This is the final frontier, at the eastern end of Indonesia. Raja Ampat offers amazing diving and the most stunning topside
scenery of any dive destination on Earth. This is where Dr. Gerald Allen counted 273 fish species on a single dive.
If you�re looking for unusual sea life like the elusive wobbegong shark, or looking for Birds of Paradise, then a Grand Komodo
liveaboard cruise here is for you.
Water temperature: 24 � 29 C. Visibility: 10 � 30 M (seasonal). Year-round diving.
The Essence Of Raja Ampat Raja Ampat is not really about rare critters or seeing sharks, there are generally not as many of what one would call � classic critters
or big marine life. What is so special about this area is the scenery and in places the abundance of fish life. Dives where you are
inundated with vast schools of fish, on the best of dives fish seem to block out the sun there are so many. Mellow drift dives across the most beautiful coral slopes and channels, unique dives with heavily undercut mushroom shaped islands with gorgeous coral growth virtually to the surface. Some of the best coral gardens we
have seen are in this area.
Taking a live-aboard will allow you to see not just these great fish dives but also the topside highlights of this area too. The real
� essence of Raja Ampat� is the incredible mix of wonderful topside
scenery with great reefs to dive on. Another highlight of this area is taking rides on the tender boat through the most outstanding island scenery of any dive destination anywhere.
Birds of Paradise
A short trek through a village and small plantation at Yapmanbaba village on Mansuar island, takes us under the canopy of prime forest where we can see these rare and mythical birds. If you don �t do this it�s like going to Komodo and not seeing the dragons.
The sounds alone are worth the effort.
Mansuar Area
This is also the place where Dr. Gerald Allen found those 273 different species �see how many you can count! A great range of dive sites here makes this area stand out as being probably the best dive area in the whole of Indonesia for fish life. And not just for the species diversity; the schooling fish life is also incredible.
Most reefs here are vibrant with vast amounts of soft corals covering huge coral outcrops that in turn are surrounded by
thousands of small sweepers. There are critters as well, but not as many as in other areas, though for sure there are some great areas with rare and unusual marine life.
Waigeo (Aljui Bay)
A great area to anchor amongst the many small islands that make this area like a huge maze. There is also an interesting pearl farm here. The welcoming staff can show divers some of the processes that go into farming high-end pearls. Dive sites vary; many feature brilliantly colorful invertebrate-covered walls that are
dotted with caverns. These all seem to just fall from the rock faces that rise up above the water, being topped off with incredible tropical scenery. There are dive sites here that are great critter dives, with many kinds nudibranches and crustaceans to keep the macro lovers content. This area probably has the best macro site
in the northern RajaAmpat .
Kawe Area
More small islands here that are home to some incredible dive sites. Amongst these we encounter groups of small islands. Here
pelagic fish and many different schooling fish can be seen. Right on the edge of the Equator there are more impressive islands,
some looking like Bonsai trees sitting on a rock base. One very small island has what can only be described as being one the best topographical sites in the area. Walls surround most of the island,which can be circumnavigated easily on one dive. But there is much more, including a coral-covered seamount with hundreds
of schooling fish swimming around it, small plateaus, a small cavern, giant sea fans, and many black coral bushes surrounding a tall pinnacle. Some sites here are open to the seas and often
experience strong currents. Swells frequently make safety stops near the reef a little awkward.
Wayag Area
This has to be as good as it gets for topside scenery, with lagoons and small mushroom shaped islands. A short trek will reveal this island in all its glory, with great abovewater views of the lagoons
and islands you �ve been diving in. The dive sites are home to great marine life, beautiful reef scenery, some schooling pelagic fish, and great topographical underwater landscapes. Also this is
home to a hidden blue lagoon with the only way in being from the ocean. Only us divers will ever see this sight.
Wai Island Area
Surrounded by white sand beaches and reefs that are home now to plane wrecks as well as great marine life. One plane lays on a reef slope covered in an array of beautiful soft corals, with the slope itself sometimes sporting various interesting critters. Reefs here have been impacted in the past, though in places the reef
crest is an area where you will want that over-under lens. With a tropical island backdrop, what more could you ask. At times it is possible to see large groups of manta rays cruising by here.
Lets visit here guys..!....
