Raja Ampat, Indonesia
    TAMAN WISATA PERAIRAN KEPULAUAN RAJA AMPAT

    Lao Lao

    Best months: Dec–Apr

    Protected Area

    TAMAN WISATA PERAIRAN KEPULAUAN RAJA AMPAT

    Why dive here

    With 236+ marine species recorded in the area - including blacktip reef sharks, manta rays, mobula rays (devil rays), pygmy seahorses and sea turtles - Lao Lao offers some of Raja Ampat's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 29-30°C, warmest May, November, December.

    Best timeDec–Apr
    WetsuitNo wetsuit needed, or a rash guard
    Marine lifeBlacktip Reef Sharks, Manta Rays, Mobula Rays (Devil Rays), Pygmy Seahorses and Sea Turtles · 236+ species recorded
    Water29-30°C · warmest May, November, December
    CharacterWreck dive
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    Lao Lao in Raja Ampat is a site we often swing by when the currents are a bit frisky, and honestly, we love it for that. It's not the kind of place you drift aimlessly; you’ll often find yourself hanging onto a reef hook, watching the show unfold. The corals here form these incredible overhangs and little caves, packed with smaller stuff like our favourite Yellow-red Pygmygobies and those wonderfully shy Crinoid clingfish. The main event usually involves those big schools of fusiliers, swirling around so thick they sometimes just disappear into a shimmering wall of silver. We've seen reef sharks cruise past, and occasionally, an eagle ray will glide by in the blue. Keep an eye out for lined-lip cowries tucked into crevices; they’re a real treat. Average visibility around 18 metres is pretty standard for Raja Ampat, but when the current picks up, it really brings the big fish in. We'd suggest this one for advanced divers comfortable with a bit of a ride, especially if you’re hoping to catch some of those pelagic passers-by. It’s also often a good option to finish your dive over on the calmer Mioskun site nearby.

    Safety Notes

    Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

    Strong currents typical this month (avg 35 cm/s). Good buoyancy control essential.

    Today06:0118:0812h 7m daylightGolden hour 17:41

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Lao Lao

    Lao Lao Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Lao Lao, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-0.5, 130.6) (0km away)

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    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    30°C

    86°F · Range: 29.2–30.9°C

    Current Speed

    34.71 cm/s

    Direction: NW (311.5°)

    Chlorophyll-a

    0.138 mg/m³

    Clear water

    Salinity

    34.33 PSU

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)

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