Snorkeling in Raja Ampat: Full Guide and Practical Tips

Why Snorkel in Raja Ampat?

Snorkeling Raja Ampat is a great way to immerse yourself in the region’s beautiful underwater world without having to scuba dive. Whether you’re already an avid diver or someone who has never learned to scuba dive, Raja Ampat snorkeling tours let you explore the area’s incredible biodiversity up close without having to don any scuba gear or go too deep into the watery depths.

Close to the surface, where the sunlight dapples through the waves, you can float above flourishing coral reefs, so colorful and active they almost seem magical. You can swim amongst schools of tropical fishes and enormous schooling fish and bob about with green sea turtles. If you’re lucky, you might even spot dugongs, majestic manta rays, reef sharks, and even the elusive wobbegong shark!

How deep is the Raja Ampat reef? The wonderful thing about snorkeling in Raja Ampat is that many coral reefs can be found in shallow depths at approximately 15 meters. Corals love sunlight and are most abundant in shallow waters.

Best Snorkeling Spots in Raja Ampat

Surrounding the Raja Ampat archipelago are numerous dive sites, some shallow enough that they make great snorkeling Raja Ampat sites. 

There are also mangrove forests and jetties that offer unique experiences and marine encounters. Here are some of our favorites.  

Batanta

Snorkeling Raja Ampat at Batanta is out of this world, with soft and hard corals, powdery white sands, and crystal clear waters. You’ll have the chance to swim with manta rays, dugongs and schools of tropical fish. There are also opportunities for mangrove snorkeling where you can spot unique species among the seagrass.

Batanta is wild and remote, filled with gorgeous natural beauty from thundering waterfalls to gushing streams. It’s covered by virgin rainforests, and you might be able to spot unique endemic birds here like the bird of paradise, cuscus, hornbills and more.

West Waigeo

Amazing snorkeling off the beaches of Waisai and Kabul Bay, but for exceptional Raja Ampat snorkeling head to remote West Waigeo where you’ll swim amongst enormous schooling fish in the thousands, tropical fish in all colors of the rainbow and float above incredibly healthy coral reefs bursting with life.

Those feeling adventurous can snorkel in Mayalibit Bay – the lagoon-like expanse of water that separates east from west Waigeo, home to 200 species of fish, an unidentified species of white dolphins, and a herd of saltwater crocodiles.

In Alyui Bay, you might spot white and black tip reef sharks, lionfish, sea turtles, and even manta rays. There are also pristine mangrove-lined inlets filled with bays and coves. Night snorkeling is amazing here at Pearl Farm Jetty.

Misool

One of the most biodiverse reefs in the world for snorkeling Raja Ampat is here at Misool with a stunning and diverse underwater landscape that you can view even from your Raja Ampat snorkeling liveaboard. The area is part of a marine reserve which means an abundant, pristine, and untouched underwater world that will take your breath away.

Filled with soft and hard corals and sponges, here at Misool, you may come across sharks and sperm whales, mantas, and sea snakes, in addition to colorful tropical fish and turtles, macros, cuttlefishes, and crustaceans.

On land, Misool is covered by ancient rainforests and mysterious caves, open for those who wish to explore. There are hidden lagoons and lakes for snorkeling in Raja Ampat, and even opportunities to meet with ancient and friendly indigenous local tribes.

More Great Locations for Snorkeling Raja Ampat

There are hundreds of other locations ideal for exceptional snorkeling in Raja Ampat that are all waiting to be explored on your Raja Ampat snorkeling cruise. Gam Island, for example, is perfect for mangrove snorkeling where you might be able to spot the famous Archerfish, also known as the ‘Spitfish’. 

Arborek Jetty and Yanbuba Jetty offer incredible snorkeling in Raja Ampat, a must when you’re on Raja Ampat snorkeling tour. Other locations would include the all-time divers’ favorite Melissa’s Garden and Cape Kri with over 300 marine species recorded in a single day!

Best Time to Visit Raja Ampat for Snorkeling

When to snorkel in Raja Ampat? The best time of the year to dive in Raja Ampat would generally be between October and April when there is minimal rain, milder winds, calmer seas, and better visibility. The good news is that Raja Ampat doesn’t have an “off” season so you can expect warm & sunny temperatures and amazing underwater visibility perfect for snorkeling Raja Ampat all year around.

What time should you go snorkeling? You can go anytime from our Raja Ampat snorkeling liveaboard, and even try night snorkeling! Is it safe to snorkel in Raja Ampat? Most definitely. Just be sure to follow the guidance and lead of the members of our professional and experienced team when you’re in the water.

Read more: Guide to Planning Your Raja Ampat Trip