Exploring the Best Dive Sites in Central Raja Ampat

Manta Sandy

Depth: 10-20 metres
Dive Type: Sandy slope with cleaning stations
What to Look For: Manta rays, reef sharks, and occasional wobbegongs

Manta Sandy is a site known for encountering the graceful manta rays. The dive begins on a sandy slope dotted with coral bommies, which serve as cleaning stations for these gentle giants. As the current sweeps over the site, mantas glide effortlessly through the water, often coming within a few metres of divers. The sight of their enormous wingspans and elegant movements is nothing short of mesmerising. There is ongoing research at this site with cameras monitoring the mantas and a clear line for divers to stay behind. In addition to mantas, the site is home to reef sharks, wobbegongs, and a variety of smaller reef fish. The depth makes it an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced divers however at times the current can be strong and the visibility low with sand movement in the current.

Citrus Ridge

Depth: 15-30 metres
Dive Type: Ridge dive with vibrant soft corals
What to Look For: Yellow and orange soft corals, wobbegongs, and reef fish

Citrus Ridge is a visually stunning dive site known for its explosion of yellow and orange soft corals that blanket the underwater ridge. Unlike many other sites in Raja Ampat, Citrus Ridge is typically calm, with minimal currents, making it a relaxed and enjoyable dive. The vibrant colours of the soft corals create a breathtaking backdrop, while schools of reef fish add movement and life to the scene. The ridge itself is teeming with small critters, making it a great spot for macro photography. The combination of vivid colours and tranquil conditions made Citrus Ridge one of my favourite Raja Ampat dives.

Melissa’s Garden

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

Melissa’s Garden is a stunning coral garden that lives up to its name. The site is a sprawling underwater paradise, with hard and soft corals covering every inch of the seabed. After a while the expanse of hard stag coral becomes relentless but look deep into the coral and your will see a whole other world. The gentle slope makes it easy to explore, and the shallow depth allows for long, leisurely dives. The vibrant reef is home to a variety of reef fish, including butterflyfish and parrotfish.

Blue Magic

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

Blue Magic is a manta ray hotspot and one of the most iconic dive sites in Central Raja Ampat. The site features a large reef 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 reef is unforgettable. In addition to mantas, Blue Magic is known for its pelagic action, with blacktip and whitetip reef sharks often patrolling the area. Schools of barracuda, trevally, and fusiliers add to the excitement, creating a dynamic and lively underwater environment. The combination of manta rays, sharks, and vibrant marine life makes Blue Magic a must-dive site. It can be busy so if you are on a liveaboard make sure you are up bright and early before the day boats from the resorts arrive. This is also a dive site with strong currents so make sure you have a reef hook before you hit the water.

Sawandarek Pier

Depth: 5- 30 metres
Dive Type: Pier dive with macro opportunities
What to Look For: Large turtles, nudibranchs, and juvenile marine life

Sawandarek Pier is a unique dive site that offers a completely different experience from the other sites in Central Raja Ampat. The pier itself is covered in marine growth, creating a haven for marine life. Large turtles are a highlight here, often seen gliding gracefully around the pylons or resting on the seabed. Nudibranchs, juvenile fish, and other critters can be found hiding in the nooks and crannies of the pier. The shallow depth around the pier legs and calm conditions make it an excellent spot for night dives or for those looking to focus on macro photography. The site’s proximity to the village of Sawandarek also provides an opportunity to visit a local village and escape the boat for a while.

Dive Sites in Raja Ampat

Central Raja Ampat is a treasure trove of underwater wonders, and its dive sites offer something for every type of diver. From the majestic manta rays at Manta Sandy and Blue Magic to the vibrant soft corals of Citrus Ridge and the serene beauty of Melissa’s Garden, each site provides a unique glimpse into the rich biodiversity of this region. Sawandarek Pier adds a touch of tranquillity with its resident turtles and macro life, making it a perfect complement to the larger, more dramatic sites. Whether exploring coral gardens, drifting along vibrant reefs, or spotting graceful turtles, divers are guaranteed unforgettable experiences.