Marine Raja Ampat environments are spectacular, with something for the whole spectrum of marine enthusiasts, from expert underwater photographer through to beginner snorkeller. The park boasts an astounding variety of marine habitats and inhabitants; this translates to wildly different diving experiences, from pelagic drift dives, to coral encrusted wooden jetties and magical critter dives. There are sites unique to Raja Ampat, such as crystal clear salt water mangrove forests with brilliant coral gardens growing right next to and sometimes even among the mangrove roots. There are hundreds of known dive sites, while the potential for the exploration of many more in this area is considerable.
The shallow reefs of the north are a riot of colour, with unusual purple and orange softcorals prominent. These reefs cover every nook and cranny with incredible variety, and the interesting underwater topographical formations and subaquatic caverns are home to large schools of fish, and some of the rarest marine life in the oceans. In the south, especially in the Misool area and Daram region, plunging walls covered with dense multi-coloured so corals rise up from the ocean floor.
Huge pelagic concentrations inhabit the sea mounts and remote islands and big animals are regularly spotted, with manta ray displays a common occurrence at a number of sites.
All of these environments combine to form habitats for marine life which appear in more shapes and sizes than any ocean in the world; from minute reef critters, found by the eyes of only the most experienced guides, to top predators and everything in between. Wave upon wave of silver fusiliers, yellow damselfish, and blue chromis pulsate along the reef slopes while sharks, grouper, trevally and rays patrol in the blue. Nestled within many of the sea fans a diver can find one of four different species of the much sought after pygmy seahorse. As a marine adventure destination, Raja Ampat boasts a variety of marine life that is unparalleled in the world.
