Diving Raja Ampat epicenter is diving into paradise. The Strait of Dampier, the amazing heart of Raja Ampat.
Post pandemic and thinking of a diving destination, a holiday in Indonesia, that will meet all your desires? Undoubtedly, the Raja Ampat Archipelago is one of the most spectacular diving destinations in the world with top dives sites. One unforgettable place that will tick all your boxes and keep you coming back for more is diving in Raja Ampat, specifically the area known as the Dampier Strait. At Biodiversity nature Resort we are situated in the heart of the Dampier strait and wish to tell you why it is so magical!
What is the Dampier Strait
The Dampier strait is situated in the Indonesian province of West Papua and separates the Raja Ampat islands of Mansuar, Gam and Batanta in the southern region. It also passes by the islands of Kri, Koh and Arborek. It was discovered by Captain Sir William Dampier, that according to some sources was an English explorer, ex-pirate and navigator who became the first Englishman to explore parts of what is today Australia, and the first person to circumnavigate the world three times. The strait is named after the first European to sail through it in 1700 in HMS Roebuck.
Why does it have so much diversity
The topography of the Dampier strait allows for the Indonesian throughflow to pass through, producing strong currents, which bring nutrients to the corals and marine life, creating a rich healthy reef with incredible variety and biomass. In turn you can see a diversity of endemic marine life and vast numbers of schooling fish and predators. Undoubtedly, diving Raja Ampat and Dampier Strait is really worth it!
The Dampier strait is situated in the area known as the Coral Triangle (a region covering Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea), which provides shelter to over 500 different reef building corals in 11 ecoregions of the triangle. You will not be disappointed while diving Raja Ampat and more precisely in the Dampier Strait because you will find all kinds of marine life species living in and around these corals. It is simply spectacular and full of richness. A divers heaven!
Find below what you can expect to see when diving in the Dampier strait with Biodiversity Nature Resort
Exquisite Marine Life
While you’re underwater, you’ll be amazed at the abundance of marine life that portrays the beauty of the Islands. This is due to the strong underwater currents, the many islands which create a shallow environment and the constant warm waters. These currents then bring the endemic marine life the essential nutrients they need to feed on. The Dampier Strait is home to whales, sharks, dugongs, black mantas, oceanic mantas, turtles and many other marine species, that will surely blow your mind away. Our dive guides have the sharpest eyes and will spot even the tiniest of macro life. They will guide you through each dive with precision and care, making sure to show you the wonders as well as looking out for your safety.
Fascinating Diving Sites
At Biodiversity Eco Resort we are lucky to have 25 different dive sites all accessible within a 30 minute radius by boat. Our team of professional diving staff will make sure you are well looked after at each dive site as personalized service is a key factor of our operations.
Some top dive sites we visit which has a variety of marine species all in one dive site. Go on reading.
The Cape Kri
The Cape Kri is one of the top diving sites and for many divers has been the number one dive site in the world. It was here that the record number of species in one dive took place on April 2012 by DR. Gerald Allen. Here. In his words:
“One of my favorite places to dive in Raja Ampat is Cape Kri. Over a decade ago, years before Raja became THE place to dive in the world, I counted 327 fish species on a single dive. I went back about two years ago and couldn’t believe the positive changes on the site. Most impressionable to me was the fact that the fish had become accustomed to divers. I didn’t even have to look for fish. They found me! The survey was the highest species count I’ve ever tallied on one dive, 374 distinct species in 90 minutes!”
The biodiversity of this region is breathtaking. No matter where you look, there is always something that captivates the eye. All in all, this diving site has a lot to offer and makes you realize just how beautiful the Dampier is.
The Arborek Jetty
This is another amazing diving site that will unleash the photographer in you. You’ll find vibrant coral reefs and the crazy number of fishes swimming their way, making the whole place feel crowded. You’ll also find camouflaged fishes and unique water creatures that make the diving site nothing less than a paradise. This site will allow you to capture photos to preserve the magical moments you will experience when diving Raja Ampat!
Sardines Reef
This is another premier dive site, not to be missed! An oval shaped reef patch, it sits right in the middle of the open ocean. Around the reef, you will be astounded by the sheer number of fusiliers, surgeonfish, snappers, damselfish and butterflyfish. All this living food attracts predators, such as barracuda, Spanish mackerel, giant trevallies and several types of Jacks. This is also a great site to spot some less common species, like oceanic triggerfish, bump head parrotfish, and Napoleon wrasse.
Blue Magic
Sitting in the middle of the blue ocean, the ever present anticipation of what is just beyond sight makes this site truly magical. Great schools of fish swarm around the mostly hard corals, relentlessly pursued by swarms of Spanish mackerel, giant trevally, barracuda, dogtooth tuna, rainbow runners, and countless Jacks. More often than not, divers are surprised by blacktip reef and grey reef sharks, bump head parrots and even huge oceanic mantas. This is the one site where anything can happen… And it usually does! Be ready for the most amazing dive ever!
Mikes point
Since it looks like a Japanese warship from the air, the US Air Force repeatedly bombed the island during WWII. In the intervening years the reef has recovered remarkably, with the chunks of rocks being blown off, creating magnificent crevices and overhangs, for an array of macro subjects. Ascending on a great wall, there is usually a group of sweetlips smiling at the cameras. Since it sits almost smack in the middle of the Dampier Strait, one regularly spots hunting Spanish Mackerel, or cruising White Tip Reef and Black Tip Reef Sharks. As you spend the latter half of the dive in the shallows, be on the lookout for Wobbegong and Epaulette sharks, turtles, and even sea snakes.
These are only a small number of the dives sites we visit, but it is important to dive with caution as the big currents can become dangerous. This why at Biodiversity we make safety an important aspect of our diving to ensure all our guests are comfortable and at the level they need to be to dive the magical sites in the Dampier Strait.
Start packing your dive bags, the Dampier Strait waits for you!
