Raja Ampat is one of the most magical scuba diving destinations you can imagine! This archipelago is located in West Papua in Indonesia. Most of the Islands are still unexplored and only few Liveaboards and dive resorts offer diving in Raja Ampat.
Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/diverslog/5714828164/
This area was even voted the richest reef in the World in 2007 by National Geographic. The biodiversity here is just outstanding. Many new species have been discovered in recent years in the area and passionate underwater photographers come from all over the world to discover this gem.
Raja Ampat Islands are truly spectacular, covered by lush jungle and surrounded by pristine reefs with a teeming marine life. Diving in this area is great for macro photography and critters as well as big fishes and Manta rays! The coral is magnificent and still untouched.
In Raja Ampat, the beauty is everywhere, above and below the surface.
In this page you will find practical information to plan a scuba diving trip to Raja Ampat:
Table of contents
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.
For the resorts, you will have the choice between:
- Kri Eco Resort
- Sorido Bay Resort
- Misool Eco resort
- Raja Ampat dive lodge
Activities and excursions in Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat is 100% about scuba diving and snorkelling. For the non divers, there is not much to do. You can go trekking in the lush tropical forest to have a glimpse of the fantastic fauna of the local forest. If you are lucky you can even spot the superb Bird of Paradise! Sea Kayaking around the Islands is also a great experience!
Best time to visit Raja Ampat
The climate is tropical with hot and humid air. The weather is sunny all year with some rainy days. From May to September, there is more rain than the other months but nothing too bad.
Health and 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.
Where is Raja Ampat located in the world?
Raja Ampat is located in Papua Archipelago in Indonesia. See the map below.
Raja Ampat Map
How to get to Raja Ampat?
The Raja Ampats Islands are very remote. To go there you need to:
- Step 1: Fly firstly to Jakarta, Bali, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore.
- Step 2: Once you are in one of these cities, get a flight to Sorong in West Papua, Indonesia. Most of the flights have a stopover in Makassar (Ujung Pandang airport) in Sulawesi. There are also flights from Manado to Sorong.
If you are in Indonesia, the companies you can take are Garuda Indonesia (the National Company), Batavia Air, Merpati, Express Air, and Lion Air.
If you are in Singapore, you can take Silk Air to reach Manado in Sulawesi first then another flight to Sorong with Merpati or Lion Air.
- Step 3: Local staff from your liveaboard or from your dive resort should wait for you at Sorong Airport. You will then embark the liveaboard or take a fast boat to reach your diving resort.
Note: You need a permit to enter West Papua. The formalities will be completed by your dive operator but don’t forget to bring your passport, 3 photocopies of your Indonesian Visa and an ID picture.
Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dodol/1308850135/
Getting Around
There are no roads, no transportation infrastructure in Raja Ampat. The only way to get around is by boat.
Raja Ampat Photos
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PinkPhoto by Jihye Lee -
White Black NudibranchPhoto by Jihye Lee -
Crocodile Fish RestingPhoto by Jihye Lee -
Red Smallest CreaturePhoto by Jihye Lee -
Yellow White Blue Black NudibranchPhoto by Jihye Lee -
Deserted BeachPhoto by Jihye Lee -
Zoom Small Sea CreaturePhoto by Jihye Lee -
Cleaning Shrimp Raja AmpatPhoto by Jihye Lee -
LeopardPhoto by Jihye Lee -
Octopus HidingPhoto by Jihye Lee
Scuba diving
You will find all information about sea life, best time to visit, top dive spots, etc. in our review: Raja Ampat Diving
Diving Reviews for this region
Raja Ampat
Richest Reef in the World, Amazing Biodiversity, Wonderful Coral, perfect place for underwater photography.
Liveaboard Reviews in Raja Ampat
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
Manta Mae
The 30 meters Manta Mae is a liveaboard built in 2014 which sails in Indonesia. Indeed, with destinations such as Komodo and Raja Ampat, this dive boat is sure to impress with it’s traditional phinisi style and lavish accommodations! . BOAT CABINS
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
If you have been to Raja Ampat before, please share your experiences, ideas and feedback (Hotel, Excursions, General Feeling,…) in the comments section below, by doing so you will help fellow travellers to plan their next trip