Raja Ampat Coral Reef Snorkeling and Rainforest Wildlife Watching Tour

Raja Ampat has been famous around the world for its pristine coral reef, visitors travel to this archipelago to enjoy snorkeling over the coral reef to see such fish as butterflyfish, angelfish, spadefish, surgeonfish, rabbitfish, damselfish, snappers, coral breams, anthias, parrotfish, wrasse, cardinalfish, dottybacks, goby, blennies, frogfish, triggerfish and etc. Most tourists go to southern part of Waigeo, Gam, Kri, Mansuar, Arborek, and Piaynemo. Those who are more adventurous will explore islands in Kofiau, Weeim that are mostly not known among ordinary mainstream visitors. Misool islands in the south of Raja Ampat are also beautiful both above the water and under the water.

Raja Ampat Adventure

The rainforest that covers the islands are also interesting to explore. Soa-soa monitor lizard, birds of paradise, possum, and wild boar and snakes can be found in the islands of Raja Ampat. The same as the mainland New Guinea, Raja Ampat archipelago does not have big predator such as tiger and lion. But it has colorful birds such as Eclectus Parrot, Lowland Peltop, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Yellow-faced Myna and etc.

I used to organize snorkeling and birdwatching tours for German and Indian visitors to eastern region of Waigeo. We went there by boat and enjoyed snorkeling at the beaches of uninhabited islands of Waim and Mamiaef. The north coast eastern coast of Waigeo island is the nesting ground of turtles including Green Sea Turtles, Leatherback, Hawksbill and Olive-ridley Sea turtles. There are a lot of sea birds in Raja Ampat. Some that are noticeable include White-bellied Sea Eagle, Eastern Osprey, Whimbrel, Radjah Shelduck, and Little-pied Cormorant. 

White sandy beach in Kri island of Raja Ampat

Visitors traveling to Raja Ampat need to bring snorkeling set, and binoculars, head lights and camera both for underwater and above the water photography. This will allow them to take pictures of sea and land animals as well as a lot of tropical plants that are unique. 

Sopen village

During the adventure tour in the forest of eastern Waigeo, we did not stay in a guesthouse or beach resort. We stayed in tents by the river. By doing that we were able to see Red Bird of Paradise as well as other birds in the forest. I and the visitors were in Sopen village. Continuing our exploration of the region, we went to Fish lagoon located near Yensner and Yenpapir. We did not do snorkeling, we went hiking in the forest where we watch Lowland Peltop, Eclectus Parrot, Torresian Crow, Olive-backed Sunbird, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Hooded Butcherbird and Brahminy Kite.

Indonesia has allowed foreign visitors to go to Raja Ampat again. It is a great opportunity for visitors to see the beautiful seascape of West Papua. 

Crystal clear water with coral reef in Raja Ampat

Now Lion Air, Sriwijaya Air, Batik Air provide daily flights to Sorong city from major cities in Indonesia such as Makassar, Surabaya, Denpasar and Jakarta. Visitors can book tickets online using popular website or application in Indonesia such as traveloka. 

If you plan to visit Raja Ampat and other areas in West Papua and want me (Charles Roring) to organize your tour and guide you, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.