Kabui Reef - Raja Ampat

Melville Cove isn't a showstopper for dramatic reefscapes, let's be clear about that. What it *is* though, is a fantastic spot to slow down and really appreciate the smaller things. We love it for its quiet, unassuming charm, especially if you're dialling back from a big offshore dive or doing some skill work. The sandy bottom, peaking at about 10 metres, makes for some surprisingly rewarding macro exploration. Think of Melville Cove as a treasure hunt for the patient diver. We've spent hours here spotting juvenile rig sharks tucked into the sand, the shy movements of blue green chitons, and occasionally, a surprising ghost shark gliding past in the gloom. Our favourite time to dive here is at dusk, transitioning into a night dive. That’s when you might just catch a glimpse of a tiny blue penguin darting through the water, or the lobsters start to emerge from their hiding spots. Visibility isn't always stellar, often around 3 metres, so you need to keep things close, but that’s part of the appeal; it forces you to focus. It’s perfect for new divers building confidence or anyone who just wants a relaxed, undemanding dive with a chance for some unique finds.

Location
Raja Ampat, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-0.447100, 130.697300
Type
reef

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 Kabui 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 Kabui 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