Raja Ampat is a sublime paradise home to almost 75% of all known species of corals and fishes on the planet. Located at the center of the Coral Triangle, Raja Ampat proudly holds the title for being the center of marine biodiversity on Earth.
The sheer amount of marine diversity makes diving in Raja Ampat one of the top diving destinations in the world.
Misool
One of the four large islands in the Raja Ampat archipelago, Misool is a remote tropical island surrounded by waters that are home to spectacular diving sites and pelagic animals such as whales, turtles and ornamental fishes. The clear turquoise waters make for the perfect snorkeling site for those wanting to observe and explore its waters first hand.
In addition to the marine wonders, Misool also offers sights to see inland. The combination of pure white sandy beaches, coconut trees and turquoise waters compliments the island beautifully. Due to its remote location, Misool is still heavily forested and dense with thick vegetation and mangrove swamps. It’s also home to ancient cultural sites, evidenced by the petroglyphs that can be observed on the cavern walls throughout the island, which date back 5,000 years.
Wayag
Wayag is another island in the district of Raja Ampat located Northwest of the island of Papua. Wayag Island is one of, if not the, most remote island in Raja Ampat. It is known for its pristine group of Karst Island formations that look like mushrooms looming over the water. Together with the crystal turquoise waters, Wayag island makes for the perfect snorkeling site. Its remote location offers divers an amazing underwater display of marine life that are endemic to the islands.
Dampier Strait
Dampier Strait is another diving location that can be visited during your cruise to Raja Ampat. Most of the diving sites here are more or less concentrated on the northwestern side, such as Sardine Reef, Cape Kri and Mike’s Point.
One thing to note about diving in this location are the currents. The dive sites here are located directly in the path of the Indonesian Throughflow, a major ocean current that provides a path for warm freshwater from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean.
There is really nothing quite like Raja Ampat, it is something you must experience first-hand to truly appreciate the absolute sublime beauty it houses. For divers, it is truly a scuba diving heaven.
Are you interested in Raja Ampat Liveaboard? Book your next diving liveaboard cruise with Calico Jack Charter! Explore the magnificent underwater worlds and diverse marine ecosystems in the Indonesian archipelago.
