Imagine a world where vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and crystal-clear waters stretch endlessly before your eyes. A place rich in biodiversity, it holds 75% of the world’s fish and coral.
This is Raja Ampat – a true scuba diving paradise. Raja Ampat located right in the heart of the Coral Triangle, this hidden gem offers a diving experience like no other.
Welcome to Raja Ampat, "The Last Paradise" – an ideal escape for those passionate about diving into the deep sea. In this blog, I will cover Raja Ampat in detail, from start to end, how you can explore Raja Ampat. So, let's start!
How to Get to Raja Ampat: The Journey Begins
Before we dive into the fascinating world below the surface, let’s talk about how to get to Raja Ampat. Unlike your typical vacation spot, this paradise takes some effort to reach. But trust me, every bit of the journey is worth it.
To get started, you’ll need to fly into Indonesia’s capital Jakarta, and then take another flight to Sorong, a small town on the Papua mainland. This flight takes about 4 hours.
Once you arrive in Sorong, the adventure begins. If you’re traveling with Papua Diving, you don’t have to worry about getting from Sorong to the island – transfers are included in their package.
From Sorong, you’ll need to take a taxi to the port, just 15 minutes away, and from there, board an express ferry to Waisai, a journey that takes about two hours. One thing to keep in mind, the VIP seats on the ferry can get really cold, so pack a jacket to stay cozy during the journey.
Upon arrival at Waisai, a boat will take you to the island of your choice. In our case, we were staying at Cree Island, home to the famous Sorido and Cree Eco Resorts, where we would base ourselves for the next few days of underwater exploration.
Exploring Kri Island: Home to the World's Richest Marine Life
The main focus of our trip was Cree Island, especially with its Papua diving. The island has two main resorts, Sorido and Cree Eco Resort. We were lucky enough to stay at Sorido, a luxury resort with spacious bungalows with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and delicious vegetarian food.
The best part was the tofu. I’ve eaten a lot of tofu in my life, but Sorido’s tofu was next level – crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and simply heavenly!
Now, let me tell you why Kri Island is a paradise for divers like us. Just a short distance from Sorido is Cape Kri, which holds the world record for the highest number of fish species counted at a single diving site.
If you are an advanced diver, this is heaven on earth. Diving here is unlike anything I have experienced. We were able to dive into rich coral gardens, surrounded by schools of fish, and witness the unparalleled marine life that Raja Ampat is famous for.
But that's not all! Papua Diving also offers a variety of exciting excursions, including diving at the Blue Hole and trips to other famous diving sites. But the real joy was a day spent exploring the diving wonders around the Cree Islands.
Scuba Diving in Raja Ampat: Underwater Paradise
Diving in Raja Ampat is truly a dream come true for any scuba lover. Our first dive site was Melissa Garden, known for its rich marine life and vibrant coral gardens. As soon as we stepped into the crystal-clear waters, we were greeted by a swarm of fish, from schools of colorful Antheas to majestic Napoleon Wrasse. The visibility here was incredible, making it easy to appreciate the rich coral ecosystem.
And the fish? Well, they were huge! We were surprised at how big they were compared to what we usually see at other diving spots. It's not every day you get to swim with fish that seem three times bigger than the fish at home.
One of the highlights of our diving trip was the Manta Ridge excursion, a full-day dive that took us to the infamous Manta Ridge, where we had the opportunity to dive with manta rays. Words cannot describe how incredible it was to watch these gentle giants glide gracefully through the water. Whether we freedived or scuba-dived, the experience was magical.
We also visited the Fam Islands, where we climbed 380 steep steps to reach one of the most wonderful views in Raja Ampat. The view from the top was incredible. I had seen this view in pictures before, but nothing could have prepared me for the real thing.
Beyond the Dive: Exploring Raja Ampat's Rich Ecosystem
Raja Ampat is more than just diving - it's an entire ecosystem to explore. One of the most fascinating things about the area is its unique geological history.
About 100 million years ago, the tectonic plates that makeup Raja Ampat shifted, pushing material from beneath the plates and creating layers of limestone that have shaped the region's stunning mountains and peaks.
The scenery here feels like a glimpse of the world as it was millions of years ago, long before human civilization began.
As I traveled through the Passage, one of Raja Ampat’s most famous areas, I couldn’t help but feel like we had stepped back in time. The landscape here is unlike anything I’ve seen before – cliffs and jagged limestone formations rising dramatically from the water. It’s a humbling reminder of the unparalleled power of nature.
After a long day of diving, we returned to our resort to find some unique visitors waiting for us. A pair of spotted cuscus, a marsupial species native to Australia and Papua New Guinea, were lounging near our bungalow.
These creatures, the largest possum species in the world, are incredibly beautiful and have a great amazing day.
Why is Raja Ampat is the best place for scuba diving?
Raja Ampat is a top destination for scuba diving due to its amazing biodiversity and unparalleled diving experiences. It is home to over 600 species of coral, 1,300 species of fish, and countless other marine life, making it one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on earth. Raja Ampat is home to 95% of the world's hard coral species, making it a paradise for divers.
The diving conditions here are perfect. The warm, clear waters and incredible visibility make every dive even more exciting. Whether you dive in vibrant coral gardens like Melissa Garden or swim with mesmerizing manta rays at Manta Ridge, every dive in Raja Ampat is an unprecedented experience that will last a lifetime. You will discover something new in every moment here, and this experience will be a part of your lasting memories.
The Costs of Scuba Diving in Raja Ampat: Is It Worth It?
Yes, Raja Ampat is an expensive destination, and I’m not going to sugarcoat that. But, as with any premium experience, you get what you pay for.
If you are a budget traveler, homestays, and other affordable accommodation options are also available. However, keep in mind that the quality of diving equipment and safety standards when staying at affordable homestays may be slightly lower than at established resorts like Sorido or Kri Eco Resort.
All in all, if you are looking for a truly priceless and one of the best diving experiences of your life, then scuba diving in Raja Ampat is totally worth it.
Cost Breakdown
A 4-day 3-night scuba diving package in Raja Ampat can cost around $1,200 - $1,800 (per person). This package usually includes the following:
3 nights accommodation: Luxury accommodation at Sorido or Cree Eco Resort
Diving package: A total of 8-10 dives over 4 days, including popular sites such as Melissa Garden, Manta Ridge, and other local diving spots
Vehicles and local transport: Ferry and boat transport from Sorong to Waisai
Food and drinks: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (may be included in some packages)
Diving equipment: Most packages include diving equipment, but in some cases, there may be additional costs.
If you are a budget traveler and your budget is limited then you can consider homestays and other affordable accommodation options, where costs can be lower, around $50 - $150 per day.
Essential Tips for Scuba Diving in Raja Ampat
It is important to remember some important tips when preparing for scuba diving in Raja Ampat:
Pack smart:
Mosquito-repellent and reef-safe sunscreen are essential.
Don't forget your dive certification and any personal diving equipment.
Bring a waterproof bag to safely store all your essentials.
Cash is king:
There are no ATMs in Raja Ampat, so bring enough cash for your extra expenses.
Choose your resort wisely:
If you want to go diving, make sure your resort has high-quality diving equipment and trained guides. Papua Diving at Sorido and Kri Eco Resorts are excellent choices for serious divers.
Be prepared for the weather:
The weather in Raja Ampat can be unpredictable. So it is very important to bring a poncho or waterproof bag to keep your equipment and other belongings safe.
Book in advance:
Raja Ampat is a popular destination, so book your dive trips and accommodation well in advance before you go.
Is Raja Ampat safe?
Yes, Raja Ampat is a popular destination for scuba diving and other adventure sports, and there are generally no major safety concerns. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Natural environment
The landscape and coral reef environment of Raja Ampat can be very unpredictable, especially if you are new to diving or swimming. Therefore, it is advisable to seek the necessary training and the help of an experienced dive guide before diving.
Medical services
Raja Ampat is a remote area, so healthcare is somewhat limited. There are local doctors for minor injuries or illnesses, but for serious situations, you may have to travel elsewhere. So if you have any pre-existing health conditions, bring enough medicine and medical supplies.
Criminal Activity
The crime rate in Raja Ampat is generally low. However, as with other popular tourist destinations, it is best to take some general precautions, such as keeping valuables safe and following local rules.
Overall, Raja Ampat is a safe destination. But as a tourist, you should stay safe in any foreign location.
Final Thoughts: A Dream Dive Destination
Raja Ampat is one of the most beautiful and biodiverse places on earth. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a beginner, the waters of Raja Ampat offer an unforgettable underwater adventure.
Raja Ampat should be at the top of your bucket list. The memories of diving with manta rays, exploring vibrant coral gardens, and seeing marine life like never before will stay with you forever. This is not just a trip, it’s an experience that will change the way you see the ocean.
So, if you’re ready to dive, pack your gear, dive into the blue waters of Raja Ampat, and discover the wonders of the underwater world.
Happy diving! 🌊🐠
