Indonesia Papua covers the western 'Bird’s Head' peninsula of the island of New Guinea and is divided into two provinces. Western Papua province covers the north west of the island from Cenderawasih Bay to the islands of Raja Ampat. The Raja Ampat archipelago lies in the heart of the coral triangle, the most bio-diverse marine region on earth: a Mecca for scientists, photographers and crusty sea-salts alike.
The Raja Ampat archipelago is the focus for land based diving here. Misool Island is one of the larger islands in the archipelago of Raja Ampat and contains Misool Eco Resort. On mountainous Kri Island you can stay at the Kri Eco Resort or Sorido Bay Resort
"'The boat was superb lovely atmosphere, very good food, excellent service including a masseuse and as for the diving I think it was the best we have ever had. A bit little murky but that attracted the mantas .Lots of sharks, huge schools of fish of every description and of course wabbegongs , pigmy seahorses,blue ringed octopus and nudibranks! The soft coral was amazing I have not seen such beautiful colours and amounts before. Four dives a day almost every day with a mixture of sites If you have not been there you should go, I cant wait to go back.' Liveaboard Mermaid II "
Diving In Papua And Raja Ampat
Papua has a huge diversity of habitats to explore, whether your preference is for macro photography or for action packed big fish diving, you will be well served. Indeed, Macro enthusiasts can see Blue Ringed Octopus, Mimic Octopus, numerous types of Pygmy Seahorse, Ghost Pipefish, Frogfish, Mandarin fish and a huge variety of strange and wonderful molluscs and crustaceans. Whereas big fish lovers can encounter giant Mantas, Mobula rays (in large numbers), large schools of Barracuda, Jacks, Mackeral, as well as Wobbegong sharks, Tawny sharks and many others.
According to a serious survey, Raja Ampat has the highest biodiversity of both fish, and coral species. Moreover, the findings showed more species diversity than any other area previously surveyed worldwide. The Raja Ampat islands offer some of the most breathtaking diving opportunities. Marine tourism has the potential to play a key role in the conservation of Raja Ampat’s spectacular underwater realm, while also creating real benefits for the local communities.
The reefs around Misool offer a breathtaking kaleidoscope of colour and a nice contrast to all the big stuff on other dive sites. The soft corals are unbelievable, all kind of colours and at all depths, you will not be disappointed by the underwater experience.
Dive sites includes names like: Sardine reef Cape Kri Mike’s Point (Dampier strait) the Passage (or Alley) Melissa’s garden Blue water Mangroves Manta point LalosiMiosKon Chicken Reef KofiauAljui Bay Waigeo. All those dive sites will allow you seeing over 3000 fish and 400 coral and sponge species.
What you are likely to encounter on a dive holidat to Papua and Raja Ampat: Dolphins, dugongs, green leatherback turtles, fusiliers, giant trevelly, packs of bluefin jacks, spanish mackerel, batfish, schooling bannerfish, bumpheadparrotfish, grey reef sharks, blacktips, whitetips, wobbegong, colourful species of dendronephya soft corals pygmy seahorse. As well as, schools of big-eyetrevelly, barracudas, bandedsweetlips, snappers, clown fish, tomato anemone fish, Harlequins,surgeonfish, mantas,ancient giant clams,butterflyfish,archerfishand many others.
Diving Seasons In Papua And Raja Ampat
Dry season - October - aprilRainy season - May - September, but this is unpredictable and seldom falls for more than a few days at a time in any case.
Northwest monsoon - November - April
Southwest monsoon - May - October
Air Temperature - 27 / 32°C all year round, hot and muggy climates on the coasts.
Water temperature - 27°C
Best time to dive - October - April (more wind and rain in the rest of the season).
Things To Do In Papua And Raja Ampat
Kayaking in the shallow bays, especially in the Mangrove forests
Cruising to the stunning land scenery of Papua and Raja Ampat
Bird spotting - find the Bird of Paradise from the water
Hiking into the forest to experience the diversity of birds and animals
Fishing - unexplored fly-fishing for bonefish or deep water trolling for marlin and sailfish.
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