Review, Scuba Diving in Raja Ampat
by spotmydive
Marine life
Raja Ampat is an archipelago in eastern Indonesia and its name means “the four kings”. These islands are today very well preserved and largely covered by abundant forests which are a reserve of animal and vegetable biodiversity. The archipelago consists of about 1500 islands, including the largest ones: Batanta, Waigeo, Misool and Salawati. These islands are situated the coral triangle which contains the greatest diversity of corals. Scientists consider that Raja Ampat is the place where there is the greatest underwater biodiversity in the world, which offers the diver an exceptional experience. Raja Ampat is one of the best diving destination in Indonesia.
LIVEABOARD IN RAJA AMPAT
It is a rather interesting option that will allow you to move throughout the archipelago to enjoy the best diving spots of Raja Ampat. Fed and housed, this may save you from spending time organizing your trip in search of a hotel and connections between the different islands. To offer you the best diving cruises in Raja Ampat, we trust our partner liveaboard. Several Raja Ampat cruise ships are available such as Samambaia, Mermaid II, La Galigo, and many more.
WHEN IS THE BEST PERIOD TO DIVE IN RAJA AMPAT ?
Raja Ampat enjoys a pleasant and mild climate all year long, with tropical temperatures allowing to dive all year around. The islands do not yet arouse a strong tourist affluence which is rather pleasant for a diving trip in Indonesia. That said, we advise you to go from October to April, during the so-called dry period because the plankton is more abundant there and you will have the chance to cross ballet of giant manta rays. The temperature of the air is between 24 ° C and 32 ° C and that of the water is rather stable around 28 ° C.
DIVING CONDITIONS
- Visibility is generally good ranging from 10 to 30 meters.
- Marine currents can vary with dive sites ranging from no current to very strong current. Some spots are an opportunity to do drift dives.
- The temperature of the water in Raja Ampat does not vary greatly. It stays around 28 ° C all year round.
- Depth: most often, the different diving spots are located between 10 and 40 meters deep.
WHAT TO SEE WHILE DIVING OR SNORKELING IN RAJA AMPAT?
Fauna and flora
Probably one of the best diving destination in the world, with its great diversity of beautiful corals that host many small macro species that will be the subject of your most beautiful shots. You can also see bigger fish with tuna, manta rays at the Manta Sandy dive site, but also black tip sharks and the very rare carpet shark that you may have the chance to see if you do very well. attention because the art of camouflage has no secrets for him. Do not miss some of the dive sites north of the archipelago such as Cape Kri, Sardine, The Passage and Blue Magic.