Indonesia Dive Holidays
Raja Ampat
A remote area relatively undisturbed by humankind
The variety of marine life here is staggering with some areas boasting enormous schools of fish and regular sightings of sharks, such as the wobbegong. Fish and coral surveys by Conservation International report that Raja Ampat, in the heart of the Coral Triangle, contains possibly the highest marine biodiversity on the planet. This is truly an underwater photographers’ heaven (both macro and wide-angle), with huge corals in vibrant colours, high fish density and widespread macro critters.
Raja Ampat is also a birder’s paradise. Flocks of colourful parrots are a distinctive sight when you first arrive on the island. And after the first night’s deep sleep, you awake to a chorus of tropical birdsong. Eagles are a common sight, however, there is a lot more to birdwatching. The islands are home to three endemics; Wilson’s bird of paradise, Waigeo brush turkey and the famous, crimson plumed red bird of paradise. Other birding highlights include Western crowned pigeon, pheasant pigeon, palm cockatoo, great-billed parrot and Moluccan red lorry (alas no yellow lorry!).
Flights & Transfers
Fly to Sorong, in Papua Barat (West Papua) province of Indonesia. The most direct route is via Singapore and Manado on Singapore Air/SilkAir. There are three departures every day from Heathrow and one flight every day from Manchester to Singapore. Flight time is approximately 12 hours. If you take a morning flight it’s possible to connect straight through Singapore to Manado with a short transit time, on SilkAir, the regional wing of Singapore Air. SilkAir flies four times a week between Singapore and Manado; every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Flight time is 3.5 hours. You’ll need a night in Manado* before taking the onward flight to Sorong the next morning. (An overnight stay is also required on the way back.) The resort will meet you at Sorong Airport and take you by short car trip to the boat that will transfer you to your island. The boat transfer time is around 2.5-3 hours, depending on the sea conditions.
Raja Ampat is a birder’s paradise. Flocks of colourful parrots are a distinctive sight when you first arrive on the island. And after the first night’s deep sleep, you awake to a chorus of tropical birdsong.
Where to stay
A selection of beautiful resorts in this region.
Kri Eco Resort (Papua Diving)
Kri Eco Resort is located on Kri Island, a 2-hour boat ride from Sorong. With easy access to a lovely house reef, plus 30+ magical boat dives nearby, this resort is ideal for divers and snorkellers.
Star Rating: 3*
Number of Rooms: 12
Distance to dive centre: on site
Distance to Airport: 2 hrs by boat
Papua Explorers Dive Resort
Relax and unwind in attractive water bungalows in this lovely eco-resort that combines traditional Papuan construction with modern comforts. Stay in the heart of some of the best diving in Raja Ampat.
Star Rating: 4*
Number of Rooms: 15
Distance to dive centre: on site
Distance to Airport: 1 hr by boat
Sorido Bay Resort (Papua Diving)
Sorido Bay Resort is located on Kri Island, 75 km northwest off the coast of West Papua. This resort offers an idyllic holiday setting for divers and snorkellers with easy access to some of the best sites in Raja Ampat.
Star Rating: 4*
Number of Rooms: 7
Distance to dive centre: on site
Distance to Airport: 2 hrs by boat
Dive Into Raja Ampat (@Waiwo Resort)
Dive Into Raja Ampat at Waiwo Resort is a nature lover’s jungle-style resort set on a beautiful white sand beach. Hidden beneath the cooling tree canopy with an abundance of wildlife including Birds of Paradise.
Star Rating: 3*
Number of Rooms: 14
Distance to dive centre: on site
Distance to Airport: approx 2 hrs by hydrofoil
Sali Bay Resort
Situated in a protected bay in the northern part of Maluku in the Sea of Halmahera, Sali Bay offers guests a unique escape with unparalleled access to pristine reefs right on their stunning doorstep.
Star Rating: 3*
Number of Rooms: 16
Distance to dive centre: on site
Distance to Airport: Manado to Labuha flight, approx. 2hr 15min, then 20mins by road + 45mins by speedboat to the resort
Misool Resort
A private island resort and marine conservation centre, Misool Resort in southern Raja Ampat is fringed with powder-white beaches and pristine coral reefs. This exceptional resort appears on most diver’s wish lists.
Star Rating: 4*
Number of Rooms: 19
Distance to dive centre: on site
Distance to Airport: 5 hours by private resort boat from Sorong
Raja Ampat Biodiversity Nature Resort
Built on an idyllic tropical island in the heart of the Dampier Straight, and surrounded by pristine reefs and unspoiled flora and fauna, Raja Ampat Biodiversity Nature Resort brings you closer to the natural world at her best.
Star Rating: 4*
Number of Rooms: 9
Distance to dive centre: on site
Distance to Airport: 2.5 to 3 hours
Our Safe Payment Guarantee
Diverse Travel is a Member of the Travel Trust Association (TTA), part of The Travel Network Group. This means that when you book your holiday with us, we give you a guarantee that 100% of your money is protected against our or our suppliers’ failure, under our ATOL.
Ask our dive experts
Because we’re not a mass tourism company, you’ll get a highly personalised service. Think of us as your personal travel consultant – don’t be shy, ask us for anything and leave the rest to us.
Offers
RED SEA DIVING
LIVEABOARD OFFER
24 – 31 January 2025
NOW from JUST £795pp
PHILIPPINES DIVING
2 CENTRE RESORT OFFER
02 – 17 February 2025
NOW from JUST £2495pp
GRENADA DIVING
RESORT OFFER
23 – 30 April 2025
NOW from JUST £1795pp
MALDIVES DIVING
LIVEABOARD OFFER
25 April – 03 May 2025
NOW from JUST £2095pp
DOMINICA WHALES & DIVING
RESORT OFFER
02 – 09 June 2025
NOW from JUST £1675pp
RED SEA DIVING
LIVEABOARD OFFER
06 – 13 September 2025
NOW from JUST £1499pp
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