Back in 2011, Dalton Ambat, an Oceanic Society naturalist, and Wayne Sentman, our director of conservation travel, were leading a liveaboard trip through Raja Ampat, Indonesia’s remote northern reaches when they were hit by an unexpected storm. Famous for its uninhabited limestone islands, coral reefs, and some of the most vibrant underwater ecosystems in the world, Raja Ampat snorkeling is some of the best there is. The north of Raja Ampat is so remote — even by Raja Ampat’s already high standards — that they needed to find a secluded cove to safely ride out the weather through the night.
They did, and by early morning, the clouds had parted. Dalton was immediately struck by the beauty of where they had found refuge. Their vessel was alone in a cove surrounded by jungle-clad limestone spires. “I grabbed my fins, mask, and snorkel,” described Dalton, thinking, “Maybe I can find a nice swim.”
After a chance discovery in 2011, Aljui (Alyui) Bay has become one of our favorite snorkel sites in Raja Ampat. © Oceanic Society
Dalton, a native of Indonesia who has spent his life exploring and leading tours of the region’s underwater wonders, was familiar with Aljui Bay – where they had found refuge during the storm – but as he swam in an unfamiliar corner he was stunned at what he found under the waves. “The coral reef was so fresh. So, so many colors,” he said, as he described coral growth that he hasn’t seen elsewhere, “Gorgonian sea fans, which most of the time [are] living below 60 feet, 40 feet, you know … in Aljui they’re growing up even to the surface.” The site, Aljui Channel, is now a staple of Oceanic Society’s snorkeling trips in Raja Ampat and is home to some of the best snorkeling in the entirety of Raja Ampat.
Raja Ampat is home to some of the healthiest coral reef ecosystems in the world. © Pete Oxford
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A Brief Introduction to Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat, which lies at the heart of the fabled Coral Triangle, is regarded as the most flourishing coral reef system in the world. Over 1,500 species of fish and 550 coral species (75 percent of the world’s known species) can be found here. The Dampier Strait, a legendary ocean corridor for migrating whales, dolphins, and other deep sea creatures like the oceanic manta ray, cuts through the center of the region. New species are discovered regularly, and many of Raja Ampat’s reefs are growing in coral cover during a time of global coral loss caused by climate change.
The region is also massive. It includes more than 2,500 islands (most uninhabited) across over 46,000 square kilometers of ocean – roughly the size of Pennsylvania. Over 4.2 million acres of Raja Ampat are protected through a network of marine protected areas. With a sparse population and relatively few tourists (though these numbers have been rising sharply), you might just feel like you are on the edge of the world when touring Raja Ampat.
A Note on Sustainable Travel
Raja Ampat has made international headlines because its coral reefs are not only among the world’s most diverse, but they have also been remarkably resilient to damage caused by climate change, a global rarity. Unsurprisingly, Raja Ampat has seen a significant uptick in tourism in recent years. Unfortunately, the growth of tourism has been poorly regulated. With that in mind, it is essential that tourists be mindful of their impact on the natural environment when planning a trip to Raja Ampat and that they make responsible choices. Tourism, when done ethically and sustainably, has the power to help conserve nature; but it can also wreak havoc on fragile ecosystems.
Oceanic Society liveaboard expeditions to Raja Ampat ensure you hit all the best ecotourism destinations in the region while safeguarding the environment for generations to come. © Pete Oxford
To help ensure the health of Raja Ampat’s unmatched marine ecosystems, all visitors should make a concerted effort to investigate and choose ethical tour operators and accommodations and to minimize their impacts while in Raja Ampat (e.g. by using reef-safe sunscreen and minimizing plastic waste). Visitors also pay a Raja Ampat marine park entry fee, which helps support community conservation and development programs in Raja Ampat’s Marine Protected Areas.
However you choose to visit Raja Ampat, please, do not cut corners and simply choose the cheapest trip you can find. Do your homework, ask questions, and plan a trip that will help preserve Raja Ampat for generations to come.
Our Raja Ampat Snorkeling Guide
Raja Ampat translates to “The Four Kings” in Bahasa, which refers to the four largest islands that make up the area: Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati, and Misool. Oceanic Society has divided our snorkeling guide into three distinct regions: the Northern Region, the Central Region, and the Southern Region. The icons within the regional frames indicate the snorkeling site in each of these areas, which we go into more detail in each section of the guide. Liveaboard snorkeling expeditions typically take off from Sorong, then head north or south, depending on the itinerary.
While there are many sources of information about dive sites in Raja Ampat (for example), the available information specifically about Raja Ampat snorkeling sites is sparse. As any snorkeler knows, good dive sites and good snorkel sites are not the same thing. This guide is intended to be a resource for anyone who shares our passion for snorkeling and wants to explore Raja Ampat’s incredible marine habitats. It draws on Oceanic Society’s expert naturalist Dalton Ambat’s decades of experience and expertise as a tour leader in Raja Ampat, as well as Oceanic Society’s 14+ years of experience leading liveaboard snorkeling (and diving) tours in Raja Ampat. To help you navigate the wealth of information, we’ve broken things down by region, highlighting the best spots for nature lovers and providing broad, practical tips for planning a trip.
Raja Ampat Snorkeling: The Must-See Highlights
Above we mark what we think are the best snorkeling spots in Raja Ampat, mostly concentrated in the Central and Northern Regions.
There are many excellent snorkeling sites throughout Raja Ampat. Below are a few to make sure you hit during your Raja Ampat snorkeling adventure – all of which are guaranteed on an Oceanic Society liveaboard expedition.
- Aljui Channel: Overall, we consider this to be the best snorkeling site in Raja Ampat. It has the healthiest reefs, the fewest tourists, an idyllic setting, and a great chance to see iconic animals like wobbegong sharks, mantis shrimps, and plenty of colorful nudibranchs that are easily sighted in the shallows. It is also an ideal location for adventurous tourists looking to try out night snorkeling – a unique experience that allows you to see the “changing of the guard” as the sun sets and nocturnal species, like octopus, walking sharks, and seahorses become active.
- Mangrove Ridge: Tucked on the west side of Gam Island (and within a day trip by many central region tour operators/accommodations), Mangrove Ridge offers a different snorkeling experience, where travelers drift through a narrow channel between islands, lazy river style, surrounded by a flourishing mangrove forest life above and sprawling soft coral reefs interweaving with mangrove roots below. The drift takes snorkelers out to a stunning coral reef known as Citrus Ridge, which as the name suggests, is famous for its abundant yellow-colored fish.
- Cape Kri: This easily accessible coral reef off the northern coast of Kri Island (a popular backpacking destination with plenty of tourism infrastructure), holds the world record for the number of distinct fish species identified in a single dive (374 species in 90 minutes, recorded by Dr. Gerry Allen). Cape Kri offers a “Finding Nemo” type experience, with flowing coral, bustling fish, reef sharks, sea turtles, and even the bizarre mantis shrimp.
- Melissa’s Garden (Batu Burung): Tucked near the picturesque Penemu (sometimes Piaynemo) Islands (famous for stunning views of Raja Ampat and its diverse bird life), is Melissa’s Garden – one of the oldest and healthiest coral reef systems in all of Raja Ampat. The flowing coral reefs are bursting with marine life and are home to some of the region’s iconic aquatic animals including wobbegong sharks, numerous species of nudibranchs, crocodilefish, and frogfish.
- Dayang: A beautiful island lined by bustling coral reefs and white-sand beaches, it offers one of the best opportunities to view manta rays in the region. In addition to manta rays, sea turtles, cuttlefish, and other iconic reef species, visitors may even see dugongs and dolphins that are known to visit from time to time.
- Sauwandarek Jetty: This easily accessible reef off the south coast of Mansuar is most famous for offering a great opportunity to swim amongst large, conspicuous species like sea turtles (abundant green turtles and even hawksbill sea turtles are typically found here), giant Napoleon wrasse, schools of sweetlips, snappers, trevally, groupers, and even manta rays (there is a cleaning station nearby). Lucky travelers have even spotted blue-ringed octopuses here.
Northern Region: Waigeo, Wayag, and Kawe Islands
The north, loosely defined as the island groups off the northern and northwestern coasts of Waigeo, the largest island of Raja Ampat, includes a variety of gems like the Wayag and Kawe Islands. There are few towns with even fewer tourists – and though this region is the most difficult to reach for travelers, it offers arguably the most picturesque views of the classic limestone spires of Raja Ampat. Tucked beneath the surface lie some of the best snorkeling experiences in the entire region – especially for those looking to see flourishing hard coral reefs.
There is little tourist infrastructure in the north. To visit the north, you will need to join a liveaboard tour. These usually depart from Sorong. Liveaboard tours of the north often include several sites in the central region as well, giving a comprehensive adventure through Raja Ampat.
In the north, many snorkel sites do not always have universally used names, so in some cases, we highlight islands (like Wayag) where world-class coral reefs surround much of the coastline and can be easily experienced (once you get there!).
Like many areas of Raja Ampat, the Northern Region is the most remote and requires a liveaboard expedition to reach.
Aljui Channel: There may be no better snorkel site in the world than Aljui Channel, tucked inside the picturesque Aljui Bay. Here the coral reefs are tucked inside a bay on the northwestern corner of Waigeo island. Due to its position off the coast of Waigeo, deep ocean currents wash through the bay, kicking up nutrients that nourish the corals – a dynamic believed to have led soft corals, like the famous Gorgonian sea fans, to flourish in shallower-than-normal environments. While biodiversity levels are exceptional across the entire Raja Ampat region, Aljui Bay bustles with underwater life – so much that dolphins are often seen here hunting. Some naturalists consider Aljui Bay the best spot in Raja Ampat for viewing vibrantly colored nudibranchs, also known as sea slugs, which are often seen amongst the shallow corals.
Aljui Channel is ideal for seeing colorful nudibranchs, such as this Hypselodoris tryoni. © Dalton Ambat
For those looking to try night snorkeling for the first time, Aljui Bay provides the perfect opportunity due to its sandy bottom, nearby pearl farm, and abundant nocturnal life. Moonlight showers the seafloor in a silvery light and brings out nocturnal species like octopuses and cuttlefish, squid, tasseled wobbegong sharks, lobsters, seahorses, and “walking sharks.”
In fact, there is so much to do in Aljui Bay and the surrounding jungle-clad islands, including bird watching for iconic birds like parrots, cockatoos, and hornbills, that Oceanic Society suggests spending more than a day in the area.
A walking shark (Hemiscyllium freycineti) in Aljui Channel, where they can be readily seen. © Wayne Sentman
Aljui Channel Snorkeling Quick Facts
- Liveaboards will attach to a mooring buoy and use smaller skiffs to reach the snorkel sites – then spend a few days exploring the surrounding wonders.
- The snorkel sites of Aljui Bay include plunging coral walls, gentle slopes, and sandy banks nestled near shallow coral reefs.
- Water depth will range from 3 feet to 60 feet.
- Due to its proximity to deep ocean channels, there can occasionally be stronger currents here – just remember to always start your snorkel so you are going with the current not trying to fight it.
Wayag Islands: When you see the iconic photographs of Raja Ampat, you’re likely looking at the Wayag Islands – over 200 outrageously beautiful uninhabited limestone islands scattered off the northwestern corner of Waigeo. Many sprout out from the ocean like giant mushrooms. Some hold hidden freshwater lagoons. And surrounding many of these islands, accessible by boat, are world-class snorkeling sites teeming with life.
In addition to the plethora of tropical fish darting among hard coral reefs, the Wayag Islands are one of the best spots in the region for seeing giant clams (which can weigh over 440 pounds and live more than 100 years) and juvenile blacktip reef sharks. In 2022, Indonesian scientists discovered the world’s first documented reef manta ray nursery tucked in the Wayag Islands.
An Oceanic Society traveler enjoys the famous Wayag Islands views. © Rosie Jeffrey
But it is the views of the islands, considered the most stunning in the whole region, that make this a must-visit destination on any trip to the north of Raja Ampat. Make an early morning hike up one of the towering peaks to watch the sun play off the blues, greens, and turquoise stretching before you.
Conservationists also use Wayag as a primary release site for rewilding endangered zebra sharks.
Wayag Island Snorkeling Quick Facts:
- In addition to the nearshore patch reef areas, the islands host a variety of offshore snorkel sites that require a skiff to access. These will usually depart from a liveaboard tour to explore the surrounding islands and their accompanying reefs.
- Snorkel sites here include diverse geography, slopes, and walls, with water depths ranging between 2 feet and 60 feet.
Eagle Rock: South of Kawe Island, a remote uninhabited island in the northwestern corner of Raja Ampat, is Eagle Rock. The site gets its name from White-bellied Sea Eagles which are commonly seen nearby. The “rock” is a set of three small islets surrounded by coral reefs. Beneath the waves, Eagle Rock offers a great Raja Ampat snorkeling experience, with a chance to see the endemic wobbegong shark. Near the southern islet, there is a fairly predictable manta cleaning station where snorkelers can watch giant manta rays swoop through. Eagle Rock is considered a crucial hub in the movement network of Raja Ampat’s reef manta rays by conservationists.
Eagle Rock Snorkeling Quick Facts:
- Eagle Rock is one of the most famous dive sites in the region, but because it has shallow sections (about 10 feet in depth) it is also great as a snorkeling site.
Central Region: Gam, Batanta, Kri, Mansuar, & More
The central region not only boasts many iconic coral reefs showcasing the flourishing biodiversity that makes Raja Ampat world-famous, but it also has the most well-established tourism infrastructure. To make it even more alluring: the Dampier Strait, a bustling deep ocean highway used by megafauna like oceanic manta rays, dolphins, and whales, cuts right through the region – making it the best area of Raja Ampat for viewing ocean giants.
The Central Region contains the greatest number of snorkeling sites (marked above) and is also the most accessible region with the best tourism infrastructure.
The central region of Raja Ampat is the most accessible. Backpackers and other independent travelers often arrange accommodation through various homestays or resorts (like Kri Eco Resort, Sorido Bay, or Papua Explorers) scattered across the islands of Gam, Batanta, Kri, Arborek, and others that dot the central span of islands. Once at their accommodation, tourists can usually arrange travel between islands and to the snorkel sites in the central region by coordinating with homestays.
Keep in mind that some sites are in the open ocean and may require a few hours by speedboat to reach. So if you are not visiting the region on a liveaboard, be sure to check with your accommodation to see what is possible.
Here are some of Oceanic Society’s top snorkeling picks for the central region:
Mangrove Ridge: For those looking for a unique Raja Ampat snorkeling experience, consider snorkeling through a mangrove forest. Mangrove Ridge (aka Mangrove Reef) is a lazy-river-like channel sandwiched between Yangeffo Island and the southwestern coast of Gam, where snorkelers drift gently downstream surrounded by mangroves. Soft corals reach skyward from the seafloor, interweaving with the spider-like mangrove roots. Numerous mangrove-loving fish, like cuttlefish, cardinalfish, and even barracuda may drift alongside you, and the reef holds abundant macro critters. Archerfish, who spit water at prey (like insects) to knock them into the water, can also be seen here. As a bonus, at the southern end of Mangrove Ridge lies Citrus Ridge – a beautiful site named after its citrus-colored soft corals.
Mangrove Ridge Snorkeling Quick Facts:
- Drifting downstream through this mangrove channel is a gentle experience suitable for beginners.
- The depth of the channel ranges between 6 and 60+ feet.
- Citrus Ridge, at the end of the experience, is a colorful coral reef with abundant fish life that starts at 6 feet and descends to 80+ feet.
Mangrove Ridge is perfect for drifting gently through a thriving mangrove ecosystem, with wildlife both above and below the water. © Eric Ramos
Friwen Wall: As the name suggests, Friwen Wall is a coral wall formation found on the east side of Friwinbonda Island (a tiny, uninhabited limestone island east of Gam), which offers snorkelers a breathtaking opportunity to see free-flowing soft corals on a wall that plummets into the ocean depths. Friwen Wall is highly biodiverse and famous for sightings of blacktip reef sharks, wobbegong sharks, cuttlefish, octopus, and huge schools of fish. Lucky travelers may even see dugongs that are known to visit the area.
Friwen Wall Snorkeling Quick Facts:
- Friwen Wall is an offshore reef accessible by boat.
- The wall coral formation starts at a shallow, 6 feet water depth (the best part for snorkelers), but drops down over 60 feet, making it a popular dive site as well.
Mioskon: Not only is Mioskon, just east of Gam, an accessible and picturesque island surrounded by stunning coral reefs, but it is also known as “bat island” due to the massive colony of fruit bats that makes the island their home. After spending a day snorkeling, relax on the deck of your liveaboard, pour a drink, and watch thousands of giant fruit bats flutter above at sunset. You may even see the full food chain at work as White-bellied Sea Eagles sometimes hunt the bats at dusk.
But this wouldn’t be a snorkel guide if we didn’t highlight the underwater wonders. Mioskon is famous for giant clams (the largest clam species on earth, spanning up to 5 feet) and loads of fish, including Napoleon wrasse, groupers, wobbegong sharks (endemic to the region), sea horses, and sometimes peacock mantis shrimp.
Mioskon Snorkeling Quick Facts:
- The coral reef is located offshore Mioskon, which is accessible by boat only.
- There is a sloping reef shaped like a heart, with water depth starting at 6 feet and dropping to 60.
Yeben Shallows: There are a variety of coral reefs surrounding Yeben Island (off the west coast of Gam) that are great for snorkeling. For those looking to swim among manta rays, take a boat out to Yeben Shallows for an unforgettable experience. Yeben Shallows isn’t renowned for its coral reefs, but it is a manta cleaning station where snorkelers can watch as tiny fish nibble at the gills of manta rays, cleaning them of parasites as they drift by.
Yeben Shallows Snorkeling Quick Facts:
- Yeben Shallows is an open ocean snorkel site only accessible by boat.
- This site offers the chance to swim among manta rays at a cleaning station.
Manta Sandy: There are several manta ray cleaning stations throughout Raja Ampat, but Oceanic Society considers Manta Sandy to be the best place for snorkelers to observe these majestic animals. Here, manta rays come in groups typically ranging from 5 to 30 individuals, swooping into view, seemingly unphased by the presence of snorkelers and divers, to have their bodies cleaned of parasites by schools of tiny fish. The rarer, deep-diving oceanic manta rays are also known to visit Manta Sandy, as are schools of (friendly) sharks.
Manta Sandy is situated in the center of the Dampier Strait between Arborek Island and Mansuar Island – the former has a thriving “tourist town” where trips can easily be organized to Manta Sandy.
Remember to always do your research and pick an ethical tour operator when swimming with manta rays to ensure an ethical, sustainable experience.
Manta Sandy Snorkeling Quick Facts:
- Manta Sandy is an open ocean snorkel site only accessible by boat.
- Open ocean snorkel sites may have stronger currents than snorkel sites closer to shore. Your guide will advise you about current conditions at the time of your visit.
- Pinnacle reef coral formation with water depth ranges between 30 to 60 feet – but snorkelers will have no problem witnessing the massive manta rays as they drift near the surface.
Cape Kri: Raja Ampat is famous for its biodiversity and Cape Kri offers the quintessential coral reef experience. It was here that renowned coral reef researcher Dr. Gerry Allen recorded the highest number of species in a single dive, recording 374 species in just 90 minutes. Because of its proximity to numerous ocean channels, a wide variety of species commonly gather here: bumphead parrotfish, sweetlips, gold-banded fusiliers, blacktip reef sharks, and even hawksbill sea turtles, as well as little critters like mantis shrimp (which can punch with the force of a gunshot!). This combination of factors has earned Cape Kri a spot on our “must see” list of Raja Ampat snorkeling sites.
Clownfish are just one of the many species that can be spotted in coral reefs of Cape Kri. © Wayne Sentman
Cape Kri Snorkeling Quick Facts:
- Cape Kri is an offshore reef accessible by a boat road from the northern coast of Kri island.
- This site is legendary as the location where the highest species diversity was recorded in a single dive.
- Coral walls start in shallow corners and plunge to 120+ feet. Gently sloping reefs start at 15 feet, which are ideal for snorkeling.
Sauwandarek Jetty: Flourishing, easily accessible coral reef near the picturesque Sauwandarek Village on the southern coast of Mansuar Island. Less than 200 people live in the village, and they have prioritized conserving their local reefs as an eco-tourist attraction. Just behind the village, you will find a saltwater lake lined by coconut trees, a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a beverage after a day of snorkeling – you might even spot a giant coconut crab.
The reefs surrounding the Sauwandarek Jetty are famous for spotting sea turtles, like this hawksbill sea turtle pictured above. © Pete Oxford
The main allure of the jetty is the opportunity to swim with big, conspicuous species like sea turtles (green turtles and hawksbill sea turtles are often seen here), giant Napoleon wrasse, schools of sweetlips, snappers, trevally, and groupers. Lucky travelers have even spotted blue-ringed octopuses here. The jetty is also famous for schools of friendly fusiliers and batfish (also known as spadefish) that may follow you around as you snorkel.
Sauwandarek Jetty Snorkeling Quick Facts:
- Sauwandarek Jetty, as the name suggests, is a jetty-accessible coral reef.
- The coral formations start in shallow (at 5 feet) water just offshore the jetty, then slowly slope seaward to 91 feet.
Melissa’s Garden (Batu Burung): Melissa’s Garden is one of the oldest and most pristine coral reefs in the archipelago. And for those with “bucket list fish” to find, it is a great place to see rare species like the wobbegong sharks, many species of nudibranchs, crocodilefish, and frogfish. Although Melissa’s Garden is renowned as one of the world’s premier dive sites, there are shallower sections of the reef that are ideal for snorkelers—sprawling shallow fields of hard coral that seem to go on forever.
Ideal for snorkeling, Melissa’s Garden is known for sprawling fields of hard coral that seem to go on forever. © Brian Hutchinson
Melissa’s Garden is situated northwest of Batanta, tucked in a channel between the picturesque Piaynemo and Fam islands. Some travelers stay on Arborek Island where they can book travel to the Piaynemo Islands and visit Melissa’s Garden.
Melissa’s Garden Snorkeling Quick Facts:
- Melissa’s Garden is an open ocean snorkel site that requires a boat to access.
- Open ocean snorkel sites may have stronger currents than snorkel sites closer to shore.
- The coral formations are largely defined by two pinnacle reefs which start at 16 feet at their shallowest point and expand outward like an underwater mountain range (dropping below 100 feet), offering hundreds of tiny canyons and crevasses inhabited by fish.
Dayang: A small island off the northwestern coast of Batanta, central Raja Ampat, which offers one of the best opportunities to view manta rays in the region. The island is surrounded by beautiful beach-accessible coral reefs, long stretches of stunning white-sand beaches, and a variety of homestay options – altogether making it a snorkeling haven. In addition to manta rays, sea turtles, cuttlefish, and other iconic reef species, visitors may even see dugongs and dolphins that are known to visit from time to time.
Dayang offers one of the best opportunities in Raja Ampat to swim with manta rays. © Pete Oxford
Dayang Snorkeling Quick Facts:
- Many of the snorkeling sites surrounding Dayang Island are beach-accessible, sloping reefs that start in shallow waters (just 3 feet) and stretch to much deeper waters (beyond 30 feet), where manta rays frequent.
Southern Region: Misool & Surrounding Islands
The south is renowned for its soft corals, which flourish in deeper, nutrient-rich waters, as well as for its proximity to deep ocean channels, which increase the chance to see oceanic manta rays and other pelagic species. While deep water experiences are typically best suited for scuba diving, many of the coral reefs in the south have diverse geography with shallower sections that can be enjoyed by snorkelers. You don’t need to be close to an oceanic manta ray to have your mind blown.
What makes planning a trip to the south unique is that much of the region is protected by the Misool Foundation. The foundation has spearheaded numerous conservation programs in the area, including the establishment of a Marine Protected Area (MPA) which covers over 300,000 acres of remote islands and coral reefs. Some of their activity has been so successful that fish biomass has increased by 240 percent in certain pockets, shark populations have multiplied 25 times, and manta ray populations have doubled over the last decade.
Tourists have two main options for visiting the south: they can either stay at the Misool Foundation’s luxury eco-resort, the Misool Eco Resort (the only accommodation on the island) – which also provides access to a stunning “house reef” and tours to surrounding nearby reefs. Or they can visit the region through a liveaboard tour. Permits are required to visit the snorkel sites controlled by the foundation, and a liveaboard operator will organize this ahead of time.
Many of the Southern Region’s best snorkeling sites fall under a Marine Protected Area (MPA) under the control of the Misool Foundation, which runs with the Misool Eco Resort.
With that in mind, here are some of Oceanic Society’s top picks for the region:
Lenmakana (Jellyfish Lake): Raja Ampat has its very own jellyfish lake tucked on Lenmakana island, a day trip east of Misool. The island looks a bit like a mushroom sprouting from the water. You will need to hike through a tricky jungle path (including a wooden staircase) to get to the lake, but once you do you will be treated to a breathtaking lagoon filled with “stingless” golden jellyfish and moon jellyfish. Drift through for a uniquely ethereal experience you won’t find in many places.
Snorkel Quick Facts:
- This freshwater lake is lined by plenty of trees offering ideal shade for when you need a break.
- Water depth varies from shallow shores where you can easily stand to its deepest point at 26 feet.
Traveling by liveaboard allows travelers to access many of Raja Ampat’s snorkeling sites in a single trip. © Dalton Ambat
Goa Karamat: Offers a different kind of snorkeling experience, almost a hybrid of caving and snorkeling, where you drift through a massive limestone cave with stalactites and bats hanging above, and crystal clear waters below. To get there, you will need to boat through narrow waterways with steep jungled cliffs flanking you along the way – an adventure in its own!
Goa Karamat Snorkeling Quick Facts:
- Because the cave gets dark, make sure you bring a dive torch to enjoy the site to its fullest extent.
Misool Eco Resort’s House Reef: Misool Eco Resort lies in the heart of the marine protected area (MPA) established by the parent foundation. Travelers staying here will have access to its beach-accessible “house reef.” While “house reefs” are often nothing to write home about, this one is different. The foundation has gone to great lengths to ensure the corals are healthy and flourishing. The coral grows right up to the shoreline and stretches far out into the sea. Common species seen are blacktip reef sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, Napoleon wrasse, and bumphead parrot fish.
Keep in mind that the resort’s occupancy is capped at just 40. You will need to book well ahead of time to reserve your spot.
Misool Snorkeling Quick Facts:
- The resort’s pier offers a convenient way to start your snorkeling outing.
- The reef gently slopes outwards from the coast, starting at 5 feet and dropping to 100 feet at its deepest sections.
Boo Windows: Situated off the coast of the Boo Islands, a remote group of islands southeast of Misool that are only seasonally visited by fishermen, Boo Windows is a famous dive site (with shallow areas great for snorkeling!) with lots of soft coral. The “windows” are two holes covered in soft coral formation, creating a natural swim-through with vibrant fish. Reef sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles are known to frequent the windows.
Boo Windows Snorkeling Quick Facts:
- Boo Windows is an open ocean pinnacle reef, only accessible by boat.
- Open ocean snorkel sites may have stronger currents than snorkel sites closer to shore.
- Water depth starts at 15 feet deep (the better part for snorkeling) and drops down to 120 feet for the divers.
Nudi Rock: Nudi Rock (technically an island because it has a tree growing on it!) is a little piece of land that juts out of the water like a shard of limestone. Some people think the island looks like a nudibranch – we’ll let you decide. While the island may not look like a nudibranch, the coral reefs surrounding it are teeming with them. Nudibranchs are often a crowd favorite due to their vibrant colors and sometimes dragon-like appearance. Napoleon wrasse, groupers, schools of barracuda, and sea turtles join the diverse cast of life that can be found at Nudi Rock. And be sure to check out the northern part of the rock, which is famous for its wall of soft coral.
Nudibranchs are often a crowd favorite due to their dazzling colors. © Dalton Ambat
Nudi Rock Snorkeling Quick Facts:
- Nudi Rock is an open ocean pinnacle reef that requires a boat to access.
- Open ocean snorkel sites may have stronger currents than snorkel sites closer to shore.
- The shallower portions rise up to 20 feet, and the deeper sections drop down to 80.
Four Kings: The name comes from four coral formations with tips that jut out from the water (and is also a play on the name Raja Ampat, which means Four Kings in Bahasa). Between these peaks lies a vast range of healthy coral reefs, appearing like an underwater mountain range, famous for its flowing soft coral and abundant fish life. The Four Kings is also a cleaning station that attracts sea turtles and manta rays eager to have their parasites picked away by smaller reef fish.
Four Kings Snorkel Quick Facts:
- Like many coral reefs in the south, the Four Kings is primarily a dive site – but the shallower sections (about 20 feet deep) of the reefs here are still great for snorkelers. The deeper sections drop below 100 feet.
- The Four Kings is an open ocean pinnacle reef that is only accessible by boat.
- Open ocean snorkel sites may have stronger currents than snorkel sites closer to shore.
Magic Mountain: As the name suggests, this site looks like an underwater mountain. The magic comes from the sheer amount of soft and hard corals that cover it from its peak to its base. Though Magic Mountain is best experienced diving, snorkelers can easily view manta rays at the two cleaning stations nearby – one of which is relatively shallow. Due to its proximity to deep ocean channels, you may even see giant oceanic manta rays drifting by.
A giant oceanic manta ray at Magic Mountain near Misool.
Magic Mountain Snorkeling Quick Facts:
- Magic Mountain is an open ocean snorkel site that requires a boat to access.
- Open ocean snorkel sites may have stronger currents than snorkel sites closer to shore.
- Pinnacle reef formation with shallow sections starting at 15 feet (ideal for snorkeling) and dropping deep to over 100 feet.
Oceanic Society travelers enjoying themselves on deck after a day of snorkeling in Raja Ampat. © Rosie Jeffrey
Planning Your Raja Ampat Snorkeling Trip: Quick Facts
Oceanic Society recommends planning a trip to Raja Ampat between October and April, which is best for weather and animal life.
Weather: Travelers should avoid the monsoon season, typically during the northern hemisphere’s summer months. Otherwise, Raja Ampat has fairly consistent year-round conditions due to its position on the equator. Daytime highs hover in the 80s F, never dropping too low at night.
Water Temperature: Surface water temperatures are in the low 80s F.
Ocean Currents: Typically mild throughout the year. As a standard practice, your guides will alert travelers to specific needs and conditions should they arise, including investigating currents prior to each snorkel in order to determine the best starting location.
Visibility: Raja Ampat has famously clear water year-round, with visibility often up to 100 feet. In the south, tidal currents can kick up residue from the ocean floor, muddying the waters somewhat—at worst, resulting in visibility of 40 to 60 feet. When planning a trip, take a look at a lunar calendar; corals spawn on the full moon, which can also cloud the water (but just a bit).
To get to Raja Ampat, travelers generally fly internationally to Jakarta or Bali and then take a domestic flight to Sorong, in West Papua. Raja Ampat-focused liveaboard trips depart from Sorong harbor.
Other liveaboard adventures exploring the wider Coral Triangle region may venture into Raja Ampat, such as Oceanic Society’s “megadiversity” expedition which starts in the neighboring Banda Sea.
