Raja Ampat! It’s the location that I consider to have the best diving in Indonesia. The marine life here simply thrives due to the sheer size of the area, along with a small human population and a long running successful protection program. What this means to divers is the opportunity to experience one of the healthiest and most diverse reef systems on the planet. I am fortunate enough that I typically spend 2-3 months per year diving in Raja Ampat aboard different vessels exploring areas far from where other boats typically venture. Of course, I also spend a lot of time at the popular spots as well, after all, these spots are popular for a reason! However, “popular” in Raja Ampat does not mean 15 boats on a site like in other areas of the world. Due to the amount of great sites so close to one another and the fact that boats communicate with one another, it’s rare to run into another set of divers underwater in Raja (except at Manta Sandy!). Of course the marine life is also a major reason for my love of the area: mantas, beautiful and healthy coral gardens, endless amounts of colourful soft corals, loads of schooling fish, cool critters such as pygmy seahorses and wobbegong sharks, and did I mention mantas?
It’s for these reasons that I always look forward to going back to Raja. But there is only so much that words can do, instead, have a look at the photos and video instead to see what I mean.
I will once again be heading to Raja Ampat aboard a great boat in 2017, the Mermaid II will be our home on an 8 night trip from 19-27 March 2017 departing and returning to Sorong. If you would like full information about this trip, including pricing, please let me know and I will be happy to send it to you. The best way to get a hold of me is at info@underwatertribe.com