Which are the main marine species in Raja Ampat that you should meet during your visit?
According to the latest data collected by several insurance companies, diving is growing over 5% worldwide. It is estimated that there are slightly more than 7 million people fond of scuba diving. One out of every four divers searches for a destination to travel to every year. They look for a place that meets all their expectations, both at the level of beautiful virgin sites and sea beds where they can dive, and of the various marine species that can be found there.
Besides, in Europe there are just over 3 million diving fans, who increasingly see the need to explore new corners of the planet especially recommended for diving. Raja Ampat is one of the most fashionable destinations for its wide range of tourism and sports, mainly focused on diving lovers.
Why travel to Raja Ampat for diving?
Few places in the world can boast of offering their visitors one of the most beautiful, rich and well-kept natural corners as Raja Ampat. This group of small paradisiacal islands in Indonesia, and northwest of New Guinea, make up the archipelago of Raja Ampat almost virgin, where the action of man and tourism has not made a dent.
One of the main reasons why Raja Ampat is one of the favorite destinations for many visitors is because it offers a large number of islands like Koh or Mioskun. These places are indeed perfect for diving and other water sports. Nature lovers can enjoy a unique enclave where abundant flora and fauna, the beauty of its islands and the clarity of its waters combine offering a unique experience.
What marine species can be found in Raja Ampat?
Diving fans will find here one of the most appropriate places on Earth to meet a large number of marine species. Raja Ampat’s undertwater variety generally surpasses other popular diving destinations as the Philippines. Such is the underwater richness of this archipelago, that it is estimated that slightly more than 80% of the different species of coral are concentrated in Raja Ampat.
The variety of species is overwhelming, since almost 1,700 types of fish inhabit these waters for the delight of divers. Also, some 700 kinds of molluscs live in these bottoms. Equally close to 30 marine mammals such as manta rays, dolphins, whales. Even sharks can be observed in these waters of great beauty, practically crystalline.
Sharks in Raja Ampat
In this archipelago it is possible to enjoy some of the most curious species of shark on the planet. From the curious and eye-catching carpet shark, known as wobbegong, to the famous hammerhead shark, as well as the white-tip shark or the small and shy Epaulette walking shark, all come together at Raja Ampat, to offer divers a unique diving experience.
Sea horses in Raja Ampat
Diving in these islands among the gorgonians of its sea bed, you will surely be able to enjoy the small and beautiful sea horses. It is mainly the pygmy seahorses that inhabit these waters. Therefore, it is possible to find up to three different types of this species such as Denise, Bargibanti and Pontohi.
Stingrays in Raja Ampat
One of the main reasons why divers choose Raja Ampat is to enjoy the majesty of rays. The particularity of this area is that some of the black manta rays here usually present a completely darkened tone, both in its back and in the upper part.
A rich and abundant marine life full of fish of all kinds
Raja Ampat is increasingly becoming one of the most popular destinations for scuba diving. On its islands it is possible to meet some marine species that are unusual in other parts of the planet. There are specific areas of this archipelago where, in addition to the large manta rays, it is possible to enjoy other species of fish, such as the sunfish, butterfly, buffalo parrot, or even the leopard fish. The angel fish is another common in these waters, as well as the Napoleon fish or the Mandarin fish. It is also possible to enjoy abundant banks of barracudas coming here to feed and rest.
Other marine species in Raja Ampat
Diving enthusiasts are fortunate to enjoy other marine species in Raja Ampat, such as the Gentoo Eel. Their white colour, mottled with slight black spots, makes them adapt and go unnoticed perfectly to their surroundings, hiding in the sandy bottoms in large colonies, always alert to any danger.
Besides, another curious species of great beauty and very bright colours is the mantis shrimp Gonodactylus Smithii. Despite its small size, it has a certain aggressiveness, so special attention should be paid to its sharp tweezers.
