Raja Ampat Diving in Irian Jaya
West Papua New Guinea
The Raja Ampat in Irian Jaya is not one of the most visited diving areas in the world which is strange since almost everyone who knows anything about the area agrees that there can surely be nowhere better on earth. Boasting the highest marine diversity on the planet, beautiful topside scenery and awesome underwater topography diving Raja Ampat is as close as you can get to underwater heaven.
To stand on the bow of your liveaboard boat as it cuts through the clear water towards verdant islands inhabited by people whose lives are so different to your own really creates that frontier feeling. When your small dive group stops at a site where there are no other divers you will feel like a pioneer slipping into waters that you feel you are the first to dive. Amazing quantities of fish as well as beautiful topography and critters in their millions, your memories of Irian Jaya will stay with you forever.
Highlights
There are many highlights and everyone has their own special spots around Irian Jaya but no trip would be complete without checking out:
Cape Kri - You want lots of big stuff? You want to be enveloped by fish? Roll in here and both desires will soon be sated. Meaty Queensland groupers, sharks, snappers, Napoleon wrasses, barracuda, dogtooth tuna, trevallies, you name it ... They are all here and they are all here in numbers.
Misool Island - By contrast Misool is all about investigation through the holes and tunnels where lie all manner of macro wonders. No swirling schools here but rather soft corals galore and critters by the bucketful such as sea horses and ghost pipefish. Great by day, unbelievable by night.
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How to Dive Irian Jaya
Given that the sites of Raja Ampat and surrounding area are spread over such huge distances, liveaboards are the only option.
MV Pindito - award-winning schooner offering unlimited nitrox - comfort and quality. Dive Raja Ampat in style!
Odyssea I - this large new steel hull liveaboard is the only non-sailing schooner boat to visit this region. So if a traditional diving boat i smore your style, then Odyseea I is the right choice for you.
SMY Shakti - a fantastic budget option for Raja Ampat. No frills but clean, comfortable and always a good atmosphere.
Diving Season
There is no best or worst time for Irian Jaya diving. Conditions remain largely the same throughout the year and at no time are there the numbers of divers present in this vast area that you would rather avoid. Occasionally the sea might pick up a little between the months of July and September but, like Keira Knightley's chest, these are only minor swells which should not cause you much inconvenience.
Reef Summary
Great for: Reef life and health, wrecks, underwater photography and visibility
Not so great for: Non-diving activities
Depth: 5 - >40m
Visibility: 10 - 30m
Currents: Moderate
Surface Conditions: Calm
Water Temperature: 27 - 30°C
Experience Level: Intermediate - advanced
Number of dive sites: Unknown, but >200
Distance: ~1,200 km north east of West Timor (60 hours)
Access: Raja Ampat liveaboard cruises from Irian Jaya
Recommended length of stay: 10 - 16 days
Dive Site Descriptions
For more on the detailed Irian Jaya dive sites:
• Irian Jaya tourist information
View a map of:
• Irian Jaya - Indonesia
• Scuba diving vacation enquiries
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