The Raja Ampat Islands are an archipelago northwest of West Papua. Hundreds of beautiful green jungle-covered islands offer beaches and coral reefs famous for their colourful marine life. You can also see ancient rock paintings and caves in this area, but the main reason people visit this place is for the diving.
Scuba diving in Raja Ampat is very enjoyable due to the warm waters and beautiful corals. You'll see huge schools of fish, plenty of manta rays, and sharks. The sea life is more abundant in the north, while the south is famous for soft corals. Batanta and Salawati are the archipelago’s main islands.
Although diving in Raja Ampat could be done all year round, the best time is October to April when you'll find less rain along with calm and warm sea. The worst time to go is monsoon season from mid-June through mid-September. Due to winds and rough sea, most liveboards stop operating in the area.
Practical info
What is the recommended period for diving in Raja Ampat?
If you want to make the most of your diving experience in Raja Ampat, the best time to visit is between October and April. During this season, the sea is calm, and the water is warm because of the low rainfall. If you go from mid-June to mid-September, you will encounter strong winds, rough seas, and fewer operating liveaboards. Thus, it is the worst time to travel to the area. Show more
What is the location of Raja Ampat?
Raja Ampat is located in the northwest corner of West Papua, Indonesia. It is an archipelago that contains a few hundred islets, with the largest being Batanta, Waigeo, Salawati, and Misool. The surrounding waters are the Halmahera Sea to the west, the Pacific Ocean to the east, and the Seram Sea to the south. Show more
Which marine creatures are commonly found while scuba diving in Raja Ampat?
Among the distinct marine creatures you can spot while scuba diving in Raja Ampat are manta rays, sharks, and giant trevallies, with over 1,500 fish species swimming in the area. Besides the marine animal kingdom, there are also 700 species of soft coral and 600 species of hard coral present in these waters. Scientists discover new species here constantly and refer to the waters as a 'species factory.' Show more
How many islands are in the Raja Ampat archipelago?
The Raja Ampat archipelago is made up of hundreds of islets ranging in size from small specks to more extensive land masses. Four of the area's most extensive islands are Batanta, Salawati, Misool, and Waigeo. It is estimated that over 1,500 isles are in the cluster, but just around 35 of them are exploitable by tourists. Show more
What are the restrictions for scuba diving in Raja Ampat?
To keep the environment healthy, diving in Raja Ampat has some limitations. While scuba diving, you cannot manipulate or harm any marine life or coral. It is also prohibited to remove any objects that could impact the environment negatively, such as shells or coral. Additionally, licensed tour operators must accompany diving trips, ensuring safety measures and responsible environmental practices. Show more
