Raja Ampat is an archipelago of majestic islands located in the most easterly province of Indonesia, West Papua.
Believed to be the epicentre of the Coral Triangle, this is the most biodiverse marine region on earth. Located between the Indian and Pacific oceans the deep sea currents funnel nutrient rich waters through the reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds forming solid foundations for marine species to grow and flourish. Relatively unexplored until recently, its rich coast and marine resources have made it a target for economic development. As more is discovered about the region, its global significance continues to grow.
Divers and snorkellers are often mesmerised by the sheer density of fish and coral life. Expect vibrant and colourful reefs, plenty of macro life, schooling barracuda, countless schools of fish (over 1,200 known species are found here), manta ray encounters and plenty of drift diving in the fast currents, which help feed the nutrient rich waters.
The archipelago consists of 1,500 small islands and cays, the main larger ones being Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati and Misool, the 'Four Kings'. The region is a pioneer for conservation across Indonesia which includes huge Marine Protected Areas, no-take zones and it is prohibited to fish for sharks and rays here.
It is possible to visit year-round at a resort and in season by liveaboard.
Ideal for viewing: manta ray, bumphead parrotfish, pygmy seahorse, Napoleon wrasse, tassled wobbegong shark
Dive trips
This
dive location
is featured in the following itineraries:
Visit Raja Ampat and Triton Bay on a unique snorkelling only liveaboard adventure. Explore pristine reefs, dive amongst large schools of fish, and awe at chance manta encounters on this exclusive departure.
Find Out More about Coral Triangle Snorkelling Adventure
Duration inc. flights: 15 days
Price inc. flights: From £5,195 pp
Trip type: LiveaboardGroup
trip
Diving in Indonesia is a rewarding experience, especially when combining two locations famed for their incredible biodiversity. Discover abundant critters in Ambon and gaze at majestic manta rays in Raja Ampat.
Find Out More about Critters & Kings
Duration inc. flights: 16 days
Price inc. flights: From £6,195 pp
Trip type:
Tailor-made trip idea
Diving the spectacular reefs of Raja Ampat from a resort offers visitors a world-class experience. The remote location at the heart of the Coral Triangle presents an incredible diversity of wildlife.
Find Out More about Dive Raja Ampat
Duration inc. flights: 14 days
Price inc. flights: From £4,735 pp
Trip type:
Tailor-made trip idea
Join a liveaboard adventure in Raja Ampat, the most biodiverse marine region on earth! Choose from a variety of vessels and itineraries to discover majestic islands with sharks, manta rays, turtles and enormous schools of fish.
Find Out More about Raja Ampat Liveaboard
Duration inc. flights: 12 to 18 days
Price inc. flights: From £5,395 pp
Trip type: Liveaboard
trip
Suggested accommodation options are shown below.
Please
contact us
for further recommendations.
Hidden under the jungle canopy on a white sand beach in Waisai, this dive resort is perfectly located for those wanting to explore the world-class sites at the heart of Raja Ampat.
Find Out More about Dive into Raja Ampat Resort
Fringed with powder white sand beaches and protected by stunning clear lagoon and abundant reefs, this exclusive private island resort sits in a prime position within the vast Raja Ampat archipelago.
Find Out More about Misool Eco Resort
Featuring over water bungalows with views of the house reef, this resort is located on Birie island. A haven for both divers and non-divers, the marine life and flora found here are exceptional.
Find Out More about Papua Paradise Eco Resort
Experience it all on the private island of Pulau Pef in central Raja Ampat. Discover the rich seascape and explore topside jungle and beaches from this authentic Papuan dive resort.
Find Out More about Raja 4 Divers
Located on a beautiful deep lagoon with a white sand beach on Kri Island, this traditional resort with just seven cottages is ideal to access some of the most spectacular dive sites in Raja Ampat.
Find Out More about Sorido Bay Resort
Suggested liveaboards are shown below.
Please contact us for further recommendations.
The Solitude Adventurer is one of the newest and most impressive diving liveaboards in Indonesia. This spacious and well-appointed vessel transports divers to top dive sites in Raja Ampat and the Banda Sea.
Find Out More about Solitude Adventurer
Setting sail in 2022, the MY Emperor Harmoni liveaboard cruises the waters of Indonesia, offering itineraries to Komodo National Park, Raja Ampat and the Banda Sea.
Find Out More about MY Emperor Harmoni
Intimate and elegant, the MY Raja Laut translates as the ‘King of the Sea’, offering freedom, style and comfort to divers looking to experience some of Indonesia’s finest diving.
Find Out More about MY Emperor Raja Laut
This luxurious liveaboard offers spectacular itineraries around Raja Ampat, Ambon, Cenderawasih and Triton Bay in eastern Indonesia, providing guests with exceptional diving adventures throughout the year.
Find Out More about Raja Ampat Aggressor
This 58 metre long, three masted topsail schooner moves with grace and stability through the waters of eastern Indonesia, concentrating on exploring Raja Ampat, Triton Bay, Banda Sea and Cenderawasih Bay.
Find Out More about Dewi Nusantara
The custom built Blue Manta Explorer offers divers spacious and luxurious accommodation, including a dedicated camera room, whilst exploring the world-class diving hotspots of Indonesia throughout the year.
Find Out More about Blue Manta Explorer
A traditional phinisi, handcrafted from ironwood and teak, this luxury Master fleet boat cruises the Indonesian archipelago throughout the year, visiting world-class locations in Raja Ampat and Komodo.
Find Out More about Indo Master
This 52 metre luxury phinisi first set sail in 2010 and was built with locally grown timber by indigenous craftsmen using ancient traditional methods. Enjoy up to four dives per day on itineraries throughout Indonesia.
Find Out More about MSV Amira
The Pindito is a traditional Indonesian liveaboard, accommodating 16 guests in spacious cabins. Depending on the season, she cruises Komodo National Park and Raja Ampat, visiting dive sites of unparalleled excellence.
Find Out More about Pindito
The luxurious Tambora has been engineered for a minimum of noise and vibration and aims to take you on an exhilarating journey through the Indonesian archipelago, unique in diversity and home to the world’s best dive sites.
Find Out More about Tambora
This 28 metre steel motor yacht offers comprehensive nine night itineraries to Raja Ampat and Komodo. She accommodates 15 guests in a variety of cabins, with a large dive platform, equipment rental and Nitrox.
Find Out More about M/V Mermaid I
A spacious 33 metre yacht, the M/V Mermaid II offers comprehensive itineraries covering Raja Ampat and Komodo. Trips are suitable for divers of all certification levels. Nitrox is available on board.
Find Out More about M/V Mermaid II
The MS Aurora is a luxurious double masted traditional phinisi, designed for a discerning clientele. Cruising Indonesia year round, there are a variety of itineraries to choose from, all showcasing marine biodiversity at its best.
Find Out More about MS Aurora
Operating in Indonesia - and, on occasion, Micronesia - the MSY Damai II is a traditional Indonesian schooner. There are a variety of itineraries available, and she is accompanied by two custom designed high speed tender boats.
Find Out More about MSY Damai II