Raja Ampat, a group of about 1,500 islands off the western tip of New Guinea, lies at the heart of the Coral Triangle, the global centre of marine biodiversity. Surveys have recorded more than 1,600 reef fish species and about three-quarters of all known hard coral species here. Above water, jungle-covered karst islands, white beaches and birds-of-paradise complete one of the world’s great natural destinations.
At a glance
| Best time | October to April |
| Getting there | Fly to Sorong, then a ferry or boat to Waisai |
| Time needed | 7 to 14 days |
| Big draws | Coral reefs, manta rays, sharks, birds-of-paradise |
| Good for | Divers, snorkellers, nature lovers |
Marine life
- Coral reefs: vast gardens of hard and soft corals, sea fans and sponges. See our reef-building coral profile.
- Manta rays: reef and oceanic mantas at cleaning stations such as Manta Sandy and Blue Magic. See our giant manta ray profile.
- Sharks: wobbegongs (carpet sharks), blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, and the walking epaulette shark, which “walks” on its fins.
- Macro life: pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs and mantis shrimps. See our seahorse and peacock mantis shrimp profiles.
- Huge schools of fish, barracuda, trevally and bumphead parrotfish.
On land
- Birds-of-paradise: the red bird-of-paradise and Wilson’s bird-of-paradise display at leks on Waigeo and Batanta. Early-morning walks with local guides lead to viewing sites. See our greater bird-of-paradise profile.
- Karst islands such as Piaynemo and Wayag offer famous viewpoints.
Ways to visit
- Liveaboards: dive boats, including traditional phinisi schooners, cover remote areas such as Misool and the Dampier Strait in trips of a week or more.
- Dive resorts: on islands such as Kri and Gam, near the best dive sites.
- Homestays: simple, locally owned guesthouses on beaches across the islands, a great way to support Papuan communities and snorkel off the doorstep.
Conservation
Raja Ampat has a network of marine protected areas, supported by local communities and conservation organisations. Shark and manta fishing is banned in its waters. Visitors pay an entry fee (the environmental service fee) that funds conservation and community programmes. Check the current fee before you go.
When to go
- October to April: calmer seas and good visibility; the most popular season.
- May to September: windier, with rougher seas in the south; some liveaboards relocate.
Getting there
Fly to Sorong (via Jakarta, Makassar or Manado), then take the public ferry or a speedboat to Waisai, the regional capital. Resorts and homestays arrange onward transfers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Raja Ampat good for snorkelling? Yes. Many of its reefs are shallow and superb for snorkelling, especially around the homestays.
Do I need to be an experienced diver? Beginners can dive sheltered sites, but some famous sites have strong currents and suit experienced divers.
Is Raja Ampat expensive? Liveaboards and resorts are expensive, but homestays offer a cheaper option.
When can I see manta rays? Year-round, with the best manta activity from about October to April.
Related guides
- Komodo National Park guide
- Birds-of-paradise in Papua New Guinea
- Great Barrier Reef: a responsible reef trip
- Animal profiles: Giant manta ray, Reef-building coral, Clownfish
Cover photo: Rizalubun, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons