Critically EndangeredGiant Clam
Tridacna gigas
The epicentre of the Coral Triangle and the greatest marine biodiversity known on the planet: around 75% of all described coral species and more than 1,500 species of fish. The Bird's Head Seascape that contains it covers more than 4.5 million hectares of reef, mangrove and island. Water temperature runs at 27-30 °C, with occasional thermoclines of 22 °C at the deep sites in the south.
Depth
5–40 m
Recommended level
Open Water
Average visibility
25 m
Raja Ampat network of marine protected areas (Bird's Head Seascape)
The Dampier Strait, the heart of the area's diving, is named after William Dampier, an English captain and former privateer, the first European to sail through it, in 1700. Around 40% of Raja Ampat's reef manta rays are melanistic — completely black — a proportion found nowhere else.
Sources consulted: Papua Diving · La Galigo Liveaboard · White Manta · liveaboardindonesia.com · southeastasiadiving.com
Which other dive sites are like this one?
Same country: Indonesia
Same country: Indonesia
Same country: Indonesia
Based on what we already know about this dive site.
Water temperature
29 °C
Current
Moderate to strong
Access
Liveaboard
Best season
October-April
Route duration
7–10 days
Recommended certification
Advanced Open Water
Approx. price
150 USD / dive
Plan your dive
Same country: Indonesia
Indonesia