Dampier Strait Dive Site — Raja Ampat
About Dampier Strait
The main channel between Waigeo and Batanta islands. Strong currents attract mantas, dolphins, and occasionally whale sharks. Thrilling drift dives carry you past coral-covered walls teeming with life. The strait acts as a funnel for nutrient-rich water, supporting an extraordinary concentration of marine species. Morning dives often feature manta ray feeding aggregations in the plankton-rich flow.
Site Information
- Depth: 10–30 m
- Difficulty: advanced
- Site type: Channel/Drift
- Current: Diving in Dampier Strait is characterized by very strong, plankton-rich currents due to its channel-like position between two large islands. These conditions attract abundant marine life and create exciting drift diving opportunities, but they require experienced divers comfortable in significant water movement. Divers should consider bringing extra lanyards for equipment security.
- Best time: Year-round
- Region: Raja Ampat
Highlights
- Mantas
- Dolphins
- Strong currents
- Pelagics