Pasir Kolam - Raja Ampat

Sarconphitum, just across from Bayes islet, is one of those spots that sticks with you. We love how the wall here drops to a soft, white sandy bottom, covered in what locals call "mushrooms." They’re actually these fantastic coral bommies, scattered like giant stepping stones. You get a real sense of scale here, watching fusiliers swarm in the blue, then dropping down to inspect the wall itself. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff – we’ve seen so many different nudibranchs here, tucked into the crevices. And if you’re patient, the garden eels will sway up from the sand, a truly mesmerising sight. For the macro enthusiasts, the Banded Whip Lobsters are a treat if you can spot them, blending perfectly with the coral. This isn't a deep dive, peaking at 22m, making it a relaxed option perfect for photographers or divers who just want to take their time exploring a unique topography without feeling rushed.

Location
Raja Ampat, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-0.568500, 130.653400
Type
reef

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 Pasir Kolam

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 Pasir Kolam

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 Pasir Kolam?
At Pasir Kolam, the maximum diving depth is around 10 meters, with the absolute maximum recorded at 11 meters. This relatively shallow depth makes it suitable for various dive activities, including Open Water course exercises.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can be seen at Pasir Kolam?
Pasir Kolam features a sandy area with long algae and a fisherman net covering corals, providing many hiding spots for critters. Divers can expect to encounter fascinating macro life, including nudibranches, crabs, shrimps, and ribbon eels. Unique species like the Walking shark (Raja Epaulette shark), diamond file fishes, and juvenile sweetlips are also frequently spotted here, making it a favorite for macro lovers on night dives. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving at Pasir Kolam for different skill levels?
Diving at Pasir Kolam is rated as intermediate difficulty. However, its shallow depth and calm conditions also make it perfect for pool exercises for Open Water courses. This indicates it can be accessible for less experienced divers under supervision, while still offering plenty of interest for more seasoned divers, especially for macro photography.
What is the best time of year to dive at Pasir Kolam for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Pasir Kolam for optimal conditions. For general information on diving seasons in the region, please refer to our When to Dive guide.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to dive at Pasir Kolam?
While Pasir Kolam is rated as an intermediate dive site, it is also noted as perfect for pool exercises for Open Water courses. This suggests that divers with an Open Water certification can comfortably enjoy the site, particularly for its macro opportunities and night dives. No specific advanced certifications are mentioned as required.
What are the usual currents and underwater conditions like at Pasir Kolam?
At Pasir Kolam, the average visibility is around 8 meters. The underwater environment consists of a sandy area with long algae and corals covered by a fisherman net, offering numerous hiding spots for marine critters. The provided data does not specify the usual current conditions at this site.