RAJA AMPAT CRUISES ABOARD THE WISESA

  An awe-inspiring experience  - I don't do reviews but for this trip I'll make an exception.

At first glance, the city Sorong does not reveal itself as a gateway to a paradise destination.... read more Once aboard the Wisesa, you literally transent into another world. A world disconnected and seemingly untouched for eternity.

I was doing the 11 days of diving and occupied the smallest cabin Lombok, which suited me fine. We did 33 dives in total.

The crew is absolutely amazing! Every thing worked and the schedule was followed smoothly. Even as it seemed effortless, it was apparent they went out of there way to make it an extremely comfortable experience. Dylan was also there ;)

Once again, thank you for an awe-inspiring experience.

  A memorable holiday  - My expectations were definitely exceeded in both the boat and its staff and the destination. We had a fantastic time and the snorkeling was an experience that I will not... read more forget.
The food and accommodation on the boat was excellent which was made even better with the cruise director and his bubbling personality and positive attitude. The chief did not disappoint with a great mix of western and Indonesian food. (Just yum)
Thanks to the team on the Wisessa for making our trip a memorable one.
Don

  A snorkelling paradise  - This was definitely a trip of a lifetime particularly for someone that loves to snorkel. I did the 12-day snorkelling tour of Raja Ampat and every day was full of... read more stunning sceneries, more sealife than I could have imagined, and lots of fun activities that I’ll never forget. We snorkelled about 3 times a day, some very chill and some a bit more exerting. There were also some land-based activities that balanced out the days well with sufficient downtime as well. There were 8 passengers in total and good space on the boat for everyone to relax and hang out. The food was utterly delicious and there were plenty of options for those with food restrictions such as myself. Yorenzo, our dive master, was fun and very experienced, and the whole crew was friendly and professional. I booked the trip 18 months in advance as I took the first possible availability there was, and it was worth the wait. I was lucky to have really great people on the trip at the same time to share such a beautiful trip with. Worth every single penny and I very highly recommend it.

  Our 12 day Raja Ampat trip with Wisesa was easily my favorite vacation ever. Our guests rounded out at five in the end, my parents, myself, and a friendly retired... read more couple from Hawaii we had never met before.

The quarters were quite comfortable and easily had enough space for another few guests onboard without issue. Any boat will be a bit small in comparison to land based accommodations but Wisesa offers an intelligent utilization of space that makes it surprisingly comfortable.

The crew was absolutely phenomenal! All very polite, kind, and hard working. They were always looking for ways to be helpful and make our experience the best possible. From constant but not pestilent communication on day to day schedule and checking to see if we needed anything, to anticipating 'needs' we didn't know we had such as setting up a meal on a nearby beach, or bringing a bucket of beer and peanuts to wherever we were lounging at the time.

The scheduled itinerary was amazing and despite that the crew was more than willingly to take suggestions as well. We asked to see the blue river and fox bats, and birds of paradise none of which were planned but the crew was able to make both happen for us!

Shore visits occurred almost every day either to a village, amazing viewpoints, isolated beaches, and even an oyster farm tour. This time on land was an amazing way to add unexpected variety to our trip and would definitely help ease any land-sick feelings some might have. They always knew the best ways to get around isolated areas, with calm and specific help through some of the more challenging hikes/climbs making potentially intimidating trips feel much more manageable even for the less physically fit.

I don't have the words to describe the stunning beauty of the Raja Ampat. Hands down no contest the most gorgeous reefs I have or probably will ever see in my life. From clown fish, cuttlefish, and sea snakes, to Manta Rays, turtles and dolphins we saw it all! The crew seemed to have a knack for finding spots with little to no other boats in the area and packed with wildlife to see. Through the entire trip I doubt we parked near more than 10 other boats in total, no more than ~3 at our most trafficked anchorage. This really added a more intimate feel to the trip; just us and the beauty of Raja Ampat.

Our guides during snorkel sessions had the eyes of eagles, constantly pointing out easy to miss wildlife including eyeing tiny sea slugs from ~15m up. I have no idea how they managed to see so much despite plenty of natural camouflage, definitely would've missed some of the more rare sightings without their help.

The food was consistently great! With three meals a day and a consistent late afternoon snack we all ate way more than we normally would just because we didn't want to miss out on any of the wonderful new dishes! Chef was even open to requests as well, not just dietary restrictions (we had a vegetarian and a 'no-fish' diet onboard; which gave me, an omnivore, an opportunity to try some delicious dishes I would normally stay away from) but also simple requests such as noodles for breakfast or trying a jack fruit curry we had seen made for the crew.

Overall the experience was absolutely amazing, 5 stars for sure and definitely worth every penny. Wisesa comes with my highest recommendation, and despite not being one for repeating adventurous journeys like this (usually looking to try new things not repeat) I will absolutely be back for more!

  Raja Ampat surely is an underwater jewel of indescribable beauty, the you know or you would don't be reading this!

Wisesa was absolutely PERFECT for us. Was to... read more be 2 couples and 1 solo, but as life happens end up 1 couple and 1 solo. We shared teh cruise with another, also awesome retired couple.

First, your Cruise Director/Guide Dylan is one of a kind, in a great way. Very knowledge, experienced and fun. He truly set the tone for a fantastic trip...on the boat and in the water. It would not be the same without Dylan...always Be You Dylan!

Crew was top-notch as well. As a professional Yacht Captain myself, these guys go above and beyond to get on anchor (night cruises, any weather, etc.) in a safe and conformable way. Guests always come first!

Food was amazing as well. Loved our Chef!!!

Boat was comfortable, clean, and perfect for us. Luxury, no...but we didn't go to Raja Ampat for for a 5-star hotel.

When we booked 12 days/11 Nights I truly thought my Wife had "lost it", that's a LONG time on a boat...truly we said on Day 8, SO GLAD we did the long trip. Raja Ampat never gets old, Dylan and the Crew made us feel at "home" and we could easily keep going for more!

We've been around the world in some crazy "eco" places...and 100% this is one trip we WILL REPEAT!

You can't go wrong with the Wisesa!

  Fantastic! This was our first experience on a liveaboard and it could not have been better. We took a snorkel only tour and it was great. Dylan did a great... read more job of tailoring the cruise to our wishes. The boat was small but that made it very intimate. The snorkel spots he took us to were unbelievable. They looked like someone made them up. There were also a few shore excursions which were a great change from just spending time on the water. The crew of the boat was very responsive and helpful. The food was fantastic. Dinners were especially like you would get in a fine dining restaurant. I would highly recommend this cruise if you want to snorkel and not have to go to places that cater more to divers

  Just finished a weeks private charter snorkeling cruise in Raja Ampat. Wow, wow, wow ! Fabulous trip. The crew of 9 were always working in the background to make sure... read more everything ran smoothly. The food was sensational and we ate far too much. Every moment snorkeling was a wow moment, so much variety and crystal clear waters. The cabins are comfortable with air con but be warned- don’t take a big suitcase - you just need a small bag as most of the cabins were tight. Dylan the cruse director was wonderful and worked hard to give us the best trip possible. It was a perfect mix of activity and relaxation. Tips for travellers- you need to be agile enough to get up and down stairs and ladders.

  Spectacular week aboard Wisesa 🤩🤩🤩 - I spent a week aboard Wisesa in December 2922 and it was quite wonderful from Dylan our guide, all the nice crew and the other people in my group! The... read more snorkelling spots were great and the night snorkel a complete revelation! Seeing parrot fish sleeping in the bubble they make around them fast asleep in the corals was wonderful! We had a great encounters with giant manta rays, sharks and a myriad of fish of all sizes and colours on our various snorkels The climb up a lime karst put me to the test but the spectacular views more than made up for it! The food was absolutely excellent and plentiful. And we trekked to see the birds of paradise! I had previously read The Feather Thief about Wallace the British explorer who discovered them in the 19th century so it was wonderful to see them! I would go back in a heartbeat but Raja Ampat is not an easy place to get to! Do a live aboard and then stay at a couple of homestays with good house reefs and the journey will be worth it! Take some very good earplugs if you are in the Lombok or Bali cabins in case they have to motor at night. This may happen due to weather conditions. We were lucky with the weather too! Thankyou Wisesa for some wonderful memories!

  Our trip in May 22 with Wisesa in Raja Ampat: Many thanks to everybody from the organization to the implementation! Wisesa gave us a unique and once in a lifetime... read more snorkeling trip. The comfortable ship with four cabins is ideal for a relaxing holiday that leaves nothing to be desired. Extraordinary variety of hard and soft corals, fish, whether small or large. Night snorkeling was also an experience. Our two snorkeling guides were professional, discovered a lot and made our stay unforgettable. Unfortunately, the 11 days in Raja-Ampat passed far too quickly. Hope to see you again! Petra and Thomas

  This is the second time that we have done the Raja Ampat 8 day snorkeling tour on the Wisesa. Both times were amazing!! They put a really nice... read more itinerary together with snorkeling three times a day, climbing to a viewpoint, bird watching, sunset island visit, village visit ,BBQ on the beach, night snorkel, etc.
The snorkeling is incredible and Dylan the tour director and crew are the best. They are super fun, knowledgeable, very personable and really make you feel welcome. The food is good, the ship is clean and comfortable and we both times we had a fantastic trip!!

  My wife and I booked the 8-day snorkel tour through the northern area of Raja Ampat. This was our first Liveaboard trip so we were a little apprehensive in advance,... read more but we needn't have been. What a fabulous experience !! The boat and crew were exceptional. The boat was clean, comfortable and relaxing. The crew were friendly, attentive, reliable and trustworthy. Food and the service on board was first class. Dylan, the cruise leader, is a real star of the boat - he is a lot of fun to be around and makes an effort to make everyone feel relaxed. Despite this relaxed attitude he is very serious when it comes to dive safety. He gives a full explanation of what to expect / what we will see before embarking on the dives. The snorkel tour was magical, from the marine life, the coral, the clarity of the water to the picturesque islands with their white sand, lush green vegetation and turquoise water. It was a truly mesmerising experience. Highly recommended !!

  We love the Wisesa! The boat is clean, comfortable and has all the amenities. The food is excellent and the crew is trustworthy, helpful, and fun. Dylan is the cruise... read more director and he's a riot to hang with - funny, energetic, and makes you feel welcome. I enjoy hanging with him. Excellent swimming, fun boat, great service. Andy, the small boat operator is awesome too. The whole crew is great. This is our 2nd time aboard and we've loved it.

  My liveboard experience on the Wisesa was just exceptional. This diving trip in banda sea for 8 days exceeded all my expectations.

The boat is very comfortable... read more with friendly living spaces.

Many thanks to all the crew who were just perfect, either professionnal and caring. Amazing fresh and home made food onboard cooked by the chef. Thanks to the cruise director for the day to day planning, amazing diving spots and the visit of Banda Neira Island.

I’ll never forget this beautiful experience and my first hammerhead dives. I recommended 200% this trip for sea lovers.

  Wonderful week Hammerhead hunting with Wisesa - Had a wonderful one-week trip with Wisesa through the Banda Sea! Beautiful, very comfortable and well-equipped boat. The whole crew is also incredibly helpful and friendly, providing a lively ambiance... read more throughout the trip. Dylan (cruise director) and Lorenzo (dive master) are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about diving and the region, which made trip goes beyond hammerhead hunting, stretched to bio-marine diversity, sharks behavior and East Indo culture. They are also very adaptive to the live situation and provided alternative plans so that we could have the best experience every time we went underwater. Not to mention the amazing food prepared by the chef!

Can't wait to be back on board of Wisesa again!

  Highly recommend Wisesa liveaboard experience with amazing dive instructor and chef - I would highly recommend it to anyone for Wisesa Liveaboard. 

This is my first liveaboard experience, and I completely fell in love with it.

Here are some highlights... read more of my Raja Ampat 8D/7N north line trip and why everyone should choose it:

1) Easy communication:

I approached the team over WhatsApp and got all my questions answered within the same day. Devi is very responsive and patient in answering my questions and helping me to manage international wire transfer/travel requirements in Indonesia.

2) Professional diving instructor and master:

Dylan and Yorenzo are amazing to dive with. Dylan is always willing to share diving tips and help out underwater. He is full of energy and constantly keeps guests entertained. Dylan pays lots of attention to what guests need and be there to offer help. Yorenzo is very experienced with the diving sites and spent lots of time helping us find exciting micro-animals. Cannot find better dive instruction/master to spend diving trip together.

3) Responsible & amazing crew:  

All crew on the boat is super professional and willing to help guests. They work super hard to ensure guests have the best time, and I appreciate it! All diving equiments are set up and loaded onto the boat by the crew. I barely need to do anything except diving. I felt I got spoiled by Wiseas, and not sure if I can go back to the traditional diving shop experience.                                            
4) Amazing diving experience:

I did 21 dives in 8 days and am in love with liveaboard life. Raja Ampat has the best corals and marine life. I was pretty worried before my liveaboard as I only have 35 logged dives and am not very familiar with diving with currents. But in general, all currents in the dive sites are manageable, so don't worry if you are a less experienced diver.

5) Food:

The chef is FANTASTIC, and I overate more than I should. Sometimes I was confused if I am on a food trip instead of diving trip. A spicy pancake with stinky sauce is perfect for breakfast. Also, for each dinner, we had an appetizer, main dish, and proper dessert (E.g., freshly made cakes). I enjoy the life of being fed every day

6) small size group & new friends:

As a solo traveler, I enjoy small-size groups since I feel it is easier to get to know each other. I love my whole group and enjoy talking to them.              

7) Comprehensive itinerary:

Wisesa designs the trip well-rounded. I also hike a bit to see the great view, enjoy a sunset BBQ and play beach volleyball. The literary is well-designed!!!

8) comfortable living conditions:

I was lucky to live in room Lombok alone and enjoy all-night AC. There is always hot water for the shower and clean towels. The boat has many comfortable sitting/napping areas

  Such a great time - We had such an amazing time at the Wisesa in beautiful Raja Ampat, pretty ship with best chillout areas, friendly and helpful crew always with smiles on their faces, fresh... read more and delicious food and great cruise director Dylan, who always gives his best to cater your scuba-wishes, even when you wish to hit the depth :-)

  A deep human experience of nature beauty - We enjoyed an amazing and wonderful snorkeling week with Wisesa Liveaboard boat. Dylan, the divemaster and the manager of trip is a very good « connaisseur » of the region,... read more of theunderwater life of Raja Ampat. He is profesional, human, in listening mode and well organized to facilitate us the contact with best snorkeling and diving places.
He was seconded by Yorenzo, (we liked to call him fish man, so amazing is him to see underwater animals). The biodiversity in Raja Ampat is really unique and you should have the eyes of Dylan and Yorenzo to see the details, to identify the species they shared with us.
The food prepared by Basori on the boat (with the aid of Edi), has nothing to envy to best indonesian restaurants.
Thank to all the team of Wisesa who made our trip an accomplished dream.

  Unforgettable! - We have had an unforgettable experience in one of the most secluded and wild place in the world. Thanks to Dylan and all boat staff for offering us such experience... read more with an extraordinary professionalism and care of all details. Food was great and over all expectation. Dylan (and also Lorenzo) is a very nice, professional, helpful and patient guide for snorkeling and diving activities. He has a big knowledge of the best coral spots and marine life. I absolutely recommend Wisesa for your Raja Ampat cruise. I only don’t recommend the Lombok cabin: too small.

  The Wisesa is a comfortable boat, but what makes it stand out is the cruise director (Dylan) and his crew. Dylan and his crew were constantly striving to do their... read more very best, making sure our experience was as good as it could possibly be. As one of the guides, Yorenzo's eagle eye spotted many amazing sights, from a large manta ray in the distance to the smallest of pygmy seahorses. The chef and his team also whipped up delicious meals and snacks, which I still remember fondly. Thank you for the memorable trip!

  What an amazing experience! - We were a group of 8 friends on a snorkeling trip in northern Raja Ampat. The crew, the boat, the service and the whole experience was wonderful. The 10 days... read more were a combination of water activities, on shore visits and snorkelling and each day was better than the last. The boat is lovely and large enough that everyone could have their own space but without losing a sense of being connected to the crew and the running of the boat.
The food was delicious, varied and very high quality, our cruise director, Dylan was very proffessional while still keeping everyone laughing and enjoying themselves. He was also really flexible and happily accommodated all our requests without hesitation. A trip that we want to repeat very soon it was such a great experience !

  Best diving trip ever!  - 5 stars for the most incredible liveaboard experience I ever had! Wisesa is one of the least expensive companies, but the quality is just amazing. The boat is really beautiful... read more and cosy and the food alone would make a good reason to come back again, so delicious! Also the first liveaboard I experienced without a single technical problem so it was just a relaxing holiday as it should be. The crew is working with such an honest enthousiasm and passion, you can tell their job is a dream come true for them. This really creates a great and fun atmosphere so even when traveling solo, I enjoyed every second of this trip! And the diving in Raja Ampat is even better than I expected it to be. Thanks a lot for the amazing trip I will never forget and I hope to join this boat again in the future :)

  Wonderful trip Wisesa! - We had a wonderful trip with Wisesa. The crew was very friendly, helpful and professional. The diving with Dylan and Hawe was a superb adventure, on many different dive sites,... read more the briefings of Dylan were always interesting and enthusiastic. Also the accommodation and the food were excellent. We enjoyed “our trip of a lifetime” with Wisesa in Raja Ampat very much!! Thank you!

  Amazing snorkelling with Dylan and the fantastic crew - What a wonderful holiday we experienced - 4 older couples all looking for a magic experience, snorkelling over the beautiful corals and amongst the myriad of fish. There were many... read more highlights but snorkelling with the Manta Rays and seeing reef sharks and turtles as well as so many different fish and coral was amazing. On land we were lucky yo see the red Bird of Paradise and also visit a couple of villages. The food on board was delicious and plentiful, the crew were there to help you at every turn and Dylan was brilliant in choosing different places for snorkelling depending on the tides, weather and currents etc. Definitely recommend this trip.

  Our fabulous 8 days snorkeling trip on live aboard Wisesa. - We chartered with 5 friends the Wisesa for 8 days and visited central and north Raja Ampat up to Waigeo.
We all had a fabulous time.
The 8 men crew... read more looked after us very well.
The food was excellent and varied daily.
Dylon, the director on board looked after us very well and we enjoyed spending time together.
The cabins are comfortable and have AC..
Raja Ampat is the most beautiful place on earth if you like to see the underwater-world and its spectacular karst formation shaped islands.
You do not need to dive to swim with coral and ocean-mantas. Dugongs, turtles, barracudas, sharks etc and the coral is in perfect conditions.
We saw very few plastic, and if so we were advised by Dylon to pick it up on the beach . They take it back to Sorong, where there is a special place to leave the plastic.
For me , this was my second visit to Raja Ampat, after 6 years.
There are more live aboard boats, some more homestays, but altogether it is still such a remote beautiful part of our planet, it is more then worth if to go and explore.
I can recommend Wisesa boatany time for a wonderful time in Raja Ampat..
All the way from the beginning when i contacted the Wisesa staff, up to the end of our stay.
Johanna and friends from Spain

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