Located in the Northwest corner of Indonesian West Papua, where the Indian and Pacific Oceans meet, we find pristine coral reefs (home to 75% of all known corals) beeming with an array of marine life scientists describe as a ‘species factory’.
This spectacular variety of marine life (over 1,300 species of fish, 600 mollusc species) combines with some of the natural world’s most exotic birds, including distinct Birds of Paradise. This is Raja Ampat: the undisputed epicentre of marine biodiversity and one of the richest marine ecosystems in the World.
The relative remoteness of Raja Ampat has been the region’s most outstanding defence against overuse and exploitation, resulting in a pristine ecosystem unfettered by the maelstroms of industrialisation, with ecological wealth unsurpassed anywhere else on the planet.
Located in the Northwest corner of Indonesian West Papua, where the Indian and Pacific Oceans meet, we find pristine coral reefs (home to 75% of all known corals) beeming with such an array of marine life that scientists describe it as a ‘species factory’.
Diving Raja Ampat is an extraordinary experience, no other dive destination in the world will fulfill your dive expectations like Raja Ampat: whales, dolphins, oceanic and reef manta rays, mobulas, limitless speciation of fish, beautiful vibrant soft and hard corals, invertebrates, mollusks, crustaceans and rare marine creatures.
This region has captured the imagination and enthralled divers, scientists, photographers and snorkelers from all over the world.
You will enjoy:
- World-class dive sites
- Diving in Misool
- Manta rays cleaning stations
- Jetty dives
- Shark Nursery (for RA North itinerary)
- Night dives
Between dives and for those guests seeking more leisure based cruises, there is much to entertain and experience within Raja Ampat.
Each anchorage is provided with stunning views of tropical islands, beaches and towering landscapes.
Easily explored with kayaks and SUP or to enjoy safe snorkelling activities.
Birdwatching also features for the early morning folks, to encounter the Birds of Paradise.
There is the opportunity to visit local villages, trek up to incredible viewpoints and enjoy our legendary beach BBQ, under the stars.
- “Bat” beach, Mioskon
- Snorkelling with Manta Rays
- Snorkelling under vibrant Jetties
- Visits to local villages
- Tracking in Piaynemo, Wayag and Misool
- Snorkelling world-class dive sites
- Wayag Archipelago
- Shark nursery
- Beach BBQ
- Blue River
- Bird Watching
- Visit the sand bar
- Kayaking and SUP boarding in turquoise water lagoons
GETTING HERE
The Raja Ampat park is only accessible by liveaboard. It is 4-6 hours of navigation from Sorong Harbour, located in the town of Sorong.
The airport of Sorong receives flights from Jakarta and Makassar. If you fly to Raja Ampat from abroad, we advise arriving to Jakarta and taking a direct flight to Sorong.
If you fly from Bali, get ready for a short overnight transit. We advise booking IBIS hotel Makassar for your short rest before the flight to Sorong.
CLIMATE
The weather is rather variable; even during the “dry” season in this region, rain can fall anytime. Temperatures are around 30 °C.
Generally calm seas with a few temporary storms; slight swell in the most northern part. There is no clear separation between dry and wet seasons.
The best time to visit Raja Ampat is from October through June.
DIVING
TEMPERATURE – 27 – 31℃ (80-88°F). WETSUIT – 3 mm.
DIVING DEPTH – Max 35 m (100 Feet).
CURRENT – Currents are consistent on a number of dives, while some others are really quiet. Some dives on reefs or pinnacles have to be done on the current exposed side to enjoy the best fish life and can, therefore, be slightly “sporty”. Our dive guides always check the current before the dive and will inform you of the conditions. A reef hook and SMB are recommended.
VISIBILITY – Up to 30 m (90 Feet).
