Explore: Raja Ampat Islands
General Info
COVID-19:
- During the Pandemic, in some places, yachts have received a mixed reception and locals have insisted that they move on.
- There are some safe locations in Raja Ampat with welcoming locals. Contact Wick at Helena Marina for detailed information regarding the villages where yachts are welcome [Helena Marina: +62 811 485 371, E-mail: [email protected]].
Description:
Located off the northwest tip of Bird’s Head Peninsula on the island of New Guinea, in Indonesia’s West Papua province, Raja Ampat, or the Four Kings, is an archipelago comprising over 1,500 small islands, cays, and shoals surrounding the four main islands of Misool, Salawati, Batanta, and Waigeo, and the smaller island of Kofiau.
Raja Ampat archipelago is the part of Coral Triangle which contains the richest marine biodiversity on earth and has been described by scientists as a biological hotspot. The geography, diving, wildlife, culture and hospitality of the people are all legendary. Thanks to the Indonesian Throughflow, the diversity of marine life is staggering and crystal clear waters ensure the diving and snorkelling rates as among the best on the planet.
However, the incredible coral reefs here are now under threat from the Crown of Thorns Starfish and the local community needs your help. Read this news item (July 2018) to find out more.
Cruiser highlights:
There is a new marina now open at the Port of Waisai, on the west coast of the island of Waigeo.
Entrance notes or cautions:
There have been some recent near-misses with positions being taken from the paper charts for the Sorong area. Paper charts and GPS can vary up to 500m. Please take care when using paper charts for primary navigation.
See Cruising Reports for more detailed feedback from cruisers who have spent time in this area.
Crocodile Attacks – Raja Ampat
In April 2016 a fatal saltwater crocodile attack on a snorkeller was reported, off the coast of Minyaifun island.
http://www.divernet.com/home-diving-news/p305790-crocodile-attack-in-raja-ampat.html
Weather
Sudden tropical storms (that at times can be severe) can cause problems in the Raja Ampat and Sorong area. Since December 2016 there has been an unusually high number of these (locally known as “badai”), often causing havoc in the harbour with anchors dragging, near collisions and entanglements. They normally don’t last more than 20 minutes, but gusts can be as strong as 50 knots. Ground tackle and anchor winches will suffer wear and tear so be sure to arrive prepared with plenty of spares (at least a spare set of winch gears and at least two sets of winch motor brushes).
Position:
00° 29’S, 130° 09’E (western side of the islands)
Clearance
International clearance must be done in Sorong.
See Indonesia Formalities for details.
Raja Ampat
https://rajaampatmarinepark.com
- All visitors to Raja Ampat Marine Park must pay the Environmental Services Fee in order to receive a permit to enter the park, locally this is known as the “kartu LPJL”, which means “LPJL card” or “entry card”. The price now is Rp. 700,000/person and it’s available in Bintang Marina – Sorong.
- Entering the Marine Park without this card is in breach of Regulations, and can be penalized with expulsion from the Marine Park.
- Find out more at https://rajaampatmarinepark.com/entry-card/
Last updated: September 2021
Docking
- The Marina at Waisai (c) Meridian Adventure Marina.
Anchorages:
There is now a yacht marina at the Port of Waisai, on the south-east coast of the island of Waigeo . This new facility is being managed by Meridian Adventure Marina Club & Dive Resort. Temporary membership is available to transient yachts with prices starting at US$15 per day which gives access to the Marina Club’s facilities.
In the absence of berth availability, Waisai offers a calm, safe, and clean anchorage. Meridian Adventure provides water taxi services at no charge to club members to and from the Marina Club and the anchorage.
Moorings:
Pulau Pef
Pulau Pef in central Raja Ampat is a privately owned island with a dive resort that has two moorings for private yachts. There is no anchoring permitted around the island. If yachts want to stay at Pulau Pef, there is a sheltered bay on the east side of the island where mooring on two buoys is possible for a daily service fee. This fee is mandatory – see details below.
Daram Island
The first two moorings in the new Raja Ampat Mooring System (RAMS) have been placed at Daram Island, which is located off the east coast of Misool Island, one of the four main islands in the Raja Ampat Marine Protected Area. At the moment there is no charge to use these moorings which will help protect coral in this popular dive site. For more information, see the following news item.
Raja Ampat – New moorings installed at Daram Island.
Last updated: December 2019
Related Businesses
Meridian Adventure Marina Club & Dive Resort Waisai
Address: Raja Ampat Islands, Eastern Indonesia - Papua, Indonesia,
VHF Channel 16 and 72
Marina Location: 00°.25.984 S, 130°.48.386 E;
New marina with 5 Med moor berth positions on the floating dock (up to 35 metre... Read More
Raja4Divers Moorings – Pulau Pef
Address: Raja Ampat Islands, Eastern Indonesia - Papua, Indonesia,
Free anchoring is NOT permitted around the island. The dive shop has a mooring for visiting yachts - charge 20 Euros per person per night,... Read More
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