Arefi Reef - Raja Ampat

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.

Location
Raja Ampat, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-0.797200, 130.702200
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
5-20m

Marine Protected Area: Selat Dampier (Raja Ampat)

Best Time to Dive in Raja Ampat

The warmest water temperatures in Raja Ampat occur in November, averaging 30.3°C. The coolest conditions are in July at 29.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 29.7°C
  • February: 29.4°C
  • March: 29.6°C
  • April: 29.9°C
  • May: 29.9°C
  • June: 29.7°C
  • July: 29.3°C
  • August: 29.4°C
  • September: 29.6°C
  • October: 30.0°C
  • November: 30.3°C
  • December: 30.1°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Raja Ampat

Nearest Dive Centres to Arefi Reef

Marine Life in Raja Ampat

Home to 250 recorded species including 176 reef fish, 43 hard corals, 8 seagrass & algae, 5 sea cucumbers, 4 clams & mussels, 4 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Arefi Reef

Based on average water temperature of 29.7°C, currents 20 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 30°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth at Arefi Reef?
Divers can expect a typical diving depth range of 5-20 meters at Arefi Reef. The maximum recorded depth for this site is 21 meters, making it accessible for various certification levels.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Arefi Reef?
Arefi Reef is renowned for its abundant marine life, particularly being "full of wobbegong sharks." Divers can also anticipate encountering a variety of other species such as nudibranch, snapper, triggerfish, trevally, jackfish, clownfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish. As a reef dive, you'll explore vibrant coral formations that support this diverse ecosystem.
How challenging is diving at Arefi Reef, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at Arefi Reef is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. While not recommended for absolute beginners, divers with an Open Water certification and some experience will find it manageable and rewarding. It's a great site for those looking to advance their skills in the stunning waters of Raja Ampat.
What is the best time of year to dive Arefi Reef for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Arefi Reef for optimal conditions. For general information on diving seasons in Raja Ampat, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at Arefi Reef?
Given that Arefi Reef is an intermediate difficulty dive with a maximum depth of 21 meters, an Open Water Diver certification is typically sufficient. However, an Advanced Open Water certification is recommended to comfortably explore the full depth range and enhance your overall experience. Always consult with your dive operator in Raja Ampat for specific requirements.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like at Arefi Reef?
Divers at Arefi Reef can typically expect good visibility, averaging around 17 meters. The provided data does not specify typical current conditions for this site. It's always advisable to check with local dive operators for real-time conditions before your dive.