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Sauwandarek

Sauwandarek jetty has always been one of our favourite dives in Raja Ampat. Forget the big walls and drift dives for a moment, this is a site you want to take slow, letting the gentle current (if any) nudge you around the jetty pillars. The real magic here is the macro life and the sheer volume of fish. We’ve spent whole dives just combing the first few metres under the jetty, finding Denise’s pygmy seahorses clinging to gorgonians and iridescent dragonets scuttling over the sand. As you drift away from the direct shelter of the jetty, the reef opens up and the fusiliers appear, so thick in places they genuinely dim the light. You'll often spot schools of yellowstriped cardinalfish hanging near overhangs, and we’ve had some cracking encounters with giant green turtles here, just gliding past the coral bommies. Keep an eye out for the three enormous giant clams tucked away beneath the jetty’s structure; they’re a great photo op. Visibility averages 19 metres, which is plenty for soaking in the details. This site is perfect for photographers, particularly those with a macro lens, but anyone who loves a relaxed dive with abundant, easy-to-spot marine life will be happy here. It’s a standout for a reason.