Raja Ampat Biodiversity Bonanza December 2027

Trip Overview

The sheer abundance of marine life in this area is simply breathtaking, with an impressive variety of fauna such as corals and gorgonians adorning the lush reefs, alongside an astonishing diversity of fish. The underwater topographies of the dive sites offer a captivating mix of features, including dramatic pinnacles, long ridges, walls, hidden caves, rock formations, and azure lagoons.

From the tiniest pygmy seahorse to the majestic oceanic manta ray, the range of fauna here is remarkable. Notably, the area is renowned for its immense schools of fish, like vast clouds of fusiliers that attract tunas, trevallies, barracudas, and inquisitive spadefish. Additionally, you can spot schools of sweetlips, groups of bump head parrotfish, and napoleon wrasses among others.

Reef sharks are a common presence around the reefs, while the ubiquitous carpet shark or Wobbegong can be found resting on corals or hidden under rocks amidst clouds of glass-fish. Night dives often reveal sightings of the intriguing walking shark (epaulette shark). Mantas are a frequent sight at three different dive sites, adding to the area's allure.

This 12-day trip covers the entirety of the Raja Ampat area, spanning from Misool in the South to Wayag in the North, including the Dampier Strait. Dive site selections are based on the prevailing conditions during the trip, ensuring an unforgettable and dynamic experience for all adventurers.

Read all about our latest trip to Raja Ampat in 2024 here.

Check out this amazing video from our Raja Ampat Photo Workshop in 2022.

Sample Itinerary

The cruise itinerary can slightly vary depending on weather conditions, currents, visibility, and tides. Distances are not long -there are only two overnight crossings, the other navigations are taking place between dives or in the early morning. We usually start the trips by going South and then making our way up to the North.

• Day 1 - Sorong / Check in from 6 am to 12 noon
• Day 2 - Misool Daram / 3-4 dives
• Day 3 - Misool Fiabacet / 3-4 dives
• Day 4 - Misool Wayil / 3-4 dives
• Day 5 - Misool Sagoff / 3-4 dives
• Day 6 - Penemu / 3-4 dives
• Day 7 - Wayag / 3-4 dives
• Day 8 - Kawe & Wofoh / 3-4 dives
• Day 9 - Dampier Straight / 3-4 dives
• Day 10 - Dampier Straight / 3-4 dives
• Day 11 - Dampier Straight / 1 dive
• Day 12 - Sorong / Check out from 6 am to 12 noon

Marine Life To Photograph

Raja Ampat boasts one of the most diverse arrays of fish species on the planet. Among the captivating marine life you can encounter are wobbegong sharks, jacks, barracuda, Napoleon wrasse, trevally, bumphead parrotfish, pygmy seahorses, batfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, barramundi cod, and an impressive variety of nudibranchs.

When the currents become stronger at deeper waters, exploring reveals the presence of reef sharks at numerous sites, particularly at renowned locations like Blue Magic and Sardines. These spots also serve as gathering points for schooling fish, forming breathtaking congregations when the currents are strong. During such moments, you might find yourself immersed in swirling clouds of fusiliers and surgeonfish in the mid-water region, while vast numbers of sweetlips completely veil the sizeable coral heads below. It's an underwater spectacle that never fails to amaze.

See also: Raja Ampat Dive Travel Guide

December Dive Conditions

Average Raja water temperatures in December are in the low to mid-80s. A full 3mm wetsuit is recommended.

Read the reviews on diving Raja Ampat here.