Epic Voyage in Raja Ampat

This week, the Mermaid I just embarked on yet another epic voyage around Raja Ampat. Coincided with the full moon, the currents really brought the already beautiful reefs to life.

Starting the trip off by waking up in the midst of the stunning karst islands of Misool after an overnight crossing, back rolling straight into schooling fish actions above colourful soft corals and giant sea fans covered reefs. Classic Misool… Colours and fish everywhere!

Halfway into the trip, we set course due north and cruised overnight towards Penemu and the Dampier Strait in the central Raja Ampat area. We were immediately treated to even more schooling fish actions, particularly the Yellowtail Fusiliers, covering the whole reef until the visibility “drops”. One of the more memorable dives this week will be the one in the Mangroves of Yanggefo. A spectacular place where the tropical rainforest literally meets the ocean. We had great conditions with high tides and good visibility, allowing sunlight to shine through the mangrove roots and illuminating the marine life below.

Finishing the trip with another amazing encounter of a massive pod of Pilot Whale and Dolphins cutting across our bow and  accompanying us on the way back to Sorong. What a finish!

Christopher Pen

Mermaid I
January 3 -12, 2026

Click here for more information about our Raja Ampat cruises https://www.mermaid-liveaboards.com/destinations/raja-ampat-liveaboard/