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Itineraries · Sail-Plan & Wind
A meticulously crafted sail-plan, attuned to the seasonal monsoons and local atmospheric conditions, dictates the comfort, safety, and enjoyment of your expedition. Here is how the weather shapes the route.
By Raja Ampat Yachts · Captains & Sail-Planning
The Two Seasons
December – March
Moderate west/northwest breezes with occasional squalls. Calmest on leeward eastern sides and sheltered central/southern channels — favouring the southern Misool karsts and protected bays.
May – October
More consistent, often stronger east/southeast winds (strongest July–September) with larger swells on exposed eastern coasts. The western flanks of Waigeo and Batanta shelter well — ideal for the north, Wayag, and Aljui Bay.
April & November
Lighter, variable winds and exceptionally calm, often glassy seas across the whole archipelago — maximum itinerary flexibility, prized for diving and photography.
How We Plan
Itineraries adapt to the prevailing winds — heading south to Misool via sheltered inner passages in the NW season; north toward Wayag keeping islands to port in the SE season — minimising exposure to windward passages.
Narrow channels funnel wind while large landmasses cast wind shadows. Our captains’ intimate knowledge finds a perfectly calm bay even on a generally windy day.
| Month | Wind | Speed | Sea State | Recommended Regions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | NW–W | 10–15 | Moderate chop, calm in sheltered bays | Misool, southern Dampier Strait |
| February | NW–W | 10–15 | Moderate chop, calm in sheltered bays | Misool, southern Dampier Strait |
| March | NW–W (easing) | 5–10 | Generally calm, some local chop | Central Raja Ampat, Dampier Strait |
| April | Variable / Light | 0–5 | Very calm, often glassy | All regions — ideal for diving & photography |
| May | SE–E (building) | 5–10 | Mild chop on exposed areas | Northern Waigeo, Aljui Bay, Fam Islands |
| June | SE–E | 10–15 | Moderate chop on exposed areas | Northern Raja Ampat, sheltered western anchorages |
| July | SE–E | 15–20 | Choppy on exposed areas, swells possible | Sheltered western Waigeo, Batanta, Wayag |
| August | SE–E | 15–20 | Choppy on exposed areas, swells possible | Sheltered western Waigeo, Batanta |
| September | SE–E (easing) | 10–15 | Moderate chop, calmer late month | Northern Raja Ampat, Wayag |
| October | SE–E (easing) | 5–10 | Generally calm, some local chop | Central Raja Ampat, Dampier Strait |
| November | Variable / Light | 0–5 | Very calm, often glassy | All regions — excellent for diving |
| December | NW–W (building) | 5–10 | Mild chop, calm in sheltered bays | Misool (early Dec), Dampier Strait |
A general guide only — localised squalls or calm spells can always occur. Our captains continuously monitor real-time conditions to make the most informed decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What guests ask most about Raja Ampat’s wind and choosing the right month.
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