Raja Ampat Diving
Welcome to the undisputed heart of marine biodiversity! Planning your Raja Ampat diving adventure starts here. This comprehensive guide, built by certified dive experts, provides everything you need: from navigating the best time to visit for peak visibility to exploring the famous sites of Misool and the Fam Islands. Get ready to experience the world's most vibrant underwater ecosystem.
About Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat, located in the heart of the Coral Triangle, is widely regarded as the most biodiverse marine ecosystem on Earth. This remote archipelago in West Papua, Indonesia, comprises over 1,500 small islands surrounded by crystal-clear waters teeming with life.
With over 1,500 fish species and 75% of all known coral species, Raja Ampat offers unparalleled underwater experiences. From pristine hard coral gardens to dramatic walls and manta cleaning stations, every dive reveals something extraordinary.
The region remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, offering an authentic adventure for divers seeking world-class marine encounters in a stunning tropical setting.
Why Dive in Raja Ampat
- Unmatched Biodiversity: More marine species per hectare than anywhere else on Earth
- Manta Encounters: Reliable manta ray sightings at cleaning stations year-round
- Pristine Coral Reefs: Healthy hard and soft coral gardens in vibrant colors
- Macro Paradise: Pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, and rare critters abound
- Schooling Fish: Massive schools of jacks, barracuda, and fusiliers
- Shark Diversity: Wobbegong, blacktip, and walking sharks
Best Dive Sites in Raja Ampat
Misool
Wayag
Cape Kri
Manta Sandy
Dampier Strait
Marine Life in Raja Ampat
How to Get to Raja Ampat
Fly to Sorong (SOQ) via Jakarta or Makassar. Most liveaboards depart from Sorong harbor.
Flight time from Jakarta is approximately 4-5 hours with one connection.
Available Liveaboards
Upcoming Trips
Quick Info
- Country
- Indonesia
- Region
- West Papua
- Water Temp
- 27-30C
- Visibility
- 15-30m
- Best Season
- Oct-Apr
- Min. Cert
- AOW
Best Time to Visit
October to April offers the best conditions with calm seas and excellent visibility reaching 30+ meters.
The dry season (Oct-Apr) is ideal for southern sites, while the wet season (May-Sep) favors northern areas.
Practical Info
Visa: Most nationalities get 30-day visa on arrival.
Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). ATMs available in Sorong.
Marine Park Fee: ~1,000,000 IDR per person required.
Language: Indonesian; English spoken on liveaboards.
