Raja Ampat is not a place you rush. It’s a place you drift through island to island, reef to reef, guided by tides, light and breath. This freediving liveaboard is designed for those who want to move slowly, dive deeply (internally), and experience Raja Ampat from the water - the way it’s meant to be seen.
Join us for an incredible voyage from Ambon to Raja Ampat. We'll leave the modern world behind and cruise through some of the most pristine islands and remote reefs in Indonesia.
This is one of our favourite trips because it lets us experience a real variety of regions: Ambon, the Banda Islands, Seram, and of course Misool and Central Raja Ampat. It's a transit trip, so at times we'll be out in the blue with no land in sight, just the hiss of the bow wave and the low hum of the engine as we cruise along, keeping an eye out for flying fish, dolphins and whales.
Raja Ampat sits at the heart of the Coral Triangle and offers some of the richest marine life on the planet.
Freediving here allows you to move gently through these precious ecosystems silent, slow and respectful, with no bubbles becoming part of the scene rather than a visitor passing through it.
Each day we explore remote reefs and sheltered lagoons by boat, choosing sites based on conditions, currents and visibility, not rigid schedules, every experience is unique. Sessions are unhurried and adapted to the group, with space for exploration, play, SUP, photography, and quiet observation.
This is not a numbers-driven freediving trip. It’s about comfort in the water, connection to nature, and time below the surface.
Queenesia II is a traditional Indonesian phinisi liveaboard well suited to freediving-focused travel in Raja Ampat - stable, spacious, and comfortable for extended time at sea. Built in 2016 from durable ironwood, it combines traditional craftsmanship with modern elegance, offering both resilience and sophistication.
Returning from our last trip on Queenesia II we were blown away by the attentiveness of the crew, the food was amazing and the smooth sailing on Queenesia was beautiful. Just what we wanted for our freediving adventure, liveaboard is the by far the best way to explore Raja Ampat.
Day 1: We pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Ambon port, where you'll be welcomed aboard Queenesia II, your home for the next 10 days.
After setting off we'll spend the afternoon freediving, checking skill levels and helping everyone settle into their dives and buddy routine. There's a great dive site nearby, so we can spend most of our time here before leaving at sunset for the overnight crossing to the historic Banda Islands.
The Banda Islands once saw fierce battles over their highly prized nutmeg, and have more recently become a sleepy getaway for adventurous travellers. The diving is fantastic, often with great visibility, and encounters with large pelagics are common. Schooling hammerheads are often spotted at this time of year, and whales are frequently seen around the islands too. Above water you'll find volcanoes, 17th century forts and old cannons lying in the street as you stroll by.
North of the Bandas are the islands to the east of Seram. Rarely visited, this is where we'll spend a day drift diving along a shallow reef top, finishing at a spectacular site aptly named "Too Many Fish". There's also the option to dive a colourful wall covered in barrel sponges and sleeping turtles. Our last trip here was a highlight and we're excited to return.
Continuing north, we'll make an overnight crossing to Misool, one of the premier regions of Raja Ampat. You'll notice the breathtaking topography straight away: jungle-topped karst islets towering above us while sea eagles patrol overhead. We'll spend a couple of days exploring the underwater world, plus hidden caves, secluded beaches, and maybe a trek to a viewpoint to take it all in.
Another highlight of this trip is spending a day or two in Central Raja Ampat. The Dampier Strait has arguably some of the best diving in the whole region: expansive coral gardens, jetties teeming with life, mangrove ridges, walls, and white sand beaches with beautiful sloping reef just metres offshore. There are plenty of epic dive sites close together, so we'll choose the best on the day, while still making sure we get away from the crowd and connect with nature.
Do I need to know how to Freedive?
You only need to know how to swim, we will teach an intro to freediving to help improve your snorkeling experience. The advanced freedivers will also have the opportunity to learn from our professionals, we have over 20 years combinded experience teaching freediving, you are in safe hands. Pre trip - we can help organise freedive courses and coaching in Amed, Bali.
What is the weather and ocean temp?
The air temperature is 28-30 degrees, Sunny and humid. The ocean temp ranges from 28-30 degrees all year, you will probably only need a rash guard and leggings to protect from the sun, a full length wetsuit 2mm is good for long dives if you feel the cold. Rental is available for the week.
Where do I fly in to ?
The boat departs from Ambon port, the airport is Ambon (AMQ). We recomend arriving the day before departure to allow for flight delays. On return we will land back in Sorong port, airport (SOQ) around lunch time.
Do I need a Visa for Indonesia?
Please check with your local embassy, it is your responsibility to travel with the correct Visa and insurance.
How do I book?
Please contact us at info@abovebelow.life | Please state the liveaboard dates and cabin you wish to book, to hold your spot we will send you a payment invoice for 30% deposit - balances are due 60 days before departure.
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