Lao Lao
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.
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.
Nearest Dive Centres to Lao Lao
Dive shops near Lao Lao
Raja Ampat Biodiversity Resort
Tarzan-Diving
Raja Ampat dive resort
Scuba republic
Papua Diving - Kri Eco Resort
Gurara
Reviews for Lao Lao
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)
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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