Dive sites
Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat, Indonesia is one of the world’s most biodiverse marine environments, famous for vibrant coral reefs, huge schools of fish, manta rays and exceptional macro life. It is an ideal destination for divers who want both spectacular reef scenery and an incredible variety of marine life.
Where it is
Raja Ampat is located in Indonesia’s West Papua region, around the islands of Misool and the Dampier Strait. The area can be explored by liveaboard or from dive resorts.
Marine life to see
Raja Ampat is famous for its extraordinary marine biodiversity.
You may encounter:
- Manta rays
- Wobbegong sharks
- Reef sharks
- Walking sharks
- Turtles
- Napoleon wrasse
- Bumphead parrotfish
- Barracuda
- Giant trevally
- Sweetlips
- Seahorses
- Pygmy seahorses
- Ghost pipefish
- Nudibranchs
- Frogfish
- Mandarin fish
- Shrimps and crabs
- Huge schools of reef fish
Raja Ampat is particularly famous for its coral diversity and the sheer number of fish species found around its reefs.
Macro or landscape?
Both — Raja Ampat is one of the best destinations for both wide-angle and macro photography.
Landscape / Wide Angle
Excellent for:
- Manta rays
- Large schools of fish
- Vibrant coral reefs
- Soft coral gardens
- Bumphead parrotfish
- Barracuda
- Dramatic reef scenery
Sites around the Dampier Strait and Misool are particularly impressive for wide-angle photography.
Macro
Macro is one of Raja Ampat’s biggest strengths.
Look for:
- Pygmy seahorses
- Ghost pipefish
- Frogfish
- Nudibranchs
- Mandarin fish
- Rhinopias
- Blue-ringed octopus
- Harlequin shrimp
- Various crabs and shrimp
Recommendation: Bring both wide-angle and macro if possible. If you have to choose one, wide-angle is the safer choice for a first trip, but macro photographers will find an exceptional variety of subjects.
How many dives you need
Raja Ampat offers dive sites for different experience levels, but many sites can have currents and some liveaboard itineraries involve multiple dives per day.
Experienced — 50+ dives
Ideal for divers who want to explore current-rich sites, focus on underwater photography and make the most of Raja Ampat’s biodiversity.
Tip: If you have not dived for a long time, complete a refresher or Reactivate dive before your Raja Ampat trip.
On land
Wayag Islands
One of Raja Ampat’s most iconic landscapes, featuring dramatic limestone karsts surrounded by turquoise water. The viewpoint offers spectacular panoramic scenery.
Piaynemo
Climb to the famous viewpoint overlooking small limestone islands scattered across the lagoon.
Hidden Lagoons
Explore secluded lagoons, limestone formations and crystal-clear water by boat or kayak.
Local Villages
Visit traditional Papuan villages and experience the local culture and way of life.
Why Dive Raja Ampat?
Raja Ampat is one of the world’s ultimate biodiversity destinations. From manta rays and huge schools of fish to tiny pygmy seahorses and rare macro creatures, almost every dive offers something different.
Best for: Marine biodiversity, manta rays, coral reefs, macro photography, wide-angle photography, schools of fish and experienced dive travelers.
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