(NEW SPOTS ADDED - MAY 2019) When it comes to a good snorkel, it’s fair to say that we have some pretty high standards. We’ve been fortunate enough to have sampled some of the world’s finest reefs from the Indian Ocean, Red Sea, Philippines and Indonesia, but snorkelling in Raja Ampat was always number one on our bucket list.
Our guide to the best snorkelling in Raja Ampat
Here’s our guide of the best snorkelling in Raja Ampat. Raja Ampat is a world class snorkelling destination. In total we’ve spent almost 6 months in the region, exploring the many reefs throughout the Dampier Strait.
The sheer diversity of this pristine habitat is outstanding. The longer we spend here, the more apparent it has become that every island in Raja Ampat offers a new and exciting environment to explore.
Our 15 favourite snorkel spots in Raja Ampat
- Sauwandarek Village
Yenkoranu Jetty
Friwen Wall
Sawinggrai Village
Arborek - Beser Bay
Citrus Ridge
Tamaku Reef
Yenbuba Jetty
Mangrove Reef - Cape Kri
Otdima Reef
Batu Lima
Kapisawar Jetty
Secret Spots
(1) Sauwandarek Village
Sauwandarek Village is located on the Southern coast of Pulau Mansuar, nestled in a picture perfect cove. Sauwandarek has something for everyone, and easily offers some of the best snorkelling in Raja Ampat.
There are a number of famous jetty’s in Raja Ampat, but we feel Sauwandarek’s is totally underrated! It’s beautiful underside is covered in colourful sea fans and soft corals amongst a mixing pot of friendly Angel Fish, Groupers and a resident Napoleon Wrasse.
Around 100 metres from the shore, in front of the jetty is Sauwandareks ‘sweet spot’. Out here in the blue there is a cleaning station where the big fish like to hang out. Colourful Sweet Lips, Giant Groupers, Trigger Fish, Reef Sharks and a school of bright blue and yellow Fusiliers easily make this one of the most scenic spots for snorkelling in Raja Ampat.
The house reef runs the entire length of the beach. Follow this along and discover a mind-blowing variety of marine life such as the giant sleeping Turtle, even more Reef Sharks, Groupers and swirling schools of Barracuda.
The warm clear shallows have a lot to offer too. There are healthy soft corals, pretty anemones, baby Black Tips and hungry Turtles, so don’t forget to check out this area as well. Once you’re wrinkly from all the snorkelling, dry off on the jetty or wander around the tiny village and play with the local children.
Coral: Excellent
Small Fish: Excellent
Big Fish: Excellent
Current: Mild to Medium
Experience: Beginner
Entry: From the jetty at high tide or the shore at low time
(2) Yenkoranu Jetty
The reef running from Yenkoranu to Mambetron Homestay on the North Shores of Kri is a classic Raja Ampat snorkelling spot. Entry is made from the jetty of Yenkoranu. From here, follow the drop-off along the coast to the black and white buoys at Mambetron.
The reef has a good mixture of hard and soft corals, along with excellent marine life including big schools of blue and yellow Fusiliers, Red Tooth Trigger Fish, large patterned Pufferfish, Black Tip Reef Sharks, Turtles and much more.
It’s clear visibility and unchallenging conditions give this veteran reef its good name. Personally we prefer something a little more risqué, but nonetheless it is hard to find fault in this very pretty drop-off. For children and beginner snorkelers, this is a great place to start.
Coral: Very Good
Small Fish: Very Good
Big Fish: Very Good
Current: Mild to Medium
Experience: Beginner
Entry: From the jetty at Yenkoranu Homestay, then head west
(3) Friwen Wall
Friwen Wall, a sliver of limestone next door to the tropical island of Friwen Bonda can be found near the Eastern tip of Pulau Gam… And the snorkelling here is sublime.
Depending on the current, work your way slowly along Friwens rocky under-hang. The wall itself drops off abruptly, but concentrate on the clear shallow waters and you will soon discover an alien underwater world.
The unusual coral infrastructure at Friwen Wall is kaleidoscopic. Its huge gorgonian fans in yellows, pinks and reds, black coral, purple pipe corals, swaying soft coral and iridescent sponges make this spot a feast for the eyes!
This pristine reef and healthy topography is home to an array of strange critters and heaps of impressive macro life such as Boxfish, Puffer and Porcupine Fish, Pygmy Seahorses, Nudis, Crustaceans and more.
Friwen Wall can be reached by boat, where it is possible to access a jetty and a small beach on the opposite side of the island.
Coral: Excellent
Small Fish: Excellent
Big Fish: Good
Current: Mild to Medium
Experience: Beginner
Entry: Make your entry depending on way the current is running and start or end your snorkel at the jetty.
(4) Sawinggrai Village
The pretty village of Sawinggrai located on Southern Gam, has just as much to explore underwater as it does overwater. Being mindful of the current running along the coastline here (it can be strong) enter from the main floating jetty, or approximately 2km to the right of the village, past Nudibranch Homestay depending on its direction.
Floating atop the drop-off you will see an interesting mixture of hard and soft corals plus plenty of colourful reef fish such as Butterfly Fish, Batfish, Blue and Yellow Boxfish. Although the shallows will call for your attention, don’t forget to keep your eyes on the blue as the big stuff has a habit of appearing out of nowhere. Expect to see Reef Sharks, Eagle Rays, Turtles, maybe even a passing Manta. The jetty itself is a great place to hang out, especially if you like looking for little things like Nudis and Mantis Shrimp. It’s also a great place for night snorkelling.
Coral: Very Good
Small Fish: Very Good
Big Fish: Very Good
Current: Medium to Strong
Experience: Intermediate
Entry: Depending on the direction of the current, enter via the jetty or by boat
(5) Arborek
The tiny island of Arborek, reminiscent of a Maldivian Atoll, is famed for its jetty and the schools of fish spinning around it.
It is true that on a good day, the jetty is impressive. However in our humble opinion this site has been somewhat spoilt by the number of day tripping boats which moor here. Sometimes the volume of boats vs people far outweighs the fish.
Avoid the hoards by snorkelling out to the right of the main jetty to a special spot between the 2nd jetty and Barefoot Conservation. Around 100 metres from the shore, during the hours of 3 and 6pm there is a fish feeding frenzy!
Snorkelling Arborek around this time could honestly rival a dive. Shoals of glistening Mackerel open their wide mouths in unison as hunting Tuna and Giant Trevally chase them over mounds of pretty coral heads. If you’re lucky you may even spot a Shark, or a passing Manta or two!
Keep following the reef around past the Barefoot Conservation jetty and be greeted by a beautiful shallow reef of hard and soft corals, big fish and small. Before long you’ll reach an outcrop of hard coral where a huge family of Bumphead Parrotfish like to feed.
For us, we found some of the best snorkelling in Raja Ampat on Arborek. It’s a great place to stay and to visit on an excursion.
Coral: Very Good
Small Fish: Excellent
Big Fish: Good
Current: Mild to Strong
Experience: Beginner
Entry: From the main village jetty
(6) Beser Bay
There are several different spots to explore here which make this super special homestay an excellent choice for serious snorkel enthusiasts. The main house reef runs along the opening to the bay, looking out to Arborek. Keeping the mangroves to your left, follow this healthy reef for as long as you can. The best bit is at about 100km along. If you’re a strong swimmer its possible to reach the first village. This stretch is full of life and constant surprises. We’ve spotted Octopus, Mantas, Eagle Rays, Cuttlefish, Reef Sharks, Boxfish, Puffers, Seasnakes, Turtles, Dolphins and even Dugongs!
Be aware not to enter and exit the bay at low tide. The corals are incredibly shallow, making it almost impossible to reach the drop-off after a certain point. If you wish to snorkel at this time, it is better to enter at the bungalows of Ano Homestay. By swimming alongside the karst limestone outcrop to the left, it is possible to circle round to the front of the house reef, but be careful of the current on the way back.
The rear of the island is dotted with karst limestone islets, offering interesting snorkel opportunities and plenty of rocky under-hangs to explore. We love the weird coral sponges and brightly coloured anemones. If you enjoy hunting for critters such as Seahorses, Pipefish and Nudibranches then this is your place!
Beser Bays surrounding lagoon is yet another great place to snorkel. These warm shallows act as a nursing home for baby Black Tip Sharks, Blue Spotted Sting Rays, Squid, Clownfish, Clams and of course the famous Walking Shark. If you like to night snorkel, expect to see huge Sea Slugs, Crocodile Fish, Scorpionfish, Crabs, Punching Shrimp and many other critters in the sand.
After spending just over two months here, we consider Beser Bay and its surrounding reefs as one of the top homestays for the best coral snorkelling in Raja Ampat.
Coral: Excellent
Small Fish: Excellent
Big Fish: Excellent
Current: Medium to Strong
Experience: Beginner to Advanced
Entry: Best during high tide
(7) Citrus Ridge
If you fancy going a little further afield from the main Dampier Strait, then we recommend the mystical Citrus Ridge. This intriguing spot is tucked between a mangrove channel hidden in the southern most depths of Gam.
It’s fairly well-known to liveaboards, so the likelihood is you won’t be the lone boat, but trust when we say that this site will leave you feeling incredibly remote.
Enter the drop-off at the broken jetty in front of the beach and follow the reef back round to the main channel of water, keeping the mangrove forest to your right. It gets pretty deep in places, but the water is crystal clear with visibility up to 15 metres.
If you enjoy freediving this is an excellent place to do so. Impressive pastel soft corals sway gently on the sea floor, while the shallow areas offer brightly coloured sponges in all shapes and sizes. Balls of mesmerising Fusiliers can be found relaxing on top of the reef.
After approximately 500 metres, make the bold crossing over to the opposite side of the channel, keeping a look out for boat traffic. You’ll feel like a small fish in a big ocean, but trust us its worth the slightly nerve-wracking swim. On the other side, follow the reef along to the left.
The best spot is at the tip of the land mass. There is a lot to see here – the highlight for us was a huge Wobbegong Shark swimming towards us. The surge can be strong, but riding the bright turquoise waves makes for an exhilarating snorkel!
Coral: Excellent
Small Fish: Very Good
Big Fish: Excellent
Current: Medium
Experience: Intermediate / Advanced
Entry: From the broken jetty stilts by the beach
(8) Tamaku Reef
Hidden in the depths of Manyaifun, en route to Wayag, is Tamaku Reef. You might have trouble finding it, but trust us, it is well worth the wild goose chase. This long, thin atoll rises within one metre of the surface and it really is what coral reef dreams are made of!
Warm, clear waters lap around the outskirts of a pristine reef, offering a variety of eye-popping hard and soft corals and a wide array of fish species. We were particularly impressed by the volume of colourful Anthias and hunting Black Tip Reef Sharks. When you picture some of the best snorkelling in Raja Ampat, this could well be it!
Coral: Excellent
Small Fish: Excellent
Big Fish: Very Good
Current: Mild to Medium
Experience: Beginner
Entry: By boat
(9) Yenbuba Jetty
Probably the 2nd most famous jetty in Raja Ampat is Yenbuba, on the tip of Pulau Mansuar. But there is more to this place than just stilts in the water as a healthy reef runs either side and is home to many wonderful fish, in all shapes and sizes. The jetty offers pretty fans and soft corals, plus the local kids who love to dive-bomb in from the top!
From here, snorkel across to the island of Kri past the tiny islet of Raniswor. This exciting and adventurous crossing is advised for the more confident snorkeller, since the current running between the two islands can be strong. But if you make it, expect to see lots of big stuff like Sharks, Puffers, Triggerfish and Turtles.
Coral: Very Good
Small Fish: Excellent
Big Fish: Excelllent
Current: Medium to Strong
Experience: Beginner to Advanced
Entry: Via the jetty
(10) Mangrove Reef
Just to the left of the main entrance to the mangrove channel leading to Citrus Ridge, is Mangrove Reef. This rarely visited dive site stretches along Gam for at least 1km. And from our experience, it is not for the faint-hearted. Depending on the conditions, the surge mixed with a strong current can be hard work.
However, this extreme snorkel spot will reward you no end with it’s excellent visibility, stunning coral formations and impressive schools of fish. Trevally, Jacks, Tuna, Barracuda, Fusiliers, you name it, they are all there. The reef is untouched, unusual and teeming with life. This site really sums up what it is all about for us and easily offers some of the best snorkelling in Raja Ampat. Just be sure your boat captain is in sight in case you need a break from the waves.
Coral: Excellent
Small Fish: Excellent
Big Fish: Excellent
Current: Medium to Strong
Experience: Advanced
Entry: By boat
(11) Cape Kri
One of the most loved sites for diving and snorkelling in Raja Ampat, but it is not for the faint hearted! This vast cape reaches across from the Eastern tip of of Kri to the island and sandbank of Pasir Timbul.
For snorkellers, it is important to get the timing right with Cape Kri. If the current is too strong, it is easy to get blown off course. Fins are a necessity at this site.
The reef itself is deep, so be prepared to spend a lot of time looking down into the blue. However, your efforts will be compensated by big pelagics and vast schools of fish. This thrilling snorkel will set pulses racing.
Further along from the cape, just off to the left of the small island of Pasir Timbul, there is some excellent snorkelling to be had. We don’t know the official name of this site (maybe its just an extension of Cape Kri?) But, if you can get your boat to moor at the island we highly recommend checking this spot out. The reef here is much shallower and easier for the less experienced.
Coral: Very Good
Small Fish: Very Good
Big Fish: Excelllent
Current: Medium to Strong
Experience: Intermediate to Advanced
Entry: By boat
(12) Otdima Reef
Using the village of Yenbekwan on Mansuar and Papua Explorers on Gam as rough landmarks, Otdima is somewhere in between the two, in the middle of the Dampier Strait. It took a few attempts before we found it, but when we did, the reward was well worth our efforts. A reef rarely frequented, we love its detachment from boats, land and any other people. It is a place to be alone with the ocean.
For snorkelers, it is recommended to visit at low tide since the reef is 4-5 metres at it’s shallowest. If you freedive, this is heaven. The coral is mostly hard, but it is vast, and smothered in small fish. In fact it is probably one of the single most fishy snorkel spots we’ve ever been to.
Highways of different species drift in between the corals, everything is alive and moving. While all of this action is going on, full size Black Tip Sharks advance from the blue while Eagle Rays occasionally grace their presence. It is a reef full of surprises and worth spending time on to truly appreciate.
On the topside, swimming in the open ocean is a pretty cool experience. Pods of dolphins play on the outskirts of the reef, teasing you with their presence. For divers, the current here is known to be strong, but in our snorkelling experience it was relatively mild (or maybe we got lucky). Either way, make sure your boat stays close in case you need assistance.
Coral: Excellent
Small Fish: Excellent
Big Fish: Excellent
Current: Mild to Medium
Experience: Intermediate / Advanced
Entry: By boat
For location please comment your interest and we will email you the coordinates.
(13) Batu Lima
Batu Lima or ‘5 Rocks’ is a small outcrop of, well, rocks located 300 metres or so from Yenanas Beach on Pulau Gam.
This unusual formation of nooks and crannies is a fun place to explore as the resident schooling fish glisten and swoop in and out of its dark spaces offering plenty of hiding places from prying snorkellers and divers.
Around the rocks, there are many coral bommies covered in beautiful gorgonian fans. Making your way across the channel and back to the beach, there is more reef to explore but be careful of passing boats and an occasional current.
Yenanas’s house reef is a stunning coral garden with next to no current, so perfect for inexperienced snorkellers.
Coral: Very Good
Small Fish: Very Good
Big Fish: Good
Current: Medium
Experience: Intermediate
Entry: From Yenanas Beach
(14) Kapisawar Jetty
Technically this could be classed as an extension of Beser Bay, since the drop-off runs from the homestay all the way along the mangroves to the village of Kapisawar on Gam. It’s a pretty epic snorkelling session to go there and back (approx 6km total) so we often get dropped off at Kapisawar Jetty, and snorkel back home from there.
Aside from a couple of homestays hidden in the mangroves, this is not a well-known snorkelling site, but we confirm that it is worth a look-see. This reef is intact and breathtakingly beautiful. The current can be strong, turning into more of a drift in places, but floating above this incredible coral is simply a joy. It’s also worth noting that after a storm or high waves, this area can be susceptible to low vis and a collection of debris on the surface. But don’t let this put you off, keep your head down and enjoy the view.
The marine life is all you could ask for. We’ve seen Mantas, Eagle Rays, Reef Sharks, Turtles, Cuttlefish, Seasnakes amongst many other species of fish.
Coral: Excellent
Small Fish: Very Good
Big Fish: Medium
Current: Medium to Strong
Experience: Intermediate to Advanced
Entry: From Kapisawar Jetty
(15) Secret snorkelling spots
Raja Ampat is known to be one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. It is also an area which is vastly unexplored. During our most recent trip (2018/19) we set out on a mission: to find some new locations and secret spots!
By scanning a satellite map of the area, we embarked on a number of exploratory snorkel trips. With help from our local boat guides (and a little trial and error) we discovered a whole new set of reefs – pristine, untouched and far from other traffic. Some of these sites are not that easy to find, neither are they for the less experienced snorkeller, since their current conditions can be more unpredictable.
We wish to protect these special areas, so have decided not to promote them on our list. However, if you’re serious about snorkelling and you like getting off the beaten track, please drop us a comment below and we’ll email you the coordinates to these secret snorkel spots.
Tips for snorkelling in Raja Ampat
Some of the best snorkelling in Raja Ampat was more wild and free than anywhere else we’ve experienced! However the wilderness doesn’t come without its challenges, so we have a few first-hand tips to share with you.
Currents and safety guidelines
Raja Ampat is renowned for its strong currents. It is important to know when it is safe to swim, as a strong current could lead to unpredictable situations. In a place as remote as Raja Ampat, this is potentially very dangerous.
Currents are felt more so during a snorkel, as they run closer to the surface, but it can be possible to evaluate the situation from above. Look for tell-tale signs such as areas that are flat and glassy mixed with swirling choppy water.
If you think you can feel a strong current building, stay as close to the reef or rocks as possible and turn the snorkel around or head back to the shore if you don’t feel safe.
If you’re heading out alone, tell someone where you’re going and give them a rough direction. Whether this is a friend, fellow guest or homestay owner its important for people to know where you are, especially when snorkelling in such a remote location.
Be sure to avoid contact with all marine life, including the reef. Coral stings for example, can be incredibly painful and hard to heal in hot and humid places such as Raja Ampat.
Snorkel Clothing
The waters in Raja Ampat are alive and brimming with life! There can be a lot of plankton, swaying fire coral and little stinging jellyfish so cover up with full length rash guards (tops and bottoms) to protect your skin.
Although the sea is warm here, after hours of snorkelling you will start to feel cold. These extra protective layers will come in handy. Plus you’ll be protected from the sun and more respectful to the local people.
Ear care and cleaning
Ear infections are rife in Raja Ampat. If you are unfortunate enough to get one, they will put a stop to all of your underwater activities.
Take preventative measures and always flush out your ears with freshwater. We cannot stress how important it is to administer disinfectant drops, to dry and clean your ears after snorkelling. We use a homemade mix of alcohol and white vinegar.
Snorkel Gear
We highly recommend wearing fins while snorkelling in Raja Ampat. Not only will they help you glide through the water, but if you get caught in a current, fins make a huge difference. They really are for your own safety. We really like the Mares Avanti Quattros, which are specifically designed for handling strong currents.
We prefer to use open back fins which allow for reef shoes or booties to be worn. These are a bit of a necessity in Raja Ampat! Navigating your way out to a reef over sharp dead coral at low tide is painful. We wear the Mares Equator 2mm dive boots, which are super comfy and pack down really small, so a great choice if you are travelling light.
Rental equipment is very hard to come by here, especially if you’re staying in a traditional Papuan homestay so it is best to bring your own mask, snorkel, fins and reef shoes.
Lastly with all these insanely beautiful reefs to explore, an underwater camera is a must! We use the GoPro Hero 5 mostly when freediving for wide angle and video, and the Sony RX100 M3 which is excellent for capturing macro, stills and video.
For more information don’t forget to check out our essential packing list for snorkelers.
Discovering the best snorkelling in Raja Ampat
We soon learnt that whether you are a lover of the big stuff, colourful coral reefs or tiny macro, there is never a lack of life. The only downside is, that snorkelling in Raja Ampat may be impossible to beat…
Have we been spoilt for life? Quite possibly! But thats ok, we’re already planning our next trip 😉 Want to go? Check out our Raja Ampat Travel Guide.
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