Dive Site: Mike's Point

About Mike's Point

Mike's Point is an exceptional dive site located in the Dampier Strait of Raja Ampat, positioned between Gam and Mansuar islands. This site features a distinctive pinnacle, an uninhabited island with small trees and birdlife, rumored to have been bombed during WWII due to its resemblance to a warship or damaged by past dynamite fishing. The island's topography, both above and below the surface, reveals massive crevasses and overhangs, creating a unique underwater landscape. The dive unfolds around this pinnacle, which is surrounded by an enormous reef plateau. On the south-facing side, a massive reef wall extends beyond 40 meters, adorned with vibrant soft corals and teeming with macro life. Divers can find shelter from the strong currents within huge overhangs, which also host schools of yellow-striped sweetlips and various other fish species. As you circle the island, the wall transitions into gentle slopes that reach the seafloor, eventually flattening into an 8-meter plateau along the northern and eastern edges, offering numerous overhangs and natural swim-throughs. These slopes and plateaus boast an incredible array of hard coral formations, vibrant and diverse as far as the eye can see. The strategic location in the Dampier Strait means that powerful currents sweep through the area, attracting large schools of marine life to the site. While the peak current periods bring abundant life, diving during slack tide allows for a more relaxed exploration of the entire site. Due to the strong currents, Mike's Point is generally recommended for experienced divers, especially during peak current times. However, diving during slack tide makes the site accessible for most divers. Many choose to complete their safety stop on the shallow plateau, where sunlight filters through the rock and coral formations, creating a truly spectacular end to the dive.

Dive site facts: Mike's Point

Depth

8–40 m

Current

Strong

Entry

Negative entry / tender

Level

Advanced, current experience helpful

Dive type

Wall, drift, reef

Region / port

Dampier Strait, Central Raja Ampat

Coordinates

-0.548, 130.685

Conditions & Currents

Mike's Point is known for its strong, nutrient-rich currents, which are a defining characteristic of the Dampier Strait. These currents can range from mild to challenging depending on the tidal phase, making it essential for divers to have good buoyancy control and experience with drift diving. Entry to the water is often a negative entry, descending quickly to the reef to avoid being swept away by surface currents. Reef hooks are frequently used to allow divers to observe the rich marine life without exerting excessive effort against the flow. Visibility can fluctuate with these currents; while they bring abundant nutrients that attract marine life, plankton blooms can occasionally reduce clarity. Divers should be prepared for varying conditions and follow their guide's instructions closely, as current direction and strength can change rapidly.

Marine life & sighting chances

Fusiliers

October to May · common

Jacks

October to May · common

Snapper

October to May · common

Sweetlips

October to May · common

Barracuda

October to May · common

Grey reef sharks

October to May · occasional

Blacktip reef sharks

October to May · occasional

Wobbegong sharks

October to May · occasional

Giant trevally

October to May · occasional

Bumphead parrotfish

October to May · rare

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Mike's Point typically begins with a negative entry due to potentially strong surface currents, quickly descending to the reef wall. The dive usually follows the contours of the dramatic wall, exploring its rich coral formations and diverse marine life. Guides often lead divers through the iconic swim-throughs, adding an adventurous element to the dive. Depending on the current, divers might drift along the wall, observing schools of fish and passing pelagics. The dive will progress along the reef, with the turn point determined by air consumption and current direction. Safety stops are performed in more sheltered areas or by using reef hooks if currents are still strong, ensuring a controlled ascent and decompression before surfacing to the tender.

Underwater photography

Mike's Point offers incredible opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography, though strong currents can present a challenge. For wide-angle shots, consider capturing the dramatic reef walls and the schools of fusiliers, jacks, and barracuda that often congregate. A fisheye or wide-angle rectilinear lens is ideal here, paired with strobes to bring out the vibrant colors of the corals. For macro subjects, search for smaller critters nestled within the coral formations during periods of milder current; focus on stable buoyancy to avoid disturbing the reef. Patience is key when shooting in current-swept areas, as subjects can move quickly. Consider using a reef hook for stability to compose your shots without kicking, allowing for clearer images of the abundant life.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Cape Kri

  Known for record-breaking fish biodiversity and strong currents.

• Sardine Reef

  Famous for dense schools of fish and powerful currents.

• Mioskon

  Diverse reef with schools of fish and wobbegong sharks.

• Friwin Wall

  Sheltered wall dive with rich coral gardens, suitable for various levels.

• Arborek Jetty

  Excellent macro and sheltered site for relaxed dives.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Mike's Point, like most of Raja Ampat, typically involves flying into Sorong (SOQ) airport, usually via major Indonesian hubs like Jakarta or Makassar. From Sorong, liveaboards or resort tenders transport divers to the dive sites, with Mike's Point being easily reachable within the Dampier Strait. Liveaboard trips often range from 7 to 12 days, covering multiple regions of Raja Ampat, including central areas where Mike's Point is located. Divers are required to purchase a Raja Ampat Marine Park Entry Permit, valid for one calendar year, which supports local conservation efforts. Shorter resort-based stays are also possible, often focusing on sites within the Dampier Strait, offering daily boat dives.

Safety & environment

Diving at Mike's Point demands a high level of situational awareness due to potentially strong and unpredictable currents. Divers should maintain excellent buoyancy control and be proficient in drift diving techniques. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Sorong, which can be several hours away by boat depending on the dive site's exact location. Therefore, comprehensive dive insurance covering emergency evacuation and medical treatment, including hyperbaric therapy, is not just recommended but essential. Always dive with a qualified local guide who understands the currents and conditions. Divers should carry an SMB (Surface Marker Buoy) and know how to deploy it, especially given the potential for drift and boat traffic in the area. Listen carefully to dive briefings and adhere to all safety protocols.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Mike's Point FAQ

Liveaboards diving Mike's Point

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

Jaya

Indonesia

14 guests23 m

$280/day

Wellenreng

Indonesia

9 guests25 m

$426/day

Blue Manta

Indonesia

20 guests45 m

$488/day

Mari

Indonesia

14 guests32.2 m

$327/day

Situju7

Komodo, Indonesia

10 guests32.7 m

$362/day

Pindito

Indonesia

16 guests37.79 m

$533/day

Mermaid II

Komodo, Indonesia

18 guests

$354/day

Pearl of Papua

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

14 guests30 m

$303/day

Aliikai Voyage

Indonesia

15 guests40 m

$658/day

Gaia Love

Alor

20 guests

$554/day

Emperor Raja Laut

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

12 guests31 m

$413/day

Ambai

Indonesia

16 guests32 m

$452/day