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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Papua provinces have two rainy seasons, from November to December and again in July through to August. From July to September, strong winds and rains can cause rough seas, yet, it is possible to enjoy scuba diving in West Papua all-year-round since several boats will pick divers up from Sorong and head along the north coast of Papua to Cenderawasih Bay sheltered from the rough seas.
Most Indonesian liveaboards visit Raja Ampat during October until the end of July and Cenderawasih Bay from June to October, so scuba diving in Sorong is possible throughout the year. From October to April at Raja Ampat, plankton blooms reduce visibility but bring droves of manta rays.
With over 1,500 fish species, scuba diving from Sorong at Raja Ampat is a pure kaleidascope of colour. Some areas boast enormous schools of fish and regular sightings of sharks, such as the rare wobbegong while at Mansuar Island, and you are likely to encounter large groups of manta rays and turtles. Lucky divers may even have some interaction with the resident pods of dolphin or migratory whales!
Raja Ampat has 75% of the coral species known to the world and among them hide nudibranch and scorpionfish as the fascinating iridescent bobtail squid and lethal blue-ringed octopus dwell in sandy patches. At Cenderawasih, macro critters are also prominent, from pygmy seahorse, frogfish, tiger prawn and various sea snakes.
Cenderawasih Bay also houses the green sea turtle, hawksbill, Pacific ridley, and leatherback - where you can see all in one location! Whale sharks can be seen all-year-round feeding on the small fish that slip from fishermen's nets while dolphins and dugongs are also known to the area.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 300
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 200
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 28
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 80
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 130
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 12
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 40
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 3000
