Macro Diving in Raja Ampat

It’s no secret that Indonesia is inundated with amazing dive sites. However, Raja Ampat - a remote group of islands off the tip of West Papua - is arguably home to some of the best dive sites in the country (if not the world). Thanks to the region’s mind-blowing levels of biodiversity (there are over 1,000 species of fish and an estimated 537 species of coral), the macro diving in Raja Ampat does not disappoint. Liveaboards are by far the most popular and practical way of exploring this far-flung corner of the world, however, there is also a growing number of luxury hotels cropping up, for those who prefer staying on dry land. While there are countless dive sites to discover, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite spots for macro diving in Raja Ampat.

Citrus Ridge

Citrus Ridge is a wonderful dive site found in the narrow channel between Gam and Yanggelo Island. The site is named after the abundance of corals which come in a range of oranges, reds and yellows (similar to citrus fruits), found at around 14 metres.

While Citrus Ridge is subject to currents, it is still suitable for all levels of divers looking to enjoy macro diving in Raja Ampat, although it's not uncommon to spot megafauna such as sharks, turtles and dolphins too.

Divers who keep a keen eye on the reef will be able to spot myriad critters hiding within the cracks and crevices, including ghost shrimp camouflaged among the anemones and colourful nudibranchs.

Sel Pele Bay

Sel Pele Bay is widely considered the macro diving capital of Raja Ampat. Located on the west of Waigeo Island, not only is the wide bay filled with interesting creatures, but it's also home to several pearl farms which can be toured during surface intervals.

On a typical dive, it's not unusual to spot everything from ghost pipefish and pygmy seahorses, to blue-ringed octopus and even the elusive bobtail squid.

Batanta Island

The beautiful black sands around Batanta Island are a far cry from Raja Ampat's typical dive sites. However, fans of macro and muck diving will be in their element as they scour the

island's coral rubble and sandy slopes in search of interesting creatures. Currents and water flow from the island's rivers can make the waters a little colder than other Raja Ampat dive sites, therefore we'd recommend wearing a wetsuit so you don't feel the need to cut your dive short. Batanta Island is home to a host of critters, including rare nudibranchs, ghost pipefish and well-hidden frogfish.

With pristine reefs and an abundance of marine life, it's no shock that macro diving in Raja Ampat is fantastic. But, planning a trip to remote destinations isn't always easy, and this is where we come in. Our team at Original Diving are seasoned experts when it comes to helping you plan your dream trip, putting together a custom itinerary and taking care of all the little details.

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Emily C and Eleanor are our 'Macro Diving in Raja Ampat' experts and as seasoned travellers they have the inside track on the most memorable adventures.

Call us on 1-800-652-1972