Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat — “Four Kings” — is an archipelago of over 1,500 islands at the far western tip of Papua, where the Pacific and Indian Oceans meet. This is the heart of the Coral Triangle and the most biodiverse marine area on the planet: over 1,500 fish species and more than 550 coral species — more than in the entire Caribbean.

The route covers three zones of the archipelago: northern (Wayag, Kawe, Aljui Bay), central (Dampier Strait, Cape Kri, Penemu, Arborek, Gam), and southern (Misool, Daram, Wayilbatan, Fiabacet). The eleven-night trip passes through all three sections — from the karst lagoons of Wayag to the coral labyrinths of Misool.

The central zone is the Dampier Strait. Here lies Cape Kri, where the world biodiversity record was set: 374 fish species in a single dive. Strait currents carry plankton, attracting dense schools of barracuda, trevally, and tuna, followed by grey reef and whitetip sharks. At Manta Sandy, manta rays approach divers for cleaning within arm’s reach. Blue Magic is an underwater pinnacle in open water where hammerhead sharks and giant groupers appear in season.

Southern Raja Ampat is Misool Island, which divers call a “kaleidoscope.” Karst rocks descend underwater forming labyrinths of caves, arches, and overhangs entirely covered in soft corals. Misool’s reefs are a macro photographer’s paradise: pygmy seahorses on gorgonians, ghost pipefish among crinoids, dozens of nudibranch species. On the northern slopes live wobbegong sharks, which are virtually impossible to see outside Raja Ampat.

The northern zone is the Wayag Islands. Postcard-perfect karst islets above turquoise water, blue lagoons, mangrove bays. Underwater — sheer walls with fan and black corals, patrolling grey reef sharks and turtles. In Aljui Bay — world-class macro diving: mandarinfish on evening dives, frogfish, seahorses.

A unique feature of these waters is walking sharks (Hemiscyllium), which literally “walk” across the reef on their pectoral fins. Four of nine known species are found exclusively here. Best season is October–April: calm seas, 20–30 meter visibility, water 28–30°C. A route for experienced divers: Advanced Open Water and minimum 50 dives required — currents are unpredictable and sometimes very strong.