Discovering the Best Dive Sites in Misool, Raja Ampat

Misool, located in the southern part of Raja Ampat, is a hidden gem for divers seeking pristine reefs, dramatic underwater landscapes, and unparalleled marine biodiversity. Known for its labyrinthine karst formations and vibrant coral gardens, Misool offers some of the most spectacular diving in the world. Among the standout dive sites are:

• Living Colors
• Yilliet Kecil
• Boo Window
• Four Kings
• Magic Mountain

Each site offers something unique, from towering pinnacles and swim-throughs to thriving coral gardens and pelagic encounters. Below is a detailed exploration of these incredible dive sites, including depth, dive type, and what to look for at each location.

Living Colors

Depth: 5-25 metres
Dive Type: Coral garden with gentle slopes
What to Look For: Hard and soft corals, pygmy seahorses, and reef fish

Living Colors is a vibrant coral garden that lives up to its name. The site is a kaleidoscope of colours, with hard and soft corals covering every inch of the seabed. The gentle slope makes it easy to explore, and the shallow depth allows for long, leisurely dives. Pygmy seahorses are a highlight here, often found hiding in the delicate branches of sea fans. The reef is also home to a variety of reef fish and nudibranchs. The calm conditions and incredible biodiversity make Living Colors a must-visit for underwater photographers and macro enthusiasts.

Four Kings

Depth: 10-30 metres
Dive Type: Pinnacle dive with strong currents
What to Look For: Pelagic fish, sharks, and vibrant coral coverage

Four Kings is a thrilling dive site featuring four towering pinnacles that rise from the depths. The site is known for its strong currents, which attract pelagic fish such as tuna, trevally, and barracuda. Sharks, including grey reef and whitetip reef sharks, are often seen patrolling the area, adding to the excitement. The pinnacles are covered in vibrant corals, creating a stunning contrast against the deep blue water. The combination of pelagic action and dramatic topography makes Four Kings a must-dive site for experienced divers seeking adrenaline and adventure.

Yilliet Kecil

Depth: 10-30 metres
Dive Type: Wall dive with swim-throughs
What to Look For: Sharks, barracuda, and vibrant soft corals

Yilliet Kecil is a dramatic wall dive featuring swim-throughs and overhangs adorned with vibrant soft corals. The site is known for its impressive topography, with the wall plunging into the depths and swim-throughs creating exciting opportunities for exploration. Schools of barracuda and trevally are often seen patrolling the area, while blacktip and whitetip reef sharks can be spotted cruising along the wall. The soft corals add a splash of colour to the scene, making Yilliet Kecil a visually stunning dive. The site’s combination of dramatic landscapes and marine life makes it a favourite among experienced divers.

Boo Window

Depth: 5-20 metres
Dive Type: Reef dive with iconic swim-through
What to Look For: Reef sharks, turtles, and schooling fish

Boo Window is one of Misool’s most iconic dive sites, famous for its large swim-through that resembles a window. The site features a thriving reef with a variety of hard and soft corals, creating a vibrant underwater landscape. Reef sharks and turtles are commonly seen here, often gliding gracefully through the clear waters. Schools of fusiliers and snappers add movement and life to the scene, while the swim-through itself is a thrilling highlight. The site can sometimes have a current running, although compared to other Raja Ampat currents it is minimal.

Magic Mountain

Depth: 15-30 metres
Dive Type: Pinnacle dive with manta ray cleaning station
What to Look For: Manta rays, sharks, and schooling fish

Magic Mountain is a world-class dive site and one of Misool’s most famous locations. The site features a large pinnacle with a cleaning station at the top, where manta rays gather to have parasites removed by smaller fish. The sight of these majestic creatures hovering effortlessly above the pinnacle is unforgettable. In addition to mantas, Magic Mountain is known for its pelagic action, with sharks and large schools of fish often seen in the area. The currents can be strong, but they bring in an abundance of marine life, making every dive unique. This dive was magical for us as a pod of dolphins passed over the reef singing in the distance as they went on their way.

Dive Sites at Misool

Misool is a treasure trove of underwater wonders, and its dive sites offer something for every type of diver. From the vibrant coral gardens of Living Colors to the dramatic pinnacles of Four Kings and Magic Mountain, each site provides a unique glimpse into the rich biodiversity of this region. Yilliet Kecil and Boo Window add a touch of adventure with their swim-throughs and dramatic landscapes, making Misool a truly unforgettable diving destination.

If you are diving Raja Ampat then you will find that the diving around Misool is very different to the dives further north in central Raja Ampat. With more soft corals and small critters it is lower visibility diving making a focus on macro photography and searching fo nudibranchs and pygmy seahorses much more productive.