Puri Pinnacle - Raja Ampat

South Point shallow is one of those sites we always recommend to newer divers, or anyone who just wants to take their time. We love that you can settle into a comfortable 10-12m and just soak it all in. The main draw here is the sheer number of reef fish. You'll swim through thick shoals of longfin silversides, reflecting the sunlight like scattered sequins, and we often spot schools of Atlantic chub mackerel zipping past. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too: jewel morays peeking from crevices, and the surprisingly colourful whitesnout searobins scuttling across the sand. We'd suggest a late morning dive here. The light really penetrates the shallows, making the colours pop, and it’s generally before any stronger afternoon currents pick up. Visibility averages around 14m, which is perfectly good for enjoying the reef's texture and spotting the spotted sharpnose puffers hiding in plain sight. While the current description mentions sharks, we've found them to be an infrequent sighting on the shallow part of the reef, more often seen by those venturing deeper towards the 25m mark. For a relaxed dive brimming with everyday reef life, South Point shallow is a solid pick.

Location
Raja Ampat, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-2.154400, 130.585000
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Teluk Lelintah

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 Puri Pinnacle

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 Puri Pinnacle

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 Puri Pinnacle?
Divers at Puri Pinnacle can explore a large plateau typically found between 7-10 meters. The site also features slopes and walls that descend to depths of 25-30 meters, with a maximum recorded depth of 26 meters. This offers a varied profile for exploration.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Puri Pinnacle?
Puri Pinnacle is characterized by a large plateau, slopes, and walls, with 4-5 distinct pinnacles located to the east. Divers can expect to encounter diverse marine life, including fascinating creatures like moray eels, sea serpents, and lobsters. The site is also home to various types of fishes, such as lion fish and stone fish, making it a rich spot for wildlife enthusiasts.
How challenging is Puri Pinnacle as a dive site for scuba divers?
Puri Pinnacle is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. This suggests that divers should have some prior experience and comfort in varied underwater conditions. It offers a rewarding experience for those with a foundational skill set.
When is the best time of year to dive Puri Pinnacle for optimal conditions or marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Puri Pinnacle for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the region, we recommend consulting our When to Dive resources.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive at Puri Pinnacle?
While specific certification requirements are not detailed, given that Puri Pinnacle is an intermediate dive site, an Open Water Diver certification is likely a minimum. To fully explore the deeper slopes and walls down to 26 meters, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification would be highly beneficial. Always check with local dive operators for their specific requirements.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Puri Pinnacle?
Divers at Puri Pinnacle can generally expect excellent visibility, averaging around 21 meters. However, the provided data does not specify the typical current conditions at this site. It's always advisable to consult with local dive guides for real-time current information before your dive.