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    Diving in Raja Ampat

    Diving in Raja Ampat

    Indonesia
    167 dive sites
    28 dive centres

    Why dive here

    Raja Ampat offers some of Indonesia's richest diving, with 236+ marine species recorded in the area - including blacktip reef sharks, manta rays, mobula rays (devil rays), pygmy seahorses and sea turtles. Water ranges 29-30°C, warmest May, November, December.

    Best timeDec–Apr
    WetsuitNo wetsuit needed, or a rash guard
    Marine lifeBlacktip Reef Sharks, Manta Rays, Mobula Rays (Devil Rays), Pygmy Seahorses and Sea Turtles · 236+ species recorded
    Water29-30°C · warmest May, November, December
    Dive sites177 sites · reef, wreck, wall
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    Raja Ampat is an opinion-splitter, but we think it’s absolutely worth the journey. We’ve been a few times now, and each trip peels back another layer. Forget the sheer number of species; what’s really special is the *density* of it all. You’ll be finning along a reef, maybe at Melissa's Garden, and the fusiliers are so thick you practically have to push through them. Then, out of the blue, a Napoleon wrasse cruises by, completely unfazed. We’re big fans of the northern islands, particularly around Kawe and Wayag, where the pinnacles are just bursting with life. Currents can be properly feisty here, no doubt about it, but that’s what brings in the action. Think blacktip reef sharks circling out in the blue, or schools of barracuda forming a shimmering wall. Our favourite spot for mantas has to be Manta Ridge; we’ve seen them stacked up at the cleaning station, sometimes seven or eight at a time, just hovering there. For macro, a good guide will find you pipefish and pygmy seahorses tucked into every nook. It’s a place that demands respect for the ocean, but the rewards are immense. Go in the shoulder seasons, April or October, to avoid the slightly busier peak.

    Raja Ampat Dive Site Map

    Dive sites and dive centres in Raja Ampat

    Raja Ampat Dive Sites

    177 dive sites in Raja Ampat

    Aerborek Jetty

    Aeroborek Jetty is exactly what it sounds like, a jetty, and a pretty good one for a dive. You'll find it off Aeroborek Island, a small village that buzzes with local life. Below the wooden pilings, the light plays in interesting ways, especially in the late morning. We’ve seen juvenile fusiliers here, thick schools that dart in and out of the shadows. Keep an eye out for Denise's pygmy seahorse if you’ve got a sharp spotter, they’re tricky to find. This site is a relaxed dive, good for a second or third dip of the day, with a chance to spot something unusual in the shallows.

    5-15m

    Aerborek Jetty Dive Site

    The Aerborek Jetty is a solid option if you’re looking for a relaxed dive in Raja Ampat. It’s a pretty easy site, starting shallow at 5m and dropping to around 20m. We’ve seen a good mix of stuff here, from Denise’s pygmy seahorses tucked into gorgonians to reef mantas gliding past. Look closely at the jetty pylons themselves – they're often covered in fluted clams and you might even spot an olive ridley turtle cruising through the seagrass beds nearby. It’s a nice, calm dive, great for photographers or if you just want to take it easy.

    Agusta Reef

    Agusta Reef sits pretty shallow, peaking around 10-12m, but don’t let that fool you. This spot usually serves up a stiff current, so we'd suggest bringing a reef hook and being comfortable with some energetic drifting. When that water's moving, the place really lights up. You’ll often find schools of redtooth triggerfish dancing in the flow, and both blacktip and whitetip reef sharks patrol the edges. We’ve even spotted a few Pygmy seahorses tucked away when the current eases enough to search. Keep an eye out for Jumping Blennies too, they’re always a fun find here.

    Agusta Reef

    Agusta Reef sits pretty shallow, peaking around 10-12m, but don’t let that fool you. This spot usually serves up a stiff current, so we'd suggest bringing a reef hook and being comfortable with some energetic drifting. When that water's moving, the place really lights up. You’ll often find schools of redtooth triggerfish dancing in the flow, and both blacktip and whitetip reef sharks patrol the edges. We’ve even spotted a few Pygmy seahorses tucked away when the current eases enough to search. Keep an eye out for Jumping Blennies too, they’re always a fun find here.

    Algae Patch 1

    Algae Patch 1 is one of those muck sites we often hit when transiting between Sorong and Raja Ampat proper. Don't let the name fool you, there’s plenty more than just algae here. Maximum depth hits 22m, with average visibility around 18m, which is decent for a sandy bottom. You’re really here for the small stuff. We’ve found everything from Opossum Pipefish to the Crazy Fish, hunkering down near the scattered coral blocks and patches of staghorn. It's an excellent spot for photographers keen on macro subjects, especially if you enjoy a slower, more deliberate dive. Just make sure your guide knows the tide chart, as currents in the channel can pick up surprisingly quickly.

    5-20m

    Algae Patch 1

    Algae Patch 1 is one of those muck sites we often hit when transiting between Sorong and Raja Ampat proper. Don't let the name fool you, there’s plenty more than just algae here. Maximum depth hits 22m, with average visibility around 18m, which is decent for a sandy bottom. You’re really here for the small stuff. We’ve found everything from Opossum Pipefish to the Crazy Fish, hunkering down near the scattered coral blocks and patches of staghorn. It's an excellent spot for photographers keen on macro subjects, especially if you enjoy a slower, more deliberate dive. Just make sure your guide knows the tide chart, as currents in the channel can pick up surprisingly quickly.

    Alyui Bay

    Alyui Bay, tucked into the western side of Waigeo, is where we head when the mission is small stuff. Forget the big pelagics here; this is critter territory. We’ve spent hours finning slowly along its walls and slopes, spotting pygmy seahorses clinging to gorgonians and ghost pipefish swaying in the current. It’s a macro photographer's dream, a place where patience really pays off. The max depth usually hovers around 25 metres, making it approachable for most divers, though keeping an eye on your buoyancy is key when you’re hovering over delicate subjects. Currents can pick up, especially near the mouth, so it’s not always a completely placid drift.

    Andrea's Point

    Andrea’s Point gives you a good slice of Raja Ampat’s smaller residents, especially if you’re into the macro stuff. We’ve had good luck here finding Denise’s pygmy seahorses tucked into gorgonians, and it’s a reliable spot for various gobies like the Scaly-nape Tentacle Goby. Look closely at the anemones, as you’ll often find clown anemonefish tending their homes. It’s not the thumping action of some other sites, but we’d suggest it for divers who enjoy a slower pace, hovering to really observe. Good for photographers with a keen eye for the tiny things.

    10-30m

    Anita's Garden

    Anita's Garden often gets overlooked, tucked away as it is, but it’s a lovely spot for a relaxed drift. We’ve found it best to drop in when the current is mild, letting it carry you gently over the sloping reef. Keep an eye out for the small stuff here. We regularly see Denise's pygmy seahorse clinging to gorgonians and a dozen different pygmy gobies flitting around, like the pudgy and palebarred varieties. It's a calmer dive, perfect for photographers or anyone wanting to slow down and really appreciate the smaller residents of Raja Ampat.

    Arborek shark point

    Arborek Shark Point often gets overshadowed by its flashier Raja Ampat neighbors, but we think it’s a solid dive, especially for those who appreciate a relaxed pace. We typically find the site to be a gentle slope, starting shallow and gradually dropping, making it great for longer bottom times. Keep your eyes peeled for those Bristle-tailed Leatherjackets; they’re often hanging around the reef edges. While the name suggests sharks, and we’ve certainly seen blacktips cruising, it’s also a good spot for spotting Reef Manta Rays if you hit it right. It’s a pleasant afternoon dive, not too challenging, and good for a second dive of the day.

    10-25m

    Arefi Reef

    We often hit Arefi Reef as the second stop on a Batanta trip, a good hour from our base. It's a shallow spot, topping out around 21 metres, and tends to be a relaxed drift. Visibility averages around 17 metres here, so things are clear enough to spot the resident Freycinet’s epaulette sharks tucked under ledges. You'll likely see a few ghost cardinalfish darting about too, along with halfmoon triggerfish cruising past. It’s a solid, easy dive, perfect for warming up or winding down after the P-47 wreck.

    5-20m

    Arefi Reef

    We often hit Arefi Reef as the second stop on a Batanta trip, a good hour from our base. It's a shallow spot, topping out around 21 metres, and tends to be a relaxed drift. Visibility averages around 17 metres here, so things are clear enough to spot the resident Freycinet’s epaulette sharks tucked under ledges. You'll likely see a few ghost cardinalfish darting about too, along with halfmoon triggerfish cruising past. It’s a solid, easy dive, perfect for warming up or winding down after the P-47 wreck.

    5-20m
    Show all 177 dive sites in Raja Ampat

    Raja Ampat Dive Centres

    28 dive shops and operators in Raja Ampat

    Ambon Dive Explore

    Andau Dive Resort

    Website

    Coralia Liveaboards

    Website

    Delvin

    Website
    Phone

    Dive Bluemotion

    Website

    Dive into Raja Ampat

    Website
    Phone

    Gurara

    Koranu Fyak Homestay

    Website
    Phone
    Show all 28 dive centres in Raja Ampat

    Ocean Wildlife in Raja Ampat

    236 species recorded in Raja Ampat

    Raja Ampat Daylight & Sunrise/Sunset

    Sunrise and sunset times for Raja Ampat, calculated from coordinates

    Today - Sunday 11 October

    Sunrise

    06:02

    Sunset

    18:09

    Daylight

    12h 7m

    Golden Hour

    17:41

    First light (dawn) at 05:41 · Last light (dusk) at 18:30

    Monthly Averages

    Month
    Jan06:2318:3212h 10m
    Feb06:2918:3712h 8m
    Mar06:2418:3112h 7m
    Apr06:1618:2112h 6m
    May06:1218:1712h 5m
    JunShortest06:1718:2112h 5m
    Jul06:2218:2712h 5m
    Aug06:2118:2612h 5m
    Sep06:1118:1712h 6m
    OctNow06:0018:0812h 8m
    Nov05:5918:0812h 9m
    DecLongest06:0818:1812h 10m

    Times are approximate local times based on longitude. Actual times may vary slightly depending on the exact timezone observed in Raja Ampat.

    Where to Stay near Raja Ampat

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    Marine Protected Areas near Raja Ampat

    18 protected areas near Raja Ampat - please respect local regulations when diving

    KK Kepulauan Raja Ampat

    Marine Park
    IUCN VI
    Part
    13,919 km²

    TAMAN WISATA PERAIRAN KEPULAUAN RAJA AMPAT

    Marine Recreation Park
    IUCN VI
    9,619 km²

    KK Seribu Satu Sungai Teoenobikia di Perairan Sorong Selatan

    Marine Park
    IUCN VI
    3,457 km²

    Misool Timur Selatan (Raja Ampat)

    Locally Managed Marine Area
    IUCN VI
    3,232 km²

    KK Misool Utara

    Marine Park
    IUCN VI
    3,081 km²

    Selat Dampier (Raja Ampat)

    Locally Managed Marine Area
    IUCN VI
    2,855 km²

    KK Kepulauan Waigeo Sebelah Barat

    Marine Park
    IUCN VI
    2,667 km²

    KKP-13 Makbon

    Marine Protected Area
    1,470 km²

    Kepulauan Kofiau dan Boo (Raja Ampat)

    Locally Managed Marine Area
    IUCN VI
    1,420 km²

    Kawe / Kep. Wayag Sayang / Kep. Panjang

    Nature Reserve
    IUCN IV
    1,247 km²

    Teluk Lelintah

    Wildlife Sanctuary
    1,137 km²

    SUAKA ALAM PERAIRAN KEPULAUAN RAJA AMPAT DAN LAUT SEKITARNYA

    Marine Nature Reserve
    IUCN IV
    577 km²

    Showing 12 largest of 18

    Getting to Raja Ampat

    Sorong

    SOQ
    80 km~1.7 hrs

    Ambon

    AMQ
    424 km~8 hrs

    Fakfak

    FKQ
    301 km~5.7 hrs
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