Lao Lao - Raja Ampat

The Blackadder is a favourite of ours in Salvador, and it’s easy to see why. This 70-metre clipper, sunk in 1905, sits in a remarkably shallow 9 metres, making it accessible to pretty much anyone. The story goes it broke its moorings in a storm and drifted onto the coral at Boa Viagem Beach. We love swimming along the length of it, imagining the sails that once stretched from those three masts. What you get now is a beautifully preserved skeleton of a ship, draped in marine life. Our pick for best time is first thing in the morning; the light filtering through the water around the ribs of the wreck is something else. You’ll weave through schools of mojarras and spot goatfish poking around the sand. Look closely and you’ll often find seahorses clinging to the structure, and we’ve had some fantastic encounters with batfish here. Visibility averages around 8 metres, which is plenty for appreciating the scale of the wreck and the way the corals have started to claim it. It’s a genuinely relaxing dive, perfect for a morning dip before the beach gets busy.

Location
Raja Ampat, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-0.500000, 130.723000
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: TAMAN WISATA PERAIRAN KEPULAUAN 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 Lao Lao

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 Lao Lao

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 Lao Lao?
The Lao Lao dive site is considered a deep dive, with a maximum depth of 24 meters. Divers can explore various depths up to this limit, making it suitable for those with appropriate training.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at the Lao Lao dive site?
Divers at Lao Lao can expect to encounter interesting coral formations teeming with schools of fishes. Marine life sightings include snappers, triggerfish, angelfish, reef sharks, sea turtles, sea snakes, and passing eagle rays and fusiliers. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Lao Lao dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Lao Lao dive site is considered challenging, good for advanced divers due to its medium to strong currents. Therefore, it is not suitable for beginner divers who may find the conditions too demanding.
What is the best time of year to dive at Lao Lao for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive at Lao Lao for optimal conditions and marine life sightings is not available in our current data. We recommend checking our When to Dive section for general guidance on Indonesia.
What dive certifications are recommended or required to dive at Lao Lao?
Given that Lao Lao is described as a deep dive site with medium to strong currents, it is good for advanced divers. An Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is highly recommended to safely enjoy the site's conditions and maximum depth of 24m.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Lao Lao dive site?
Divers at Lao Lao can expect medium to strong current conditions, which contribute to its suitability for advanced divers. The average visibility at the site is typically around 18 meters, offering clear views of the vibrant marine life and coral formations.