Biodiversity House Reef - Raja Ampat

Biodiversity House Reef. Sounds a bit plain, doesn't it? Don't let the name fool you. We spend more time here than we probably should, kicking around under the jetty and then letting the current (if there is one) nudge us towards Batu Lima. It's a fantastic, low-effort dive, maxing out at about 18 metres, which means plenty of bottom time. We love that this reef starts right in front of the jetty, shallow at two metres, then gently slopes down. The real magic, though, is tucked away in the shadows of the pilings. This is where we consistently find the Raja Ampat epaulette shark – the walking shark – doing its thing, plodding along the substrate. Keep an eye out too for blacktip reef sharks cruising the shallows, often just after dawn. Visibility averages around 13 metres, which is decent enough for spotting those tiny treasures. Our favourite finds here are the pygmy seahorses, usually clinging to a gorgonian, and the bizarre common dragonets performing their courtship dance. It's a superb site for macro enthusiasts and anyone wanting a relaxed dive with consistent big and small animal sightings.

Location
Raja Ampat, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-0.451900, 130.693700
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
5-20m

Marine Protected Area: Teluk Mayalibit (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 Biodiversity House 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 Biodiversity House 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 depth range for diving at Biodiversity House Reef?
The typical depth range for diving at Biodiversity House Reef is between 5 and 20 meters. The reef itself begins as shallow as 2 meters, gradually sloping down to provide a diverse range of depths for exploration. This makes it suitable for various dive profiles.
What kind of marine life and corals can I expect to see when diving Biodiversity House Reef?
When diving at Biodiversity House Reef, you can expect to encounter fascinating marine life, especially under the jetty. It is extremely common to discover the unique walking shark and Blacktip reef sharks swimming along the reef. The reef itself offers many hidden areas, suggesting a rich diversity of smaller species to discover within its coral structures.
How challenging is diving at Biodiversity House Reef, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at Biodiversity House Reef is rated as intermediate in difficulty. While the reef offers a beautiful experience, its intermediate rating suggests it might be more suitable for divers with some prior experience rather than absolute beginners. Beginners should consider gaining more experience or diving with an instructor.
What is the best time of year to dive Biodiversity House Reef for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
We do not have specific data regarding the best time of year to dive Biodiversity House Reef for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. For general information on seasonal diving in the region, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What dive certifications are required to dive at Biodiversity House Reef?
The provided data does not specify the exact dive certifications required to dive at Biodiversity House Reef. Generally, for intermediate sites, an Open Water Diver certification is a minimum, but it's always best to check with a local dive operator.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Biodiversity House Reef?
The average visibility at Biodiversity House Reef is typically around 13 meters, offering good clarity for exploring the reef. We do not have specific data regarding the typical current conditions for this particular dive site.