules, or trip logistics before or during the trip due to weather conditions, safety concerns, transportation issues, government restrictions, or operational needs.
Double Accommodation
2 morning boat dives a day
2 Night Dives from the Boat
Unlimited Unguided Housereef Dive 8AM - 6PM
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Round Trip Airport Transfer
Train with Ciara!
Custom Trip Swag
$20 per day
Raja Ampat Marine Park Fee
Our new waterfront villas are the jewels of the resort. Aircon, western style bathroom with waterfront balcony. The Villas have a fantastic unspoiled sea view
Napoleon 1 is the largest of sea view Bungalows. This stand-alone concreteBungalow comes with anextra-largewalk-inbathroom and sea facingbalcony.This room comes equipped with one double bedand an extra single bed can be added to make it a twin share
Seaview - Napoleon 2: Large room in the same style room as Napoleon 1with a front facing balcony. This room also has space to add an extra single bed to make it a twin share.
Garuda has been built in a traditional wood style with a very high ceiling inside the sleeping room. Aircon, large walk in ensuite western bathroom, front facing sea view balcony and one double bed.
Garden View rooms are concrete duplexes with air conditioning, ensuite bathrooms, and private balconies.They offer a cozy retreat with a spacious layout, modern amenities, and serene garden views, ideal for relaxation during leisure travel.
