Although Raja Ampat’s 1,500 islands are carved with sandy bays and turquoise lagoons, most people who make the long journey to this remote part of East Indonesia don’t come to laze on the beach. They’re here to jump in – cruising, diving or snorkelling to observe the mind blowing marine diversity thriving in these waters, home to a massive 80 percent of the world’s coral species.
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Things get busy below the waves, where coral reefs teem with life. Dive in!
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Anyone with enough diving experience to tackle the sometimes strong currents can explore Raja Ampat’s 200 or more dive sites, discovering turtles galore, schooling fish and reef sharks, sperm whales feeding, manta rays freshening up at cleaning stations, tiny seahorses and gentle dugongs. Back on land, or aboard small cruise ships, the views ‘topside’ are exceptional, and island-hopping gives you the chance to spend time on the inhabited islands with local guides. Read more in our travel guide.
