Citrus Ridge - Raja Ampat

The Great Wall, over in Roatán’s Turtle Harbour, feels exactly as advertised. We love drifting along this sheer drop, where the reef gives way to a deep blue abyss. Roll off the boat, fin over, and just let yourself sink a little, watching the wall extend into the gloom below. We've pushed it down to 25 metres here, but the wall itself seems to go on forever, a proper geological feature rather than just a slope. It's a fantastic spot for spotting larger pelagics cruising by; we’ve had horse-eye jacks sweep past, and barracuda often hang out, just watching us. Look closer into the crevices, and you’ll find lionfish, although we always hope to see more of the native scorpionfish. The coral cap at the top of the wall is surprisingly healthy, teeming with smaller reef fish like yellowhead wrasse and bluestriped grunts. Visibility averages 23 metres, which gives you a great sense of that monumental drop-off. Our pick for an afternoon dive when the sun hits the wall just right, highlighting all the contours. It’s a site that really lets you appreciate the sheer scale of the ocean.

Location
Raja Ampat, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-0.512800, 130.460400
Type
wall
Maximum Depth
15-40m

Marine Protected Area: SUAKA ALAM PERAIRAN KEPULAUAN RAJA AMPAT DAN LAUT SEKITARNYA

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 Citrus Ridge

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 Citrus Ridge

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 Citrus Ridge?
Diving at Citrus Ridge typically involves depths up to 23 meters, making it accessible for many divers. However, the wall dive site itself extends to a maximum depth of 40 meters, offering different experiences depending on your certification and dive plan.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Citrus Ridge?
At Citrus Ridge, divers can expect to encounter a vibrant array of marine life, from macro creatures like nudibranches to large schools of barracudas, fusiliers, breams, surgeonfish, and triggerfish. Keep an eye out for unique species such as Wobbegong sharks, eels, and octopus. The site is also famous for its endemic yellow coral, which gave the ridge its name. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is the diving at Citrus Ridge, considering the currents?
Diving at Citrus Ridge is rated as intermediate difficulty. This suggests that divers should be comfortable with varying conditions, which may include moderate currents at times. Divers with an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience are generally well-suited for this site.
When is the best time of year to dive Citrus Ridge for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at Citrus Ridge. For general information on diving seasons in the area, we recommend checking our Raja Ampat sub-region page or our comprehensive When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive at Citrus Ridge?
Given the intermediate difficulty rating and potential depths up to 23 meters (with the site extending to 40 meters), an Advanced Open Water Diver certification is highly recommended for Citrus Ridge. This ensures divers have the necessary skills and experience to comfortably navigate the wall dive and any potential conditions.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Citrus Ridge dive site?
Divers at Citrus Ridge can typically expect excellent visibility, averaging around 18 meters. While specific current conditions are not detailed, the site's intermediate difficulty rating suggests that moderate currents may be encountered, requiring appropriate dive planning and experience.