Situju Tuju Cruise Raja Ampat
Boutique boat
When to visit Raja Ampat
The best time to visit Raja Ampat is from November to April. Temperatures range between 28 °C and 32 °C, the sea is usually calmer, and underwater visibility is excellent — making it the ideal time for snorkeling and diving in Raja Ampat.
We traveled in December, had nice weather, and enjoyed a spectacular underwater experience.
The best part? Raja Ampat works even when conditions aren’t perfect. Get ready :).
The essence of Situju7
Situju is a traditional Indonesian phinisi, handcrafted and designed as a boutique liveaboard. It completely stole our hearts. Spending a week sailing on it is a true dream, and it’s designed primarily for:
Snorkelers and divers, because beneath the surface there’s another paradise.
Couples, because sharing this setting, the slow rhythm and the ocean all around makes a honeymoon here something very special.
And for those who seek to truly disconnect, without rush or distractions.
A surprise along the way we won’t forget
When the journey goes beyond the sea.
Between dives, we had a different kind of stop: visiting a local tribe in Raja Ampat.
They took us to a turquoise-blue lagoon, hidden in the middle of the jungle. An unexpected gift from the trip.
The heart of Situju7
Situju 7 was born from a dream. Its owners (Deni, Sonia and Antonio) met while traveling and decided to bring that philosophy to the sea.
The project reflects the passion and effort they poured into it: Sonia, very attentive from the first email, perfectly reflects the spirit of the ship. On board, Deni was amazing to us: friendly, eager to show us the best of Raja Ampat and very easy to connect with him.
The crew deserves a special mention too. They all have been exceptional, much of the trip’s magic is thanks to them. 10 out of 10!
So tiny it’s hard to believe
There are encounters that take the experience to another level.
We’re talking about the pygmy seahorse, one of the hardest animals to spot in the ocean — so tiny and perfectly camouflaged it can be right in front of you… and you still won’t see it.
It’s as small as a grain of rice!
Just knowing there’s a real chance of finding one already makes this trip special.
The exact moment we knew this trip was going to be unforgettable
We had heard it was possible to see dugongs in Raja Ampat. Manu, the expedition’s divemaster, knew a spot. Fingers crossed.
We got lucky and from the dinghy we spotted a mother dugong with her calf, moving calmly together and embracing as they surfaced to breathe.
Without thinking twice, we put on our masks and managed to see them up close. Absolutely unforgettable.
The wobbegong left us speechless.
One of the greats icons of Raja Ampat.
The famous Carpet Shark!
The wobbegong was one of the animals that impressed us the most on this trip.
It looks like a rock, a piece of coral — anything but a shark. Incredible.
We were lucky enough to encounter it six different times!
Situju 7: the liveaboard experience at its purest
Situju 7 is a traditional Indonesian pinisi, built in ironwood and teak, handcrafted by local artisans on the island of Sulawesi and reviewed by an Italian architect. It completely stole our hearts. Sailing on a boat like this — authentic, full of history — while exploring Raja Ampat makes the experience far more real.
Situju 7 is the kind of liveaboard you instantly love the moment you step on board.
The concept is clear: boutique liveaboard. A maximum of 10 passengers. With just this few people, the atmosphere is calm and personal from day one. And best of all: no rush, no feeling of being part of a big group. Everyone moves at their own pace, and very quickly the boat feels like home.
A week sailing through Raja Ampat gives you a lot — and the best part is you don’t have to worry about anything. Welcome juice, fresh fruit, the boat always spotless, the room made every day, and someone nearby in case you need anything. The service is warm and constant — something you really appreciate on a trip like this. You can feel the experience, the care, and the genuine desire for everything to run smoothly.
The common areas are spacious and work perfectly. Space to sunbathe, read, chat after dives, or simply lie down and do nothing (“Dolce far niente ;)”). The sun deck becomes one of the key spots on the boat: sunsets, cold beers, and nights under the stars… we loved it.
The 4 cabin types
Bali Master Suite
Flores Junior Suite
Deluxe Cozy Cabin Sumba & Sumbawa
Cabinette Lombok
Signature cabin of Situju, perfect for a honeymoon, very spacious with large windows and a private terrace to enjoy stunning sunrises. Features a double bed, desk, wardrobe with handcrafted hangers, and a very spacious bathroom.
Suite cabin located at the bow of the lower deck. Minimalist design with a double bed, internal stairs and dresser. Includes a mirror, hand-shaped copper exterior sink, and private bathroom with shower.
Two twin cabins located on the lower deck. Minimalist design, very intimate and cozy, with a double bed, dresser, mirror and hand-shaped copper exterior sink. Private bathroom with shower.
Spacious cabin on the main deck, built in wood and equipped with separate bunk beds. Simple and very practical design, with dresser, mirror and hand-shaped copper exterior sink. Private bathroom with shower.
Bali Master Suite
Signature cabin of Situju, perfect for a honeymoon, very spacious with large windows and a private terrace to enjoy stunning sunrises. Features a double bed, desk, wardrobe with handcrafted hangers, and a very spacious bathroom.
Flores Junior Suite
Suite cabin located at the bow of the lower deck. Minimalist design with a double bed, internal stairs and dresser. Includes a mirror, hand-shaped copper exterior sink, and private bathroom with shower.
Deluxe Cozy Cabin Sumba & Sumbawa
Two twin cabins located on the lower deck. Minimalist design, very intimate and cozy, with a double bed, dresser, mirror and hand-shaped copper exterior sink. Private bathroom with shower.
Cabinette Lombok
Spacious cabin on the main deck, built in wood and equipped with separate bunk beds. Simple and very practical design, with dresser, mirror and hand-shaped copper exterior sink. Private bathroom with shower.
Our cabin
The room was simply spectacular. The incredibly comfortable double bed gave us a deep sense of calm and peace thanks to its cleanliness and brightness, and the sea’s gentle movement elevated rest to another level.
There’s plenty of space to move comfortably. The bathroom features copper fittings and enough room to shower with hot water after a long day in the water.
We especially appreciated the silence — not a single noise. On a liveaboard, that’s TOP.
You don’t travel for the room on a journey like this, but when it delivers this level of comfort, it matters. The Junior Suite Flores offered real rest and a refined touch of luxury within life on Situju.
Life on board Situju 7
The rhythm of Situju 7
Living on board the Situju 7 liveaboard in Raja Ampat It’s about stepping into a rhythm you quickly get hooked on. You wake up early, yes, but without any drama. You open your eyes, look around, and think: Okay, another day in paradise. There’s no rush here, just enjoy it!
There is a plan, but the ocean is in charge. Sometimes the order of the day changes; dive sites are chosen based on visibility and sea conditions… and that’s exactly how it should be. The divemasters choose what’s best for your experience.. You quickly learn that Excel doesn’t rule here.. And when you accept that, everything improves. Less stress, more enjoyment, and the feeling of experiencing something truly authentic.
One thing we loved: with so few people on board, the rhythm adapts to everyone. It’s not a military-schedule liveaboard with constant rush to coordinate large groups. This is a luxury we didn’t expect — and loved. The divemasters care for each guest and their preferences with genuine empathy.
Life on board Situju 7 is comfortable, human, and beautifully managed. The kind of experience that quietly stays with you.
Food and atmosphere on board
Meals on board are one of the highlights of the day. You eat a lot, you eat well, and you enjoy every bite. Simple, flavorful Indonesian cuisine with Western touches. The best part: after diving or snorkeling, sitting down to eat like this becomes one of the best moments of the day. Breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks and dinner are served, and there are always snacks, coffee and a fridge full of drinks available.
And when the sun sets, the day naturally comes to a close. The atmosphere on Situju is intimate and peaceful, shared with fellow travelers — in our case, a wonderful international group we connected with from day one. We shared quiet dinners, beers, long conversations and star-filled skies.
We came back feeling we had taken a great trip and shared an incredibly pleasant week with a fantastic group.
What is diving in Raja Ampat like?
When you dive in Raja Ampat, You begin to understand why they say it’s the paradise that protects the greatest marine biodiversity on the planet.
Diving in Raja Ampat is entering the heart of the Coral Triangle where every corner is wild and surprising. We had high expectations, and it didn’t disappoint.
It’s not just “a good dive.” It’s getting into the water and thinking: Okay, This is another level.. We were there right after a hurricane and had good visibility 7 out of 8 days, we can’t even imagine how it would be in completely calm conditions.
What impressed us most was the constant abundance. No empty moments, no lifeless areas. Everywhere you looked, there was life— lots of it. Big fish, small fish, medium fish, every size imaginable, impossible colors, and corals that seemed endless. Dive after dive, without exception. A perfect 10.
We’ve dived many spots in other parts of the world, and here it was incredible to feel again what it’s like to be inside something truly alive. This isn’t just a beautiful reef — it’s a reef in full health. Fish everywhere, incredibly healthy corals again and again.
And still, every dive was different. The landscapes, the animals, the light, the currents changed. It was impossible to get bored.
Everything was at such a high level that Raja Ampat isn’t just beautiful — it’s hard to beat.
Main dive spots in Raja Ampat
Snonek Kecil
· DAY 1 ·
The trip started strong, even before getting wet. A pod of dolphins appeared at the bow while we sailed. We looked at each other thinking: okay, good sign. And we were right.
The first dive at Snonek Kecil was a reality check. Three wobbegongs in a single dive, perfectly camouflaged. Plus turtles, lionfish, clownfish, rockfish, starfish and nudibranchs in every color. And a spectacular cuttlefish constantly changing color. First day and we were already saying: “Is it really going to be like this every day?”
Mioskon
· DAY 2 ·
Mioskon was one of those days you don’t forget easily. Underwater, life was everywhere: huge schools of batfish, bananafish and an almost absurd number of fish. Everything moving, everything with rhythm. Then reef sharks appeared, hunting around the schools. Watching them move through so many fish, with sudden bursts of movement everywhere, instantly spikes your adrenaline.
Visibility was excellent, so you saw everything clearly: sharks coming and going, schools opening up, the reef full of activity. One of those dives where you come out with your heart racing and the feeling you were in the right place at the right time.
Pulau Batanta
· DAY 3 ·
Another day with dolphins escorting the boat — we almost considered them part of the crew. This day had a clear goal: trying to see dugongs. Cameras ready, watching from the surface… and just when we least expected it, the moment happened.
We spotted a mother dugong with her calf. We took the dinghy, masks on, no noise — and got lucky enough to see them again. Calm, together. One of those encounters you know won’t repeat easily.
The dive that day in Pulau Batanta was sandier, with slightly lower visibility, but we still saw pufferfish, colorful schools, beautiful corals and a cuttlefish hunting between them — which made the day even more special. And for snorkeling, it was spectacular. We ended the day jumping from the boat into the water, laughing like kids. Perfect plan.
Melissa Garden, Frewen Wall and Piaynemo
· DAY 4 ·
This was one of the big days. Melissa Garden and Frewen Wall are the kind of places that justify an entire trip. Massive corals, giant gorgonians and constant marine life.
We saw huge moray eels, massive schools, trevallies and tuna hunting, sharks moving through the blue… and the star of the day: the pygmy seahorse. So tiny it’s hard to believe it’s there. Finding it required absolute focus. Brutal.
Fun moment: a remora got obsessed with Lucía (she was wearing a whale shark swimsuit) and stuck to her for half an hour. Leg, tank — wouldn’t let go. Impossible not to laugh.
In the afternoon we climbed Piaynemo. The views are so spectacular words are unnecessary. You just know that landscape stays with you.
Mayhem, Yenbraimuk, Citrus + night dive
· DAY 5 ·
Another relentless day. Massive schools, barracudas hunting, pipefish, starfish, multicolored lobsters and the smallest cuttlefish of the trip — thumb-sized. Raja Ampat never stops surprising.
At night we did a night dive in Citrus, and it was a completely different story. For non-divers: it’s the same reef, but night shift. A different life emerges.
We saw a mantis shrimp (our favorite animal), crocodile fish, rockfish, lionfish, morays and trevallies hunting under torchlight. It felt like someone redecorated the reef just for the occasion. Incredible.
Arborek Jetty & Manta Sandy
· DAY 6 ·
The last day was a perfect closing. At Arborek Jetty, right after entering the water, we saw enormous giant clams — bigger than anything we’d ever seen. The coral here is exactly like in Raja Ampat videos: dense, alive and full of color.
We saw massive bumphead parrotfish, curious sweetlips and tons of marine life unafraid of divers. And to finish: Manta Sandy. More than 20 mantas circling, cleaning, passing close again and again. Hard to describe without falling short.
We also saw wobbegongs again, closing the trip exactly as it began. Could you ask for a better ending?
Important: Safety
There are trips where it takes two days to relax. And there are others where, without really knowing why, You relax from the first dive.
That’s what happened to us in Raja Ampat. We were in the water, relaxed, not thinking too much, feeling like we were in good hands.
And when a trip makes you feel like this so soon… you know that something is being done very right at Situju 7.
Dive Masters – Clear judgment and always attentive
The dive masters, Vhygi and Manu, explain everything clearly, directly and even with drawings if needed. You know where you enter, how the dive will go and what to expect.
Key point: small dive groups. We were few, and that makes a huge difference. No rush, no crowds, and you can go at your own pace. Want to observe something calmly? You can. Need to stop? You stop. That’s how diving should feel.
Are there currents in Raja Ampat?
Currents are part of the game here, but in our case they were moderate or low, and dives were perfectly planned with them. They nailed every single one. We never felt stress or the sensation of “fighting” the water.
And on that note: this trip is also very suitable for less experienced divers. At no point did we feel that divers with less experience were out of place. It’s a fantastic destination for all levels.
Before getting in the water
The crew makes everything even easier. They help with gear, load it, prepare it — and when you exit the water, they welcome you with food, smiles and fresh water. While you dive, they clean and make your room. You enjoy; they handle the rest.
The diving equipment was brand new (we were lucky to use it for the first time) and worked perfectly — something that builds a lot of confidence, especially if you don’t carry all your gear or are a less experienced diver.
Our Experience on Situju 7
Raja Ampat
The liveaboard we'll always want to return to.
After a week in Raja Ampat, the first thing we felt wasn’t euphoria. It was silence. That mental silence that appears when you’ve experienced something incredible and you’re still processing it. On our last day in Situju, after recording a video reliving the experience, we had to sit down, look out at the sea, and accept how incredibly lucky we’d been.
It wasn’t just because of what we saw underwater—which was extraordinary —but how we lived it. Sleeping in the sea, waking up without rushing, entering the water each day knowing something interesting was going to happen. No rigid schedules, no stress, no feeling of rushing anywhere..
There were moments that will stay with us forever. The dugong with her calf. The manta rays circling endlessly. The wobbegongs appearing when least expected. The pygmy seahorse, the size of a grain of rice. But also even smaller, seemingly unimportant things: meeting and talking for hours with Deni, the owner of the situju (he’s a wonderful person), a beer at sunset, conversations after diving, crossing one of the last paradises in an authentic boat… This is Situju 7 in Raja Ampat.
Situju 7 played a huge role in all this. There’s no distance between guest and crew, no sense of packaged tourism. Here they call you by your name, ask you how you slept, tell you things about their lives, and listen when you tell them about yours.You don’t feel like a customer. You feel like you’re part of the journey. And when that happens, the experience becomes much deeper than you imagine when you first board.
Raja Ampat is no ordinary destination. And experiencing it from a liveaboard like Situju is more than just traveling. It’s truly disconnecting, reconnecting with nature, and returning home with the clear feeling of having done something unforgettable. That strange feeling only wonderful trips give: sadness to leave, gratitude for having been there.
We came looking for calm and diving — and found it. But we got more than we expected because when everything around you invites you to slow down, You start to realize things that are truly worthwhile..
It’s not easy to find a place that has it all: beauty, intimacy, gastronomy, and soul. Situju has it. Maybe because it was born from the dream of three friends who decided to share their vision of the world with you. There are no nightly shows, no jacuzzis with neon lights and champagne… But there is something better: quality time, breathtaking scenery above and below the water, and above all… a team of people who transform a beautiful place into an unforgettable destination.
Perhaps that’s why, as we crossed the catwalk on the last day, we didn’t say “goodbye,” but “see you soon.” Because when something makes you feel this good, you know it’s not an ending. It’s a comma. A pause. And hopefully, a promise to return.
- Web: https://www.situju7cruise.com/
- Email: info@situju7cruise.com
