RAJA AMPAT • JANUARY 21-31, 2026

Raja Ampat needs no introduction. The area is constantly hyped within the dive industry, and rightfully so. Mantas, turtles, cuttlefish, octopuses and eels are all commonplace, but it’s the reefs and density of fish that make it one of the top warm water locations in the world. The sheer volume of biodiversity and biomass are unparalleled in the tropics. And for those who seek the rare, the elusive, the bizarre — Raja will deliver. Wobbegong sharks and Epaulette sharks (the kind that “walk” on land) call this region home.

There is no doubt the diving will satisfy. Yet, that’s only half the story. The time spent blowing bubbles is sure to impress, but that still leaves 18-20 hours a day on the surface. This is where the Gaia Love liveaboard is introduced. To call it a “boat” is disrespectful. The Gaia Love is more like a yacht. Robes, slippers and aroma therapy lamps are provided. C’mon! She is the most amenity-appointed, luxurious, and service-oriented ship Seasick has ever chartered. Imagine a floating 5-star hotel. For every guest there is one crew member. 20 guests. 20 crew. Damn.

And this ain’t Seasick’s first rodeo with Gaia Love. 2026 will mark the fourth time Seasick has chartered the Gaia Love in Raja Ampat (including back-to-back charters in 2023). Whether it’s the diving, the boat, or the crew, nothing disappoints. So, what does this all mean? It means this once-in-a-lifetime (so cliche but true) adventure should not be missed.

RAJA AMPAT

Raja Ampat is situated off the northwest tip of Bird’s Head Peninsula on West Papua (formerly Irian Jaya). It is the most eastern island of the Indonesian Archipelago and includes over 1,500 jungle-covered islands, cays, and shoals that surround the four main islands of Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati, and Misool. The name Raja Ampat, meaning ‘The Four Kings’, is believed to derive from a legend where a woman found seven eggs. Four of these eggs hatched and became kings of the four main islands, while the other three eggs became a woman, a ghost, and a stone.

According to Conservation International, the marine life diversity in the Raja Ampat area is the highest recorded on earth. The marine diversity is considerably greater than any other area in the Coral Triangle (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and East Timor). The Coral Triangle is the heart of the world's coral reef biodiversity, making Raja Ampat quite possibly the richest coral reef ecosystem in the world.

The extraordinary marine diversity in Raja Ampat is influenced by its position between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, as coral and fish larvae are more easily shared between the two oceans. There are an estimated 1,508 fish species, 537 coral species (75% of all species that exist in the world), and 699 mollusk species. The variety of marine life is staggering.

Country: Indonesia • Continent: Asia • Province: West Papua • Area: Bird’s Head Peninsula • Formerly Known As: “Irian Jaya” • Total Islands: ≈1500 • Primary Islands: Misool, Salawati, Batanta and Waigeo • Size: 27,000 sq mi • Peak Diving Season: October to April • Time: UTC+9 • Population: 64,150 (2020) • Primary Religion: Christianity • Currency: Indonesian Rupiah ($1 = 15,000 IRD) • Electricity: 240V

WEATHER AND CLIMATE

Unlike other parts of Indonesia, the weather in Raja Ampat is “relatively” stable throughout the year. Day time temperatures are consistently around 77°-90°F with high humidity (muggy is to be expected since Raja literally straddles the equator). The region has a dry season (October to April), wet season (May to September) and windy season (mid-June to mid-September). Many of the islands, especially the four big islands of Salawati, Batanta, Waigeo and Misool, have microclimates that vary substantially from islands nearby. There is a surprising amount of variation in local weather conditions; these microclimates can lead to sunny days in Gam, while watching rain pouring over the nearby islands of Kri or Waigeo.

October to April is considered the ideal time to visit (dive) Raja Ampat due to dryer weather and calmer wind. It is also during this period that more manta rays are present in the northern region.

January Averages - High Temp: 88°F • Low Temp: 75°F • Sea Water Temp: 84°F • Daylight Hours: 12.25 • Sunshine Hours: 8 • Rainy Days: 18 (all months are similar) • Monthly Precipitation: 8.7 in

GAIA LOVE

The Gaia Love is a modern 132' steel vessel built in Batam, Indonesia. Designed with a modern contemporary look and an emphasis for diving in luxury, she accommodates up to 22 guests in 11 spacious cabins. Each cabin is approximately 215 sq. ft., has individual air-conditioning and ensuite bathrooms. All upper deck cabins feature private outdoor balconies.

Gaia Love has a total of four decks (lower, main, upper and top/sundeck). A lounge, restaurant and camera room are located on the main deck. The lounge features an entertainment center, bar and all the facilities to make one’s stay most comfortable. Photographers and videographers will appreciate the large well-appointed camera room, complete with ample storage and multiple stations.

At the rear of the vessel is a large dive deck that can accommodate up to 28 divers, providing plenty of space to move around. The dive deck boasts 11 large rinse tanks of various sizes for camera rigs. The boat deck is adjacent to the dive deck and houses two 18' diving skiffs for direct and easy access. The top deck features a bar for evening gatherings and relaxation under the stars. Prefer to dine outdoors? This is the perfect area. Sufficient shelter is available on the top deck as well as areas for those who wish to soak up some sun.

Gaia Love has a very well-equipped wheelhouse, from up-to-date navigation equipment to advanced communication systems, life rafts, life vests, EPIRB, fire protection and firefighting systems.

Type: Motor Yacht (M/Y) • Year Built: 2016 • Length: 132' (40m) • Beam: 33' (10m) • Decks: 4 • Cruising Speed: 10 knots • Passengers: 20 • Crew-to-Guest Ratio: 1:1 • Massages: Available • Internet: Available

CABINS

GAIA LOVE TECH SPECS

RAJA AMPAT DIVING

In the south of Raja Ampat is the island of Misool. Highlights include colorful soft corals, an abundance of sea fans and both oceanic and reef mantas. Towards the western tip of Misool, is one of the world’s most stunning mangroves.

Located in central Raja Ampat is the Dampier Strait (which flows between Waigeo and Batanta). Here, nutrient-rich ocean currents create an incredible underwater environment. Home to the iconic dive sites Cape Kri and Blue Magic, experience large schools of fish and the unique thrill of “fish thunder” – the loud booming sound made when a large number of fish move rapidly through open water. Further west is the island of Arborek, known for its jetty dive. Traveling northwest of the Dampier Strait is the Penemu Islands famous for its hard coral gardens and stunning lagoon.

Northern Raja Ampat covers the islands of Waigeo, Kawe and Wayag. There are several jetties famous for their unique critters and sleeping wobbegongs. West of Waigeo, the rocks and seamounts in the Kawe area actually sit on the equator. Kawe is one of the few places in the world where divers can travel between the northern and southern hemispheres while diving! Plus, a combination of currents and feeding stations in this area attract a profuse amount of fish life and mantas.

Even further to the north is the Wayag area. This isolated, uninhabited area sprinkled with verdant limestone islands, bordered by slivers of white sandy beaches and palm trees, represents what people usually have in mind when they think of paradise. The only thing to rival the landscape here is the diving. It is truly spectacular, with extensive and untouched hard coral reefs.

Depth: 15'-130' • Visibility: 30'-100' • Currents: Light - Strong • Skill Level: Intermediate - Advanced • Water Temp: 80°-85°F • Dive Sites: Plenty

Pristine reefs, large coral formations and enough fish to block out the sun not your thing? No worries. Raja Ampat has bigger stuff too.

MACRO IN RAJA AMPAT?

Basically, if it can be found in other parts of Indonesia, it can be found in Raja Ampat.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Dive sites visited are subject to weather conditions and local seasonal knowledge. Final route taken is at the absolute discretion of the captain and cruise director.

*Port and National Marine Park Fees of $385 per person and Fuel Surcharge of $200 per person must be paid to Seasick Productions by September 1, 2025.
These fees will be forwarded to the Gaia Love prior to arrival

FLIGHTS + TRANSIT HOTELS

SAMPLE ITINERARY AS OF JANUARY 15, 2024

LOS ANGELES - JAKARTA
DEPARTING: SATURDAY, JANUARY 17 • RETURNING: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1
ESTIMATED COST: $1,270

JAKARTA - SORONG
DEPARTING: TUESDAY, JANUARY 20 • RETURNING: SATURDAY, JANUARY 31
ESTIMATED COST: $510

GARUDA INDONESIA LUGGAGE

Checked Baggage on Domestic Services: includes 1 piece at 20 kg (44lbs) • Cabin Baggage on Domestic Services: includes 1 piece at 7 kg (15lbs)

Sports Equipment At No Extra Charge: passengers traveling to/from all GA destinations may carry maximum of one of the following Special baggage (per passenger) accepted conditionally as checked baggage in addition to the free baggage allowance (subject to space availability): up to 23kg (50lbs) of other sporting equipment including: Surfboards, Wind, Wave, Kite & Body boards, Para-sails, Para-gliders, Golf bag including balls & 1 pair of shoes, SCUBA tank (Empty) and other diving equipment, Snow/Water Ski equipment comprising 1 pair skis or snowboard, poles, boots or 1 pair water skis. Garuda Indonesia reserves the right to change their Sports Equipment policy at any time.

RECOMMENDED HOTEL IN JAKARTA

FM7 Resort Hotel Jakarta
Inbound: Check In Monday, January 19 • Check Out Tuesday, January 20* (requires additional hotel night in Sorong on Tuesday, January 20)
* Actual check out is 9:00pm on January 19 as flight is at 12:10am on January 20. FM7 does not offer day rooms so overnight reservation is required.

Outbound: Check In Saturday, January 31 • Check Out Sunday, February 1
* Outbound Jakarta hotel is not mandatory (only recommended) as guests may connect from the Sorong - Jakarta flight to their international flight on the same day (January 31).

Room types: Superior (≈$45), Deluxe (≈$50), Deluxe Plus (≈$60), Premier (≈$70) and Junior Suite (≈$110)

Reservations: fm7hotel.com • Book direct and receive complimentary airport shuttle, breakfast buffet, WiFi and use of facilities such as indoor swimming pool, hot and cold whirlpool, and sauna.

RECOMMENDED HOTEL IN SORONG *

Swiss-Belhotel Sorong
Inbound: 2 nights hotel reservation recommended as guests arrive in Sorong on Tuesday, January 20 (Garuda #GA682) at 6:15am and Swiss-Belhotel Sorong check-in is 2:00pm
Check In Monday, January 19 (technically Tuesday, January 20) • Check Out Wednesday, January 21 (embark Gaia Love January 21)

Room types: Deluxe (≈$70), Superior Deluxe (≈$80), Grand Deluxe (≈$105) and Business Suite (≈$220)

Airport transfers are not included in room rates but can be reserved directly with the hotel and only cost ≈$11 per car per way (IDR 175.000)

* Outbound Sorong hotel is not mandatory as all guests will disembark the Gaia Love in Sorong by 10:00am (or earlier if outbound flights require)

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

DEFINITIONS: “Company” is defined as Underwater Exposures, Inc. dba Seasick Productions, incorporated in terms of the laws of California, United States of America. "Company Affiliated Parties" is defined as the Company, its directors, members, partners, employees, agents, consultants, suppliers, and contractors. “Guest” is defined as any person or persons placing a booking (whether provisional or confirmed) with the Company and who contracts with the Company for any of the Services together with his/her spouse, dependents and companions. “Services” is defined as the provision of accommodation, transport, transfers, scuba diving and snorkeling activities, tours or any other activities or services provided by the Company and the procurement by the Company of the provision of accommodation, transport, transfers, scuba diving and snorkeling activities, tours or any other activities or services by any Third-Party Contractors.

GENERAL: Price based on double occupancy group rate. Single supplement, extensions, additional services, and all other items not listed in itinerary are not included. All prices subject to change without notice. A $2,000.00 deposit per person is required with each Guest reservation. Company reserves the right, without advance notice, to make changes or cancellations, in part or in whole, as circumstances dictate. Any deposit or payment made to Company or any representative of Company shows acceptance and acknowledgement of the terms and conditions as stated herein.

CHANGES TO RESERVATIONS: Any request by Guest to amend or change a booking once it has been confirmed, may be accommodated by Company subject to availability. If Company is able to assist, a reasonable administrative fee may be charged. Any such administrative fees shall be invoiced to the Guest and must be settled as per the standard terms applicable to the booking. If the invoice is not paid within such time, Company may construe such non-payment as an act of cancellation on the part of the Guest and the provisions of the cancellation clause shall apply. All reservations, confirmed bookings, and Company’s services are non-transferable.

CANCELLATIONS TO RESERVATIONS: Refund (less cancellation fee) may be issued if reservation is cancelled four months prior to departure date and if another Guest can fill the vacancy. All authorized refunds will be assessed a $300.00 cancellation fee. No refund or credit will be made for Services not utilized by Guest. No cancellations shall be accepted within 30 days of trip departure.

FORCE MAJEURE: “Force Majeure Event” is defined as any event which is beyond the control of the Company, including, but not limited to a national strike, act of war, armed conflict, insurrection, civil commotion, terrorism or the threat of terrorism; any act of God including but not limited to epidemic, pandemic, lightning, earthquake, flooding, fire, cyclone, hurricane, typhoon, tidal wave, storm, volcanic eruption and other unusual and extreme adverse weather or environmental conditions; any event which falls within any of these categories that is suffered by Third-Party Contractors of the Company, who are involved in the receipt or provision of the Services; and or any other cause or contingency beyond the control of the Company. The Company shall not be deemed to be in breach of any of its obligations to Guest due to any Force Majeure Event. If the Company is affected by a Force Majeure Event, it may in its sole and absolute discretion, amend or cancel any of the Services or the remainder thereof, or to make any alteration in route, accommodation, transportation or arrangement in the event of the Services or any part thereof being rendered impossible, illegal or inadvisable.

GUEST INSURANCE: If scuba diving is a Service used by Guest, Company requires Guest to possess a dive accident insurance policy prior to using any of Company’s Services. If scuba diving is not a Service used by Guest, Company requires Guest to possess an international accident and medical evacuation insurance policy prior to using any of Company’s Services. Information on dive accident insurance can be found at the Divers Alert Network’s website: www.diversalertnetwork.org. In addition, Company recommends trip insurance in the event a Guest must cancel the trip. Information on trip insurance can be found at the Divers Alert Network’s website: www.diversalertnetwork.org or the DiveAssure website: www.diveassure.com.

RESPONSIBILITY: Company acts only as agents for the Third-Party Contractors providing transportation, accommodations, diving and other Services. All tickets and vouchers issued constitute the sole contract between the Guest and Company. Company or its representatives shall not at any time be responsible in any way for loss, injury, or damage arising from any Force Majeure Event, act of government, theft, sickness, customs regulations, delay, cancellation error, or any cause beyond its control. Company or its representatives accepts no liability for the consequences of the personal activities of any Guest who is personally responsible for decisions concerning health, safety, fitness for diving and snorkeling, or any other circumstances beyond its control.