Raja Ampat North & South Grand Tour
Stay on Kri Island to explore the Dampier Strait, then return to Sorong to catch the ferry south to Misool.
A way to experience both the north and south without booking a liveaboard: spend the first four days diving or snorkeling on Kri Island, return to Sorong for a night, and then take the weekly ferry south to Misool. The two regions have different highlights: the north features schools of fish and local villages, while the south boasts karst lagoons. The itinerary must align with the ferry schedule (entering the island on Wednesday is best). Travelers short on time can choose just one region.
The south experiences strong winds and waves from May to September; doing the full route during this period is not recommended.
Day by day
Day 1 · Ferry Crossing to Kri Island
Northern Raja Ampat（Waisai & WTC Beach）
Take the express ferry from Sorong to Waisai (approx. 2 hours), then a small boat to Kri Island. Snorkel on the house reef in the afternoon.
Departing on Wednesday is necessary to connect with the subsequent ferry heading south.
Stay: Kri and Gam Dive Area
Day 2 · Cape Kri & Manta Sandy
Northern Raja Ampat（Cape Kri、Manta Sandy）
Use a dive boat or small boat arranged by your accommodation, all close to Kri Island (usually under 1 hour one way).
Cape Kri has strong currents and is best suited for experienced divers.
Stay: Kri and Gam Dive Area
Day 3 · Fam Islands & Piaynemo
Northern Raja Ampat（Melissa's Garden (Fam Islands)、Piaynemo Viewpoint）
Charter a speed boat for a full-day round trip to the Fam Islands (approx. 2 hours one way), returning to Kri Island in the evening.
Capacity and time at the top of the viewpoint are limited; try to schedule this in the morning.
Stay: Kri and Gam Dive Area
Day 4 · Arborek & Village Jetties
Northern Raja Ampat（Arborek Village、Mansuar Island & Sauwandarek Jetty）
Take short boat trips within the Dampier Strait, visiting Arborek and the Sauwandarek village jetty.
Stay: Kri and Gam Dive Area
Day 5 · Return to Sorong to Rest
Northern Raja Ampat → Sorong
Take a small boat back to Waisai, then the express ferry to Sorong (approx. 2 hours). Stay in Sorong tonight to prepare for the journey south.
Stock up on cash and daily necessities in Sorong; it is very difficult to withdraw cash in Misool.
Stay: Sorong
Day 6 · Ferry South to Misool
Take the ferry from Sorong to Yellu Port on Monday daytime (approx. 6 hours), then transfer by homestay boat.
The southbound ferry runs weekly and is subject to adjustment; verify with your homestay before booking tickets.
Stay: Yellu and Harfat Homestay Area
Day 7 · Karawapop Love Lagoon
Misool (South Raja Ampat)（Karawapop Love Lagoon、Fiabacet）
Charter a small boat from the homestay south to Karawapop (several hours round trip), and snorkel in the reef area in the afternoon.
Stay: Yellu and Harfat Homestay Area
Day 8 · Balbulol Lagoon Day Trip
Misool (South Raja Ampat)（Balbulol Islands）
Charter a small boat east to the Balbulol group for a full-day tour, returning to the homestay in the evening.
Stay: Yellu and Harfat Homestay Area
Day 9 · Harfat Peak & Jellyfish Lake
Misool (South Raja Ampat)（Harfat Jaya / Dafalen Viewpoint、Lenmakana Jellyfish Lake、Yapap）
Take short boat trips around the homestay, climbing the viewpoint first, then visiting Jellyfish Lake and the stone forest lagoon.
Settle your homestay bill and confirm the transfer time in advance for the next morning's ferry.
Stay: Yellu and Harfat Homestay Area
Day 10 · Yellu Port Return to Sorong
Take a small boat to Yellu Port in the early morning, then take the Friday morning ferry back to Sorong (approx. 9 hours), arriving in the afternoon.
The return ferry is prone to delays; it is recommended to fly out of Sorong the following day.