W
hile Raja Ampat offers incredible diving experiences year-round, most divers prefer to visit the area between December and April for the famous manta ray encounters. With the large number of divers and liveaboards that flock to the area during this time, it can become very crowded on famous dive sites, with many dive operations sticking to these sites to give guests the best opportunity to see the mantas. While it is true that this is an incredible experience, and should be on everyone’s bucket list, many are missing out on what Raja Ampat has to offer during the so called ‘off-season’. Visiting Raja Ampat during the off-season opens several extraordinary diving opportunities, that may be considered as ‘off the beaten track’. Seasonal changes in wind direction mean that some little-known dive sites offer better visibility and incredible marine encounters. Paired with the many sightseeing highlights, and activities that the area has to offer, the off-season is the perfect time for those who want to experience the ‘Last Paradise” in a more relaxed, personal way.
Alyui Bay
The tranquil Alyui Bay lies in the north of Waisai, with incredible beaches and scenery hiding some of the leastdived areas in the whole of Raja Ampat. One of the best in the area is White Wall, a gently sloping reef that gets its name from the soft coral sponge growth that covers large parts of this dive site. Usually dived in a medium current, this dive site offers the opportunity to appreciate the sponge growth while schools of fusiliers pass you by. While in the area, give the Atlas Pearl Farm in the bay a visit. Visitors are treated to a guided tour to see how the pearls are grown, and then have the opportunity to purchase a pearl of their own.
Wai Island
Located near Batanta Island, to the south of Waisai, you find the small island known as Wai. This picturesque island offers visitors an incredible beach experience, with white sand beaches and crystal-clear water. However, the best reason to visit the island is to see what lies beneath the water’s surface. The island is surrounded by an intricate reef system, with a rich ecosystem providing many stunning dive sites that are home to a huge variety of marine life, from large schooling fish to pygmy seahorses.
While Raja Ampat comprises of some 1,500 islands, they are home to just 50,000 people. As you can imagine, this means plenty of open space, endless empty beaches and pristine nature topside and underwater.
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