Diving in Raja Ampat - Indonesia
In eastern Indonesia lies West Papua, also known as Irian Jaya. The easternmost province in the Emerald Belt and also the most rugged and unknown. In the backcountry jungle, plants, animals and even tribes still await discovery. The remoteness of the island and the atmosphere of discoveries still ahead give West Papua a special charge.
Nowhere in the world are there so many species of fish and coral as here. Do you want to start counting them?
Diving in Raja Ampat
The diving takes place at a group of islands off the coast of West Papua called Raja Ampat. These (more than 600!) islands offer dive sites that are enormously varied, but above all are inhabited by an amazing array of fish and coral species.
Diving at Raja Ampat is now world famous. This is not without reason, not only is the area particularly pristine but also records are broken around Raja Ampat every time when it comes to the number of fish and coral species. Nowhere else in the world are there so many different species of fish, and nowhere else in the world can you count so many coral species as here. It’s not just the species diversity is great the numbers are overwhelming, manta rays in groups of dozens at manta point and a swirl of life on the reefs. It is extremely difficult to focus your gaze on anything because there is so much to see underwater. From tiny seahorses, to wobbegongs and from manta rays to large schools of jacks.
Diving in Kaimana
Unique to this region is the establishment of Triton Bay Divers on the island of Pulau Aiduma, located 2 hours by boat from Kaimana. It seems like this dive site is completely cut off from the rest of the world. It takes you a while to get there, but if you want something unique without a single diver in the way, Pulau Aiduma is your new dive destination.
At Triton Bay Divers, there are more than 30 dive sites and many more to explore. Dives West Papua range from pinnacles to shallow soft coral gardens, large boulders with colorful corals, massive black coral bushes, current dives, as well as the opportunity for searching for unusual critters. Triton Bay has beautiful soft coral gardens.
It is also well worth enjoying the beautiful islands. In between diving days, take time for a birding excursion. A nearby island is still home to birds of paradise that can be admired in the wild via a brisk walk through the jungle. Go kayaking or meet the locals.
Diving season Raja Ampat
Diving and snorkeling can be done year-round. There is no specific season that is particularly dry or rainy. The summer months can be rougher and windier, but do offer the best visibility. A good season is also October to April but then there is less visibility due to plankton. Standard visibility is between 15 to 30 meters. There is a microclimate with occasional tropical rains and high humidity due to its close location to the equator. The water temperature is consistently 28 / 29 degrees. For that, a 3mm suit or a lycra will do. Most resorts are open year-round, except Triton Bay Divers. Because of the eastern monsoon, this resort is closed from mid-June to mid-September.
Also experience this diving trip?
Papua Paradise Eco Resort – Golden Triangle
Comfortable resort among the best dive sites in the world.
Also perhaps interesting
Diving in the Philippines
Besides diving, do you like to socialize? Then go on a diving vacation to the Philippines! There is a lot of variety to be found in the Philippines, both in terms of price and dive...
Read moreDiving in Malaysia
Malaysia offers divers a stunning underwater world with crystal clear waters, fascinating coral walls and an exuberant variety of marine inhabitants, including curious clownfish and elegant sea turtles.
The sharks of the Bahamas
Diving with hammerhead and tiger sharks is eminently possible on Bimini in the Bahamas.
Diving in Costa-Rica
Costa Rica offers fantastic diving in Guanacaste, where divers can meet bull sharks and basking manta rays, among others. Cocos Island is world famous for its diving with hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks ánd whale sharks.
Diving in the Galapagos Islands
Diving the Galapagos from a liveaboard is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Discover the underwater world full of marine iguanas, hammerhead sharks, whale sharks and playful sea lions. An absolute must-do for diving enthusiasts and a bucket...
Read moreTrip Report: Week at Abu Dabbab Dive Resort – Marsa Alam, Egypt
A diving trip in words: Leonie’s account of her week of diving in Abu Dabbab with Rianne.
On diving vacation to Zanzibar with Leeuwarden Diving Association
Mark organized a diving vacation to Zanzibar for Diving Association Leeuwarden. It became a buddy trip which meant that other clients of EWDR were also welcome.
The Ultimate Guide to Snorkeling Vacations
In this article, we dive into the enchanting world of snorkeling, focusing on the best snorkeling vacations around the world.
Liveaboard Maldives
This guide on liveaboard diving vacations to the Maldives explains what a liveaboard is, a typical daily schedule, and describes sailing itineraries
Top 5 – July: Best diving destinations
Discover the 5 best dive sites for July! From whale sharks in Mexico to the Sardine Run in South Africa. Plan your next diving adventure.
Unlimited diving is available at these dive resorts
Discover dive resorts offering unlimited diving in 5 countries. Perfect for divers who want to explore the underwater world without restrictions.
Travelogue South Africa | Part 1: Diving at Aliwal Shoal
Rianne flew to South Africa in early July.
Her first stop?
Blue Ocean Dive Center in Umkomaas!
Travelogue: Diving in Saudi Arabia and traveling as a woman alone
Tessa went to Saudi Arabia on her own to dive with hammerhead sharks as well as explore Jeddah above water.
Orang-Utans in Borneo 3-Day Excursion
Extend your (diving) vacation in Borneo with a visit to the Orang-Utans and Sun Bears!
eSim on Dive Vacation – Carefree Internet on your Mobile
Would you like to keep surfing the Internet during your diving vacation? Without skyrocketing roaming charges? Then check out the possibilities of an eSim.
Snorkeling with Orcas in Norway
Snorkeling with orcas in Norway offers an unforgettable opportunity to observe these impressive animals in their natural habitat.
All about the dive medical examination & dive doctor
Do you need a medical examination? Or would you like to know more about it? This article tells you all about the diving medical examination by a diving doctor.
Diving Cape Verde – Adventure and large schools of fish
Diving in the Cape Verde Islands. What to expect. And is it worth it? We can confidently answer Yes to that….
Prescription diving mask
Almost any diving mask can be supplied with prescription glasses. Either for far away, near, multifocal, varifocal… It is all possible.
Soraya & Jeffry go diving on Zanzibar
Soraya & Jeffry went to Zanzibar and stayed at Langi Langi for a week.
10 Activities on Bonaire that have nothing to do with diving
We know that you can dive beautifully on Bonaire, but there really is a lot to do for the non-diver as well! We’ve listed our top 10 activities.
The Colors of Bali
Bali is not called the Island of the Gods for nothing; it is an enchanting island. Not only is the island of Bali beautiful, around the island you can do fantastic diving.
Liveaboard diving vacations in Egypt
The liveaboard concept is a unique way to dive and allows divers to take their diving experience to the next level. Unlike a day trip to a dive site, divers stay aboard a liveaboard ship...
Read moreThe 10 Most Beautiful Dives in the Maldives
Back to overview The 10 Most Beautiful Dives in the Maldives The Maldives is known as one of the most beautiful places in the world for diving, with a diversity of marine life and enchanting...
Read more