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Liveaboard experience provides ample opportunities to thoroughly enjoy the ocean. There are many breathtaking sites from around the world for liveaboard diving that allows one to experience inaccessible and untouched far-off islands. Liveaboards in Raja Ampat are such famous vacations within divers traveling to Indonesia; it is one of the most eminent chains of islands present in Indonesia’s western province in the Southeast region of Asia. Well known for its bewitching natural scenery and assorted range of life under the sea, Raja Ampat is a must stopover hotspot for many Liveaboards. Both the northern and southern part of Raja Ampat are immensely popular for Liveaboard diving in Raja Ampat.
Facts about Raja Ampat and best time to go
Raja Ampat is situated in the province of West Papua in Indonesia. Raja Ampat comprises of four main islands under the names: Waigeo, Misool, Salwati, and Batanta – they are encircled by 1500 other small islands. These four islands are named after the kings who were all brothers –a well-known legend among the locals. Raja Ampat is home to more than over 600 types of corals, 3000 plus species of fishes and a multitude of various marine inhabitants.
To relish this underwater experience, the best time of the year is from October until the end of April. From mid-July onwards the monsoon season and the middle of September, heavy rains and tempests disrupt the flow of the usually calm waters, that is why many liveaboards move to discover other destinations in Indonesia during these months.
Northern Part of Raja Ampat and its Diving Sites
For Liveaboards in Indonesia, the northern part of Raja Ampat creates a mesmerizing environment where the marine life is in abundance. The reef at Cape Kri is covered with different rainbow colored sponges. Various species of marine life which include big schools of fish can be found in the north. Colossal schools of Giant Trevally are recurrently found at narrower depths. Barracuda, colorful species of bannerfish, sweetlips and snappers and other species are usually prevalent near the Cape Kri point. The Whitetip and Blacktip sharks are no stranger to Cape Kri either.
Another very famous and beloved liveaboard diving site is Manta Sandy. The majestic mantas clad are forever present at this famous liveaboard diving site to welcome divers. The Black Manta Rays are often seen somersaulting through the waves as they are mostly accompanied by wrasse – a rare, but amazing sight.
Wobbegongs, commonly known as carpet sharks are seen near various diving sites, but they are present in abundance at another dive site named Mioskon.
Waigeo – Bird Wall is a diving site that is quite well-known. The environment of this dive site attracts astonishing marine life, and there are amazing-looking rocky areas all over the place. Here you can find cuttlefish and Indian lionfish in abundance. It can be a great experience watching the big Napoleon wrasse passing by you.
Southern Part of Raja Ampat and its Diving Sites
Southern part of Raja Ampat features over 600 diverse vibrant hard and soft types of corals which provide the scuba divers with a picturesque view. This makes the south side of Raja Ampat one of the world famous coral reefs ecology systems.
The Nudi Rock and Boo Windows (It got its name due to the underwater rock formations which are shaped like windows) among the most popular dive sites of the south. The sighting of a Walking Bamboo Shark (this shark uses its fins to walk on the bed of the ocean) will be an unforgettable experience for the divers.
Aside from the unending coral reefs and fishes, exploring numerous underwater sea caves is every liveaboard diver’s wish. The most famous cave is the Timolol Cave, situated in Misool where ancient paintings cover the walls and these caves are revered as holy sites.
At the diving site South Penemu, you can find schools of beautiful yellow-fin fusiliers, and the sighting of batfish and Jack is common. There is no denying that you’ll be baffled at the sight of a giant trevally.
All in all, it is best to say that you cannot afford to commit the mistake of not visiting the most miscellaneous part of the whole coral triangle. It has everything from sea predators to pygmy seahorses.
Farondi is another diving site that is located 20 km away east of the amazing Misool Island. Farondi Island is quite in a remote position from the land, so basically it’s accessible only on a liveaboard diving trip. It is known for the amazing landscape that is why it’s totally worth to visit.
Check our our Raja Ampat Liveaboards page to find more.
Liveaboard Recommendations for your diving vacation in Raja Ampat:
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