Exploring Raja Ampat, Indonesia, with Rascal Voyages

Rooms:

Each of the five ensuite rooms on board are all different. The master suite, offering a panoramic view of the aft, is the largest, while another room on the second level overlooks the bow. The three rooms on the first level, adjacent to both indoor and outdoor dining areas, are more compact. One of these features a bunk accommodating three people, while the rest offer queen or king beds, with a maximum capacity of two people each.

Daily Activities:

Although Raja Ampat is a divers’ paradise, you do not have to scuba dive to enjoy this trip, snorkelers had an equally amazing time. The water temperature is warm in the low 80s and the fish are abundant. From soft, sponge, fan to hard corals, 75% of the world’s known coral species are found in Raja Ampat. Whether you are scuba diving or snorkeling, you will not get tired of the abundance of life and color here. The itinerary is determined daily taking into account of weather and our interests. We get the next day’s itinerary every evening as well as a quick recap of the day, sometimes with pictures and videos of the day’s dives and snorkeling, so we know what to expect.

Unlike a traditional liveaboard, Rascal Voyages include other activities too. We hiked up to a viewpoint in Wayag before swimming in the lagoons. We had a beach picnic on a secluded island and paddle boarded around the mangroves. We visited a local village and played with the local children. There is so much more variety to the itinerary than just diving or snorkeling every day.

Food:

Just like booking a private yacht, you are asked to provide your preferences, dietary restrictions, and allergies prior to boarding so that the chef can accommodate your needs. Chef Andre was amazing and was able to cater to all of 10 passengers all by himself! The flavors are more Indonesian with some Western cooking thrown in. We order our preferred breakfast the night before and lunch and dinner are served family style. Meals were served in the outdoor dining space unless it’s raining, then we would move indoors. Often, we would have two breakfasts, one small one before our morning dive before returning for a proper breakfast. We also had daily sunset cocktails with canapés with different snacks every day. Feeling hungry is not an option.

This is the perfect couples' getaway or a group of friends getting together for an epic trip of a lifetime. In one of the most remote parts of the world, where WiFi is spotty at best, it's the best time to disconnect, make new friends, unwind and take in this natural wonder.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Indonesia. In need of further inspiration? Check out Arlette Diederiks’s guide, Rascal Voyages Trip Review: Barefoot Luxury in Raja Ampat.