Top Dive Sites to Explore on a Raja Ampat Liveaboard Trip
When it comes to world-class scuba diving, Raja Ampat sits at the very top. This remote Indonesian paradise, located in West Papua, holds the highest marine biodiversity on Earth. And the most immersive way to explore it? A multi-day Raja Ampat liveaboard trip through the legendary Dampier Strait.
With Scuba Republic, you experience the true heart of Raja Ampat. Our routes aboard Jaya and Epica take you to the region’s most iconic dive sites—timed for the right tides, the right currents, and the best conditions.
Below, you’ll find the top dive sites in Central Raja Ampat that our guests regularly visit. These are the dives that make the Dampier Strait one of the world’s most unforgettable underwater destinations.
1. Blue Magic - A High-Energy Seamount Full of Pelagics
Blue Magic is one of the most famous dive sites in Raja Ampat—and for good reason. This compact underwater pinnacle attracts big pelagic life all year round.
What to expect:
Giant trevallies, dogtooth tuna & barracuda
Reef sharks & the occasional oceanic manta
Massive schools of fusiliers
Fish action from the moment you descend
The reef starts at around 7 meters and drops down beyond 30, offering dramatic topography and serious marine action. We often time Blue Magic for optimal currents to give you the best chance at seeing large pelagics.
Scuba Republic tip:
This site is a highlight on both our Jaya liveaboard and Epica liveaboard itineraries.
2. Cape Kri – The Most Species-Rich Dive Site on Earth
Cape Kri is a marine milestone. It holds the record for the highest number of fish species ever recorded in a single dive survey—making it one of the most biodiverse dive sites in the world.
Expect to see:
Blacktip & whitetip reef sharks
Huge schools of snappers, sweetlips & fusiliers
Groupers and napoleon wrasse
Beautiful coral slopes packed with life
Currents can be strong, but that’s exactly what makes Cape Kri so full of action. It’s a site you can dive again and again and never see the same thing twice.
Included on:
All central Raja Ampat routes aboard Jaya and Epica.
3. Manta Sandy – Raja Ampat’s Most Reliable Manta Cleaning Station
If you dream of drifting beneath gliding reef mantas, Manta Sandy is where it happens. This shallow cleaning station is perfect for long, calm dives with plenty of time to watch the mantas circle above you.
Expect:
Reef mantas (often multiple at once)
Crystal-clear visibility in the shallow sands
Minimal current—ideal for photographers
Our guides follow strict best practices to protect the mantas and ensure a peaceful encounter for everyone.
Often paired with:
Nearby sandy bays & sheltered sites ideal for a slower afternoon dive.
4. Sardine Reef – Constant Fish Action in the Dampier Strait
Despite the name, Sardine Reef has nothing to do with sardines. Instead, it’s one of the fishiest dive sites in the Dampier Strait.
Expect:
Hunting barracuda & jacks
Massive schools of fusiliers
Bumphead parrotfish
Reef sharks cruising past coral bommies
With nutrient-rich currents and healthy corals, this is a “big fish” site that keeps divers coming back for more.
5. Chicken Reef – Underrated, Beautiful & Full of Surprises
Chicken Reef is one of the Dampier Strait’s hidden gems. Its large table corals, healthy reef structure, and abundant fish make it a perfect warm-up or afternoon dive.
Expect:
Reef sharks
Turtles
Snapper schools
Occasional wobbegong sharks
Gentle drifts over stunning hard corals
It’s suitable for most experience levels and a favorite of guests who love relaxed, scenic dives.
Why Explore Raja Ampat With Scuba Republic?
Diving Raja Ampat is incredible no matter what—but diving it with a local operator who knows the strait intimately makes all the difference.
Here’s what sets us apart:
15+ years operating in Raja Ampat & Komodo
Small groups & experienced guides
Routes timed for best currents and visibility
Affordable liveaboard options without compromising safety
Authentic, relaxed atmosphere aboard our wooden vessels
Our vessels, Jaya and Epica, both run central Raja Ampat routes that include all of these iconic dive sites—and more.
Ready to Dive Raja Ampat?
If you want to explore these sites (and dozens more), check out our liveaboard schedules:
Or explore our Raja Ampat Dive Safari if you prefer land-based diving with daily boat trips.
Let us take you diving in one of the last untouched underwater paradises on Earth.
Published on November 15, 2025
