An Awe-inspiring Raja Ampat Journey

This week, the Mermaid I, just returned from yet another amazing 10-day voyage around the rich waters of Raja Ampat. An awe-inspiring journey full of unforgettable memories of diverse marine life encounters. Impressing even the most frequent repeaters!

Starting down south in Misool, we were immediately welcomed by excellent conditions with crystal clear blue waters allowing sunlight to illuminate the bouquets of colourful soft corals and sea fans down below. As usual, schools of fish were plentiful around the vibrant reefs, while the apex predators patrolled the blue and the graceful Reef Manta Ray circled above its cleaning station. This time, we had unusually many close encounters with sharks, particularly with the Grey Reefs and Blacktip Reef Sharks, and some even came just inches from us! It’s amazing to see how the once diminished shark population is now thriving thanks to many conservation efforts.

Halfway into the trip, we sailed north towards Penemu. Taking a little break from diving, we enjoyed a little hike up to the famous viewpoint on top of Penemu Island, overlooking turquoise lagoons dotted with dramatic karst limestone islands below.

Back in the water, we spent the latter half of the trip diving around Penemu and the Dampier Strait. This area offers stunning fields of hard coral gardens, more schooling fish actions, and, of course, the unique bluewater mangroves. The highlight, however, is finding a number of Wobbegong Sharks in a single dive, even a free-swimming one!

Finishing the trip off with another amazing Manta Ray encounter on our last dive, where 3 Reef Mantas curiously circled around us as we drifted across a long sandy plateau. “Wow, what a finish!” Said one of the guests

Mermaid I

Raja Ampat
January 13 to 22, 2026

Christopher Pen

Check out Mermaid I and II Raja Ampat Diving and Snorkeling Cruise here https://www.mermaid-liveaboards.com/destinations/raja-ampat-liveaboard/