Dive Site: Yeben Shallows

Dive site facts: Yeben Shallows

Depth

5–30 m

Current

Mild to moderate

Visibility

15–25 m

Water temperature

26–29°C

Entry

Tender

Level

Beginner to intermediate

Dive type

Reef, macro, coral slope

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Coordinates

-0.4917, 130.3343

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Yeben Shallows are generally manageable, making it suitable for a range of dive experiences. However, localized currents can occur, especially in channels between islands, influencing drift potential. Dive planning often considers tidal states to optimize exploration or for gentle drifts along the reef structures. Visibility typically averages around 20 meters, but can be influenced by weather patterns or plankton blooms. Water temperatures are consistently warm, ranging from 26 to 29°C. Divers should be aware of potential surge near the surface, especially closer to the island, and maintain good buoyancy control to protect the abundant coral formations.

Marine life & sighting chances

Garden Eels

common

Wobbegong Sharks

occasional

Pygmy Seahorses

occasional

Ornate Ghost Pipefish

occasional

Manta Rays

common

Butterflyfish

common

Reef Sharks

occasional

Nudibranchs

common

Shrimp

common

Soft Corals

common

Hard Corals

common

Sea Fans

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Yeben Shallows typically begins with a tender drop, often allowing for a gentle entry onto the reef. The dive follows the contours of the island's shallow reefs, which extend from walls to gradual slopes. You will explore a variety of habitats, including vibrant coral gardens and sandy patches where garden eels are frequently observed. The route can be adapted to current conditions, sometimes allowing for a mild drift along the reef. Depths vary from the shallower sections ideal for exploring diverse coral formations to deeper sandy areas. The dive concludes with a gradual ascent, often incorporating a safety stop over the expansive, healthy reef top, allowing for extended exploration of the shallows before boarding the tender.

Underwater photography

Yeben Shallows offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography due to its diverse topography and rich marine life. For wide-angle shots, a fisheye or wide-angle rectilinear lens will capture the expansive coral formations, walls, and schooling butterflyfish. Utilize strobes to bring out the vibrant colors of the soft and hard corals. For macro subjects, including garden eels, nudibranchs, and pygmy seahorses, a 60mm or 100mm macro lens is ideal. Focus on maintaining excellent buoyancy to avoid damaging delicate corals and disturbing marine life, especially when photographing smaller critters. The clear, shallow water often allows for ambient light photography, particularly for reefscapes.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Wofoh

  Known for towering cliffs, black coral walls, and macro life like ornate ghost pipefish and pygmy seahorses.

• The Passage

  A unique saltwater river dive between Gam and Waigeo islands, famous for drift diving, caverns, and unique macro life.

• Manta Alley

  A known manta cleaning station, offering frequent sightings of manta rays.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Yeben Shallows is typically facilitated by liveaboard cruises operating in Raja Ampat. The main international gateway for Raja Ampat is Sorong (SOQ) airport, located approximately 115 km from the site. Divers typically fly into Sorong and then transfer to their liveaboard. Trips to Raja Ampat usually range from 7 to 14 nights, covering various sites across the region. Visitors must pay a Raja Ampat marine park entry fee, which supports conservation efforts. While Yeben Shallows is not within a marine protected area, adhering to local guidelines and responsible diving practices is crucial. Indonesia operates on Rupiah (IDR), and visitors from many countries can obtain a visa on arrival.

Safety & environment

For diving in Raja Ampat, including Yeben Shallows, comprehensive dive insurance, such as DAN, is strongly recommended. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Waisai, but medical evacuation from this remote region can be complex and time-consuming. Always dive within your training limits and be mindful of your air consumption, as emergency assistance may not be immediate. Water temperatures are warm, but a 3/2mm shorty or wetsuit is advisable. Reef-safe sunscreen is essential to protect both your skin and the delicate coral ecosystems. Be vigilant for boat traffic, especially when surfacing, and always deploy an SMB.

Who it suits, and who it doesn't

FAQ

Yeben Shallows FAQ

Liveaboards diving Yeben Shallows

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

Panunee

Indonesia

18 guests38 m

Naga Biru

Indonesia

12 guests40 m

Ecopro Duyung Baru

Indonesia

6 guests27 m

Jaya

Indonesia

14 guests23 m

Wellenreng

Indonesia

9 guests25 m

Komodo Aggressor

Komodo, Indonesia

16 guests29 m

Blue Manta

Indonesia

20 guests45 m

Mari

Indonesia

14 guests32 m

Situju7

Komodo, Indonesia

10 guests33 m

Pindito

Indonesia

16 guests38 m

Mermaid II

Komodo, Indonesia

18 guests

Pearl of Papua

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

14 guests30 m