04Experiences

Underwater

Diving & snorkeling

Indonesia sits inside the Coral Triangle and holds some of the richest dive sites on Earth. Raja Ampat alone has more than 600 hard-coral species, and much of its water has been a marine protected area since 2009—so you swim among colorful reefs, schools of fish, and sea fans. You need not be an advanced diver: snorkeling from a boat or the shore is enough to see a great deal in clear shallow water. Near Jakarta itself, the Thousand Islands include a national marine park you can visit on a day trip. In Komodo National Park, strong currents draw experienced divers and large fish. Tip: choose a certified dive center, ask about currents before you enter the water, and never touch the coral—it is a living organism that grows very slowly. Ask your dive center which months are best for each area; conditions differ from place to place. If this is your first time, take a short course with a certified instructor before going deeper.

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Hard coral species in Raja Ampat

2009

Marine protected area in Raja Ampat since