Diving in Papua
Quick Facts
- • Entry types: Mostly shore entries
- • Expect: Varies by conditions visibility
- • Highlights: Discover Papua's dive spots
Explore the underwater wonders of Papua, ecoregion. This region features 62 documented dive spots, each offering unique underwater experiences. Whether you're seeking calm snorkeling bays, challenging freediving depths, or exciting scuba adventures, Papua has something for every underwater explorer. Browse detailed spot information, check current conditions from recent dive logs, and connect with the local diving community to make the most of your visit.
Regional Context
🏛️ Marine Hierarchy
🌍 Associated Countries
Countries in Papua (2)
Popular Spots in Papua (62)
Agusta Reef
Agusta Reef is a dive site that requires expert divers due to strong currents. The reef is situated at a depth of 10 to 12 meters, making it essential for divers to be prepared with a hook. The site is known for its diverse marine life, including schools of fish, black and white tip reef sharks, and nudibranchs, which can be observed if time allows. Redtooth triggerfish are also commonly seen in the area.
Algae Patch 1
Algae Patch 1 is a muck dive site located in a channel, making it essential to monitor tide charts to avoid strong currents. The area consists of sandy patches interspersed with coral blocks, providing a habitat rich in macro marine life. Regular sightings include Nudibranchs, Rhinopias, Scorpaenid Leaf Fish, Mimik Octopus, and Wonderpus. This site is accessible from the shore.
Arborek Jetty
Arborek Jetty presents a challenging dive experience, particularly due to the strong currents that can be encountered. The site is notable for its rich marine life, with numerous fish species, including schooling jacks that hunt smaller silversides, found beneath the jetty. Divers can also explore the diverse marine environment featuring both soft and hard corals, as well as giant clams located on one side of the jetty. The eastern side of the island is characterized by coral formations and pinnacles, adding to the underwater landscape.
Arefi Reef
Arefi Reef is located approximately one hour from Soul Scuba divers and is typically the second dive on the Batanta trip, following the P-47 Wreck. This dive site is characterized by the presence of wobbegong sharks and a variety of marine life including nudibranchs, snapper, triggerfish, trevally, jackfish, clownfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish. The entry to the site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore its underwater ecosystem.
Arno’s Underwater Reef
Arno's Underwater Reef features a notable drop-off that begins at depths of 28 meters and extends beyond 50 meters. Divers should be prepared for strong currents on optimal days, making it advisable to start near the drop-off to conserve energy and reduce decompression time. The site is characterized by an overhang at depths between 28 and 35 meters, leading to a soft coral garden that rises to about 5 meters. Marine life includes various fish species, marine corals, and shell-less nudibranchs, with the possibility of encountering a manta ray.
Batu Lima
Batu Lima, translating to 'Five Rocks' in Indonesian, is a dive site located at coordinates -0.449400, 130.699100. The dive begins on the northeastern side, reaching a maximum depth of approximately 24 meters. Divers can expect to encounter large schools of barracudas, and during certain seasons, manta rays may also be spotted. Additionally, the site is home to electric clams, which can be found in various locations throughout the area.
Batu Rufas
Batu Rufas is a dive site located approximately 1.5 hours by boat from the Soul scuba divers dive center, near the well-known Piaynemo area. The dive begins in a bay and features a wall dive that includes swim-throughs at a depth of around 5 meters, concluding in a vibrant coral garden. Marine life commonly observed here includes mackerels, fusiliers, napoleon wrasse, humphead parrotfish, sea fans, bluefin trevally, triggerfish, and pufferfish.
Biodiversity House Reef
The Biodiversity House Reef extends from the Biodiversity Jetty to Batu Lima, with depths ranging from 2 meters to 20 meters. This site features numerous concealed areas that provide shelter for various marine species. Underneath the jetty, divers often encounter walking sharks and Blacktip reef sharks navigating along the reef.
Blue Magic
Blue Magic is an underwater pinnacle located between Kri and Waigeo Islands, rising from a depth of 30 meters to 7 meters below the surface. The area features diverse hard and soft corals and attracts large pelagic species including reef sharks, manta rays, and barracudas, particularly active from October to April.
Cape Kri
Cape Kri is a dive site off Kri Island, Indonesia, with depths ranging from 5 to 40 meters and visibility up to 30 meters. Divers can expect to see large schools of humphead parrotfish and Napoleons; an anchor can be found at the base of the reef. This site is suitable for experienced divers due to strong surface currents.
Cape Mansuar
Cape Mansuar is accessible via a 5-minute boat ride from the nearest diving center. Divers are dropped off at a wall dive site where they can swim towards an area known for abundant marine life. The dive site experiences mild to medium currents, making it suitable for divers of varying experience levels, from beginners to advanced. Marine life commonly observed includes barracuda, fusiliers, surgeonfish, triggerfish, jacks, giant trevally, blacktip sharks, green turtles, and batfish.
Catalina Wreck
The Catalina wreck dive site is located off the coast of Biak Island in West Papua. This intact WWII amphibious bomber lies at a depth of less than 30 meters (100 feet) in calm waters, providing a clear view of the aircraft structure and marine life surrounding it.
Chicken reef
Chicken Reef is a prominent seamount with depths ranging from 3 to 30 meters. The site is characterized by extensive coral coverage and a diverse array of marine life. Strong currents are often present, which contribute to the abundance of fish activity. Divers can expect to encounter various fish species, sharks, and garden eels, along with vibrant coral gardens. Manta rays may also be spotted occasionally during dives.
Chicken Reef
Chicken Reef is a shallow dive site characterized by its diverse marine life, including large schools of fusiliers and a variety of colorful fish that inhabit the coral structures. The site is known for its strong currents, which can affect diving conditions. Divers should be attentive to the unique species present, such as pipefish, pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, flatworms, and various crabs and shrimps. The entry to the site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore its underwater ecosystem.
Citrus Ridge
Citrus Ridge is a shore entry dive site located at coordinates -0.512800, 130.460400. The site is known for its unique yellow coral, which inspired the name 'Citrus.' Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including wobbegong sharks, eels, nudibranchs, barracudas, fusiliers, breams, surgeonfish, triggerfish, and octopus. The dive offers opportunities to observe both macro life and larger schools of fish, making it suitable for divers interested in diverse underwater ecosystems.
Crossover
Crossover is a wall dive site located near Cape Kri, accessible from the shore. The dive is best experienced during high tides, where divers can encounter various species of sharks, including white tip and black tip reef sharks. The site is also home to a diverse array of marine life, such as trigger fish, napoleon wrasse, parrotfish, fusiliers, and groupers. The underwater topography features dramatic wall formations, providing an exciting environment for divers.
Dilaut
Dilaut is a shore entry dive site located at coordinates -0.517100, 130.693700. The site features an underwater coral reef that supports a diverse array of marine life, including various species of fish, fusiliers, barracuda, and blacktip reef sharks. It is suitable for beginner divers and offers opportunities for underwater photography due to its accessible conditions.
Fam Slope
Fam Slope features a steep underwater slope and sections that resemble a wall dive. The site is notable for its gorgonian corals and offers a drift dive experience where divers can observe various macro life, including frogfish and numerous species of nudibranchs. The soft coral formations are prominent as divers drift along with the current, allowing for an engaging exploration of the reef's hidden details.
Fam Wall (Keruwo Channel)
Fam Wall, located in the Keruwo Channel, is accessible via a boat ride of approximately one hour from the Soul scuba divers dive center. This dive site features a vertical wall adorned with sea fans and soft corals, providing an excellent environment for macro photography. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including pygmy seahorses, blacktip sharks, spadefish, angelfish, hawkfish, midnight snappers, barracuda, and soldierfish.
Felici garden
Felici Garden serves as a coral plantation site managed by the NGO the Sea People (Orang Laut), with an objective to cultivate 1 hectare of corals. The area is characterized by macro life found in sandy and rubble substrates, where divers can observe various species such as nudibranchs, pipefishes, cuttlefish, and pufferfish. This site is accessible via shore entry, making it convenient for divers to engage in conservation efforts while exploring the local marine biodiversity.
Francisco Reef
Francisco Reef is accessible from the shore and begins with a descent onto a shallow rock formation. Divers can immediately observe a variety of colorful fish, including Anthias and Fusiliers. The site is known for sightings of blue spotted stingrays and the rare pygmy seahorse. In the shallower areas, divers should look under overhangs to find wobbegong sharks, adding to the diverse marine life present at this location.
Friwen garden
Friwen Garden is a shallow reef characterized by a mix of soft and hard corals, with depths ranging from 3 to 14 meters. The site typically experiences mild currents, but if conditions change, it is possible to conduct a drift dive due to the extensive length of the reef. Marine life includes blacktip reef sharks, cuttlefish, crocodile fish, and a variety of small reef fish, contributing to the rich biodiversity of the coral garden.
FRIWEN WALL
Friwen Wall is characterized by a colorful vertical drop-off that ranges from 2 to 26 meters in depth. The wall is adorned with various soft corals, black corals, and gorgonians. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life including pygmy seahorses, wobbegongs, stingrays, mantis peacock shrimps, nudibranchs, snappers, batfish, fusiliers, trevallies, and reef sharks. The site is generally an easy dive, allowing ample opportunity for macro photography. However, when currents are strong, it can serve as an excellent location for drift diving.
Friwen Wall, Raja Ampat
Friwen Wall is a notable dive site located in the Dampier Strait, characterized by its vertical wall structure. The dive begins at the wall's base, which features two small caves where divers can observe fish swimming in an unusual upside-down position. The wall is adorned with a variety of marine life, including gorgonian fan corals, sponges, and whip corals, extending from the seafloor to the surface. This site offers a unique underwater landscape for divers exploring the region.
Kabui Reef
Kabui Reef features a sandy bottom interspersed with coral patches, providing a calm environment ideal for training and refresher courses. The site is characterized by hard and soft coral formations, with opportunities to observe marine life such as turtles and blue-spotted rays. At night, divers may encounter nudibranchs and Spanish dancers, while schools of yellow snappers are also present in the area.
Koi island
Koi Island is accessible by a ten-minute boat ride from Soul Scuba Divers. This dive site features a sloping wall that begins at a depth of 5 meters and extends down to 40 meters. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including white tip and black tip sharks, eagle rays, snappers, sweetlips, spadefish, eels, fusiliers, and surgeon fishes. The site is characterized by drift diving conditions, making it suitable for divers with experience in current.
Kwatisore Bay
Kwatisore Bay is known for whale shark encounters, particularly near the fishing platforms where sharks feed on fish caught by local fishermen. You can expect good water visibility and opportunities to see Mola molas as well. The dive typically requires a boat entry.
Lao Lao
Lao Lao is a deep dive site located approximately 20 minutes from the nearest dive center, ideal for advanced divers due to the medium to strong currents present. The site features interesting coral formations and is home to a variety of marine life, including snappers, triggerfish, angelfish, reef sharks, sea turtles, sea snakes, and eagle rays. Divers may also encounter schools of fusiliers. The dive can be concluded at the nearby Mioskun dive site.
Mambetron
Mambetron is located on the northern side of Kri Island, adjacent to the Soulscuba house reef. This site features a diverse reef ecosystem where divers can observe various marine species, including turtles, Napoleon wrasse, and schools of bumphead parrotfish. Additionally, it is common to encounter large schools of fusiliers, as well as nudibranchs, octopuses, and cuttlefish. Keep an eye on the blue waters, as manta rays and sharks may also pass by. The entry to the site is from the shore.
Manta Ridge
Manta Ridge is a dive site off Mansuar Island known for manta ray sightings at a cleaning station. Divers typically observe mantas at a depth of around 10 meters (33 feet), but strong currents may require the use of reef hooks to stay in position while watching. The site is accessed by boat.
Manta Sandy
Manta Sandy is a dive site located between Arborek and Mansuar Islands, with depths ranging from 10 to 30 meters. Divers can frequently see large manta rays that come to be cleaned by wrasses. This site is accessed by boat.
Mayhem
Mayhem is a pinnacle dive located off the western edge of Gam Island in the Dampier Strait at a depth of up to 30 meters. The site is known for strong currents that attract a variety of marine life including reef sharks, snappers, jacks, barracudas, and pygmy seahorses. Expect to see a high density of fish during each dive.
Mayhem
Mayhem is located approximately one hour by boat from the Soul scuba divers dive center. The journey to the site offers opportunities to see dolphins, pilot whales, and various bird species. The coral reef begins at a depth of 5 to 7 meters and extends down to 40 meters. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including wobbegong sharks, white tip sharks, black tip sharks, barramundi, jacks, barracuda, fusiliers, angelfish, and butterfly fish.
Melissa'S Garden
Melissa's Garden features an oval-shaped reef with a flat top at a depth suitable for divers of various skill levels. Expect to see extensive coral gardens, soft coral outcrops, and a variety of marine life, including pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, rabbitfish, angelfish, lionfish, sea snakes, and wobbegong sharks. This dive site is ideal for macro photography and is accessible by boat.
Menara Telkomsel
Menara Telkomsel offers a coral slope ideal for drift diving, located just a short distance from Soul Scuba divers. Depending on the current strength, divers may drift towards the Soul Scuba divers jetty. The site is home to a variety of marine life, including blacktip sharks, rays, cuttlefish, turtles, pufferfish, and numerous schools of fish. While the reef structure is notable, divers are encouraged to also observe the open water for additional marine activity.
Mike’s Point
Mike's Point is located on a small mushroom-shaped island, approximately 15 minutes from the Soul Scuba divers dive centre. Divers can enter the water from the shore and will find themselves in a shallow coral garden. The site features both overhangs and walls, making it a suitable location for divers to explore with underwater lights. Marine life commonly observed here includes bumphead parrotfish, hawksbill turtles, green turtles, blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, as well as barracuda, tuna, trevally, and pygmy seahorses.
Mioskun
Mioskun offers a shore entry dive that begins on the current-facing side of the island. Divers should maintain a safe distance from the entry point to reach the optimal dive area located on the southeastern side. The site is known for sightings of Wobbegong sharks, which can often be found resting under coral ledges. Additionally, divers should keep an eye out for the small Pontohi Pygmy seahorses that inhabit the area.
New Reef (Dom Te Te)
New Reef, also known as Dom Te Te, is located approximately 15 minutes from the Soul Scuba divers dive center. The dive site features a reef that begins at a depth of 5 meters and extends down to 40 meters. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including garden eels, blacktip and whitetip sharks, tuna, barracuda, Spanish mackerel, angelfish, butterfly fish, and triggerfish. The dive can conclude at the shallower depths where the corals display vibrant colors.
Nudi Rock
Nudi Rock is a drift dive site located near the island of the same name in the Fiabacet chain, Raja Ampat. The site features a maximum depth of 27 meters (88 feet) and is known for strong currents and good visibility. Divers can expect to see a variety of marine life, including nudibranchs, jacks, barracudas, sea turtles, and pygmy seahorses, making it ideal for macro photographers.
Nudi Rock Raja Ampat
Nudi Rock is a prominent dive site located between Ajoi and Nayak, accessible by boat. The site is characterized by its shallow depths, making it suitable for divers of various experience levels. It is approximately 4 minutes from Juara Jetty. The underwater environment is rich with diverse marine life, including numerous nudibranchs, flatworms, sea slugs, and hairy shrimp, all coexisting among corals and rocky formations. This site is particularly favorable for those interested in macro photography and observing small marine creatures.
Ot Di Ma
Ot Di Ma is located approximately 45 minutes by boat from the Soul scuba divers dive center. The dive site features a reef that begins at a depth of 5 meters and extends down to 40 meters. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including eagle rays, reef sharks, green turtles, hawkbill turtles, snappers, triggerfish, and fusiliers. The area is known for its diverse coral garden and the potential for sightings of larger sea creatures in the blue waters surrounding the site.
P-47 Plane Wreck
The P-47 Plane Wreck is located at a depth ranging from 26 to 33 meters. This site features the remains of an American P-47D aircraft from World War II, situated approximately 45 minutes from Soul scuba divers by boat. Divers can observe a variety of marine life in the area, including leaf scorpionfish, scorpion fish, flatheads, wrasse, damsel fish, groupers, and snappers. The entry to this dive site is from the shore.
P47 Thunderbolt Wreck
The P47 Thunderbolt Wreck, also known as 'Santa Maria', is located at a depth of 28 meters (92 feet) on a sloping reef. The wreck is upside down and covered in corals, attracting various marine life. This site is accessible and offers a good opportunity for divers to explore a significant World War II artifact.
Pasir Kolam
Pasir Kolam is a shore entry dive site with a maximum depth of approximately 10 meters. The sandy bottom is interspersed with long algae and features a fisherman net that covers some coral areas, providing numerous hiding spots for various marine life. This site is particularly popular among macro enthusiasts, especially during night dives. Notable species include the walking shark (Raja Epaulette shark), nudibranchs, diamond filefish, crabs, shrimps, ribbon eels, and juvenile sweetlips.
Pasir Timbul
Pasir Timbul is a shore entry dive site located approximately ten minutes from the Soul scuba divers dive centre. This site features a sloping coral reef and is known for its drift diving conditions, which attract a variety of marine life. Divers can expect to encounter species such as white tip and black tip sharks, eagle rays, spadefish, fusiliers, tuna, groupers, pygmy seahorses, and various eels. The site offers an active underwater environment, making it suitable for divers looking for diverse marine encounters.
Ransiwor
Ransiwor is a shore entry dive site located approximately 5 minutes from the nearest dive center. The site features a coral garden with a gentle slope, making it accessible for beginner divers. Marine life includes schools of snappers, tuna, and trevally, as well as sightings of white tip and black tip reef sharks. Additionally, green and hawkbill turtles can be observed here. The site is known for its mild currents, which enhance the diving experience without posing significant challenges.
Saonek Mondei
Saonek Mondei is a shore dive site located at coordinates -0.448700, 130.800700, just 5 minutes from Waisai harbour. This site is particularly appealing for night diving and macro photography enthusiasts. As dusk approaches, divers can observe mandarin fish, and as night falls, the sandy areas and bummies reveal a variety of hidden critters. Notable marine life includes spider crabs, orangutan crabs, shrimps, nudibranchs, wobbegongs, and scorpionfish.
Saporken Dive Site
The Saporken Dive Site offers direct shore access from Saporkren village, leading divers into calm waters. The site features a fringing coral reef that is home to a diverse array of coral and fish species, along with a rich variety of macro life. This environment supports a vibrant underwater ecosystem, making it suitable for divers interested in observing marine biodiversity.
Sardine Reef
Sardine Reef is a popular dive site located approximately 15 minutes from the nearest dive center. Divers can enter from the shore and experience mild to medium currents. The dive typically involves descending into deeper waters before drifting towards the main dive area. Marine life is abundant, with sightings of fusiliers, white tip and black tip sharks, barracuda, tuna, triggerfish, wobbegong sharks, and various angelfishes.
Sauwandarek
Sauwandarek is a notable dive site located at coordinates -0.593200, 130.605300, accessible via shore entry. The area features a prominent jetty where divers can spend considerable time exploring. Beneath the jetty, divers can observe three giant clams and encounter large green turtles. As you swim away from the structure, schools of fusiliers become visible, along with diverse macro life and vibrant reef formations.
Scuba Republic House Reef
The Scuba Republic House Reef is accessed by a giant stride entry from the jetty at the Scuba Republic Raja Ampat Resort. This site features a fringing coral reef that supports a diverse range of coral and fish species, along with a rich variety of macro life. The conditions are generally calm, making it suitable for divers of varying experience levels.
Shark Point Raja Ampat
Shark Point in Raja Ampat offers a drift dive that begins against the current, where divers can observe schools of fish. As you progress along the slope, the terrain transitions to vertical walls, leading to a dense coral area and a vibrant coral garden. Keep an eye out in the blue for schools of bumphead parrotfish, as well as sightings of white tip and black tip reef sharks and hawksbill turtles. The site is also known for its macro life, including various nudibranchs.
Sorido Wall
Sorido Wall is located a ten-minute boat ride from the Soul scuba divers dive center, close to the Cape Kri dive site. This dive site features a vertical wall rich in marine activity, including schools of fish and various shark species. Divers can expect to see snappers, groupers, white tip and black tip reef sharks, barracuda, fusiliers, and Spanish mackerel. The wall also contains overhangs and caves, making it advisable to bring a torch for better exploration. The site is suitable for scuba diving.
Soul Scuba Reef
Soul Scuba Reef is located directly in front of the Soul scuba divers dive shop. This site features a sloping coral garden that hosts a variety of marine species. Divers can enter the water from the shore, making it accessible for both day and night dives. Notable marine life includes spadefish, lionfish, octopus, triggerfish, green turtles, hawkbill turtles, as well as blacktip and whitetip sharks, along with trevally.
Tapor Tamiyam, Cape Kri, Raja Ampat
Tapor Tamiyam is situated at the northeastern tip of Kri Island in Raja Ampat. This dive site is renowned for its biodiversity, holding the record for the highest number of marine species observed in a single dive, with a total of 374 species documented. Divers can expect to encounter large schools of fusiliers, yellowtail barracuda, and various shark species, including white tip and black tip sharks. Additionally, sightings of napoleon wrasse and red tooth triggerfish are common, alongside an array of vibrant corals. The dive site is accessed by boat, making it convenient for divers to reach this remarkable underwater ecosystem.
The Passage
The Passage is a narrow canyon located between Gam Island and Waigeo Island, accessible via shore entry. This site is particularly appealing to macro enthusiasts due to the diverse marine life present. Divers may experience strong currents, which can create a sensation akin to flying in a river. Notable species include pygmy seahorses, flatworms, nudibranchs, sweetlips, stingrays, eels, turtles, sharks, angelfish, and groupers.
Turtle House Reef
Turtle House Reef is located directly in front of the Turtle Divers Raja Ampat center. The site features a gentle slope with a mix of colorful soft and hard corals. The average depth ranges from 12 to 16 meters, and divers can expect mostly light currents, creating a calm diving environment. Marine life commonly observed includes groups of fusiliers, sweet lips, and blacktip reef sharks, along with the occasional sighting of napoleon wrasse and puffer fish. Larger fish species are often found in the shallower areas of the reef.
Uri
Uri is located within the lake formed between Waigo and Gam Islands. The dive site features a gentle slope with dense hard coral formations in the shallow areas. Divers can expect to encounter various species of frogfish and pipefish, along with a diverse range of macro marine life. The site is accessible via shore entry, making it convenient for divers to explore its unique underwater ecosystem.
Warahnus
Warahnus is situated directly in front of the Warahnus Dive Homestay jetty. The dive site features diverse coral structures along the reef, with depths ranging from 12 to 15 meters. Divers can observe schools of fusiliers in the shallower areas, while the slope showcases a variety of soft corals. This site is suitable for coral identification programs and offers opportunities for wide-angle photography. Marine life frequently spotted includes blacktip sharks, bumphead parrotfish, Napoleon wrasse, and turtles, with occasional sightings of leaf fish.
West Mansuar
West Mansuar offers a dive that begins in a sandy and rocky area, where divers can observe a variety of macro life alongside larger species in the blue waters. The dive culminates at a tip characterized by strong currents that attract numerous fish. The coral garden at the top is notable for its beauty, and divers may encounter mantas or schools of mobulas during their exploration. Common marine life includes black tip sharks, nudibranchs, cuttlefishes, jacks, snappers, and pufferfishes.
Yenbuba Jetty
Yenbuba Jetty is located at coordinates -0.569800, 130.657700, approximately 5 minutes from the nearest dive center. The site features an easy slope with both artificial and coral reefs, making it accessible for beginner divers. Entry into the water is conveniently located near the jetty, where divers can expect mild currents. Marine life commonly observed here includes spade fish, blacktip and whitetip sharks, green and hawkbill turtles, as well as various species of angelfish, snapper, and grouper.
Yenkoranu
Yenkoranu is a shore entry dive site located at coordinates -0.558300, 130.671000. This site is known for its drift diving conditions, which can lead divers towards Cape Kri or back to the jetty at Soul Scuba. The dive features a variety of marine life, including blacktip sharks, turtles, pufferfish, and various schools of fish. Night dives here reveal macro life such as lobsters, shrimps, and crabs, making it a versatile location for both day and night diving. The coral formations are notable, and divers should keep an eye on the blue for passing sharks.