Ferry Across Raja Ampat

One of the most common transportations for travelers through Raja Ampat (and many other island nations) is taking a ferry. Ferries are an easy reliable method of transportation that offer a near sure way of reaching your destination, but it's still helpful to know what to expect. Here's what to expect on the Sorong <-> Waisai ferry!

Ferry Schedule

The ferry departs at 9 am and 2 pm 7 days a week. It does this at both destinations, so in Sorong one leaves at 9 am and 2 pm and a different boat leaves out of Waisai at 9 am and 2pm. 
The ferry takes around 2 hours. It runs rather on time and I highly suggest planning your flights around the ferry schedule. 

Should I buy the VIP ticket?

Yes, probably. First, the VIP section gives you the option to have air conditioning. You can still sit outside if you wish but having the option is a big deal. Also, the "normal" section (not VIP) tends to oversell tickets or have random people on. Both trips on the ferry I saw that area so crowded that people were standing around the people sitting. 
The price difference is not enough to deter the VIP ticket, so if you can budget the extra few dollars, I would say its worth it. 
The normal ticket costs 125,000 IDR and the VIP is 250,000 IDR. That's $8 and $16 respectively. 

Buying your ticket 

In Sorong: The ticket hut is basically an open air shack. Don't leave your phone sitting on anything - it'll get stolen. Don't leave your bag. The ticket stand opens at 8am for the 9 am ferry. The ticket sellers will try to sell you a ticket and a boarding pass. They claim you need both. YOU DON'T! You only need the ticket!! Don't get ripped off (I got ripped off). 
In Waisai: Good luck finding the ticket shack. It looks like an abandoned building pushed off onto the side. When facing the water, it's way to your left. 

So, what's the ferry like?

The inside of the VIP section has nice seats. You place your luggage in the cabin with you and keep any personal items. The bathroom exists but is not nice. Don't expect to find much to eat or drink. There are some snack stands before you get on the ferry and I highly suggest getting something from them. 
​I never took the ferry at 2pm but even on 9am the ferry is hot! The overall trip is smooth and I didn't really feel the boat moving at all. Definitely didn't get seasick. 
It's absolutely chaotic trying to get off. People are cutting you off and when you have baggage too, it can be a lot. There are people to help with your bags. They like tips. The ramps are SKETCHY, even for me. Straight vertical, no handrails, too many bumps to trip on. 

VIP ferry section

If you're getting picked up by a homestay:

For those traveling from Sorong to Waisai to meet a homestay, you'll need to exit the ferry and walk to the left to a separate pickup dock. Your homestay may provide you with a map for this. If not, just follow a majority of the people going in that direction. The dock is also near the office where you can buy a marine park tag. NOTE: these tags are required for snorkeling or scuba diving in Raja Ampat and you cannot buy them at the homestay. You can get them at the Sorong and Waisai ferry ports.