Francisco Reef - Raja Ampat

L'Abym North continues the dramatic wall known from its southern sibling, but with a gentler feel. It’s a great spot for critters, the macro life here often steals the show. We’ve found seahorses tucked into crevices and frogfish blending with sponges on the wall, along with hamlets patrolling their territory. This site is quite protected, close to shore, making it comfortable for all experience levels, with a maximum depth of around 20 metres. Visibility usually sits around 22 metres, making it easy to spot the occasional turtle gliding past.

Location
Raja Ampat, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-0.480600, 130.694900
Type
wall

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 Francisco 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 Francisco 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 Francisco Reef in Cozumel?
Francisco Reef is located in Raja Ampat, Indonesia, not Cozumel. Divers can expect a maximum depth of 20m at this site. The dive begins on a shallow rock, offering immediate views of vibrant marine life.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Francisco Reef?
At Francisco Reef, divers can anticipate a rich variety of marine life. You'll be greeted by colorful Anthias and Fusiliers, and may spot Blue spotted stingrays and the elusive pygmy seahorse. In the shallows, be sure to look under overhangs for wobbegong sharks.
How challenging is diving at Francisco Reef, and what skill level is recommended?
Diving at Francisco Reef is considered to be of intermediate difficulty. This suggests it is suitable for divers who have some experience beyond basic open water certification. It's a great site for those looking to explore a vibrant wall dive.
When is the best time of year to dive Francisco Reef for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Francisco Reef for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in the region, please refer to our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for diving Francisco Reef?
While specific certification requirements are not detailed in the provided data, the intermediate difficulty of Francisco Reef suggests that an Open Water Diver certification is likely sufficient. However, divers with advanced training may find it easier to navigate the wall dive and appreciate its features. Always consult with your dive operator for their specific requirements.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Francisco Reef?
At Francisco Reef, divers can expect an average visibility of 14 meters, offering clear views of the vibrant marine life. The provided data does not specify the typical current conditions for this dive site.