What is the best time of year to dive Raja Ampat?

This is a year round destination, but for divers, the best time to visit Raja Ampat is September to April, when large numbers of manta rays are present at cleaning stations. For the very calmest waters and best visibility, visit in November, December, January, February and March.

What is diving like in Raja Ampat?

Lying within the Coral Triangle, Raja Ampat is an incredibly rich environment for scuba diving. Healthy reefs grow strong and dense, encouraging an abundance of reef fish and large pelagic species. Whale sharks circle WWII wrecks at Cenderawasih Bay whilst Manta Ridge hosts several cleaning stations.

How do I get to Raja Ampat?

To get to Raja Ampat you should first take a flight from Jakarta or Makassar to Sorong. There are small aircraft to take you to Waisai, the capital of the district of Raja Ampat, or alternatively, you can take a ferry from the port of Sorong to the islands.

Can you live in Raja Ampat?

But the coastal areas, including Raja Ampat, is politically stable and safe. The islands have abundant natural beauty that make them look like an earthly paradise. But of the more than 45,000 residents, around 20\% live below the poverty line with poor access to education, health care, and markets.

Is Raja Ampat cheap?

Ignoring airfares and diving costs, the majority of most travellers’ Raja Ampat budgets will be consumed by local boat hire expenses. Boat travel in Raja Ampat is unreasonably expensive. The main reason for this is because fuel prices in Raja Ampat remain well above the nationally regulated (and subsidised) price.

Is Raja Ampat safe?

A cluster of islands in the Bird’s Head peninsula of West Papua in Indonesia, Raja Ampat is one of the best diving spots in the world. But the coastal areas, including Raja Ampat, is politically stable and safe. The islands have abundant natural beauty that make them look like an earthly paradise.