Under the Stars: Night Diving in Raja Ampat

Night dives are always a highlight of the Mermaid II Raja Ampat expedition, and this journey proved no exception. As the sun dipped below the horizon and the sky melted into deep purples and inky blues, anticipation built among the guests. Night diving has a special kind of magic—reef
scenes transform, daytime fish retreat to their hiding places, and a completely different cast of characters emerges. With the jetty acting as a natural beacon for marine life, divers were rewarded with an extraordinary showcase of some of the ocean’s most unusual and fascinating creatures.

The jetty night dives quickly became a favourite for many aboard Mermaid II. Bathed in torchlight and shadows, the sandy bottom and pilings revealed an astonishing variety of weird and wonderful critters. Tiny eyes glinted back from the darkness, and careful observers were rewarded with sightings that would be nearly impossible during the day. It was here that guests were treated to a truly rare encounter—not one, but two different species of frogfish on the same trip.

Frogfish are masters of disguise, blending seamlessly into their surroundings with textured skin, irregular shapes, and an uncanny ability to remain perfectly still. Spotting one is always a thrill, but finding two distinct species together elevated the experience to something truly special. The spot tail frogfish, with its compact body and distinctive markings, was a highlight for underwater photographers. Perched patiently on the substrate, it appeared almost sculpted from coral, relying on camouflage rather than speed to ambush unsuspecting prey.

Equally captivating was the marble mouth frogfish, a species that lives up to its name with an intricately patterned mouth and mottled coloration. Seeing the two species side by side during the same expedition offered guests a rare opportunity to compare their differences in shape, texture, and behaviour. For many divers, these encounters were the kind of bucket-list moments that define a world-class liveaboard experience in Raja Ampat.

As if the frogfish weren’t enough, the night dives continued to deliver surprises. Another standout moment came with the discovery of a reptilian snake eel, partially buried in the sand with only its head protruding. With its elongated snout, sharp teeth, and almost prehistoric appearance, the snake eel looked like something from another era. Remaining motionless, it waited patiently for prey to wander too close, providing divers with a mesmerising glimpse into the art of ambush predation. Encounters like this perfectly capture the essence of night diving, quiet, suspenseful, and endlessly
fascinating.

Between dives, life aboard Mermaid II was relaxed and social. Guests shared stories, reviewed photos, and relived the excitement of each dive over meals and conversations on deck. The crew’s attention to detail and deep knowledge of the region ensured that every dive was carefully planned and expertly guided, allowing guests to make the most of each site while feeling safe and supported.

The adventure wasn’t limited to underwater exploration. On one particularly memorable day, guests enjoyed a walk up to the P. Nemo viewpoint, a rewarding excursion that offered breathtaking panoramic views of Raja Ampat’s iconic limestone karst islands. The hike itself was a welcome stretch of the legs after days of diving, and the viewpoint provided a moment to pause and truly appreciate the raw beauty of the region. From above, the vivid turquoise waters, emerald-green islands, and intricate reef systems painted a picture that was every bit as impressive as what lay beneath the surface.

Weather conditions played a key role in the success of the expedition, and guests were fortunate to enjoy fine weather for the majority of the trip. Calm seas and clear skies allowed for smooth crossings between dive sites and maximised time spent enjoying the outdoor spaces aboard
Mermaid II. The sundeck quickly became a favourite gathering spot, offering the perfect place to relax between dives, soak up the tropical sunshine, or unwind with a book while taking in sweeping ocean views.

As the days passed, a comfortable rhythm settled in, dive, eat, rest, repeat, punctuated by moments of awe and excitement. Raja Ampat’s reputation as one of the most biodiverse marine environments on the planet was reaffirmed with every descent. From macro marvels like frogfish and snake eels to the vibrant reef life that filled the shallows, each dive offered something new and memorable.

By the end of the expedition, it was clear that this Mermaid II journey had delivered on every front. Exceptional night dives, rare marine encounters, stunning landscapes, and favourable weather combined to create an unforgettable experience for all on board. Guests departed not only with full memory cards and logbooks but with lasting memories of shared adventures, quiet moments beneath the stars, and the unmistakable magic that makes Raja Ampat.

For many, the highlights were impossible to narrow down to just one moment. Yet the image of frogfish lurking patiently under torchlight, a snake eel peering from the sand, and the warm glow of sunset viewed from the sundeck will remain etched in their minds long after the journey ended. The Mermaid II Raja Ampat expedition once again proved why it is considered a standout experience in the world of liveaboard diving, where every day, and every night, brings the promise of discovery.

Natalie Turner-Blackman

Mermaid II
Sorong – Raja Ampat – Sorong
January 19 to 27, 2026

There’s more than diving in Raja Ampat. Check out here fohttps://www.mermaid-liveaboards.com/destinations/raja-ampat-liveaboard/