Pearl of Papua, Indonesia

Excellent value, great dive operation and healthy reef sites

My family of 4 did the 8D/7N Northern Raja Ampat cruise in June 2024 on the Pearl of Papua (POP). June is not peak Raja Ampat diving so most of the Raja Ampat liveaboards boats were in Komodo. Consequently we only saw a few other dive skiffs which were operated from local island resorts. The Pearl of Papua is a great mid level dive boat, attentive crew, efficient dive operations. Food is plentiful, tasty and varied. Lots of covered space on two levels of fore deck. Dive operation is well run, indvidual baskets for your gear and all your gear put on the 2 dive skiffs so you just have to grab your wetsuit and mask and get on the skiff. Dives at 7:00, 11:00, 15:00 with a multiple night dive options. 2 rinse showers and camera/gear rinse tanks on fantail. Hot water showers in en-suite bathrooms, A/C in all rooms, Highly recommend the Sea View cabins. For ~$200 more than the cheapest bunkbed cabin, you get a much larger room with a full 180 degree glass view. Quite spectacular, the best cabins we've ever had. POP requests that you do battery charging in the main salon so bring 2 AC charge adapters (European style) one to use while in your room and one for the charging station. Diving was very good but mostly overcast skies so not the best visibility. Varied dive sites, some high current dives, saw all the hoped for critters (mantas, woebegone & epaultette sharks, reef sharks, turtles, bumpheads, cuttlefish, etc). Healthy reefs with lush corals and clouds of fish, very high bio-diversity. The Pearl of Papua visited the famous sites in northern Raja Ampat, had good food and efficient diving operations; overall an excellent value.

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Excellent value, great dive operation and healthy reef sites

The perfect mix of diving and exploring tropical islands

Although I believe the diving in Raja Ampat to be a little bit over hyped, we still had a great week of diving. There were many creatures that I had never seen before, as well as some beautiful underwater coral gardens. Something unique to this live aboard that I have never experienced before was the opportunity to get off the boat and explore a few islands. We did a great hike to a mountain top one morning, went to a beautiful beach for an afternoon of swimming with sharks, and then wrapped up with a BBQ party one evening (under the rain). It made for a special trip that was centered on diving, but gave some variety in activities. Highly recommended!!

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The opportunity to explore a few islands, the crew's helpfulness, macro diving

Very good boat in a traditional Indonesian way

The worlds best dive spot - raja ampat

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Great diving, good food, comfortable boat

Best diving on the planet

I knew that Raja Ampat was famous for soft and hard coral, although I have never seen anything like that in my 30 years of diving. Also the quantity of life under water. The food was amazing and the crew very nice and helpful. It was a great trip

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Diving , food , crew

Great Staff & Dive Guides

Flexibiliry in dealing with individuals and special conditions. Made 3 land stops to explore or party! The boat is relaxed with a lounging area on the upper deck.

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Everything went smoothly! They really baby you and set up all the equipment.

Good value

Great way to dive in Raja for an affordable price. With this in mind, it is a more budget liveaboard but you go to the places the other more expensive liveaboards go. If seeing Raja is your goal, the pearl is just fine.

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Diving, staff, guests