A Day Aboard Ambai Liveaboard by Wallacea Dive Cruise

A Raja Ampat liveaboard experience is the ultimate way to immerse yourself in the world’s richest marine biodiversity. This is exactly why the Ambai Liveaboard was designed: to deliver a seamless journey with everything a diver could possibly need.

From pre-dawn dive briefings mapping out untouched reefs to the quiet satisfaction of watching the sun dip below the horizon from the sundeck, this diving cruise immerses you entirely in the beautiful rhythms of the sea.

What Makes Raja Ampat Worth a Liveaboard?

A liveaboard offers unparalleled access to remote, pristine dive sites that day boats simply cannot reach. Instead of enduring long daily commutes from the shore, you wake up moored directly over your dive site.

This efficiency allows for 4 to 5 dives per day, compared to the standard 2 to 3 offered by land-based resorts. For the ultimate Raja Ampat tour, the best time to visit is between October and April, when the seas are calmest and water visibility peaks between 15 and 30 meters.

Why choose a liveaboard over a land-based resort?

While land-based resorts offer a fantastic experience, a liveaboard like the Ambai elevates your trip by maximizing your time underwater and expanding your reach. Here is why a liveaboard is often the preferred choice for dedicated divers:

1. Unmatched Mobility

Raja Ampat is massive, spanning over 40,000 square kilometers. A liveaboard can cruise hundreds of nautical miles to reach isolated, pristine reefs in areas like Misool or Wayag that are simply inaccessible to day boats.

2. Zero Commute Time

Instead of spending hours traveling back and forth from a resort to dive sites every single day, you wake up already moored at the best locations. You can step out of bed, grab a coffee, and dive right in.

3. More Dives per Day

Because you eliminate transit time, liveaboards comfortably offer up to 4 or 5 dives a day (including night dives), compared to the standard 2 or 3 offered by most land-based operations.

4. Following the Best Conditions

A liveaboard captain can adjust the itinerary on the fly, moving the boat to find the best visibility, avoid bad weather, or track localized marine life action.

5. Complete Immersion

There is something incredibly special about disconnecting from land. You eat, sleep, and breathe the ocean, sharing the journey with a tight-knit group of like-minded diving enthusiasts.

Meet Ambai — The Boat Behind the Experience

What sets the MV Ambai apart from larger fleet vessels is its dedication to small-group intimacy and highly personalized dive guiding. Hand-built in Sulawesi, the Ambai is a traditional Indonesian Phinisi, a beautiful wooden sailing vessel crafted specifically for divers by the team at Wallacea Dive Cruise.

With a 1:4 dive guide-to-guest ratio, you are guaranteed an attentive, uncrowded underwater experience backed by top-tier PADI and SSI safety standards.

MV Ambai Specifications:

- Vessel Type: Traditional Phinisi wooden liveaboard

- Length: 32 meters

- Guest Capacity: 16 guests

- Accommodations: 8 cabins

- Diver Support: 1:4 guide-to-guest ratio

- Gas & Air: Nitrox available (fill station) and 2 air compressors

- Equipment: Full rental gear available onboard

- Tenders: 3 dedicated dive tenders (dinghies)

- Trip Durations: 7-night, 10-night, and 14-night options

- Starting Price: From $5,628 USD per person (7 nights, shared cabin)

- Inclusions: All meals, all dives, park fees, and airport transfers

- Exclusions: Flights, dive equipment rental, alcohol, and tips

Life Onboard: Comfort Meets Adventure

Ambai’s decks are designed for ultimate comfort, ensuring you can relax fully while still feeling the thrill of the adventure.

1. Upper Deck

Mainly dedicated to the crew, this deck also features two premium cabins for guests who love waking up to an ocean view. If you are sleeping on the lower deck, do not worry! You can still enjoy 180-degree panoramic ocean views and feel the sun on your skin from the spacious sundeck.

2. Main Deck

The social heart of the vessel. You can relax in the lounge or enjoy a sunset dinner in the restaurant. Similar to the Seahorse, the Ambai features a dedicated camera room to keep your photography equipment safe and dry. The main deck also houses the spacious dive deck, where all your gear is securely prepped and stored.

3. Lower Deck

Your peaceful rest area after a long day of Raja Ampat diving. Cabins feature comfortable double or twin beds with excellent, uniform facilities, making it easy to settle in and recharge.

The Dives — What You'll Actually See Underwater

Diving in Raja Ampat with MV Ambai Diving Cruise

Raja Ampat is home to 75% of all known coral species on Earth. An itinerary aboard the Ambai places you face-to-face with marine life that ranges from 2cm pygmy seahorses hiding on gorgonian fans to manta rays boasting wingspans of up to 5 meters. Key dive sites you can expect to explore include:

- Cape Kri: Famous for holding the world record for fish biodiversity. Dr. Gerald Allen famously recorded an astounding 374 distinct fish species in a single dive here.

- Manta Sandy: A reliable cleaning station for resident oceanic manta rays, best experienced between October and April.

- Blue Magic: An offshore pinnacle known for dense schooling fish, pelagic action, and occasional hammerhead sharks.

- Sardine Reef: Despite the name, you won't find sardines here—but you will find massive schools of baitfish being actively hunted by giant trevally.

- Pianemo: Iconic for its stunning limestone karst islands topside, and spectacular, vibrant reef structures below.

- Arborek Jetty: A macro photographer's paradise, teeming with nudibranchs, pipefish, and schooling fish under the wooden pylons.

- The Passage (Gam Island): A shallow, river-like channel running through the mangroves, offering a highly unique marine ecosystem where the jungle meets the reef.

Note: Regular whale shark sightings frequently occur near Cenderawasih Bay on extended Wallacea itineraries.

Beyond Diving — What Ambai Offers Above the Surface

While diving the dynamic currents of Raja Ampat aboard the Ambai requires prior experience, your adventure will extend far beyond your time underwater. During surface intervals, this breathtaking archipelago of over 1,500 islands, cays, and shoals offers spectacular topside and shallow-water experiences to complete your journey.

1. Snorkeling & Kayaking

With excellent snorkeling visibility that easily matches dive visibility (15–25m), the house reefs are spectacular. You can also take one of the boat's kayaks to paddle through quiet mangroves and towering limestone karsts.

2. Topside Treks

Raja Ampat is one of the only places on Earth to see Wilson's Bird of Paradise, found exclusively on the Waigeo and Batanta islands. You can also visit the Love Lagoon in Misool Island and get romantic moment beyond the underwater adventure.

3. Cultural Excursions

Visit local communities, tribe, and village to experience responsible tourism and purchase local handicrafts. One of the most popular tribe in Raja Ampat is Ma'ya or Maya, which live for generations in Misool.

4. Sundeck Culture

If your goal is ultimate relaxation, the Ambai's sundeck offers hammocks, undisturbed silence, and zero light pollution for incredible stargazing.

5. Food & Photography

The onboard chef accommodates dietary requirements while serving high-quality meals and fresh catches. For underwater photographers, the spacious camera room, Nitrox availability for longer bottom times, and expert spotting by the guides make getting the perfect shot seamless.

Ambai Rates, Itineraries & What's Included

Whether you are looking for a week-long escape or a two-week deep dive into the archipelago, the Ambai offers flexible itineraries during the peak October–April season. Ambai trips traditionally book out 3 to 6 months in advance, so early planning is highly recommended.

- Trip Length Options: 7-night, 10-night, and 14-night itineraries. Ask the Wallacea Team to help you choose the best fit.

- Group Options: Group discounts and full private charter options are available upon request.

What is Included:

- All onboard meals and snacks

- All guided dives (up to 4-5 per day)

- Nitrox (for certified divers)

- Raja Ampat marine park entry fees

- Airport transfers to/from the vessel

What is Excluded:

- Domestic and international flights

- Dive equipment rental (available onboard)

- Alcoholic beverages

- Crew gratuities

Price of Ambai is usually start from 4,905 euro per guest and all price depending on itineraries and destination that you choose. To view the most up-to-date pricing by cabin type, deposit requirements, and cancellation policies, visit the Wallacea Dive Cruise scheduling page.

How to Book Your Ambai Liveaboard with Wallacea Dive Cruise

Booking your dream trip is designed to be completely frictionless.

- Enquiry: Start by reaching out via email, WhatsApp, or the online enquiry form to check the availability calendar.

- Confirmation & Deposit: Once your dates and cabin are selected, you will secure your spot with a deposit.

- Pre-Trip Information: Wallacea will send a comprehensive pre-trip packet detailing packing lists, required documents, and arrival instructions.

With years of operation, thousands of satisfied guests, and strict eco-certifications, Wallacea Dive Cruise ensures a safe, seamless, and unforgettable adventure. Ready to dive in? Contact the team at Wallacea Dive Cruise today.

FAQ

1. How many dives per day can I do on Ambai in Raja Ampat?

Ambai offers 4 to 5 dives daily, including an optional night dive. All dives are guided by experienced dive master's intimately familiar with Raja Ampat's best sites.

2. Is the Ambai liveaboard suitable for beginner divers?

Yes. Ambai welcomes Open Water certified divers. Dive guides provide personalized support, and itineraries include beginner-friendly shallow reefs as well as advanced dive sites.

3. What is the best time of year to dive in Raja Ampat on a liveaboard?

October to April offers the best conditions, calm seas, strong visibility of 15 to 30 meters, and peak marine life activity, including manta ray aggregations.

4. What is included in the Ambai liveaboard price?

The price includes all meals, guided dives, Nitrox, Raja Ampat park entry fees, and airport transfers. Flights, dive equipment rental, and gratuities are excluded.

5. How far in advance should I book Ambai?

Ambai trips typically fill 3 to 6 months ahead, especially for the peak season from October to April. Early booking is strongly recommended to secure your preferred cabin type.

Raja Ampat Liveaboard Highlights: Exploring the Deep with MV Ambai

What Makes Raja Ampat Worth a Liveaboard?