Raja Ampat yacht charter in March
March in Raja Ampat: the last calm month, with mantas and fewer boats
Quick answer
Is March a good time for a yacht charter in Raja Ampat?
Yes, March is an excellent month for a Raja Ampat yacht charter. It is still within the calmest season, with light winds, warm water and good manta encounters, while demand eases after the February peak. In 2027, Nyepi and Eid fall in early March, so plan flights through Bali or Jakarta carefully. Late March brings the first signs of transition.
- Air
- 24 to 31°C
- Water
- 28 to 30°C
- Rain
- Moderate, 12 to 17 days
- Sea
- Calm
- Visibility
- 15 to 30 m
- Crowds
- Moderate
Wind: Light, starting to turn variable
Why go in March
What March does best in Raja Ampat
- The tail end of peak manta season
- Calm seas for Misool and the southern lagoons
- Fewer yachts than in January and February
- Excellent macro life on the Dampier Strait sites
- Warm, clear water for snorkelling the reef flats
Honest caveats
What to plan around
- Nyepi on 9 March 2027 closes Bali airport for 24 hours
- Eid al Fitr, expected around 10 March 2027, makes domestic flights very busy
- Some larger yachts start preparing to move back to Komodo for April
Wildlife
Mantas are still regularly seen at cleaning stations. Whale sharks are sometimes reported in the wider region late in the season, but they are not a reliable Raja Ampat sighting.
Demand and booking
Still high season, but easier than January and February. Three to six months' notice is usually workable.
Fleet in March
The larger fleet is still in Raja Ampat during March, with some yachts preparing to return to Komodo for the dry season.
Holidays and events
Nyepi is 9 March 2027, Eid al Fitr is expected around 10 March 2027 and Easter Sunday is 28 March 2027.
Fleet
36 yachts sail Raja Ampat in March
Private charters from US$1,900 per night for the whole yacht, crew and meals included. Availability is confirmed directly with each yacht.
Same month, other sea
Komodo in March: good
March in Komodo: the rains ease, dragons hatch and the season starts to turn
FAQ
Raja Ampat in March: your questions
Is March a good time to dive Raja Ampat?
Very good. Seas are usually calm, the water is warm at around 28 to 30°C and visibility is generally good, though plankton can reduce it at manta sites. Currents in the Dampier Strait bring big schools of fish. March also tends to be quieter than the January and February peak.
How do Nyepi and Eid affect a Raja Ampat trip in March 2027?
Nyepi on 9 March 2027 closes Bali airport for 24 hours, and Eid al Fitr around 10 March is the busiest travel period of the Indonesian year. If you route via Bali or Jakarta, flights to Sorong will be busy and pricier. Book flights early and add a buffer night in Sorong.
Are mantas still around in Raja Ampat in March?
Yes. March is generally the end of the peak manta period, which runs roughly from December to March. Cleaning stations in the Dampier Strait and around Misool still see regular activity. Your crew will plan manta dives and snorkels around the tides and currents, which strongly influence encounters.
Sample Itineraries for Raja Ampat
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