Raja Ampat freediving — your honest answers.

1. What freediving experience do I need to join the 7-day voyage?

AIDA-2 certification or equivalent (PADI Freediver, Molchanovs Wave 2, SSI Freediver) is the minimum. Comfortable holding breath 60-90 seconds at rest. Comfortable equalising to at least 8m static. Comfortable in open ocean conditions. If you do not yet hold a freediving certification, we run a 3-day Sorong Foundation Course before the voyage to bring you to AIDA-2 standard. Read the certification path briefing.

2. How safe is freediving at this depth?

Recreational freediving to 15-25m, when run under AIDA protocols with trained safety freediver supervision, is statistically safer than recreational SCUBA. The headline risks — shallow water blackout, samba (loss of motor control on ascent) — are mitigated by the one-up-one-down rule, surface-marker buoy with line, oxygen on deck, and instructor BLS training. We do not permit unsupervised solo descents. Period. Read our freediving vs SCUBA briefing for the comparative risk discussion.

3. What is the maximum group size on the voyage?

Six freedivers maximum. We sell the boat as a unit (private charter) or by twin-share cabin (group join, mid-tier Phinisi only). The reason for the small group is freediving safety dynamics — six apneists working as a single coached unit progress further than seven or eight on a fragmented charter, and we maintain a safety freediver-to-guest ratio that supports the depth training.

4. When is the best time to come for manta encounters?

Manta Sandy and Manta Ridge produce the highest manta density December through February, with strong activity also October-November and March. Outside the October-April window manta presence drops sharply. We schedule our flagship January voyage specifically around the manta peak. Full month-by-month seasonal guide.

5. How do I get to Sorong?

Domine Eduard Osok Airport (SOQ), Sorong is the gateway to Raja Ampat. Direct flights from Jakarta CGK (4 hours, Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air) and Bali DPS (3.5 hours, Garuda direct or Lion Air). International guests typically connect Singapore SIN to Jakarta or Bali, then Jakarta or Bali to Sorong. We pick up at Sorong airport included in voyage pricing.

6. Do I need a visa for Indonesia?

Most international visitors qualify for a Visa on Arrival (VOA) or eVOA — 30 days, extendable once for another 30 days. Requirements vary by passport; Australian, US, UK, EU, and most Asian passports are typically eligible. Confirm directly with your Indonesian embassy or via the Indonesian e-Visa portal. We recommend the eVOA for fastest airport processing. Bring a passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your departure date.

7. What about the Marine Park entry fee?

Raja Ampat operates a Marine Park user fee of 1,000,000 IDR (approximately $65 USD) per international visitor, valid one year. This fee directly funds local conservation, marine ranger patrols, and the no-take zone enforcement. We pay this fee on behalf of every voyage guest and the cost is included in your voyage tier price.

8. What gear should I bring?

Your own mask, fins, and wetsuit (3mm full-suit recommended). Long blade fins (carbon or fibreglass) preferred over recreational fins. Lanyard if you have one (we provide otherwise). Sun protection (rash guard, hat, reef-safe sunscreen, polarized sunglasses). Camera if photography is part of your trip. We provide weights, surface buoys, deep line, oxygen, all safety equipment.

9. Can my non-freediving partner come aboard?

Yes. We accept non-diving guests at a 70% rate. Non-diving guests can snorkel during freediving sessions (separate guide, separate boat for safety distance), join all topside activities, photo, sunset events, meals. We have hosted partners on most voyages. The exception is the deep-line training sessions which are freediver-only by safety protocol.

10. What about pregnancy or recent illness?

Pregnancy is incompatible with freediving — apnea and pregnancy don’t mix. Recent illness affecting respiratory system or sinuses requires medical clearance before voyage. Recent SCUBA dives within 24 hours of voyage departure are safe, within 18 hours not. We require all guests to complete a medical questionnaire 4 weeks before voyage. Any concerns we ask for a physician sign-off.

11. Is the voyage suitable for solo travellers?

Yes — about 30% of our group-join guests travel solo. The twin-share cabin tier means you’ll share with another solo apneist of the same gender if available; we are flexible to single-cabin upgrades for $400 surcharge. The voyage rhythm — coached sessions, communal meals, deep-line training — naturally creates strong group dynamics. Most solo travellers leave with new freedive friends.

12. What is your cancellation and weather policy?

30% deposit non-refundable from booking confirmation. 70% remaining due 60 days pre-voyage. Cancellation 60+ days before departure: 70% refund of remaining payment. Cancellation 30-60 days: 35% refund. Cancellation under 30 days: no refund (we strongly recommend trip insurance). Weather: Indonesian monsoon rarely cancels voyages outright; we may flex the itinerary (Misool to Dampier or vice versa) based on conditions. In the rare event of full weather cancellation, we re-book the same voyage for a future date at no charge.

Continue reading

Specific site briefings: Misool freedive spots. Decision context: freediving vs SCUBA. Certification path: AIDA progression. Full voyage detail: 7-day private voyage.