Raja Ampat — the Four Kings — is the most biodiverse marine region on Earth, and Amandira is the most luxurious way to reach it. Over 40,000 square kilometres of West Papuan sea where the Pacific and Indian Oceans collide, holding over 1,300 species of fish and three-quarters of all known hard corals. It is remote and roadless, the sights spread across open water — which is exactly why a private phinisi with a dive master, tenders and a chef aboard is the way to see it. This is the guide to chartering Amandira through Raja Ampat: the diving, a sample six-day itinerary, the route, and how to book.
Amandira through the Four Kings
Charter starts at Sorong, a three-hour flight from Bali, then a short transfer to the ship. From there Amandira — Aman’s 52-metre, ten-guest phinisi, crewed by thirteen including a dive master — threads the Dampier Strait and the Waigeo coast, anchoring among karst islands cloaked in orchids where sea eagles and birds of paradise wheel overhead. The whole boat is yours, and the itinerary is curated around the diving, the tides and your party.
The most biodiverse seas on Earth, reached in Aman style.
The diving
This is one of the world’s premier dive destinations, and Amandira carries nitrox and an expert dive master to make the most of it. The Dampier Strait sites — Cape Kri, holder of the record for the most fish species counted on a single dive, and the manta cleaning station of Manta Sandy — sit at the heart of the trip. Virgin reefs and biologically diverse sea life are assured; sites suit all levels, with visibility from ten to thirty metres and many gentle drifts. The season runs November to March.
Above the water: Wayag, mangroves & pearls
Between dives lie the set-pieces: the mangrove paradise off Yanggefo, paddled by kayak; the famous, remote islands on the run to Alyui Bay; and the pearl farm at Alyui, where you see how the treasures are extracted. Hidden jungle caves at Tolomol, giant sea caverns and the karst viewpoints complete the picture — Raja Ampat is as beautiful above the surface as below.
Aboard Amandira
A 52-metre phinisi for up to ten guests in five cabins, run to the standard of an Aman resort: two private chefs across multiple dining settings, a dive master, a spa therapist and a crew of thirteen. The broad foredeck is built for sundowners and stargazing; dinner is as likely to be served al fresco under the stars as in the saloon. Amandira also caters to honeymoons and special celebrations.
When to go & how to charter
The prime season is November to March, when the seas are calmest and visibility best. Itineraries are bespoke — five nights or more, often longer given the distances, and the Raja Ampat voyage can be combined with the Banda Spice Islands. Reach the ship by flying to Sorong via Bali. To charter Amandira, send an inquiry — our desk confirms the dates, route and price and tailors the voyage to your party.
