Best time to visit Raja Ampat

This is a year round destination, but for divers, the best time to visit Raja Ampat is September to April, when large numbers of manta rays are present at cleaning stations. For the very calmest waters and best visibility, visit in November, December, January, February and March. In July and August, the usually calm seas can get rough so diving may sometimes be limited or suspended. Water temperature, though, is a constant 28°C-30°C, with 10-20m visibility. The windiest months are June to October, which can make jungle walks treacherous. For divers, May to August is low season as it is unusual to find manta rays at the cleaning stations.

“On our small group diving holidays, clients tend to be 40-plus years old. Diving here is for fanatical and enthusiastic divers who dive for three or four hours a day, every day. You can get trips tailored for families though, as the snorkelling is incredible here. You can see manta rays, amazing coral, baby reef sharks, turtles, all just by snorkelling. The reef comes up very close to the shore, and it’s very shallow, 3-4m. You can also take boat trips to different islands or go sea kayaking. So, there’s snorkelling that might appeal to families, and full on diving for experienced divers. Those are the two groups that enjoy Raja Ampat.”

“We encourage people to be aware of how they use sunscreen, how much they apply, and to buy sunscreen from responsible brands. People are often applying it several times throughout the day because it’s so hot, and it’s not properly absorbed, and all the chemicals wash off and can harm the reef. Also, anything you take with you should have minimal impact, so that’s shampoo, shower gels, that kind of thing. Try to use products without harmful ingredients in them and take away all your rubbish. Some resorts are more environmentally conscious than others, so aim for those that are doing good work.”