If there was ever a place, called underwater paradise on earth, it would be at the Raja Ampat Islands. Located on the northwest end of New Guinea Island in Indonesia, Raja Ampat is an archipelago with more than 1500 islands, coral reefs and sandbars, situated in the Coral Triangle and surrounded by the majestic Pacific Ocean.
It is in all divers dream to visit this remote, almost unreal destination, as it is one, if not the one most bio diverse marine ecosystem on our planet. The humid tropical climate and the sea temperature, being constantly at 29°C/84°F, as well as the rich in plankton sea currents, create the perfect conditions for the underwater life to bloom and grow in magnificent ways.
Cape Kri is a sloping wall reef, located off the Kri Island, representing the most popular diving location of the islands. With a maximum depth of 131 ft/40 m, this spot holds the world record for the widely known marine biologist Dr. G. Allen, where in a single dive, he counted 283 different species of fish.
Once you get into the water, you will be overwhelmed by the huge numbers of fish and the amazing corals. Endless schools of fish such as dogtooth tuna, jacks, giant trevally and chevron barracudas swim around divers and as you go deeper, you will come across large napoleon wrasse and whitetip reef sharks. Add to that the enormous variety of hard and soft coral gardens with unbelievable colors and formations and you have the perfect diving place.
Cape Kri is among the top 10 diving spots in the world where diving there is truly a one in a lifetime experience. You will be so amazed by the wealth and the variety of all sea creatures that you won’t be able to tell if what you saw is real or not. Don’t forget to take an underwater camera with you and stay in the deep for a while since the surface currents can be strong.
Note that the islands can be reached only by boat. Visitors can charter small boats from the Sorong harbor that will take them to the resorts. However, another alternative is to charter one of the beautiful yachts, stay on board and sail and dive around in the best diving spots of the area. Paradise is definitely here!!!
