Scuba diving or snorkeling fans find in Raja ampat one of the best destinations in the world. Find what you need to know to enjoy your best dive.
Raja Ampat (The Four Kings) is an archipelago comprising over a thousand islands near West Papua Peninsula. One of the planet`s richest and most diverse ecosystem with over 500 species of hard coral and over 1500 species of reef fish is pristine and lush being most likely the best preserved place one can dive.
Start your trip by checking the planning guide.
My dive:
Some of the best dives one can have. The reef is pristine and full of sealife with plenty medium to large size fish, excellent macro and great healthy soft and hard corals.
Read about scuba diving in Mansuar.
Getting there:
This is not easy. The only way to reach West Papua is to land in Sorong (SOQ) and take a ferry or a private boat to your dive center. Also most of the liveaboard tours start and end their tour in Sorong. Read more…
When to visit:
Raja Ampat can be dived year-round but the best time is October through end of April as the winter monsoon brings the least chances for rain. July through end of August can be rough and heavy rain. The weather is tropical with daily maximum of 30°C / 86°F and nightly minimum of 25°C / 78°F. The ocean is warm year-round with an average of 28°C / 83°F.
What you`ll see:
Wobbegong Sharks, Blacktip Reef Sharks, Whitetip Reef Sharks, Batfish, Surgeonfish, Napoleon Wrasses, Fusiliers, Giant Trevallies, Spanish Mackerel, Tuna, Moray Eels, Manta Rays, Octopuses, Cuttlefish, Shrimp, Pygmy Seahorses and pristine and lush corals.
Visibility in Raja Ampat is about 10 m / 33 feet to 25 m / 82 feet and is better in the morning but can change surprisingly with the tide. Check the tide schedule when you plan your diving or snorkeling sessions.
DIVETIP
Accommodation:
There are three options for staying and diving in Raja Ampat:
- Homestay
- Dive Resort
- Liveaboard
Read more… in the accommodation article.
Dive Center:
I have opted for the unlimited diving package provided by Gangga Diver, a PADI Five Star Dive Center. I would recommend this for the following reasons:
- Diving gear is serviced and the dive guides are well trained and speak english;
- The diving boats are in good shape and the personal on board is very helpful;
- The dive groups and the boats are never crowded and they try to group divers with similar experience and interest;
- Being located in middle of Raja Ampat day trips to famous Cape Kri or Fam Islands are provided;
- Snorkelers are welcome on the dive boats and snorkeling guide can be provided;
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