Enjoy the Best diving in Raja Ampat
This Misool diving cruise starts into the heart of the Raja National Park. The Dampier Strait offers legendary 5 stars dive sites like Blue Magic, Cape Kri and Manta ridge. Oceanic Manta rays, wobbegong and reef sharks, schools of jacks and barracudas are running the show. Penemu hosts one of the largest Staghorn Acropora garden in Indonesia, and some beautiful submerged reefs.
The South East of Misool is a dream destination. Those 425 km2 of Marine Protected Area (M.P.A) have been delineated by the Misool Eco Resort, with the support of the local Papuan communities. Extended in 2010 (now 1220 km2), this place offers to divers a festival of huge sea fans, amazing colorful soft corals, and a massive amount of fishes. A pristine underwater wonderland.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best season to dive the Raja Ampat?
The high season appears in between October and May during the western wind monsoon. Misool diving cruise is not recommended from July to September, as the area is over exposed to the south-eastern winds. The Misool eco resort stops his operations during those months.
The Dampier strait is diveable all year long, and is quite protected from the swell. The northern part of the Park can be cruised all year long but not always diveable in good conditions.
Remember that the Raja Ampat islands are located right under the Equator. The conditions can change rapidly in the area, and is subject to heavy rainfalls all year long. They never last long though. The archipelago mostly offers nice conditions with calm waters and an average 30 degrees temperature.
What is the visibility and the water temperature in Raja Ampat?
The water temperature has an average of 28 degrees. A full length 3 mm wet suit is recommended, even more for the drifting animals than the temperature. Sometimes Raja Ampat is subject to blooming of plankton and jellyfish, which can be itchy.
The visibility changes depending of the areas, rainfalls, and plankton’s bloom. The best visibility is in April and can reach a maximum of 30 meters. April gets also the highest water temperature (30 degrees).
Don’t expect a Red Sea visibility in Raja Ampat. Waters are rich and sometimes heavily charged. In the Dampier Strait, for example, it can change from one week to another. The reward is the amazing fish action, and super healthy reefs. A minimum of 20 meters can be expected though.
Is there any current in Raja Ampat?
Most of dive sites in Raja Ampat are subject to moderate currents. But some of them are more exposed, and require a quick entry. It allows divers to be well positionned, and enjoy the best fish action. Like everywhere in the world, tidal currents are stronger the week after the full moon and the new moon. You can try to planificate your trip watching the moon calendar. Be prepared for a bit of current though, as this is one of the distinctive features of the country.
How to go to the Raja Ampat?
Embarkation from Sorong harbour, after landing at Domine Eduard Osok airport (SOQ).
Most of the people arrive in Jakarta airport, which is more convenient. There is direct Garuda airline flights from Jakarta to Sorong (GA-682 | departure at 00h30am arrival at 06:35am). These flights are quite tiring, as they occur in the middle of the night. This is why we recommend you to arrive the day before the departure of the cruise in order to rest in one of the hotels of Sorong.
If you’d prefer arrive from Bali, you will have to transit through Makassar. From Bali via Makassar we recommend the flight operated by Sriwijaya (SJ-726 | departure at 9:35pm arrival at 10:55pm at Makassar). The only inconvenience for any flights, is that you will have to wait for the next flight at Makasar airport until 3am. You will land at 06:55am in SOQ airport. Garuda and Batik Air operate the same kind of flights.
During your transit at Makassar airport (UPG), seek for one of the two lounge rooms located respectively in front of the Gate 1 and the Gate 6. It will cost you around 10 € for an all-you-can-eat-and-drink buffet, and a comfortable seat.
If you wish, Konjo Cruising Indonesia can organize you flights, and hotel booking for you. Contact us for a personalize quote.
Where to stay in Sorong?
We recommand you to stay in one of those hotel, as they are following the international standarts in terms of cleanliness and service. We can help you with your reservation and organize evrerything for you.
MAMBERAMO MARINA: The closest from any supermarket and restaurants. Provides a good bar and restaurant considering the city of Sorong.
SWISS BEL HOTEL : The more comfortable hotel in town. Close form the ferry terminal for Waisai, but far from any restaurant. Correct breackfast, but avoid the dining. An extra charge will be added for early bookings.
VEGA HOTEL. The closer from the airport, and the more recently built. The best thing is that you can checkin anytime withour extra charge.
KASUARI BEACH RESORT: The fursthest from Town, but good to avoid the hectic harbour of Sorong. Free shuttle can be organized from the airport.
Where to eat in Sorong?
We highly recommand the SUNSHINE BEACH RESTO for a sunset drink on their terrasse, and a followed diner. They are specialize in seafood and fish barbecue, but offer many vegetarian option too. Their Chap-Chay is delicious. Come a bit early if you want to avoid the cheezy and loudy local band, or late to blend in with the local color.
For a coffee and some good snaks before your flight, we do recommand the MISOOL FILLING STATION handle by the Misool Eco resort. Go upstairs to be comfortably seatted, and have a look to their sustainably-made souvenirs.
What to do in Sorong?
There is no real touristic activities organize in Sorong. If you wish we could organise a little town tour for you. Wandering in the streets of Kampung Baru is already a true immersion, and you’ll hear plenty of friendly “Mister! “warmly chant by locals along your path.
Visiting the fish market could be an option, but you have to know that the clealiness standarts are a bit different from the western countries. It is truly impressive to see those huge yellow tail Tuna getting unloaded from the fishermen wooden boat around the Jimbatan Puri. The Pasar Remu is the main veggies and clothes market and release an authentic atmosphere.
Where to do shopping in Sorong?
The local supermarket is SAGA. You’ll fins there most of the thing you need. Ramayana or Planet Surf are better if you need any clothes. You’ll find souvenir in Toko Andalas, Kaokanao or Toko Souvenir. Batik Papua id good for local batik printed fabric.