West Papua dive resorts are a way to make your trip to this region worthwhile. The hidden gem of Indonesia, West Papua offers countless untouched beauty for you to explore. Diving enthusiasts would love its pristine diving spots with their crystal clear waters and rich marine ecosystem. Here is what you need to do before finding the perfect dive resort for your dream holiday.
Diving in West Papua
From exploring diverse traditional West Papua culture, hiking gorgeous peaks, to swimming with marine wildlife, you’ll never run out of things to do. The final frontier of Indonesia’s countless breathtaking travel spots, West Papua is a true tropical gem. While the area is remote and travel is difficult, you can find a plethora of natural attractions in this province.
West Papua Indonesia is one of the best places to travel for divers, particularly the Raja Ampat area. This destination offers a quiet diving paradise with still unblemished underwater vistas. Not only that, but you can also find various dive resorts with top-notch accommodation and certified dive centers.
Places to Dive in Raja Ampat, West Papua
There are many amazing West Papua dive resorts in Raja Ampat. Made up of many small islands, Raja Ampat is home to a diverse range of marine life. Its beautiful underwater environment is why many divers place it at the top of their list of dream diving spots. With over 200 dive locations to choose from, you won’t be tired of Raja Ampat. Here are the top three locations to dive.
Northern Raja Ampat: Kri Island
If you ask where is West Papua best diving spot, many divers would say Kri Island. Located in the Dampier Strait, it is an area best known for its large concentration of marine life. In the sapphire waters of Kri Island, you will see massive schools of fish feeding on the coral. Diving at Cape Kri offers you the once-in-a-lifetime experience of swimming among dogtooth tuna, chevron barracuda, white tip reef sharks, and other rare species.
Central Raja Ampat: Manta Ridge
This is another popular location where you can find amazing West Papua dive resorts. Located between the islands of Mansuar and Airborei, Manta Ridge is the most reliable spot to see manta rays. Between 5-30 mantas regularly come to the shallow waters of this area. You’ll see giant manta rays swimming gracefully in circles amidst strong currents. This area is for advanced divers who are experienced with strong currents.
Southern Raja Ampat: Misool Island
On Misool Island, you won’t have difficulty finding great West Papua dive resorts, because it’s a famous hotspot. This island offers stretches of white sand along its coasts, impressive rock caves, and kayaking spots, among other wonders. All the panoramas in Misool will surely make all your worries disappear. The beauty also extends underwater, where you can find gorgeous coral reefs in the clear waters. Once you visit, you’ll always want to go back.
Choosing a Dive Resort
Other than considering the proximity, there are also other factors you must take into account when choosing suitable dive resorts for your West Papua holiday. When choosing a dive facility, keep the following things in mind to evaluate the possible accommodations.
First, think of the quality of the place. Don’t be fooled by a cheap price. The dive resort must be well-maintained because it concerns your safety while diving. Make sure that the store has appropriate diving facilities and equipment. Next, ask questions to the staff about the West Papua dive resorts you’re considering to know if they have proper certifications, a good safety record, and qualified instructors.
