Irian Jaya makes up the western half of New Guinea Island, with Papau New Guinea making up the eastern part. At the north western end Irian Jaya is Bird's Head Peninsula and the islands that make up the Raja Ampat archipelago, an expansive area that includes some of Indonesia and the World's best diving. 
The town of Sorong is the usual departure point for liveaboards around Raja Ampat and liveaboard is the ideal way to dive the archipelago because it is such a big area. There are also resorts at Waigeo Island and Misool Island. Liveaboard boats are often booked up well in advance and getting to Sorong requires more planning than the average package holiday but divers that make the effort are richly rewarded. This really is off the beaten track diving.
The Raja Ampat area has a low population density and locals still use traditional fishing methods. That plus the inacessibility to the area has helped to keep the reefs in pristine condition. Scientific surveys have found more species diversity in Raja Ampat than anywhere else in the Coral Triangle, the Philippines or PNG.
The diving is varied with gently sloping fridging reefs to deep vertical drop offs, pinnacles, plateaus, wrecks and muck dives. Large schools of pelagics can be seen, especially schools of jacka and manta rays. Turtles are common. Raja Ampat is also fantastic for finding all sorts of critters. Dolphins are often seen from the boat and pods of whales sometimes pass by.
Currents can be strong on occasions. Visibility is usually excellent at 20-40 metres. Raja Ampat has a year round diving season although the best time to dive is probably October to May when the sea conditions and wind will be optimal. |
