15 Breathtaking Photos Of Raja Ampat Indonesia

The diving paradise of Indonesia, the Amazon of the seas, the Caribbean of Papua, the Crown Jewel of the Coral Triangle. There’s no word, no phrase or nickname that can fully express the charms of Raja Ampat, Indonesia. Discover the mesmerizing beautsunsey of Raja Ampat in 15 breathtaking photos.

The Underwater Scene

Raja Ampat has at least 537 corals species — that’s 75% of all known scleractinia in the world. Look at those magnificent shapes and colors, like a treasure chest at the bottom of the ocean. And that’s the thrill you’ll experience when coming face to face with this scene.

Fancy a more calming, earthy palette? No problem, there are different scenes in every corner. The varying underwater landscape — rocky seabeds, coral reefs, walls, caves and more — create an endless habitat for marine creatures to thrive.

Don’t forget the more than 1,500 fish species, ranging from different sharks to tiny pygmy seahorses. A famed ichthyologist, Dr. Gerald Allen, encountered 280 fish species on a single dive! Look, someone even found Nemo hiding by the anemone.

Rubbing shoulders with exotic species like sea turtles shouldn’t be hard to achieve. They love the vibrant underwater atmosphere as much as we do.

..and the manta rays do too.

It’s no wonder that Raja Ampat’s underwater magnetism draws divers from all over the globe. As a diving paradise, the region has numerous dive spots, each with its own charms and characteristics. Whether it’s your first time putting on a pair of flippers or you’re looking to challenge your pro skills, Raja Ampat has a suitable experience for everyone.

Diving in the mouth of a cave in Raja Ampat

1. Above Sea Level

Now you’re convinced that Raja Ampat has an unmatched underwater beauty. But don’t discount on the postcard-worthy charms above the surface. Like the sight from this viewing deck in Pianemo which offers a sweeping view of the archipelago’s karst constellations, scattered around the beaming turquoise waters.

Island-hopping in Raja Ampat, Papua | © nmedia/ Shutterstock | © nmedia / Shutterstock

Staying in Raja Ampat

Staying at locally run homestays will not only cost you less, they offer an opportunity to support local economy, interact more with locals and have an authentic Papua experience. What’s more exciting than having the beach right at your front door?

Further into the sea, you can opt to stay at one of the homestays perched off the coast into the translucent water.

If you prefer comfortable luxe resorts, Raja Ampat has got them too. Many of these resorts come with a fun package of diving, island-hopping and more.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.