Dive Site: Wofoh

About Wofoh

Wofoh is an exceptional dive destination located within the Raja Ampat archipelago, celebrated for its dramatic towering cliffs and lush tropical vegetation extending below the waterline. The Wofoh Islands feature two distinct and remarkable wall dives: Edi's Black Forest and Red Patch Wall. Edi's Black Forest, found at the southernmost point, is aptly named for its notable black coral formations swaying gently along the wall. This site then transitions to a gentle slope dotted with colorful soft coral bommies, creating a rich habitat. Red Patch Wall, situated on the opposite side of the island, is distinguished by its red-stained appearance, although it is abundantly covered in sponges and soft corals with vibrant hues. The dive here typically concludes over a soft slope adorned with numerous hard coral outcroppings, resembling an underwater garden. The topography offers a mix of vertical walls and gentle slopes, accommodating various diving styles and opportunities for macro and wide-angle photography. The area is known for supporting a rich diversity of marine life, including wobbegong sharks and delicate macro creatures. Diving at Wofoh is best experienced when the sun is out, as natural light enhances the vivid colors of the corals and sponges. This site forms a part of the broader Raja Ampat diving experience, predominantly accessed via liveaboard, offering a truly immersive encounter with one of the world's most biodiverse marine environments.

Dive site facts: Wofoh

Depth

20 m

Current

Moderate

Entry

Liveaboard only

Level

Advanced recommended

Dive type

Wall, drift, macro, coral slope

Region / port

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Coordinates

4.6355° S, 123.7236° E

Conditions & Currents

As part of Raja Ampat, Wofoh's dive sites are often subject to moderate currents, which are a defining characteristic of the region and contribute to its rich biodiversity. These currents deliver essential nutrients, supporting the prolific coral and fish life encountered during dives. While not explicitly detailed for Wofoh, Raja Ampat's currents can vary, sometimes necessitating drift diving techniques. Divers should be prepared for potential variations in current strength and direction, especially when navigating walls and slopes. Good buoyancy control is advisable, as conditions can change. The prevailing currents in Raja Ampat generally support excellent marine life, though visibility might fluctuate with plankton blooms attracted by nutrient-rich waters.

Marine life & sighting chances

Black coral

common

Ornate ghost pipefish

occasional

Pygmy seahorse

occasional

Wobbegong shark

occasional

Soft coral

common

Hard coral

common

Sponge

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

A typical dive at Wofoh begins along one of its distinct walls, such as Edi's Black Forest or Red Patch Wall. Divers descend to explore the vertical faces, which are adorned with black coral, vibrant soft corals, and sponges. For Edi's Black Forest, the route often involves swimming along the wall, carefully observing the coral for macro life like ornate ghost pipefish and pygmy seahorses, before ascending gently over a soft coral slope filled with bommies. At Red Patch Wall, the dive progresses along the red-stained wall covered in sponges and soft corals, eventually leading to a gentle slope rich in hard coral outcroppings. Throughout the dive, divers should keep an eye out for wobbegong sharks hidden beneath coral formations. Safety stops are typically performed over these shallower coral gardens.

Underwater photography

Wofoh offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography, particularly when diving under sunny conditions that highlight the vibrant coral colors. For wide-angle shots, focus on the dramatic walls of Edi's Black Forest and Red Patch Wall, capturing the extensive soft coral coverage and formations. A wide-angle lens with external strobes will help bring out the true hues of the sponges and corals. Macro photographers should bring a dedicated macro lens to search for pygmy seahorses and ornate ghost pipefish within the soft corals and crevices. Patience and good buoyancy are essential to avoid disturbing delicate subjects and ensure clear shots.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Yeben Shallows

  A shallow reef system with garden eels and sloping reefs, ideal for snorkeling and diving, located west of Waisai.

• The Passage

  A unique saltwater river dive between Gam and Waigeo islands, known for its dramatic topography, caverns, and unique macro life.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Wofoh is primarily through liveaboard trips operating within the Raja Ampat region of Indonesia, located off the northwest tip of New Guinea's Bird's Head Peninsula. Liveaboards typically embark from Sorong, which is accessible via domestic flights from major Indonesian hubs like Jakarta or Makassar. Trips usually range from 7 to 14 days, providing comprehensive itineraries that cover remote and pristine sites like Wofoh. Divers are required to purchase a Raja Ampat Marine Park Entry Permit, valid for one calendar year, which costs approximately USD $100.

Safety & environment

Diving in Raja Ampat, including sites like Wofoh, generally requires good physical fitness and sound diving skills due to potentially moderate currents. Divers should always carry valid dive insurance that covers medical emergencies and recompression. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Sorong, which can be a significant distance depending on the liveaboard's location, making evacuation times potentially long. Always adhere to your dive guide's briefings, maintain good buoyancy control, and stay within your training limits. Be mindful of marine life, especially endemic species like wobbegong sharks, giving them space and avoiding disturbance.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Wofoh FAQ

Liveaboards diving Wofoh

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

Naga Biru

Indonesia

12 guests40 m

$274/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

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

$355/day

Pearl of Papua

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

14 guests30 m

$303/day

Putri Naga

Komodo, Indonesia

6 guests25 m