Booking & Customisation

The journey to Raja Ampat begins long before you step aboard our vessel. The booking and customisation phase is a collaborative process designed to align our expertise with your specific photographic ambitions. We understand that every photographer, whether a seasoned professional or a dedicated enthusiast, has a unique vision. Our process is structured to accommodate this, from securing your place on a scheduled expedition to crafting a completely bespoke private charter that targets specific species or remote locations within the archipelago.

Our team assists with every step, ensuring a seamless transition from initial enquiry to final confirmation. We provide comprehensive pre-trip documentation, offer guidance on domestic travel connections to Sorong, and remain available to answer any questions that arise. This meticulous approach ensures that all logistical considerations are handled, leaving you free to focus on your creative preparation.

How do I book a place on a tour?

To begin the booking process, please contact us via the email or WhatsApp number listed at the bottom of this page. We will provide you with the latest schedule, availability, and a detailed booking form. A deposit is required to secure your reservation, with the final balance typically due 90 days before departure. We guide you through each step, ensuring all necessary documentation, including travel insurance and permit information, is handled efficiently and well in advance of your expedition.

Can I request a private or fully customised Raja Ampat photo tour?

Absolutely. We specialise in crafting bespoke private charters for individuals, camera clubs, or professional documentary teams. A custom tour allows for a highly flexible itinerary focused entirely on your photographic objectives, whether that is dedicating more time to the karst pinnacles of Wayag, searching for endemic birds of paradise on Waigeo, or exploring the vibrant soft corals of the Misool region. We work with you to design the perfect route, schedule, and focus for your group.

Pricing & Inclusions

Transparency in pricing is a cornerstone of our service. We believe our guests should have a clear and complete understanding of what their investment covers. The listed price for a Raja Ampat Photo Tour is comprehensive, designed to cover all major onboard expenses from the moment you are welcomed in Sorong to your departure. This all-inclusive approach minimises unforeseen costs, allowing for a more relaxed and immersive experience.

Our pricing reflects the premium quality of the expedition: a dedicated, professionally-crewed liveaboard vessel, expert guidance from a seasoned photographer, access to remote and restricted areas, and a high standard of service and cuisine throughout the journey. We handle the complex logistics of operating in this remote corner of Indonesia so you can concentrate on capturing world-class images.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour price includes accommodation in a private or twin-share cabin with air-conditioning and an en-suite bathroom, all meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages onboard. It also covers the services of your professional photographer guide, all diving and snorkelling activities (including tanks and weights), shore excursions to locations like Pianemo and Arborek Village, tender boat usage for specific shoots, and airport transfers in Sorong. Raja Ampat Marine Park and local permits are also included.

What significant costs are not included in the price?

The primary costs not included are your international and domestic flights to and from Sorong (SOQ), West Papua. Other exclusions are dive equipment rental (other than tanks and weights), alcoholic beverages, travel and medical insurance (which is mandatory), crew and guide gratuities, and any personal expenses such as laundry services or satellite internet access. We provide a detailed list of these potential extra costs upon enquiry.

The Photographic Experience

A Raja Ampat Photo Tour is an immersive photographic project, not a standard sightseeing trip. The rhythm of our days is dictated by the quality of light and the behaviour of wildlife. We position our vessel for the best possible sunrise and sunset opportunities over landscapes like the Fam Islands or Kabui Bay. The itinerary is intentionally flexible, allowing us to adapt to weather conditions, unique wildlife sightings, or specific interests of the group. This is a journey built by photographers, for photographers.

Guidance is tailored to the individual. Your professional host provides as much or as little input as you desire, from one-on-one compositional advice in the field to group post-processing sessions in the evenings. The focus is on maximising field time and ensuring you are in the right place at the right time, with the technical and creative support needed to translate Raja Ampat’s extraordinary beauty into compelling images.

What level of photography skill is required?

Our tours cater to serious photographers of all levels, from passionate amateurs to seasoned professionals. The key requirement is a solid understanding of your camera’s manual settings (aperture, shutter speed, ISO) and a desire to improve your craft. Our guides are adept at mentoring participants with varying experience, providing tailored advice to help everyone achieve their photographic goals. The small group size ensures personalised attention for all guests.

What essential camera equipment should I bring?

For a comprehensive experience, we recommend a versatile kit. For landscapes, a wide-angle lens (e.g., 16-35mm) is essential. For bird and wildlife photography, a telephoto lens (e.g., 100-400mm or longer) is crucial. For underwater work, a dedicated housing for your camera, appropriate strobes, and both macro and wide-angle wet lenses will cover the diverse subjects. A sturdy tripod, circular polariser, and ample memory cards and batteries are also non-negotiable.

How is the tour structured for optimal photography?

The entire expedition is structured around photographic opportunities. We schedule excursions for the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Dive and snorkel sites are chosen for their specific photographic potential, be it pygmy seahorses or schooling manta rays. The itinerary remains fluid to capitalise on weather and wildlife encounters. Our days are long and intensive, focused on maximising time behind the lens in Raja Ampat’s most iconic and remote locations.

Onboard Life & Logistics

Life aboard our traditional Phinisi vessel is an integral part of the experience. These handcrafted wooden ships are more than just transport; they are comfortable, floating bases designed for exploration and creativity. Cabins are well-appointed with modern comforts, including air-conditioning and private en-suite bathrooms. The communal areas, from the dining salon to the shaded sundecks, provide ample space for relaxation, image review, and socialising with fellow photographers.

Functionality for photographers is a key design consideration. You will find dedicated camera setup and charging stations with numerous power points, large rinse tanks for underwater housings, and a crew experienced in handling delicate photographic equipment. The galley, managed by a talented chef, produces a remarkable variety of delicious Indonesian and international dishes, ensuring you are well-fuelled for the demanding schedule.

What are the liveaboard accommodations and facilities like?

Our vessels are traditional Indonesian Phinisi schooners, custom-built for dive and exploration charters. Each guest has a comfortable air-conditioned cabin, typically for two people, with a private en-suite bathroom providing hot water showers. The boats feature dedicated camera rooms or tables with ample charging points, spacious dive decks, and comfortable indoor and outdoor lounge areas for dining, briefings, and relaxing between shoots.

Can you accommodate specific dietary requirements?

Yes, our chefs are skilled in catering to a wide range of dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergies. To ensure we can accommodate you properly, it is essential that you inform us of any specific dietary requirements at the time of booking. With advance notice, we can provision the vessel accordingly to provide delicious and suitable meals throughout your entire journey in this remote region.

Safety, Health & Sustainability

Operating in one of the world’s most remote marine environments demands an unwavering commitment to safety and responsibility. Our vessels and crew adhere to stringent international maritime safety standards. The crew is highly experienced in navigating Raja Ampat’s complex waterways and is trained in first aid and emergency response procedures. The boats are equipped with modern navigation and communication systems, as well as comprehensive first aid kits and emergency oxygen.

We are also deeply committed to the preservation of the pristine environment we explore and the well-being of the local communities. Our operations are designed to have a minimal footprint. We adhere to all Raja Ampat Marine Park regulations, practice responsible wildlife interaction protocols, and actively support local conservation initiatives. By choosing our Raja Ampat photo tour, you are contributing to a sustainable tourism model that benefits both the ecosystem and its traditional custodians.

What safety measures are in place on the vessel and during excursions?

Safety is our highest priority. Our vessels are equipped with modern safety equipment, including life rafts, life jackets, fire suppression systems, and first aid kits with emergency oxygen. Our crew, including dive guides, are trained in emergency first response. We conduct thorough safety briefings at the start of each trip and before every dive or excursion. Tender boats are always on standby during water activities, and we maintain a strict watch on weather and sea conditions.

How does your company practice and support sustainable tourism?

We are committed to preserving Raja Ampat’s delicate ecosystem. We strictly follow all Marine Park regulations, maintain a no-touch policy on all dives, and use mooring buoys to avoid anchor damage. We minimise plastic waste onboard, source fresh produce from local communities like Arborek where possible, and contribute directly to local conservation and community foundations. We believe in tourism that provides a net benefit to the region’s nature and people.