Explore Sorong
Sorong is the largest city of West Papua, well known as the access point for the incredible scuba diving found at Raja Ampat. Raja Ampat, or the Four Kings, is an archipelago comprising over 1,500 small islands surrounding the four main islands of Misool, Salawati, Batanta, and Waigeo.
Sorong diving connects tourists to Raja Ampat’s remote, pristine reefs and marine diversity which has been found to be considerably greater than other diving locations across the world. Divers can also travel by liveaboard to Canderawasih Bay, which is famous for whale shark sightings, four species of sea turtle as well as dolphins and dugongs.
There is no scuba diving directly from Sorong, yet, the port city is the common access point to the aquamarine waters of Raja Ampat and Cenderawasih Bay. Liveaboards, which allow divers to see a wider range of dive sites, will pick you up from Sorong’s port and dive resorts offer transfers. Raja Ampat dive resorts do not often access the south of Raja and hence visiting liveaboards are the best way to visit the south as well as Cenderawasih Bay.
Top Sorong Dive Sites
1. Cape Kri
Located in Northern Raja Ampat, Cape Kri offers an extensive diversity of marine life, including 374 fish species in a single dive. Divers can explore vibrant coral gardens while encountering black and whitetip reef sharks and turtles. It is suitable for scuba diving and is recommended for divers of all levels.
2. Boo Windows
In the southern region of Raja Ampat's Misool, Boo Windows features two swim-through holes in rock formations, perfect for capturing stunning underwater photos. The site is bustling with marine life, from small critters to pelagics. It is ideal for scuba divers seeking an intermediate adventure.
3. Magic Mountain
Also in Southern Misool, Magic Mountain is a seamount and ridge attracting a multitude of fish species. Manta rays frequent this site as a cleaning station, accompanied by barracuda, reef sharks, and Napoleon wrasse. Scuba diving is best suited for intermediate to advanced divers here.
4. Cenderawasih Bay
Known for encounters with whale sharks, Cenderawasih Bay provides an unforgettable experience as divers observe these gentle giants feeding on discarded fish. Suitable for easy to intermediate scuba diving, this area is ecologically significant, with clear waters enhancing the experience.
5. Kwatisore Bay
At Kwatisore Bay, divers can swim with whale sharks in a serene environment. The experience includes observing these magnificent creatures amid discarded fish from local platforms. This site is suited for scuba diving at an intermediate level, with a focus on ecological preservation.
