Raja Ampat Diving - Papua, Indonesia
RAJA AMPAT DIVING ( Irian Jaya)
Located at the Northwest of Bird's Head Peninsula of Papua Island, Raja Ampat, or the Four Kings, is an archipelago within 1,500 small islands, which is 4 main islands of Misool, Salawati, Batanta and Waigeo. According to the Conservation International Rapid Assessment Bulletin and their more recent 2006 scientific surveys, the marine life diversity for scuba diving in Irian Jaya is considerably greater than all other areas sampled in the coral triangle of Indonesia, Philippines and Papua New Guinea.
Over than thousand of fish species - a world record 284 on 1 single dive at Kofiau Island, the benchmark figure for an excellent dive site of 200 fish species surpassed on 51% of Raja Ampat dives (another world record), 600 coral species (a remarkable 97% of all scleratinia recorded from Indonesia are likely to occur in these islands), 699 mollusc species - again another world high. It is believed that the region will soon receive protected area status.
Dive in Irian Jaya is mostly drift dives due to the moderate currents prevalent in the area, which provide nutrients for the myriad fish and coral. The variety of marine life can be staggering. Some areas boast enormous schools of fish and regular sightings of sharks, such as wobbegongs. In Mansuar, it's highly likely you'll encounter large groups of manta rays and turtles. From the boat and often close to shore you may get the chance to don your snorkelling gear for some unforgettable interaction with resident pods of dolphins or even some passing whales.
Due to sometimes strong currents, diving in Raja Ampat is not really considered a good choice for absolute beginners, rather for divers with a few dives under their weightbelts looking to get away from the crowds. Visibility is normally very good but can vary and is normally at its best earlier in the day so your pre-breakfast dives are not to be slept through!
THE DIVING HIGHLIGHTS
Misool Island - This is one of the larger islands in the archipelago. The stunning reefs around Misool offer a breathtaking kaleidoscope of color which offers a nice contrast to all the big stuff on other dive sites. Sloping walls are carpeted with soft corals of every color imaginable housing all manner of critters from ghost pipefish to harlequin shrimp to pygmy seahorses.'
Cape Kri - This reef is one of the more popular dive sites of Raja Ampat and its no surprise why. Marine Biologist and respected author of a number of marine reference books Dr. Gerald R. Allen said "On my last trip to Raja Ampat, I recorded 283 fish species during a single dive near the Kri Island resorts. This is the most fishes ever seen on a single dive over a career spanning almost 30 years."
Divers here can look forward to being literally engulfed by fish, huge swirling schools of dogtooth tuna, jacks, giant trevally and chevron barracuda. In addition to these expect to see large napoleon wrasse, car sized Queensland groupers and reef sharks as you drift along with the fish. Coral growth here is also diverse with all manner of hard and soft varieties. It is best to stay deep here to avoid the stong surface currents.
Sardine Reef - Sardine reef is a large off shore reef that slopes down to around 25 meters. There are no actual sardines here but the fish are so tightly packed that it derives the name of the dive site. Great schools of fish block out the light, jacks, tuna, trevally, they're all here in huge numbers. There are also Australian Wobbegongs to be found here hiding under ledges and table corals. This dive really is a fish frenzy, you even need to stay close to your buddy if you want to keep them in sight for the living walls of fish.
Cross Wreck - Named after a cross marking the landing spot of the first Christian missionaries to Irian Jaya this wreck is upright on the sandy bed at 18 meters. The Japanese patrol boat is the most accessible of all Raja Ampat wrecks, depth charges and the ships lamps can still be seen. Penetration is possible to the communications room, engine room and front hold where features such as the switchboard and ammunition can be seen. Coral cover is good and plenty of reef inhabitants now call the wreck thier home, these include lionfish, huge napoleon wrasse, humphead parrotfish and all manner of critters that come our especially at night.
Critters Corner - At the end of the Cross Wreck is this delightful little area back towards the beach. In amongst the sand and rubble are a vast array of critters including frogfish, leaffish, devil scorpionfish, seahorses and mantis shrimp.
Shinwa Maru - This WWII cargo ship wreck is one of the more impressive, she lies on her port side from 16 to 34 meters. Two huge bomb damage holes on the starboard side are visible and all manner of debris including mine sweeping equipment, technical equipment, car batteries, cables ammunition and sake bottles is strewn around. Two diving helmets make a great photo opportunity. This wreck is not as densely covered in corals as the Cross Wreck, but is home to many schooling jacks and plenty of pipefish. The wooden floors of the bridge have collapsed and most of its contents are still there.
Aircraft Wrecks - There is a wrecked P40 that was shot down and now lies at 27 meters, the plane which is still largely intact was discovered in 1999.
The Passage - The passage lies between the islands of Gam and Waigeo. It is only about 25 meters wide and looks more like a river from the surface. A jumble of rocks marks the entrance to this enchanting looking dive site, the coral almost grows to the surface here. There is not much choice but to drop in and drift down the channel, pausing in bays where the current is more forgiving. Plenty of life can be found here including octopus, flatworms and cuttlefish, even the Wobbegong shark can be spotted on occasion. Schools of bigger fish await out in the current such as jacks, tuna, barracuda and sharks. Caves and arches also make up some of the topography here.
Nudibranch Rock - Close by is this recently discovered sheltered dive site where the small island and bays wield a number of flamboyant nudibranchs.
Mike's Point - This rocky outcrop just off Cape Kri was bombed duing WWII. From the air it was mistaken for a Japanese ship due to its size and the wake left by speeding currents. Walls surrounding the islet drop to over 40 meters and attract huge schools of sweetlips, snappers and fusiliers. A dazling array of giant sea fans on a shelf at 27 meters can be explored for pygmy seahorses and the walls and coral crevaces home all manner of reef life. Mike's point is named after pioneer Max Ammer's son.
Wai Island - This spot is famed for its visiting manta rays and a couple of WWII aircraft wrecks. However it is also popular for night diving in the secluded bay. All manner of creatures emerge to feed including octopus, stonefish, epaulette sharks, wobbegongs, squid, pipefish and many rare nudibranchs.
HOW TO DIVE IRIAN JAYA (PAPUA INDONESIA)
The Raja Ampat dive sites and surrounding area are spread over huge distances.
Currently we recommend liveaboardsas the best option.
Nowadays there is an a dive center who serve another way to dive in Raja Ampat Papua.
DIVING SEASON
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.
REEF SUMMARY :
Good for : Reef life and health, wrecks, underwater photography and visibility
Not so good 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
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:
Southern Region
• Boo Island
• Fabiacet
• Farondi Island
• Gamfi Damu
• Kaleidoscope
• The Passage
Northern Region
• Kri Island
• Sel Pele Bay
• South Penemu Pinnacle
• Waigeo Island
• Wofoh
• Yangelo
Central Region
• Jef Fam Group
• Manta Ridge
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