Discover Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat, in Indonesia’s remote West Papua province, is a true diver’s paradise. Known as the heart of the Coral Triangle, it offers the richest marine biodiversity on the planet. It is often hailed as one of the world’s most extraordinary diving destinations. Liveaboard diving in Raja Ampat gives you access to remote and pristine sites across Misool, Dampier Strait, and the Fam Islands, where you’ll encounter manta rays, wobbegong sharks, pygmy seahorses, and vibrant coral gardens. The Dampier straight separates the Birdhead Peninsula from Waigeo and Mansuar. The name comes from the Dutch colonial times. It refers to the shape of the peninsula on the map, but it is also a paradise for many rare bird species.

Here the Pacific Ocean meets the Halmahera Sea, with an explosion of marine life as consequence. With regular strong currents, big fish feel especially comfortable. Manta rays, reef sharks, different schools of mackerel, tuna and barracuda, dolphin and whales.

With hundreds of fish species on a single dive and stunning underwater topography, Raja Ampat liveaboards are an essential bucket-list experience for any serious diver. It is no wonder that divers from all corners of the globe flock to these Indonesian waters to explore its vibrant coral reefs and exhilarating dive sites.

The Raja Ampat area is home to over 600 species of hard corals, which is about 75% of all known species.

Let Scuba Nomads take you there.

Seven, eight, ten and twleve night adventures aboard the Raja Ampat Aggressor or the All Star Velocean Liveaboard yachts depart from Sorong in West Papua exploring the Raja’s main islands, Batanta, Mansuar, Misool, Salawati and Waigeo, also known as the “Four Kings.”

The ideal time to dive Raja Ampat is generally considered to be the dry season from October to April/May, offering calm seas, minmal wind, excellent visibility (up to 30m) offering superb opportunities for underwater photography, and warm waters (27-31°C/80º - 89°F), perfect for seeing mantas and exploring reefs, with the peak months being November to March for optimal conditions.

The dry season is also the peak manta ray season, with large numbers found at cleaning stations; and is also the best time for drift dives, critter spotting and, of course, photography.

While year-round diving is possible, mid-June to September brings stronger winds and swells, though still with great marine activity and the unique visual spectacle of the coral spawning in June. Manta rays can still be seen, but are not as prolific as during the dry season.

With the wet season the crowds are smaller, with fewer people at the popular dive sites.

A 3 mm wetsuit is recommended for all diving in Raja Ampat.

The depth range of dives in Raja Ampat is 11m to 40 m (35 ft - 130 ft)

Raja Ampat Dive Sites

Raja Ampat Liveaboard itineraries combine the best dive sites of Dampier Strait, Fam, Mansuar and the awesome dive sites of Misool, which are the best diving area of Raja Ampat. The great highlights are the manta cleaning station near Mansuar and the huge schools of fish near Farondi.

Arborek: Manta Sandy West Mansuar Arborek Jetty My Reef Dampier: Mioskon Sardines Reef Blue Magic Friwinbonda Nudis Rock The Passage Batu Lima Friwonda Cape Kri Chicken Reef Cape

Batanta North Batata Algae Patch Penemu: Melissa’s Garden Keruo Channel Mansuar - Misool: Magic Mountain Boo Windows Nudi Rock Barracuda Point Tank Rock Whale Rock Three Sisters Killer Cave Farondi Wall

Misool is the South-East of the four big islands of the Raja Ampat archipelago. At the same time it is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. The rich variety of reefs are also not to be overlooked with vertical walls, slopes, dry rocks, caves and lagoons; some covered with hard corals while the others are covered with brightly colored soft corals. Also renowned as the centre of pygmy seahorses and gorgonians, everywhere you go you will be amazed by the profusion of marine life that Raja Ampat has to offer you.