Raja Ampat & Halmahera

Gam

• Citrus Ridge -

  Citrus Ridge is one of the most stunning dive sites in Raja Ampat. The ridge with sloping sides is completely covered with marine life. The shallow bommies offer the most impressive and colorful orange coral, and the action overhead with schools of barracuda, giant trevally, fusilier and other reef sharks make it a dream for divers.

  
  

• Dalam -

  Located in Yanggefo Island, on the west side of Gam, Batu Dalam a.k.a. Deep Rock is a submerged plateau covered with soft and hard coral, beautiful bommies and seafans. Schools of fusiliers, giant trevally, and barracuda dance in the current, while wobbegong sharks can be found hiding under table corals.

  
  

• Mayhem -

  Mayhem is a large long subemerged pinnacle which lies along the western edge of the Dampier strait, just off the Island of Gam. Large schools of fish will enjoy the beautiful edge of the reef when the current is slow, which creates a magic ambiance. This site has a great variety of encounters, from large schools of fusiliers, snappers, jacks and batfish to wobbegongs and pygmy seahorses on the bottom.

  
  

Penemu

Located in the archipelago of Gam, Penemu (or Piaynemo in Indonesian) is sculpted by various bays and inner lagoons and owes to its very special shape. Famous for its limestone rocks with sugarloaf shapes and nice beaches, Penemu also has magnificent reefs.

Non-Diving Excursions: A walk to the panorama of Penemu, with stunning views of the lagoon and limestone rocks.

Here are some possible dive sites you may visit:

• Barracuda Point -

  Barracuda point is a long and oval shaped reef in the northen tip of Penemu. Huge schools of fish especially barracuda, fusiliers and bannerfish show up when the current is strong. Reef crevices are filled by batfish and surgeon fish waiting to be cleaned by the wrasse at their cleaning stations.

  
  

• Galaxy -

  Galaxy is a very extensive reef running from north to south on the eastern side of Penemu. Its particular shape makes the spot special when the current is running with great fish action and beautiful soft coral covered bommies on the top of the reef.

  
  

• Melissa's Garden -

  3 little rocks just off the coast of Keruo island hide a large reef which simply cannot be explored in just one dive. In the shallows is a healthy and vibrant coral garden with a field of blue, yellow and pink stag horn coral. Napoleon wrasse, trevallies and schools of fusiliers are common here. Underwater ridges provide a subway system for pelagics and sharks rising from the deep.

  
  

  
  

• My Reef -

  Located on the southern side of Penemu Island is an underwater ridge with its peak 7m below the surface and covered with coral and surrounded by an impressive abundance of fish, such as yellow tail barracudas, jack fish, reef sharks and groupers.

  
  

Arborek

Arborek has excellent dive sites with lots of schooling fish. Mantas and stingrays are common here.

• Arborek Jetty -

  Arborek Jetty is the entry to the village of Arborek, located at the south west corner of the Island. Lying on a sandy bottom, this dive site offers some pretty coral bommies where you can find wobbegong sharks relaxing, file fish and huge giant clams. Mantas have also been known to show up during dives, and on a night dive you might meet the Raja Epaulette shark.

• Lolasi -

  Lolasi which means 'fusilier' in Papuan, is a hard coral seamount, located on the western side of Arborek. This site is full of marine life when the current is strong. The long reef is perfect for a drift dive full of action.

  
  

• Manta Sandy -

  One of the iconic dive sites of Raja Ampat, Manta Sandy is a manta cleaning station, located in a sand channel that runs between coral bommies. Divers will enjoy the show of dancing mantas while staying behind dead coral blocks, where you might have the chance to also find some fantastic small critters like pygmy seahorse or pegasus fish.

  
  

Cape Kri Area

• Blue Magic -

  This submerged ridge running east to west is composed mainly of hard corals with a few colorful bommies on the eastern end. An impressive variety of fish enjoy this spot such as tuna, jacks, barracuda, and fusiliers. You might also meet oceanic mantas at the cleaning station on the top of the seamount.

  
  

• Cape Kri -

  Cape Kri in the Dampier Strait is one of the most famous dive sites of Raja Ampat. The reef is en extention of the south side of Kri Island and is one of the best sites for big fish in North Raja Ampat. Beautiful coral, the huge density and variety of fish including barracudas, sweetlips, emperor angelfish, snappers, giant trevally and grey reef sharks make this a site not to be missed.

  
  

• Chicken Reef -

  Chicken Reef is a submerged pinnacle on the outskirts of Pulau Kri. Quite shallow, the slope is dotted with large coral bommies and plenty of critters can be found hiding within the gorgonian fans, anemones and soft coral formations.

  
  

• Mike's Point -

  Mike's Point is famous for its strong currents and the pure density and variety of fish found here. A spectacular dive just of Kerupiar Island which was bombed by allied planes during WWII after being mistakenly identified as a Japanese Ship.

  
  

• Mioskon -

  The Mioskon dive site offers a beautiful reef covered in the Northen Raja Ampat signature purple soft coral and schools of Yellow Snapper, Napoleon Wrasse, big groupers and Wobbegong sharks. 

  
  

• Sardine Reef -

  Sardine Reef is a highlight of the Dampier Strait area. An oval shaped reef patch, it sits right in the middle of the open ocean. Around the reef, schools of fusiliers, Surgeonfish, Snappers, Damselfish and butterflyfish surrounded by predators, such as Barracuda, Spanish Mackerel, Giant Trevallies and several types of Jacks. On occasion you might even find some Grey Reef Sharks cruising around.

  
  

Dampier Strait

The Dampier Strait flows between the mainland of West Papua and Batanta Island and the large island of Waigeo to the north. This strait has extremely rich marine life thanks to the large amount of water passing through.

Batanta

The Batanta sites are classic “muck dives”. You will see sloping black sand with algae patches and coral rubble, where a cursory look will make you wonder why you are there. But to the trained eye there is much to see and the key to a productive and enjoyable experience at Batanta is a good guide.

Daram

• Andiamo -

  Andiamo is comprised of two small islets west of Candy Store. The marine life on the reef is magnificent, with healthy soft and hard corals, schools of fish such as fusillers, anchovies, barracuda and Jacks.

• Candy Store -

  Enjoy one of the most beautiful walls in Southern of Raja Ampat with Candy Store. Clusters of fish gather on the north facing pinnacles such as fusillers, anchovies, giant trevally, spanish mackerel. Huge and beautiful elephant ear sponges, sea fans, and soft corals decorate the western end of the dive site. 

  
  

• Two Tree -

  Two Tree offers a rich plateau where you can spot schools of barracuda, trevally, beautiful soft coral, sea fans, black coral tree and octopus.

  
  

Fiabacet

Some examples of possible dive sites that you may visit:

• Boo Windows -

  Boo Windows was named after the tunnels and the swim through piercing its shallow section. This amazing site has a dramatic topography. Following the ridge heading west, expect to see grey reef sharks, napoleon wrasse, schools of batfish, even ghost pipefish and leaf fish.

• Tank Rock -

  Tank Rock (Batu Kecil) is one of the best dive sites in Raja Ampat. A submerged ridge connects Tank Rock to Nudi Rock, and with favorable conditions, you may even be able to dive all the way to Fiabacet’s middle island. It's one of the most extensive and wonderful reef systems in the area. Beautiful fish life surround stunning soft and hard corals.

• Nudi Rock -

  Nudi Rock got its name because of the nudibranch-like shape of the island as well as the abundance of nudibranchs that can be found hiding in the corals. The submarine landscape, with soft corals and sea fans in some areas, and hard corals in other areas is fantastic. Find all kinds of fish here in abundance – anchovies, snappers, groupers, Napoleon wrasse, barracuda and tunas too.

• Magic Mountain (Shadow Reef) -

  This seamount sits in the depths of Misool with its peak rising to 5 meters. A cleaning station for the different species, Magic Mountain has it all with biodiversity at its best here. Schools of trevalies, napoleon wrasse, groupers, different species of barracudas, sharks, Spanish mackerels, and last but not least Oceanic Manta Rays are often hovering around to get cleaned. Some dolphins and whale sharks have also been spotted there…

• Whale Rock -

  Whale Rock has a great variety of pygmy seahorses (Denise or Barbiganti species). To explore this site, we will cross over a little channel in between two small islands. Linked together by an underwater reef and a pinnacle, Whale Rock is full of fish.

Balbulol

Some examples of possible dive sites that you may visit:

• No Contest -

  No Contest is a captivating reef ridge dive with a sweet spot at its west end. The western edge is buoyed for easy descent and ascent. Here, you'll find two stunning pinnacles with dramatic undercuts, overhangs, and soft coral growth, attracting barracuda, trevally, batfish, and snappers. Exercise caution with strong currents, especially during ascent. Dive when the current is manageable, as it may pick up during the dive.

• Love Potion No 9 -

  Explore this dive site by beginning on the island's NE-side. Head south to find the captivating "sweet spot," a long 3-peaked ridge that rises to within 12m of the surface. Cross a small 25m gap at the SE-corner to reach the ridge, adorned with stunning sea fans and soft corals. Return to the island's protection after admiring the ridge's beauty.

• Plateau -

  The sweet spot is the "plateau" at the west tip of the island. Depending on the current, start diving from the north or south side, and let it carry you around to the west tip. Expect abundant soft corals, fans, and schooling fish here. The plateau's top is at around 8m depth. It's a great alternative dive when "No Contest" or "Love Potion #9" are not suitable due to strong currents.

• Pet Rock -

  Start on the island's NW-side, swimming west along the adorned wall. At the W-corner, head about 25-30 meters away to find a twin-peaked pinnacle. Continue another 25-30 meters to discover a lower profile dog-leg-shaped ridge. Best coral growth is on the N and W sides of the pinnacle and ridge. Return to the island for a protected ascent.

Pelee

Some examples of possible dive sites that you may visit:

• Kaleidoscope -

  Located on the western side of Pele Island, Kaleidoscope Ridge is one of the best dive sites in the area. The reef is a beautiful narrow slither of coral, with a sloping and steep side. A kaleidoscope of stunning colors, huge sea fans and fantastic fish life will make this a dive to remember. 

• Pelee's Playground -

  Pelee’s Playground is located on the most Western side of Waaf island. Witness schools of anchovies being tracked by trevallies, bonitos, and look out into the blue to see if you can spot a squadron of Mobula rays.

• Toblerone -

  Toblerone is a shallow reef with a very large tunnel which dissects the dive site from north to south. The top of the reef is covered with healthy bommies and hard coral gardens.

Wayilbatan

Some examples of possible dive sites that you may visit:

• Barracuda Rock -

  Barracuda Rock sits on a sandy bottom with a pretty plateau, and a macro filled undercut. Schooling fish such as trevally, barracuda and reef sharks can be spotted throughout the dive. The slope is made up of a series of limestone steps and beautiful black coral bushes.

• Dunia Kecil -

  Dunia Kecil in Indonesian language means 'small world'. Itd is a small rock on the western side of the Wahil Channel, compact enough to be circumnavigated in one dive. The top section is filled with wonderful soft corals, and the walls are covered with huge sea fans where different kind of pygmy sea horses can be spotted.

• Four Kings -

  Four Kings is a highlight in Misool! These four underwater pinnacles are full of fish and linked by a ridge. Four Kings is one of the best places to observe schools of anchovies getting hunted by the numerous predators. Action guaranteed.

• Wedding Cake -

  This rock located in the lagoon of Wayil, has a mushroom shape with numerous overhangs. It lies from South to North.

Sorong

Kao

Pisang Island

Set between Misool and Halmahera is Pisang Island (“Banana Island”).

Here are some possible dive sites you may visit:

• Batuanyer Wall -

  On the other side of the island, the Batuanyer rocks are offering some really healthy coral. On the most northern part, divers will find a nice wall and some boulders covered with orange soft coral.

• Grey Surprise -

  A rock, sitting on the eastern side of Pisang Island, is a good place to start the day. Getting dropped at the edge of the northern plateau, far off from the rock, divers will find a short ridge around 30 meters and a nice drop off. Surrounded by schools of banner fish and surgeon fish, we will keep an eye on the blue, hopping for big stuff to pass by.

• Batuanyer Dankal -

  A colourful and shallow canyon separates the two islands. This site is perfect for the last dive of the day.

Makian Island

In Makian there is black sand diving, similar to Lembeh Strait. An excellent macro dive site where good critters life can be found. Strange creatures are seen here, such as bobbit worms, nudibranchs, frogfishes and even walking sharks.

Patintie Strait

Located between the islands of Bacan and Halmahera, strong currents bring back cold water full of nutrients ensure the renewal of the biomass. Seasoned divers compare the Patintie Strait to Komodo. The area is made up of 4 main islands: Saleh Besar, Saleh Kecil, Pisang and Kusu Island. Still under dived, this area is about to become a new dream destination for scuba diving in Indonesia.

Land visits: Dinghy ride in the mangroves to watch all the different species of birds. Visit to Bacan Island, an authentic city with an open market, gem factories and spice plantations.

Here are some possible dive sites you may visit:

• Batu Jabu -

  Another rock in the middle of the channel which separates Halmahera from Saleh Besar. The fish life is similar to Tobias Point. Getting dropped far off the rock, divers will enjoy the site at its best.

• Proco Channel -

  A very promising site of the zone. This underwater ridge is to be found between Nanas and Saleh Kecil and is full of life! The northern part of the ridge consists of canyons and overhangs where fish love to gather.

• Selat Kecil -

  Little channel between Saleh Kecil and Saleh Besar. Outstanding coral on a white sandy slope. Nice for underwater photographers on the midday light.

• The Tower -

  Located on the Halmahera coastline, this cape offers a nice drift dive. Its sandy slope is covered with boulders and is teeming with fish. In the shallow, the coral garden is wonderful.

• Tobias Point -

  This delightful site is located north of Saleh Besar. Divers will find a ridge teeming with marine life – numerous black tips, untouched coral plus prolific anthias which create a rainbow cloud in the shallows.

Pigaraja

This small island is very close from the southern coasts of Bacan Island and takes its name from the nearest village. Underwater, the coral is unscathed, and the Acropora is very healthy.

Non-Diving Excursions: Pigaraja village, an easy walk into the village in the late afternoon into this charming harmonious peaceful half Christian half Muslim village.

Here are some possible dive sites you may visit:

• Copra Boat Wreck -

  This former cargo ship lies on the western slope of the island, between 20 and 30 meters beneath the surface. Still in good condition for a wooden wreck, the boat is about 30 meters long. She used to carry the copra (coconut flesh) which is still the main income of the village. She is now covered with coral and attracts a blossoming marine life.

• The Ridge -

  A ridge is extending eastward of the main reef with the same quality of coral, and a great quantity of reef fish. Sweet lips, trevallies, red snappers, barracudas and black tips reef sharks are commonly spotted there.

• The Wall -

  The first dive of the day is planned along the wall situated on the southern part of the island. The reefs are colourful with also some massive barrel sponges around. Fish are in a frenzy when the tide is changing, and we will keep our eyes wide open for some good action.

Pilonga

Shallow reef east of Tidore Island. Very good hard corals on the south side. Nice fish life.

Pulau Hiri

• Batu Hitam -

  This black rock formation, slightly north of Hiri, is a great sloping reef with schooling surgeon fish, fusiliers, Bumphead parrot fish and Spanish mackerel often spotted.

• Tomajiko -

  This beautiful drop-off site is ideal as a first dive of the day. The reef is very healthy with lots of soft coral, sea fans and huge barrel sponges. Schooling fish congregate here, with a high chance of seeing pelagics and blue spotted stingrays.

Goraichi Archipelago

The northern part of this archipelago consists of four islands: Siko, Gafi, Laigoma and Tomakomafatu. It is literally a paradise for divers and non-divers. A real postcard!

Here are some possible dive sites you may visit:

• Batu Mandi -

  Also known as Pintu Manis, a short navigation will take us to the Tamo Tamo area, where another rock is grazing the surface. Starting on the wall, divers may spot napoleon wrasses, fusiliers, trevallies and schools of surgeon fish. Shallowing to the plateau, allows divers to end up the dive slowly and protected from the current. Around 5 meters deep, a tunnel crosses the rock from one side to another.

• Batu Naga -

  This rock is located in the channel between Taneti and Muari. Napoleon wrasses often enjoy hovering around its several overhangs. Keeping an eye in the blue, we can be lucky enough to see grey reef sharks.

• Kasiruta -

  We will dive the northeast tip of the island. Some rocks are grazing the surface and are offering a wonderful dive site. We are likely to spot reef sharks, bump head parrot fish, sea turtles and thousands of anthias. The shallow is full of colours.

• Manta Bay -

  Manta rays are often found off Tolimao, where they come to feed themselves and get cleaned. Like Karang Makasar (the famous dive site for manta rays in Komodo), the reef is shallow and made up of sand, little rocks and dead corals. Some boulders have become cleaning stations, and you can enjoy the dance of butterfly fish, angel fish and anthias all around. Sometimes we’d rather choose to do some snorkelling, to have a better interaction with the Manta rays.

• Siko's Pinnacle -

  An underwater pinnacle stands in the middle of nowhere. Keep an eye in the blue, and you may spot pelagic or grey sharks

• Siko's Wall -

  On the Western side of Siko Island, some rocks can be seen breaking the surface. Starting on a plateau, the groups of divers will reach a pinnacle where black tips and napoleon wrasses are often spotted. Following the reef northward, they’ll find a dizzying wall falling down to 50 meters. Back to the plateau for a safety stop, divers may enjoy watching reef sharks hunting around.

• Tamo Tamo -

  A deep vertical wall on the west side lined with colourful soft corals littered with fusiliers. Other known residents are yellow snappers, black tip and grey reef sharks, giant trevallies and sweetlips. Nudis are often hiding within the soft corals at the top of this pinnacle. 

• Terumbu Gora -

  An abundance of fish life, healthy corals, large sponges, Napoleon wrasse, tunas and reef sharks hunt in the current for the reef fish.