Exploring Raja Ampat: A Diver’s Paradise
Well known for its coral reefs, excellent diving, and beautiful beaches, Raja Ampat is a great alternative to better-known Indonesian islands. The best way to see these stunning (and remote) islands is by chartering a “liveaboard” dive boat and heading out to sea for several days.
Why You Should Visit Raja Ampat
The Raja Ampat Islands are breathtakingly unique, both above and below the waves. Over 1500 reefs and islets lie scattered among the larger islands of Batanta, Waigeo, Salawati, and Misool (the “four kings” that give the destination its name in Bahasa). This area is home to the most biodiverse coral reefs on the planet, where manta rays parade past pygmy seahorses, and where wriggling wobbegongs meet walking sharks. Above the surface, sheer cliffs hide passageways and lagoons dotted with pinnacles and secret beaches. Moreover, the best way to explore this island landscape is onboard a Bugis phinisi, a traditional ship fitted for diving, adventure, or simply relaxing.
Some Advice on When to Go
Raja Ampat’s seasons are markedly different from those of the rest of the country. From October to April, Raja Ampat experiences its dry season, with calm seas and exceptional marine life, including manta rays. While you’ll always encounter some rain, showers come short and sharp, providing for dramatic sunsets. To experience Raja Ampat at its best, visit early in the season, between October and December, when the seas are calm enough to head south to Misool, and when mobula rays congregate to feed on vast clouds of baitfish. If you’re looking to escape the crowds, consider visiting during the low season from May to September.
The Heart of Raja Ampat
After boarding and settling into your cabin in Sorong, the gateway to Raja Ampat, you’ll sail northwest into the Dampier Strait for some exceptional diving to kick-start your exploration. This passage funnels vast amounts of water from the Pacific Ocean toward the Banda Sea, creating perfect conditions for prolific reef growth and abundant marine life. The best dive sites are found where the strong currents swirl past isolated reefs and headlands, for instance, Blue Magic and Cape Kri.
Catch Some Rays
The Dampier Strait is one of the best places in Indonesia to encounter manta rays. While these plankton feeders are spotted throughout Raja Ampat, the strait is known for delivering some unforgettable encounters. Reef manta rays gather in formation to feed in the currents at Manta Sandy and Manta Ridge. If you’re lucky, you might witness “mating trains” of courting rays. Moreover, Blacktip sharks often congregate, providing additional opportunities for amazing underwater experiences.
North to the Pacific
Your phinisi will head northwest for the next part of its voyage, stopping off at Yangeffo Island and exploring dive sites like Mayhem and Citrus Ridge. Furthermore, the island of Gam is home to endemic birds of paradise, making an early morning trek worthwhile. The beautiful sight of these birds displaying their stunning colors is a joyful reward for your early start.
Across the Equator
Cruising up the coast of Waigeo, you’ll stop at a pearl farm in Aljui Bay, where you can observe the fascinating pearl cultivation process. Moreover, you’ll dive renowned sites like Eagle Rock and Changgo, before crossing the equator at the northern tip of the island. If this is your first crossing at sea, expect a fun naval tradition involving playful costumes.
South to Misool
After enjoying a sunset from the summit of Wayag, you’ll navigate towards Piaynemo and the Fam Islands, renowned for exceptional marine life. Dive sites such as Galaxy and Melissa’s Garden are highlights. Upon reaching Misool, you’ll find unique dive sites like the underwater caves at Farondi and the stunning Love Potion #9, providing plenty for both divers and non-divers alike.
Superlative Reefs
The next day, you’ll sail towards the islands south and east of Misool, home to some of the best reef diving on the planet, now part of the Misool Marine Protected Area. This conservation effort has led to an explosion of marine life, showcasing a vibrant underwater landscape filled with colorful reefs, healthy shark populations, and busy schools of fish. Prepare to be amazed as you explore these stunning ecosystems, including diving at Magic Mountain in search of oceanic manta rays.
As your journey comes to a close, you’ll enjoy final dives before heading ashore for a concluding dinner on a pristine beach, surrounded by the picturesque marine landscape. This marks a fitting end to your exploration of some of the most biodiverse and stunning island landscapes in the world.
