How Many Nights Do You Need for a Raja Ampat Yacht Charter?
Updated 29 October 2026 · Navélia Yacht Charters Indonesia
Short answer
Most Raja Ampat yacht charters run 5 to 7 nights from Sorong, which covers the central islands, Dampier Strait and the Fam Islands. To add Misool in the south or Wayag in the far north, plan 7 to 10 nights, because both involve longer passages. Raja Ampat is best from October to April.
What each length covers
| Length | Typical route | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 5 nights | Dampier Strait, central islands, Fam Islands and Piaynemo | First visit, limited time |
| 7 nights | Central Raja Ampat with more diving or a push north or south | Most guests |
| 7 to 10 nights | Adds Misool or Wayag | Divers, photographers, return visitors |
Why Raja Ampat needs more nights than Komodo
Raja Ampat is far larger than Komodo National Park, and the most famous areas are spread out. Getting to Sorong also takes most of a day for most travellers, so a very short charter means more time travelling than sailing. Misool and Wayag are long passages from the central islands, which is why we suggest 7 to 10 nights if either is on your list.
Distances also affect the daily rhythm. On a 5 night trip some days include longer cruising; on 7 nights or more the captain can split long passages and spend an extra day at the best anchorages, which matters for divers who want to repeat favourite sites.
Cost examples on Raja Ampat yachts
Prices are for the whole yacht, with crew, meals and fuel for the standard route included.
Longer charters spread the cost of getting to Sorong over more days at sea, which is why many guests find 7 nights better value than 5. For a group of 12 on Jakare, 7 nights works out to about US$2,858 per guest for the yacht, before the permit, diving, drinks and a gratuity of about 10% of the charter fee.
| Yacht | Guests | Price per night | 7 nights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anne Bonny | 9 | US$4,450 | US$31,150 |
| Jakare | 12 | US$4,900 | US$34,300 |
| Andamari | 12 | US$5,500 | US$38,500 |
| Dancing Wind | 16 | US$12,000 | US$84,000 |
| Amandira | 10 | US$16,000 | US$112,000 |
Planning tips
- Arrive in Sorong the day before embarkation to protect your first night
- Budget the Raja Ampat entry permit of about US$120 per guest
- Decide early if you want Misool or Wayag, as it changes the route and the number of nights
- Remember Raja Ampat and Komodo are separate charters; we do not sail between them
- Add diving, alcohol and a crew gratuity of about 10% of the charter fee to your budget
Our suggestion
For a first visit, 7 nights is the length we recommend most often in Raja Ampat. It covers the central highlights without rushing and leaves room for weather. If you already know Raja Ampat or want Misool's soft coral or Wayag's iconic karst view, go for 9 or 10 nights. Tell us your group size and interests and we will propose a route and yacht that fit.
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Questions
Is 4 nights enough for Raja Ampat?
It is short. We suggest at least 5 nights because reaching Sorong takes most of a day and the islands are spread out.
How many nights do I need to visit Wayag or Misool?
Plan 7 to 10 nights to include Misool or Wayag.
What is the best time for a long Raja Ampat charter?
October to April, when seas are generally calmest.
What does a 7 night Raja Ampat charter cost?
From US$31,150 for the whole yacht on Anne Bonny, plus the entry permit of about US$120 per guest.