Liveaboard Diving in Raja Ampat

Bantanta Island

Bantanta Island is the smallest of Raja Ampat's four major islands. The island's black sandy slopes aren't what most people envision for a typical dive in Raja Ampat, but for those who can't get enough of muck diving, Bantanta Island is fantastic.

Above the water, the island is rich in natural beauty, with lush rainforests and tropical birdlife, which provide stunning scenery during surface intervals.

'Black Beauty' - the island's most famous site - is a must-visit for anyone enjoying liveaboard diving in Raja Ampat. The site's sheltered, black sandy slopes and coral rubble are the perfect hiding place for elusive frog fish, nudibranchs and ghost pipefish.

Sel Pele Bay

Sel Pele Bay, on the west of Waigeo Island, is undoubtedly the best place for macro diving in Raja Ampat. The large bay is a popular stop for Raja Ampat liveaboards, with itineraries often combining critter hunting in sites like Dinding Selatan, with an afternoon or morning spent learning about the local pearl farming industry.

Dinding Selatan, situated in the south of the bay, is a haven for cephalopods, such as mimic octopus, blue ring octopus and even the rare bobtail squid. A macro diver's dream, it's not uncommon to spot nudibranchs, ribbon eels and mantis shrimp tucked beneath the sand and coral rubble, as well as porcelain crabs camouflaged by anemones and pygmy seahorses hidden within gorgonian sea fans.

Dampier Strait

The Indonesian Dampier Strait is the channel that separates Bantanta Island and Waigeo Island. The area is filled with world-class reefs and huge shoals of fish, making it a top choice for liveaboard diving in Raja Ampat. Strong currents through the channel bring nutrient-rich waters, so it's not unusual to spot groups of manta rays feeding on plankton.

Sardine Reef is a must-dive for anyone in the area. Funnily enough, the site isn't home to any sardines but was named for the scores of densely-packed fish (such as rainbow runners, butterfly fish and Spanish mackerel) that dart around the colourful corals.

The beauty of liveaboard diving in Raja Ampat is the access it offers to countless amazing dive sites. If you'd like to spend your next diving holiday cruising between Raja Ampat's idyllic islands, get in touch with a member of our team who can help to create the perfect itinerary.