Dampier Strait in Raja Ampat

Dive into the heart of Raja Ampat's vibrant marine life

What you need to know about Dampier Strait

Dampier Strait, located in the heart of Raja Ampat, is one of Indonesia's most exhilarating dive destinations. Known for its strong currents and incredible biodiversity, it is a magnet for large marine life, including manta rays, sharks, and massive schools of fish. The strait lies between the islands of Waigeo, Batanta, and the smaller islands of Kri and Mansuar, offering divers a variety of stunning underwater landscapes.

Dive sites like Blue Magic and Sardine Reef are famous for their pelagic action, where divers can expect to see everything from reef sharks to large schools of barracuda and trevally. The nutrient-rich currents of the Dampier Strait also support vibrant coral reefs teeming with smaller marine creatures, making it a paradise for both macro and wide-angle underwater photography.

In addition to its underwater wonders, Dampier Strait's islands boast lush landscapes and pristine beaches, perfect for relaxing between dives. Whether you're an experienced diver seeking thrilling drift dives or a nature lover looking to explore rich coral gardens, Dampier Strait offers an unforgettable adventure.

Interesting facts about Dampier Strait

Getting there: The best way to explore Dampier Strait is by liveaboard, offering seamless access to the most pristine dive sites. Alternatively, you can fly to Sorong and take a speedboat to the islands.

Best time to visit Dampier Strait: Diving is excellent year-round, with water temperatures ranging from 27°C to 30°C (81°F to 86°F). The best visibility and conditions are typically from October to April.

Diving Conditions: Expect water depths ranging from 10 to 30 meters (33 to 98 feet) with strong currents, suitable for experienced divers. The visibility is often excellent, making it ideal for underwater photography.

Our liveaboard trips: Several of our liveaboard vessels visit Dampier Strait as part of longer Raja Ampat itineraries, typically lasting 7-10 days. These trips often include other famous sites like Misool and the Fam Islands, offering a comprehensive Raja Ampat experience.

A little known fact: Dampier Strait is one of the few places in the world where you can witness the unique phenomenon of underwater "fish tornadoes" – swirling schools of barracuda or jackfish that form impressive spirals in the water.

Pictures of Dampier Strait

Highlights in Dampier Strait

Blue Magic

Blue Magic, located just under 10 kilometers northeast of Kri Island in Raja Ampat, is a submerged seamount known for its exceptional marine biodiversity and thrilling diving experiences. The site's plateaued top, ranging from 10 to 14 meters, is teeming with healthy corals and smaller critters that delight macro enthusiasts. However, the real magic happens in the blue, where divers can encounter large schools of fish, including barracuda, trevally, and tuna, as well as oceanic manta rays during the season from December to April.

What sets Blue Magic apart is the sheer biomass and the presence of pelagics, including various shark species. Divers can expect to see grey tip reef sharks patrolling the area, and on good days, the action is concentrated on the plateau, making it unnecessary to dive deeper than 15 meters. The vibrant marine life and the possibility of encountering large oceanic mantas hovering effortlessly over the reef in strong currents make Blue Magic a must-visit for experienced divers seeking adventure.

For non-divers, the surrounding Kri Island offers beautiful beaches and excellent snorkeling opportunities, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone. Whether you're looking to explore the bustling marine life on the reef or relax on the pristine beaches, Blue Magic and its surroundings provide an unforgettable underwater adventure.

Manta Sandy

Manta Sandy, located in the heart of Raja Ampat, is one of Indonesia’s premier dive sites for encountering manta rays. Nestled between Arborek Island and Mansuar Island, this cleaning station attracts these majestic creatures year-round. Divers flock to Manta Sandy to witness the breathtaking ballet of manta rays gliding effortlessly through crystal-clear waters, often accompanied by playful remoras and vibrant reef fish.

What sets Manta Sandy apart is the unique interaction divers can experience with the manta rays. The site features several cleaning stations where these gentle giants congregate to have parasites removed by cleaner fish. This provides a spectacular show for divers as mantas swoop gracefully around them. With visibility ranging from 10 to 30 meters (33 to 98 feet) and water temperatures between 27-30°C (81-86°F), it’s an ideal spot for underwater photography.

For non-divers, the surrounding area offers excellent snorkeling opportunities and stunning beaches to relax on. Visitors can also explore the vibrant local culture on Arborek Island, making Manta Sandy a must-visit destination for both divers and non-divers alike.