Finding the best dive sites in Raja Ampat shouldn’t be difficult. Divers have long known this place has among the best diving spots in the world. Raja Ampat is blessed with rich marine biodiversity that amazes marine scientists as it does divers.
Each region in this archipelago has its own unique ecosystem, which means different underwater views for a unique Raja Ampat diving experience. In this article, we will discuss some of the most famous dive sites in Raja Ampat, Indonesia.
Best Dive Sites in Raja Ampat: Four Kings
This spot is named after the four pinnacles underwater that stand 30 to 40 meters from the depth. Some of these structures are connected by a ridge, while some others appear to be in a descending height. The strong currents in this diving spot attract schools of barracudas, turtles, scorpion fish, and trevally, while other kinds of fish swim among the colorful soft corals.
Blue Magic
Located between Mioskon and Cape Kri, Blue Magic is another great diving spot for you. You can find colorful corals in different shapes and forms. The coral formation has led people to nickname this diving spot “Magic Mountain”—since it looks like a mountain of corals under the water.
You can expect to see bigger fish here since no other spots with a complex underwater formation are nearby. If you’re lucky, you may spot manta rays passing by.
Fam Islands
Fam has four major islands: Fam, Inus, Penemu, and Yar. These islands have among the best dive sites in Raja Ampat, thanks to the pristine marine ecology and rich biodiversity. Few of the best diving spots here include Mellisa’s Garden and the famous Penemu Wall. In these dive spots, you can expect to see some pygmy seahorses, reef sharks, ghost pipefish, gorgonians, and wobbegongs.
The Passage
There’s a reason why The Passage became one of the most famous dive sites in Raja Ampat. The topography of the diving spot is quite diverse. From the mangrove seascape to rocky ridges of coral formation underneath, there are plenty of spots where various kinds of marine life can play around and hide.
Manta Sandy
As the name suggests, this diving spot is perfect for those who love manta rays. At 18-meter depth, this spot is suitable for divers of any skill level. The strength of the current is quite varied here. When in doubt, you’d better check it with your diving instructor first.
In general, divers come to this place because they want to see mantas. So it can be a bit crowded during peak seasons. The mantas themselves love this diving spot because it has a lot of plankton.
Shadow Reef
Divers frequently visit this spot because they can see manta rays swimming around this area. This place is known as the manta rays’ cleaning spot, which means these animals will come here to have parasites removed from their bodies. Some wrasses will help them with the process, which means a big chance for divers to spot them as well.
Dampier Strait
The best dive sites in the Dampier Strait include Sardine Reef, Cape Kri, and Arborek Jetty. The strong currents in this strait have allowed various kinds of organisms to thrive. You will have a great diving experience with many colorful fish passing through the currents.
However, you must stay cautious with the strong currents. It may be best to visit this dive site only if you’re an experienced diver.
There are many dive sites in Raja Ampat that you can explore. This article only mentioned a few of them. The best way is to understand your own strength and pick the diving spot that suits your skill level. With that in mind, you’ll best enjoy Raja Ampat, Indonesia.
