Dive Site: Mahi Mahi Point

About Mahi Mahi Point

Mahi Mahi Point is a dive site located in Alor, Indonesia, forming part of an archipelago renowned for its rich marine biodiversity. This region in Indonesia boasts some of the world's most vibrant and diverse marine ecosystems, making it a prime destination for liveaboard diving. The site itself contributes to Alor's reputation for rugged volcanic terrain and unspoiled underwater environments. The topography of Mahi Mahi Point generally ranges from 5 to 35 meters in depth. While specific details on its underwater structure are not provided, Alor's dive sites often feature dynamic underwater landscapes, with currents influencing dive plans. Divers can expect to explore areas that likely include coral formations and potentially some slopes or walls, given the typical underwater structures in the area. Alor's waters are known for their abundant marine life, though no specific species are mentioned for Mahi Mahi Point. However, in general, Indonesian dive sites are home to over 2,000 species of fish and more than 500 types of coral. Given its location in Indonesia, divers can anticipate encounters with a variety of reef fish and invertebrates, contributing to a vibrant underwater experience. Due to the depth range and the general nature of diving in Indonesian archipelagos, dives here typically involve boat entries. The mention of currents often suggests that this could be a drift dive site, requiring divers to be comfortable with moving water. It caters to a range of experience levels, from beginners to more advanced divers depending on the prevailing conditions.

Dive site facts: Mahi Mahi Point

Depth

5–30 m

Typical dive

15–25 m, 45–60 min

Current

Strong, unpredictable

Visibility

15–30 m

Water temperature

28–30°C

Entry

Negative entry / liveaboard tender

Level

Advanced, drift experience recommended

Dive type

Drift, coral gardens, pelagic encounters

Night dive

Not typical due to currents

Region / port

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Coordinates

-0.4923, 130.7534

Conditions & Currents

Mahi Mahi Point is known for its strong and often unpredictable currents, typical of many nutrient-rich sites in Raja Ampat. Divers should expect a significant drift during most dives, requiring advanced buoyancy control and comfort with current. Entry is typically a negative entry to quickly descend to the reef and avoid being swept away, and divers must stay close to their guides. The currents are responsible for the site's incredible marine life, bringing in ample food for corals and fish alike, but they also necessitate careful dive planning and good air consumption management. Slack tide can offer a brief respite, but the site generally delivers an exhilarating, fast-paced experience. Visibility can be affected by plankton blooms brought in by these currents, yet the sheer volume of marine life usually compensates.

Marine life & sighting chances

Manta ray

December–March · occasional

Blacktip reef shark

common

Wobbegong shark

occasional

Pygmy seahorse

occasional

Barracuda

common

Giant trevally

occasional

Fusilier

common

Sweetlips

common

Tuna

occasional

Turtle

common

Nudibranch

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

A dive at Mahi Mahi Point typically begins with a negative entry from a liveaboard tender, allowing divers to quickly descend and latch onto the reef before being swept away by the strong currents. The dive plan is a classic drift, following the reef wall and slope as the current dictates. Divers maintain depth between 15-25 meters, gliding over extensive hard and soft coral gardens, keeping an eye out for schooling fish and patrolling pelagics in the blue. The dive progresses along the length of the point, with divers staying close to the reef for shelter and to observe macro life. The turnaround point is determined by air consumption and current strength, after which the group ascends slowly for a safety stop in the blue, potentially deploying an SMB, before surfacing and being picked up by the tender following the group's trajectory.

Underwater photography

Mahi Mahi Point offers fantastic opportunities for wide-angle photography, especially with its expansive coral formations and large schools of fish. A wide-angle lens is essential to capture the grandeur of the reef and the frequent pelagic encounters. Due to the strong currents, maintaining good buoyancy is critical to avoid damaging corals or being swept off course. For macro enthusiasts, there are sheltered spots along the reef where pygmy seahorses and nudibranchs can be found, though a dedicated macro dive might be better suited for less current-prone sites. Strobes are highly recommended to bring out the vibrant colors of the corals and marine life, which would otherwise appear muted in natural light at depth. Always be mindful of your surroundings and the current, prioritizing safety and reef protection over getting the perfect shot.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Misool Island Reefs

  Offers pristine reefs and cleaning stations, often combined with Raja Ampat itineraries.

• The Passage Raja Ampat

  A unique narrow channel with swift currents and diverse ecosystems.

• Mandolin Point

  Known for its vibrant soft corals and abundant fish life, also in Raja Ampat.

• Wayag Lagoon

  Iconic Raja Ampat landscape above water, with rich reefs below.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Mahi Mahi Point, like most of Raja Ampat, is primarily via liveaboard vessels departing from Sorong. International flights typically arrive at Jakarta (CGK) or Makassar (UPG), followed by a domestic flight to Sorong (SOQ). Liveaboard trips usually range from 7 to 10 nights, often combining dive sites across Misool, Dampier Strait, and Batanta regions. It is advisable to book liveaboards 6-12 months in advance, especially for the high season. All divers must purchase a Raja Ampat Marine Park Entry Permit, valid for one calendar year. This permit helps support conservation efforts within the park.

Safety & environment

Diving at Mahi Mahi Point requires careful attention to safety protocols, particularly due to the strong and sometimes unpredictable currents. Divers must be proficient in drift diving techniques, including negative entries, maintaining streamlined positions, and deploying SMBs. Always stay close to your dive guide and buddy. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Waisai, Raja Ampat, but evacuation to more comprehensive medical facilities in Sorong or further to Jakarta may be necessary for serious incidents. Comprehensive dive insurance, including evacuation and recompression coverage, is highly recommended. Pay close attention to pre-dive briefings, understand emergency procedures, and be prepared for surface pickups after drift dives.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Mahi Mahi Point FAQ

Liveaboards diving Mahi Mahi Point

These liveaboards may visit Mahi Mahi Point on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Naga Biru

Indonesia

12 guests40 m

$273/day

Ecopro Duyung Baru

Indonesia

6 guests27 m

$361/day

Jaya

Indonesia

14 guests23 m

$280/day

Wellenreng

Indonesia

9 guests25 m

$427/day

Komodo Aggressor

Komodo, Indonesia

16 guests29 m

$312/day

Blue Manta

Indonesia

20 guests45 m

$482/day

Mari

Indonesia

14 guests32.2 m

$328/day

Situju7

Komodo, Indonesia

10 guests32.7 m

$362/day

Pindito

Indonesia

16 guests37.79 m

$533/day

Mermaid II

Komodo, Indonesia

18 guests

$391/day

Pearl of Papua

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

14 guests30 m

$303/day

Putri Naga

Komodo, Indonesia

6 guests25 m