Diving in Raja Ampat, By Tom Clavelle & Wendy Saville
As I stepped off the tender boat onto the deck of the Seven Seas anchored in Sorong Harbor, I knew Wendy and I were in for a special kind of dive trip.
For 12 relaxing days, this classic Buginese schooner served as home while we cruised the waters of Raja Ampat, treating the 12 divers and 1 snorkeler to the best scuba diving I’ve experienced in my 15 years of diving! 38 unique dive sites, loaded with tons of fish, extensive gardens of colorful soft and hard corals, turtles, lobsters, octopus, walking and wobbegong sharks, and so much more. Our dive guides, Sadat and Jefri, were masters at finding us such small creatures as the pygmy seahorse, and all those colorful nudibranchs. Who even knew they existed!
But, without question, the diving highlights of the trip for me (and I think for all) were the dives where we watched in awe as Oceanic and Mobula manta rays gracefully performed their underwater magic. I think we could have stayed down there for hours if we hadn’t run out of air. A photographer’s dream, truly breathtaking! Definitely not a trip to leave your camera at home.
Above water, our friendly and extremely attentive crew of 20, led by cruise director Karl, catered to our every need: equipment setup, helping us in and out of the tender boats, pre-dive reminders to “check, double-check”, fish identification, fresh towels, clean rooms, preparing and serving our delicious and plentiful meals, even serenading us at our farewell dinner. They clearly understand the meaning of customer service.
And no dive trip would be complete without the new friendships you make. To our new friends from Australia, France, Canada, and the U.S, it was our pleasure spending the past 13 days with you! We enjoyed sharing the diving, the laughs and the conversations, hanging out on the upper deck, even the quiet times. Who knows, it’s a small world, maybe our paths will cross again.
As we fly back to our “real” world, I am struck by the numbers: 50 hours of flying, 25,000 air miles, 450 nautical miles, 38 dives, 38+ hours under water. 1 very special trip. Can’t wait to return!
Best Dive Sites in Raja Ampat
Diving in Raja Ampat offers access to some of the most stunning dive sites in the world. Popular spots such as Cape Kri, Manta Sandy, and Blue Magic are famous for their vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. At Cape Kri, divers can encounter large schools of fish and impressive coral walls, while Manta Sandy is known for frequent sightings of majestic manta rays. These sites provide unforgettable underwater experiences for divers of all skill levels.
Rich Marine Biodiversity
One of the main reasons diving in Raja Ampat is so special is its incredible biodiversity. The region is home to over 1,400 species of fish and 540 species of coral, making it one of the most diverse marine ecosystems on Earth. Divers can expect to see colorful reef fish, unique critters like pygmy seahorses, and even rare species such as the wobbegong shark. This rich variety makes every dive an exciting adventure.
Diving Tips for Raja Ampat
For those planning to dive in Raja Ampat, it’s important to prepare well. Due to its remote location, bringing proper gear and ensuring good physical fitness is essential. Also, consider taking a refresher course if you haven’t dived in a while. Many dive operators in Raja Ampat offer guided trips with experienced instructors who can help you safely explore the underwater world while minimizing environmental impact.
Conservation Efforts
Diving in Raja Ampat is not only about exploring natural beauty but also about supporting conservation. Local communities and eco-resorts actively participate in protecting marine habitats through sustainable tourism practices. These efforts help preserve the coral reefs and fish populations, ensuring that Raja Ampat remains a diving paradise for future generations.
https://thesevenseas.net/blog/https:-yourwebsite-com-diving-in-raja-ampat/
Tom Clavelle & Wendy Saville
Vermont, USA
February 2018
VIDEO AND PHOTO GALLERY BY NICOLAS STAINER
NOTE :
To reserve your spots or see available trips, please check out our schedule page :
Schedule & Availability
Please also don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] should you require any further information or need recommendations for accommodation or flights etc. Our reservation team would be more than happy to assist. Cheers!
