Raja Ampat Snorkeling

Snorkeling site in Yenbuba

I organize snorkeling tours in Raja Ampat especially for tourists who like to see marine life of the islands. Snorkeling is the activity of swimming with the aid of snorkel and snorkeling mask. A snorkel is a pipe that connects the mouth of the swimmer and the air. Wearing swimming googles or snorkeling mask, a snorkeler will be able to see reef fish, sea stars, colorful corals and other marine creatures. 

To prevent fogging on the glass surface of the mask during snorkeling, some drops of liquid soap are applied. When rinsing the mask, a snorkeler has to leave very thin layer of the soap on the surface of the mask. With clear mask, we can see everything underwater clearly. Snorkelers usually wear lifejackets, and fins.
Underwater camera is also needed especially for those who want to take pictures or make videos of the fish and coral reef that they see while snorkeling or freediving. Snorkelers can bring GoPro, Nikon 130 and Fujifilm XQ2 with waterproof casing or Olympus TG 7 which is very popular among snorkelers and scuba divers. 

Reef fish in coral reef of Waigeo

Snorkeling Sites

Raja Ampat islands have got a lot of snorkeling sites. The ones that are closer to Waisai town and can easily be reached by town dwellers are located along the southern coast of Waigeo. A number of beach resorts are operating at this coast including D'Coral, Gurara, Scuba Republic, Putras and Raja Ampat Dive Resort. Snorkeling sites in Urai, Friwen wall, Mission, Cape Kri and Yenbuba are also very good for snorkelers. 

In northeast of Waigeo, there are Mamiaef and Waim islands. They are also very nice snorkeling sites. Kri, Mansuar, and Gam have got a lot of coral reef sites too. Going further to the east, we can also find Batanta and Salawati islands. Arborek is frequently visited by snorkelers because it is a transit point to Piaynemo that also has got coral reef areas. Wayag in the west of Waigeo is the famous icon of Raja Ampat. It has got coral reef sites too. Snorkeling in the islands that face open sea can sometimes be dangerous. Make sure there is a motorized boat near you when you swim in the waters whose current is strong. 

Kofiau and Misool have got pristine coral reef too. Unfortunately, it is located in remote region. 

Combined Activities

Coral reef in North-east region of Waigeo

Snorkeling is not the only activity which tourists can do while traveling to Raja Ampat. It can be combined with such activities as hiking, bird and wildlife watching. Trips to villages, river areas can also be organized.

Birding Tour in Raja Ampat

Wildlife Tour
The snorkeling tour can be combined with wildlife tour in the mornings and late afternoons for tour participants to see various species of tropical birds including Red Bird of Paradise and Wilson's Bird of Paradise, Palm Cockatoo, Common Paradise Kingfisher, and etc. The duration of this combined snorkeling and wildlife tour is between 4 to 7 days. 

Night walk could be conducted to see cuscus, Papuan frogmouth and other nocturnal animal of Waigeo. 

Red Bird of Paradise

Accommodation
There are tens of homestays and beach resorts which visitors can choose while traveling in Raja Ampat. The famous ones such as Papua Explorers Dive Resort, Kri Eco Resort, Misool Eco Resort, Raja Ampat Biodiversity Eco Resort have got their own websites which visitors can read before flying to Indonesia. There are also hotels and lodges inside Waisai town (the capital of Raja Ampat regency). However, most snorkeling visitors prefer to stay in beach resorts and coastal homestays so that they can easily have access to the beaches or house reefs.

Booking

If you are interested in traveling to Raja Ampat and want me to organize and guide you, please, contact me by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.

Also read:

• Raja Ampat Snorkeling Review
• Snorkeling Video from Raja Ampat
• Raja Ampat Guided Snorkeling Tours
• Raja Ampat Snorkeling and Birding Tour