Diving in Raja Ampat: this is what you need to know!

Raja Ampat is a diving mecca! It is among one of the most beautiful dive sites in the world. This archipelago is known as one of the world’s marine biodiversity areas. This is because of the strong currents, the remote location and because the area is protected.

The Raja Ampat region belongs to the Indonesian island of West Papua and consists of more than 1,500 small islands. Raja Ampat’s unique geographical location in the so-called “Coral Triangle” is what makes this place so special. Are you looking for a unique diving vacation? Then this is the place be! You’ll find more coral species here than anywhere else in the world. From reef sharks and giant manta rays to tiny seahorses, you’ll spot it all here. Read on quickly if you want to dive in Raja Ampat.

What Can You Spot All in Raja Ampat?

The question really should be: what can’t you actually spot in Raja Ampat? Because of its gigantic coral reefs, this place attracts large giants to small fish. The marine life is so diverse that it feels like you’ve stepped into a David Attenborough documentary. Unreal beauty.

In all, as many as 1,700 fish species were recorded. Unique fish species you can spot here include the Wobbegong Shark, a flat-topped shark with a unique appearance, and the walking shark, which literally walks through shallow waters. But also oceanic manta rays, dugongs, pygmy seahorses, mandarin fish and the Maori wrasse.

The combination of these unique fish species and the beautiful coral landscapes makes this definitely one of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.

Diving in Raja Ampat: Suitable for Beginners?

Although many dive sites in Raja Ampat are known for their strong currents, there are also dive sites for beginners. Basically, Raja Ampat is suitable for all levels. If you are a beginner, it does make sense to choose a PADI-certified dive center. This way you can be sure that the diving school meets all requirements. There are many good local dive schools in Raja Ampat, but if you don’t know how to check equipment or handle dangerous situations yourself, we strongly recommend going for a reputable dive school.

Also at these diving schools you support the locals, as most of the instructors are from the area.

Getting PADI in Raja Ampat

Getting your PADI is also possible in Raja Ampat. This just means that you start at one of the most beautiful dive sites in the world, which means the rest can really only disappoint ;p It is one of the most beautiful places in the world to dive, which makes getting your PADI here fantastic.

A small disadvantage is that during your PADI, since you are still a beginner, you are mostly concerned with the diving itself and a little less with your surroundings. Should Raja Ampat be a once in a lifetime experience for you and you don’t think you’ll ever return there, it might be nicer to have some diving experience beforehand so you can enjoy the environment to the fullest.

Best Diving Resorts and Diving Schools in Raja Ampat

In Raja Ampat, you will find a wide range of dive resorts and diving schools all offering their unique charm and facilities. Whether you are looking for luxury, eco-friendliness or an authentic local experience, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the best places to stay and dive in Raja Ampat:

Raja Ampat Biodiversity Nature Resort

We stayed several nights at Raja Ampat Biodiversity Nature Resort on Gam Island and found it a very nice place to dive. We were listened to carefully, dive sites were tailored to our level and groups were always small. Absolutely highly recommended.

Raja Ampat Dive Lodge

This diving school can be found on Mansuar Island, near Kri Island and is near several top dive sites. It is a fine and luxurious resort with an excellent diving school.

Papua Paradise Eco Resort

This eco-resort on Birie Island is perfect for nature lovers. It offers luxury accommodations in harmony with nature and excellent diving facilities with access to Raja Ampat’s rich marine life.

Misool Eco Resort

Misool Eco Resort is one of Indonesia’s most exclusive resorts. There is a huge queue, but then you have something. Located in a protected area, the resort offers exclusive access to pristine dive sites, making for an unforgettable experience.

Cove Eco Resort

Near the famous Piaynemo you will find the beautiful Cove Eco Resort. They offer complete diving packages.

Soul Divers

If you prefer to stay overnight in homestays but still dive with a fine professional diving school, we recommend Soul Divers. Soul Divers can be found on Kri Island and is one of the few large diving schools in Raja Ampat.

Raja Ampat Liveaboard

Another option to explore Raja Ampat’s underwater world is with a liveaboard. During a liveaboard, you stay on a ship for several days during which you dive 3-4 times a day. A liveaboard in Raja Ampat is one of the most popular ways to explore the area, but you can also add as part of your Raja Ampat itinerary. Popular liveaboard itineraries include stops at top dive sites such as Misool and Dampier Strait. The great advantage of a liveaboard is that you can spend maximum time in the water and discover new, often pristine dive sites every day.

Cost of Diving in Raja Ampat

The cost of diving in Raja Ampat depends greatly on what you choose to do and which dive spot you will visit. On average, you can count on about €120 – €200 per day of diving, including equipment and guide. Liveaboard trips are pricier, with prices ranging from €1,500 to €3,000 for a 7-day trip. However, it is possible to find budget-friendly options, such as dive packages at local resorts or last-minute deals on liveaboards. Keep in mind that equipment is often not included; thus, you must bring your own or rent it locally.

The following is a cost overview for diving in Raja Ampat:

Per dive: €40 – €60 (at a resort or Soul Divers)
Equipment rental: €30 – €60 per day
Liveaboard per day: €250 – €500 per day

The Most Beautiful Dive Sites of Raja Ampat

Cape Kri

Cape Kri has the record number of fish species that can be seen in a single dive. It is an explosion of colors and fish, such as barracuda, mackerel and turtles.

Snorkeling: Yes
Level: Suitable for all levels (depending on the current)
Unique: World record number of fish species in one dive
Max Depth: 30 meters

Blue Magic

Blue Magic is only suitable for experienced divers due to strong currents. This does allow you to spot manta rays, reef sharks and schools of tuna.

Snorkeling: No, because of strong currents
Level: For advanced divers
Unique: Large pelagic species such as manta rays
Max Depth: 30 meters

Sorido Wall

Sorido Wall offers a vertical reef with abundant hard and soft corals. Suitable for both beginners and experienced divers.

Snorkeling: Yes
Level: Suitable for all levels
Unique: Vertical reef with rich corals
Max Depth: 25 meters

Sardines

At Sardines, you can spot huge schools of fish. This spot is famous for its impressive fish clouds that almost block out the sun.

Snorkeling: No
Level: For advanced divers
Unique: Giant schools of fish
Max Depth: 30 meters

Friwenbond

Friwenbond offers spectacular wall dives with colorful corals.

Snorkeling: Yes
Level: Suitable for all levels
Unique: Colorful corals and macro photography
Max Depth: 20 meters

South Kri

South Kri offers a mix of shallow reefs and deep drop-offs.

Snorkeling: Yes
Level: Suitable for all levels
Unique: Mix of shallow reefs and deep drop-offs
Max Depth: 30 meters

Ransiwor

This dive site offers beautiful coral gardens and a wide variety of fish species, perfect for a relaxing dive.

Snorkeling: Yes
Level: Suitable for all levels
Unique: Beautiful coral gardens
Max Depth: 18 meters

Manta Ridge

Manta Ridge offers a unique opportunity to see manta rays cleaning on shallow reefs.

Snorkeling: Yes
Level: Suitable for all levels
Unique: Manta rays
Max Depth: 15 meters

Melissa’s Garden

Melissa’s Garden is a pristine coral garden known for its vast and colorful hard corals.

Snorkeling: Yes
Level: Suitable for all levels
Unique: Unspoiled coral garden
Max Depth: 15 meters

Mike’s Point

Mike’s Point offers dramatic underwater landscapes with canyons and sheer walls, populated by numerous fish species.

Snorkeling: No
Level: For advanced divers
Unique: Dramatic underwater landscapes
Max Depth: 30 meters

Cape Mansuar

Cape Mansuar is a perfect spot for macro photography, with an abundance of small and colorful sea creatures.

Snorkeling: Yes
Level: Suitable for all levels
Unique: Macro photography capabilities
Max Depth: 25 meters

Cross Over

Cross Over offers a mix of sandy bottoms and coral formations, ideal for spotting unusual marine species.

Snorkeling: Yes
Level: Suitable for all levels
Unique: Mix of sandy bottoms and coral formations
Max Depth: 20 meters

Yenbuba Jetty

Yenbuba Jetty is famous for its easy access and rich biodiversity, perfect for both diving and snorkeling.

Snorkeling: Yes
Level: Suitable for all levels
Unique: Rich biodiversity under a pier
Max Depth: 15 meters

Sawandarek

Sawandarek offers a peaceful dive with an abundance of soft corals and diverse fish species, ideal for macro photography.

Snorkeling: Yes
Level: Suitable for all levels
Unique: Soft corals and macro photography
Max Depth: 20 meters

Mios Kon

Mios Kon is a small island that is home to a wide range of marine life, ideal for divers who love biodiversity.

Snorkeling: Yes
Level: Suitable for all levels
Unique: Wide range of marine life
Max Depth: 25 meters

Chicken Reef

Chicken Reef is known for its huge schools of fish and colorful reefs, making for a lively diving experience.

Snorkeling: Yes
Level: Suitable for all levels
Unique: Huge schools of fish
Max Depth: 20 meters

Manta Sandy

Manta Sandy is a hot spot for spotting majestic manta rays, which congregate at shallow cleaning stations.

Snorkeling: Yes
Level: Suitable for all levels
Unique: Manta rays
Max Depth: 18 meters