- Free DAN
- Loyalty program
- 6k+ divers
Diving here is a transformative experience where the sheer volume of biomass can be overwhelming. From the vibrant purple soft corals of Misool to the thundering schools of fish in the Dampier Strait, every dive feels like a journey through a pristine wilderness. The landscape above water is equally breathtaking, featuring karst limestone formations rising out of turquoise lagoons, hidden caves, and dense tropical jungles home to the Birds of Paradise.
Why Divers Love Scuba Diving in Raja Ampat.
October to April
15m - 30m+
28°C - 30°C (82°F - 86°F)
The prime diving season in Raja Ampat runs from October to April. During these months, the Northwest Monsoon brings dry weather and calm seas, making it the ideal time for liveaboards to navigate the entire archipelago. This is also the peak time for Manta Ray encounters, as plankton blooms attract these giants to cleaning stations.
From May to September, the Southeast Monsoon brings wind and rain, particularly to the southern regions like Misool. While many resorts in the central region stay open year-round, many liveaboards move to the Komodo region during this time. For those who don’t mind a bit of rain, June and July can offer incredible visibility and fewer crowds in the North.
Pro tip: Aim for the ‘shoulder’ months of October or May. You’ll often find lower prices and still enjoy fantastic conditions, though the seas can be a bit choppier. Always check the lunar cycle; new and full moons bring the strongest currents, which means more fish action but more challenging dives.
While Raja Ampat is often described as an advanced destination due to strong currents, it is possible for beginners to enjoy it with the right preparation.
– Many sites in the central region offer shallow coral gardens with minimal current.
– It is highly recommended to have your Advanced Open Water certification and at least 30-50 logged dives to handle the more iconic, high-current peaks.
– Many resorts offer “Discover Scuba” and Open Water courses, though the remote location means medical facilities are far away.
– Focus on buoyancy control before arriving to protect the incredibly fragile and dense coral health.
5m-40m | Advanced
World record holder for fish species count on a single dive.
10m-30m | Advanced
Submerged pinnacle famous for oceanic mantas and grey reef sharks.
5m-30m, Intermediate.
Huge schools of fusiliers, surgeonfish, and trevally.
5m-25m, Beginner/All levels.
Perhaps the best hard coral garden in the world.
3m-15m, Intermediate
A narrow river-like channel between islands with unique lighting and soft corals.
5m-20m, All levels
Exceptional shallow reefs and iconic panoramic views.
5m-30m, All levels.
Famous swim-throughs in a rock face surrounded by neon soft corals.
7m-25m, Advanced.
A cleaning station for both reef and oceanic manta rays.
5m-30m, All levels.
Incredible macro life and colorful nudibranchs on a dramatic ridge.
Raja Ampat is a biological “species factory” sitting at the convergence of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. This unique position creates massive nutrient exchanges, fueling a reef system that supports over 500 species of reef-building corals. Divers aren’t just looking for one specific animal; they are immersed in a dizzying density of life. The region is famous for its ‘walking sharks’—the endemic Epaulette shark—and the shaggy Wobbegong shark, which camouflages perfectly against the reef.
The ecosystem is characterized by its sheer scale. Schools of thousands of fusiliers and jacks create silver clouds so thick they block the sun, while predators like grey reef sharks and giant trevally patrol the blue. During the plankton-rich months, the cleaning stations become busy hubs for both Reef and Oceanic Manta Rays. Meanwhile, macro enthusiasts can find nearly every species of pygmy seahorse known to science hidden among vibrant sea fans. It is a rare, pristine environment where the reef remains resilient and remarkably healthy.
– Pros: Covers more ground; you can visit both the Dampier Strait (Central) and Misool (South) in one trip. Provides a 24/7 immersive experience.
– Cons: More expensive; less space; can be difficult for those prone to seasickness.
– Pros: More space and stability; allows for land-based exploration and bird watching (Birds of Paradise); supports the local community directly.
– Cons: Limited range; you are usually restricted to the sites within a 30-60 minute boat ride of the resort.
Verdict: If you want to see the full variety of what Raja Ampat offers, choose a liveaboard. If you prefer to relax and focus on one specific area (like the incredible reefs of Misool), a luxury eco-resort is the way to go.
Intermediate to Advanced (due to currents)
15m - 25m (50ft - 80ft)
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia)
Fly into Domine Eduard Osok Airport (SOQ) in Sorong, West Papua. Most international travelers transit through Jakarta (CGK), Makassar (UPG), or Manado (MDC). Liveaboard staff usually meet you at the airport for a short transfer to the harbor.
