If you have dived in Raja Ampat before, please share your experiences: Dive spots you would recommend, which Dive Center you used, Fishes & Diving, Visibility, Currents, etc. Please post your comments in the section below, by doing so you will help fellow divers to plan their next trip
Raja Ampat, in Southwest Papua, Indonesia, combines coral gardens, current-swept reef corners and remarkably varied marine life. The main choice is a land-based stay around the Dampier Strait or a liveaboard reaching several island groups, often including Misool in the south.
Raja Ampat is like heaven for underwater photography, as Julien wrote in the original guide. The challenge is deciding where to look: a pygmy seahorse in a sea fan and a school of trevally may share the same dive, but they call for quite different lenses—and a little patience.
Comfort with buoyancy, boat entries and changing currents makes a difference here. Sheltered training is available, but a remote cruise and an introductory course are not interchangeable holidays.
In this page you will find more detailed information about scuba diving in Raja Ampat.
Table of contents
Best Dive Review
Where does the diving change character?
Cape Kri: a meeting point for fish and currents
The corner and slope near Kri concentrate reef fish and predators. Papua Diving’s local account describes trevally, Napoleon wrasse and reef sharks. Currents help explain the fish life, but also determine the entry and profile; this is not a casual shore-snorkelling recommendation.
Sardine Reef: a small reef with a busy cast
The submerged reef rises from about 30 metres to roughly 5 metres. The attraction is the density of fish, not an actual promise of sardines. The local site description notes the importance of current, which can turn a compact reef into a demanding dive.
Blue Magic: an exposed pinnacle
PADI’s site account places the reef top around 7 metres, with deeper slopes and the possibility of larger visitors. The open-water position calls for a suitable briefing, conditions and experience; the name is not a guarantee of mantas.
Misool: southern reefs and limestone scenery
Soft-coral scenery, sea fans and fish-filled ridges give the south a different character from a week based near Kri. Misool’s seasonal guidance also explains why southern sea conditions and opening dates deserve their own check rather than being inferred from a central-island resort.
Dampier Strait dive-site references
These published site positions locate three central Raja Ampat dives. They are planning references, not safe-entry instructions or underwater navigation.
Cape Kri: Reef slope and current-sensitive corner near Kri. Site reference
Sardine Reef: Submerged reef with schooling fish; the profile depends on current. Site reference
Blue Magic: Open-water pinnacle; local conditions and training govern the dive. Site reference
How to dive Raja Ampat?
| Trip style | What it offers | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Resort | A settled base, meals and an organised dive programme. | Reach depends on the resort; distant sites may be separate excursions. |
| Homestay plus diving | A simpler island stay with local hosts. | Dive services, transfers, electricity and room facilities need individual confirmation. |
| Liveaboard | Several island groups without repacking each day. | Longer passages, fixed sailing dates and less independent shore time. |
Neither a resort nor a cruise is automatically the cheaper option. The useful comparison includes the same nights, diving, meals, transfers and compulsory fees. The Indonesia liveaboard guide helps place Raja Ampat alongside other routes.
A dated day-diving budget
Biodiversity’s service for eligible homestay guests lists €62 per dive for 1–10 dives, including boat, guide, tanks and weights. Two dives plus €35/day full equipment hire total €159 per person, before permits, accommodation, transport and excursion supplements. It does not serve guests whose homestay operates its own diving. Published terms and rates, checked 12 November 2026.
Raja Ampat cruise itinerary map
Three published route families show why the arrival airport matters. Numbered connections are simplified regional overviews, not navigational tracks or guaranteed stops. Reverse departures and weather changes can alter the plan.
Sorong–Misool–Dampier loop · 9–10 days
9 days / 8 nights on Mermaid II or 10 days / 9 nights on Mermaid I. A Raja Ampat return cruise combines the southern reefs with the Dampier Strait; intermediate islands vary.
- Sorong embarkation area
- Misool island region
- Dampier Strait
- Sorong embarkation area
Ambon–Banda–Raja Ampat · 12 days
12 days / 11 nights. The longer passage links Ambon and the Banda Islands with Raja Ampat. Manuk and Koon are intermediate stops in the operator’s sample programme; this overview groups the main regions.
- Ambon embarkation area
- Banda Neira region
- Misool island region
- Dampier Strait
- Sorong embarkation area
Raja Ampat–Halmahera–Lembeh · 12 days
12 days / 11 nights. The westbound example continues from Misool via Pisang, southern Halmahera, Goraici and Tifore to Lembeh. The Halmahera pin identifies the island region, not a dive or landing position.
- Sorong embarkation area
- Dampier Strait
- Misool island region
- Halmahera regional reference
- Lembeh Strait
Mermaid itinerary examples checked 12 November 2026. Sorong and Ambon pins represent embarkation areas; the operator supplies the actual harbour meeting point.
Two boats with published Raja Ampat programmes
Mermaid I
Its standard Raja Ampat example spans 10 days and 9 nights; longer regional crossings use different endpoints.
Mermaid II
Its standard Raja Ampat example spans 9 days and 8 nights, a different time commitment from the longer crossing routes.
Operator route examples checked 12 November 2026; dates, cabins and current fare depend on the departure.
Browse Indonesia liveaboard departures. Affiliate link: Divezone may earn a commission if you book.
Where to stay?
I usually use this website to book in advance my hotels in Raja Ampat as they usually have the lowest rates I find. I like it because it's free to cancel and change the dates.
Best time to dive in Raja Ampat
October–April is a useful starting window for a Raja Ampat diving trip, particularly when the plan includes longer crossings. The local tourism portal identifies this broadly calmer period; it is not a promise of rain-free weather.
Some central-island operations continue year-round, but southern Raja Ampat needs separate consideration. Misool describes rougher conditions in July, August and early September, with seasonal resort closures. Wind and sea state affect transfers and access even when a sheltered reef remains diveable.
The practical question is which region and boat programme fit your dates. A year-round destination label should not substitute for a confirmed itinerary and operating schedule.
Top liveaboards in Raja Ampat according to divers reviews
Dive courses
Training is available on land, including Biodiversity’s advertised Open Water course at €520 and Advanced course at €410, with equipment, instruction, materials and certification included. These are operator examples checked 12 November 2026, not destination-wide prices; accommodation, transfers and permit charges are separate. Course details.
For a cruise, the operator’s requirements for certification, logged dives and recent experience need to match the actual route. A refresher before travelling can leave more of the holiday for the reef, while a new certification alone does not establish comfort in strong current. Nitrox, rental sizing and a computer are best resolved with the chosen operation.
Scuba Diving conditions
Papua Diving gives a typical local water range of 27–30°C for Cape Kri. Exposure protection still depends on repetitive diving and individual comfort. Visibility changes with tide, weather and plankton; the fish-rich water is not always the clearest water.
Current can be strong at corners and pinnacles, and the same site can feel very different on another tide. The group’s training, recent experience and the guide’s assessment determine the day’s plan. Good buoyancy also protects fragile sea fans and leaves small animals undisturbed.
Remote islands make the evacuation plan part of the booking decision. The operator should explain oxygen, communications and transfer arrangements; personal insurance needs to cover the intended diving and evacuation. A briefing tailored to current, entry, separation and pickup matters more than a blanket “easy diving” label.
Flying after diving requires an appropriate surface interval. DAN’s guidance provides the planning reference; individual medical questions belong with a qualified clinician.
Snorkelling in Raja Ampat
Travelling with a non-diver?
A resort with a dedicated snorkelling programme can work very well for a mixed party. Biodiversity advertises a seven-night/eight-day snorkelling stay from €1,684 per person sharing a Raja Ampat Cottage, including full board, return Sorong transfers using the public ferry, equipment and a daily two-site outing. Arrival and departure days have no snorkelling trip. Permit charges and optional extras need itemising. Published package, checked 12 November 2026.
The package includes a Kabui Bay/Passage excursion and kayak access subject to availability. Prepaid unused outings are non-refundable, including weather cancellations. A separate homestay diving service does not imply snorkelling places on its boats.
On a liveaboard, companion acceptance, fare, supervision and shore visits must be confirmed for the actual departure. There is no universal non-diver discount. Strong surface currents can make a popular dive site unsuitable for snorkelling; Cape Kri is a clear example.
Fishes and Coral
Hard-coral gardens, soft corals and sea fans provide the setting for both schooling fish and tiny subjects. A wide-angle dive and a careful look into the reef reveal different sides of Raja Ampat; neither needs a wildlife checklist to be rewarding.
Reef manta ray
Broad wings and two curled head lobes make the silhouette unmistakable. Cleaning-station encounters depend on the animals and conditions.
Tasselled wobbegong
A flattened body and fringed head blend into the reef. Space around a resting shark is more useful than a close camera approach.
Pygmy seahorse
The tiny body and coral-like bumps can disappear against a sea fan. The illustration represents the Bargibant form; several pygmy species occur here.
Napoleon wrasse
A mature fish has a prominent forehead and thick lips, with fine markings around the face.
Blacktip reef shark
Dark fin tips help identify this reef shark. A sighting remains a possibility rather than a promised part of a dive.
Giant trevally
A powerful silver-grey body and steep head distinguish this predator from the smaller fish around it.
Representative Divezone illustrations, not encounter photographs. Species context: Papua Diving and Mermaid’s Raja Ampat programme.
Raja Ampat underwater, filmed in 2026
Underwater Tribe’s March 2026 trip film follows the central islands and Misool. It records that visit, not guaranteed sightings on a future trip.
Diving Safety
If you are planning an upcoming dive trip or travelling to Raja Ampat, it is a really good idea to invest in travel insurance for scuba diving, because you never know what could happen and when you might need it (because accidents do happen!). I recommend this diving insurance as they offer worldwide coverage and focus on providing scuba divers a quality insurance and medical assistance service.
Questions about Raja Ampat
Is Raja Ampat suitable for a newly qualified diver?
Some operators offer sheltered training and suitable reef dives. A current-heavy liveaboard route is a different proposition; the operator needs the diver’s actual experience and recent diving history.
Do I need a liveaboard to dive Raja Ampat?
No. Resorts and homestays with suitable dive arrangements give access to central-island sites. A cruise suits a wider route and includes more travel at sea.
Is one park payment enough?
The conservation permit and tourist entry pass are separate. The travel guide distinguishes them; the final quote should itemise current official charges and any local excursion fees.
Are manta rays guaranteed?
No. Cleaning stations and feeding areas create opportunities, but animal presence, current and access vary.
Can a snorkeller come with me?
A dedicated resort programme may be a better fit than joining a dive-only boat. Liveaboard acceptance, fare and supervision are departure-specific.
Original guide by Julien; updated 12 November 2026. Hero photo: Elsa.
Photos Raja Ampat
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Mandarin Fish CheekyPhoto by Jihye Lee -
Orange Yellow NudibranchPhoto by Jihye Lee -
Underwater ForestPhoto by Jihye Lee -
Mandarin FishPhoto by Jihye Lee -
Razor Fish CloseupPhoto by Jihye Lee -
Amazing White Orange CreaturePhoto by Jihye Lee -
Anemone White Translucid CreaturePhoto by Jihye Lee -
School Fish Looking UpPhoto by Jihye Lee -
BarracudasPhoto by Jihye Lee -
Pink DetailPhoto by Jihye Lee
Travel Guide
Now that you know all about the underwater world, you might want to start planning your scuba holiday! Check out our Raja Ampat Travel Review for information about how to get there, activities and excursions, where to stay, and more.
Diving Reviews for this region
Dive spots reviews in Raja Ampat
Liveaboard Reviews in Raja Ampat
Mantra
The Mantra is a traditionally styled Indonesian Phinisi liveaboard offering diving cruises in Komodo National Park, Alor and Raja Ampat. The Mantra is proudly boasting to be one of the most eco-friendly dive boat around. Indeed, it was built to have a
MS Ombak Putih
The 42 meters Ombak Putih sails the waters of Indonesia as a traditional phinisi liveaboard vessel. Built in 1995 and thoroughly renovated in 2015, the Ombak Putih is not like the usual liveaboard. Indeed, it offers cultural immersion cruises, with sno
MV Black Manta Diving
MV Black Manta: archived boat profile This page describes the former White Manta Fleet vessel, not a confirmed current booking offer. Black Manta was sold and left that fleet. We have not confirmed its current name, operator or future departures. Our o
KLM Sea Safari VI
Indonesia · A smaller phinisi with a changing island programme
Tiaré Cruise
The Tiaré Cruise is a luxury liveaboard operating in Indonesia. The construction of the boat finished in 2016, lauching the boat soon after to explore areas like Komodo, Raja Ampat, but also Flores, Alor, the Forgotten Islands and the Banda Sea. The Ti
Arenui
Photographs: Arenui / existing Divezone gallery and operator cabin photographs. Original capture dates are not stated.
Alila Purnama
The Alila Purnama liveaboard is simply the best of the bests, in Indonesia but also everywhere else. Indeed, this 46 meters traditional wooden Phinisi is a 6 stars floating hotel. Yes you read correctly, 5 stars would not make it justice. Forget about
MS Wellenreng
The 22 meters MS Wellenreng is a charter liveaboard sailing around the thousands of islands in Indonesia. The beautiful traditional Indonesian phinisi sails to world renowned destinations such as Komodo, Raja Ampat and Alor. . Boat Cabins & Layout
Mutiara Laut
The 46 meters Mutiara Laut is a five stars liveaboard cruising the waters of Indonesia. Built in 2009/2010, the wooden hulled vessel has launched from the Kalimantan province and now sails mostly to Komodo and Raja Ampat. . Boat Cabins & Layout The
MV Samambaia
MV Samambaia is a beautiful looking vessel from the fleet of Samambaia Komodo Liveaboards. Travelling the waters of Indonesia to the very best diving locations, she is designed with comfort and safety in mind. Indonesia itself is located in the
Raja Ampat is my best diving trip ever! I spend one week in the Kri eco resort with Papua Diving.
It was just awesome! Amazing diving with Manta Rays and many Reef Sharks. Papua Diving is VERY well organized with new equipment. The resort is simple but very beautiful and expensive…
The best spots are Manta Sandy, Manta Ridge, Mike’s Point, Melissa’s Garden and The Passage!
Dieter, Padi Open Water Advanced
I stayed at the Kri Eco Resort, It was awsome! Amazing Scuba Diving and good vibes.
i was wondering where is the best place to see the mantas in raja ampat
mantha point, u should join seamothdive center, they can provide cottage, boat, dive gear and anything that’s you need, and the price is really friendly, you can contac at infoseamothdive@yahoo.com
the best dive spot, i stayed at wai island with seamothdive (jakarta). the resort simple but very beautiful and the price is reasonable
hi there,
just returned from raja ampat and i have to say the place is magnificent…check out my video, and please free to post it on the site.
khaled.
https://vimeo.com/53397709
Hello everybody, I’m just back from Indonesia, and I spent about 2 weeks in the Raja Ampat, on the islands of GAM and KRI. I made 5 dives there, and i think it’s my favorite diving place ever. The dives were:
FRIWIN – good
JENBUBA JETTY – very good
MIKE’S POINT -very good
CAPE KRI – outstanding
SARDINES REEF – outstanding
most of them were drift dives with quite strong current.
I didn’t go with liveaboards or by a resort, I could never afford any of these – I was in homestays on GAM (Kordiris Homestay, my favorite) and KRI (Yenkoranu Homestay) which are much more affordable and provide a more real and local experience but with NO FRILLS at all.
Almost all hometasys can organize the diving – with different level of organization, professionality and equipement, i figure, and will take you to the placesin a few km radius from the homestay itself.
I dived with the divemaster of Kordiris, Enzo, who runs a small but well organized and well tended center, and it was great!
You may find the info and contact numbers about the homestays on this website:
http://www.stayrajaampat.com/
Raja Ampat is the best place for diving in the world! I went in april and I dive with Wai Eco Resort – Scubacqueando Diving Raja Ampat … really amazing little resort for only few special guests … great to have met there one of the most experienced dive guide in Raja Ampat Mr. Nikson Soor
Hi
We dove Raja for two weeks in nov ,Wow what a place ,Fam islands is a 10 ,,,,But diving in raja is NOT for new divers !,there are DOWN CURRANTS we hit one @ Mikes point & only 3 of 10 made it to the surface ,,,, the dive was called off due to 3-7 knot currants,, I was 1 of the 3 after hitting the wall @ mikes I tried to make it to the surface only to find myself @ the bottom after inflated my bc about half way I tried to make it up again came with in 20 feet of it then got sucked down again 3rd I made it ,,,,But during that time bobbles ever were going down, sideways every were but up!
Lucky for me this wasnt my first time in down currants ,,,and there was a bottom @120 . Everyone did make it up But the head dive Master ,, the person who ran the dive op @ the resort we were staying,,,,,, lost it he thought there were going to be dead divers ,He didn’t think anyone would have enough air to last the 20 mins because after 10 mins he was down to 1500psi.
Trying to move around in a 3-7 knot currant uses a lot of air
its basically grabbing on and pulling ,or use the hook they gave you.I know people are thinking why not just let go and go with it ,,Well thats how I ended up hitting a wall then being sucked down .If i would have been better briefed ,???
The next day I sat it out due to ear issues from that dive .
I heard that someone else hit a double down currant @ Manta ridge ,,,,this time at the end of the dive!! Not good he was put on o2 & watched he was ok,,,,,,My point is not like diving Bonaire so if your a Caribbean holiday diver ,,,,Beware lot dives are neg entry with hooks But on the up side the currant brings in fish life like iv’e never seen its amazing.
Im a underwater photographer,,with 42 years of cold & warm diving experience, in over 15 countries & 1,000s of dives
And i couldn’t think of a place id rather be than Raja.
But NOT for new divers . The two week we were there we watched one couple who had paid for diving but just snorkelled out of fear ,& the people beside us get up and leave after two days of diving ,,so don’t wast your money if your not sure of your diving ability .. @ the time of this writing the cost for two, for two weeks was 8,900 usd
Ps try not plan your trip around full or new moons That is unless you like to be hooked in like bait.
@kthomas what you comment it looks like a nightmare about diving should not be. An expert dive master must be in grade to provide an a dequate briefing for avoiding situations of risk like you refer and moreover for provide fun and safe diving to expert divers as well as beginner divers in R4 That is one of the reason we highly recommended dive Raja Ampat with a seasonedj/mastered Liveaboard and PADI accredited. Believe, your 4500 usd would have been more than enough for a Liveaboard diving trip! Feel free to contact us to the email if interested in further info. I am happy to help
What places (if any) in Raj Ampat have no current (or gentle currents)? Is it better at Misool resort?
There are definitely currents, although in the week I was there, we encountered no down currents. The trick is if you’re uncertain keep close to the reef where the current is lower, and have a reef hook ready. Use your eyes and watch the fish. If they are swimming upward but making no or little ground, then there is a down current. Observation in these conditions is key. As the guy above said, it’s not Caribbean diving, however it isn’t dangerous if you are properly briefed and the DM takes you to sites suitable to your skill level. There were plenty of easy dives too on the trip, but I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone without AOW, excellent buoyancy control, and at least 75 dives.
Hi, great memories
mmmmm I still can remember those sunny days in the paradise 
About currents….there are different places with no currents. Manta Sandy is one of the best and most stunning places.
Hope it helps!
Before we decide to book a room in Raja Ampat Resort we must know all information about it including price range, facility, thing to do, and how to get there. But your post already mention all of it. it’s a great information indeed.
Hi
we are two people planning to come from 21 to 25/08, seems to be rainy. in general in august only rain or also sun everyday?
is it possible to see sharks or mantas just by snorkeling, even if its raining ?
thanks
Hi, just wanted to thank both the author and also k thomas for his message.
After reading his experience I started searching about down currents and what to do (the main thing is to remain calm and don’t panic). It was very useful when when we were sucked by a down current at Cape Kri. Fortunately it was just an scary experience.
Hi Dear Divers,
Raja Ampat has been my best dive experience ever, the life and untouched healthy underwater life is just amazing. I would agree that diving in Raja Ampat is for experienced Divers only and I also would definitely say that going to Raja Ampat not to dive is a waste of money as well. Snorkeling doesn’t do it justice and the main point of going to Raja Ampat is really to experience the underwater world, unless if your an exotic bird enthusiast.
We had a few down currents and they were very similar to the Galapagos Islands, you have to react quick and grab each other and inflate your bcd’s fully and kick up as strong as you can while exhaling. You also will have strong currents pushing you into walls, we were actually quite shocked at the amount of inexperienced divers allowed to dive in these waters. I ended up having to play octopus twice for a girl and their boyfriend from hong kong that stayed with us.
You’ll have a lot of negative entries and always keep a hock with you, also some resorts won’t allow gloves but that is nonsense. This is just a pre-caution for some of the in experienced divers they let into the waters so they don’t pull themselves along the seabed. Gloves are mandatory especially when you have strong currents as you don’t want to be cutting your hands or be stung by stonefish. As well as that bacteria from you hands isn’t good for corals, in case a current pushes you into them, so gloves will protect corals as well.
I’m an olympic swimmer so I didn’t have much of a problem underwater as well as having 624 dives done. However currents bring plenty of life and its just amazing, you could be seeing 10 black tips in some dive sites if you lucky.
Thanks for sharing the info, would love to see your dive photos if you happened to take any. Thanks.
Two words. Blue Magic. Of all the places I have dived in the world, I would come back and dive this site over and over.
The rest of Raja Ampat is fabulous, but this blew me away on the order of the BBC’s Blue Planet II series. Double wow.
For a budget liveaboard, I’d highly recommend Jaya operated by Scuba Republic. I think I paid around $1500 for 7d/6n. Food was excellent, 14 basic but comfortable berths, great dive guides.
Hello Mike!
It’s so nice to read your passionate review of diving in Raja Ampat! I simply wanted to say thank you for taking the time to share your opinion on Divezone! It means a lot to us, and to the divers reading the blog!
Best bubbles, always!
I was on Epica, Jaya’s sister boat, also operate by Scuba Republic just 2 weeks ago. I paid $990 for a 6D/5N trip. It was the cheapest LOB in Raja Ampat. The food and bed were very basic, the boat had 2 common toilet and no AC. However, it was comfortable enough for me as they have bean bags for lazing and long table and bench for us to play and chat. Like you say, Blue Magic is one the the highlight, but I personally like Melissa Garden better. I was awe-struck for the whole 60min down there. The worst dive in RA is probably better then 85% of all my past dives. At the end of the trip, all the other divers agree not to share our dive experiences in RA on facebook, so as to keep this place as it is for as long as possible, haha….
Hi Alexis! Thank you as well for taking a minute to drop your review here, and thanks for reading Divezone!
I find it funny… but so true, that now divers want to keep their spots secret as the industry is fastly and perhaps a bit to uncontrollably growing.
I’m glad you’ve had a great time! Looking forward to reading more reviews from you in the future!
Best bubbles!
I dived in Raja Ampat on 4-10 Feb 2019 & it was pure magical down in the water. First timer will get to see oceanic mantas, walking sharks & wobbegong. Sites like Melissa’s Garden & MyReef was just full of fishes all over & healthy beautiful corals.
My liveaboard crew made my holiday an unforgetfull event. I will be back.
Hi Deborah!
First, thank you for reading Divezone and for taking the time to give us a feedback on Raja Ampat! That sure will help other divers that are getting ready for their adventures!
Secondly, I’d like to know which liveaboard you were on ? Perhaps you could leave a review about this particular boat if we are showcasing it on Divezone! There’s a search bar at the top, right-hand side, of the page where you can enter the name and see if we have it! That’d be great, but feel free!
Best bubbles, Always!
HI.
I can’t find it but the liveaboard I did was with Mikumba II. The owner’s name is Damian. The company is Lost Paradise Charters. Just mention my name to Damian & he will know me. This boat can take in 10 divers with 3 divemaster to take care of your dives & 8 crews to take care of you. How spoilt can u get.