Raja Ampat's best dive resorts

Raja Ampat, located in Indonesia's West Papua province, is one of the world’s best reef diving destinations. Divers and snorkelers alike flock to the area to explore its stunning coral reefs and karst landscapes, and encounter Raja Ampat’s exceptional marine life - including its famous manta rays.

Visitors to Raja Ampat can now stay at a range of secluded dive resorts, or join a liveaboard trip to explore more distant islands and dive sites. If you’ve decided that a resort stay is the best choice for you in Raja Ampat, then it’s important to carefully consider your choice of dive resort. The atmosphere, facilities and nearby dive sites are all important factors that can make or break your vacation, and given that many of the resorts are quite remote, its not easy to move resort if you’re not happy with your location.

So to help you find your ideal dive resort in Raja Ampat, we’ve combined our first-hand knowledge of this area with feedback from our guests to create a rundown of the best dive resorts in Raja Ampat - including what makes each resort unique.

Located on a private island in the far southern reaches of Raja Ampat, Misool Eco Resort is a secluded sanctuary for scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts dedicated to sustainable tourism.  This idyllic resort is surrounded by a marine reserve spanning over 1,200 square kilometres, and the resort offers easy access to world class dive sites, including Fiabacet, Boo, Yilliet, Wobbegong City, and Magic Mountain, where pristine coral reefs and abundant marine life have proliferated. Three boat dives are offered daily, as well as either a dusk or night dive, and nitrox is free for qualified divers, and guests can also enjoy the resort’s luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, and a spa offering rejuvenating treatments after a day of exploration. Additional facilities include a yoga pavilion, a beachfront bar, and a well-equipped dive center. 

Misool Eco Resort’s unparalleled commitment to conservation makes it truly unique. The resort was built on the site of a former shark finning camp on Batbitim and constructed entirely from reclaimed wood. Today, it features its own on-site organic hydroponics lab and offers spa treatments using products made from fresh local ingredients. But, this resort’s real legacy is the surrounding 300,000 acre marine reserve of its own creation. The resort plays a vital role in protecting the region’s biodiversity and guests can support conservation initiatives, such as reef monitoring and plastic reduction campaigns, contributing directly to local environmental efforts. This dedication to sustainability, combined with exceptional diving and luxury amenities, ensures an extraordinary and impactful experience.

Please note, Misool is booked until the 2027 / 2028 season.

Travel tip: Resort transfers to/from Sorong are on Fridays and Sundays.

Located on the island of Gam, Papua Explorers Dive Resort is one of the most highly-regarded dive resorts in Raja Ampat, with a reputation for high standards of service and commitment to sustainability. The resort features traditional overwater bungalows along the coast that blend with the natural surroundings, and offer guests breathtaking views of the sea. Its location allows easy access to iconic dive sites such as Cape Kri, Blue Magic, and Manta Sandy, renowned for vibrant coral reefs, schools of fish, and of course, the manta rays. The onsite PADI 5-Star dive centre organises up to three boat dives a day. Snorkelers are welcome to join the dive boats or can be allocated a boat of their own if in a group of five or more. Suitably certified divers can also make the most of unlimited diving on the house reef and free nitrox fills. When not diving, guests can enjoy the resort’s top-notch amenities, including a spa, and a restaurant serving local and international cuisine.

What makes Papua Explorers really stand out is its commitment to sustainability and community involvement. The resort runs several marine conservation programmes and supports local Papuan communities through education and job opportunities. Guests can even participate coral restoration projects. This combination of luxury, environmental stewardship, and cultural immersion creates a unique experience for every visitor.

Another standout feature of this resort are its beautiful water villas. These spacious rooms are perched above the ocean, along the edge of the jungle and overlook the Dampier Strait. Each was built using local materials and designed to harness the cooling sea breeze to keep guests comfortable. Rooms feature ensuite bathrooms supplied with hot water, a desk for working on cameras, mosquito nets, and a veranda providing stunning views and direct access to the sea.

Travel tip: Resort transfers to/from Sorong are provided on Wednesdays and Sundays

Located on the southern coast of Waigeo facing the Dampier Strait, Dive Into Raja Ampat Resort offers an affordable retreat for both divers and snorkellers. This intimate dive lodge boasts comfortable rooms, all with air-conditioning, and easy access to some of Raja Ampat’s best dive sites. Designed by divers, for divers, the resort has outstanding facilities for underwater photographers including a camera room, personal gear lockers, and a separate washing station. Guests can expect up to three dives a day, plus diving on the house reef, and the resort can also provided tailored dive packages and tours to nearby sites, ensuring personalized adventures for every guest.

Dive Into Raja Ampat’s standout features include its intimate, boutique-style atmosphere that fosters a warm and welcoming environment. Catering for just a limited number of guests, the resort ensures attentive service and a close-knit community feel. Guests enjoy bespoke diving itineraries and the opportunity to connect with like-minded divers.

Amongst all the dive resorts in the area, Dive into Raja Ampat offers a unique combination of affordable, lodge-style accommodation, plus access to all the best dive sites of the Dampier Strait. Guests can expect a relaxed and rustic atmosphere with a easy-going ‘no shoes and no news’ ethos – perfect for disconnecting from the stresses of everyday life – along with recently upgraded amenities that transcend the modest price tag.

Travel tip: Daily transfers using the ferry service between Sorong and Waisai.

Part of the experienced Lotus Group of hotels, Papua Paradise Eco Resort features stunning overwater accommodation, spa services and refined dining, with menus featuring sustainable seafood choices and organic produce grown nearby. Diving at Papua Paradise is operated by the PADI 5-Star Gangga Divers who offer guests a modern camera room and other facilities. Divers can enjoy several dives a day from a fleet of dedicated dive boats, or opt to stay closer to home and explore the resort’s own house reef – home to mandarinfish, bamboo sharks, and more. 

Papua Paradise is located on the island of Birie, off Batanta’s northeast coast. This location places guests within reach of legendary Dampier Strait dive sites that made Raja Ampat famous, as well as some less well-known ones around Batanta itself. And, with fewer resorts situated around the island of Batanta, the surrounding sites are often a little quieter than those in the strait.

We've included Papua Paradise in our top resorts of Raja Ampat becuase of its dedication to eco-tourism and exceptional overwater rooms. The resort incorporates sustainable practices, such as solar energy and waste reduction, to minimize its environmental impact. Guests may also have the unique opportunity to engage in conservation activities, such as turtle monitoring and coral restoration, while also learning about the rich Papuan culture. This balance of luxury, environmental awareness, beautiful rooms and exceptional diving is why we love to recommend Papua Paradise to ZuBlu's guests.

Travel tip: Resort transfers to/from Sorong are offered daily.

Raja Ampat Biodiversity Resort is an intimate resort located on a stunning white sand beach on the island of Gam, at the heart of the Dampier Strait. Divers and snorkelers alike will appreciate this resort’s concierge-style services and easy access to the house reef. More advanced guests can also make the most of unlimited, self-guided exploration of the house reef and extended 75-minute dive times, ensuring underwater photographers can capture that perfect shot. The resort’s other noteworthy facilities include rusticrooms built along the beach, a restaurant serving freshly prepared meals, and comfortable lounging areas.

Raja Ampat Biodiversity Resort’s focus on personalized experiences and environmental conservation are why ZuBlu considers this resort to be one of the best in Raja Ampat. Guests can learn about the area’s environment and the importance of conservation, as well as explore the local culture. Plus the resort’s small size ensures a more intimate experience, allowing visitors to connect with nature and fellow guests..

Backing right onto the jungle, Raja Ampat Biodiversity is a popular stop for bird watchers, delivering regular sightings of endemic Birds of Paradise. In fact, the resort’s own jetty offers a fantastic vantage point each morning, whilst also offering access to the beautiful beachfront and surrounding coastline, where passing dolphins, mantas, and even dugongs can be seen.

Travel tip: Daily transfers using the ferry service between Sorong and Waisai.

Conveniently located in Waisai, the gateway to Raja Ampat, Meridian Adventure Dive Resort combines modern comforts with easy access to the region’s renowned dive sites. The resort features stylish accommodation, state-of-the-art dive centre, a swimming pool, as well as a vibrant social atmosphere. Divers of all experience levels are well-catered for at Meridian Adventure Dive, with courses and guided experiences suited to all abilities. Up to four dives are offered each day, with schedules to help guests experience the most sites possible during their stay. And, with over 100 of the park's very best dive sites within range of th resort's powerful dive boats, you won’t want to waste any time.

With a clean, contemporary aesthetic, Meridian Adventure Dive is Raja Ampat’s only modern resort. The resort balances its natural setting with extensive facilities, a pool, spa and marina, plus an innovative approach to diving and hospitality, to create a unique holiday experience in Raja Ampat. Plus, its focus on community engagement and sustainable tourism means that both seasoned divers or a first-time visitors are ensured memorable Papuan adventure.

Travel tip: Daily transfers using the ferry service between Sorong and Waisai.

Operated by the pioneering Papua Diving, Kri Eco Resort is known for its rustic charm and exceptional scuba diving close by. Located on Kri Island, the resort offers cozy, affordable accommodation built from local materials, providing an authentic, eco-friendly experience. The surrounding waters boast some of the richest marine biodiversity on the planet, with easy access to legendary dive sites like Cape Kri, Sardine Reef, and Chicken Reef. Divers can explore the Dampier Stait's vibrant coral gardens, and encounter manta rays, wobbegong sharks and more, all just minutes from the resort.

Kri Eco Resort’s emphasis on sustainability and community engagement sets the resort apart, and has helped set the standard for tourism in Raja Ampat. The resort supports local initiatives, such as marine conservation and education programmes, while promoting responsible tourism practices. When not diving, guests are encouraged to explore the local culture and environment through village visits, cooking classes and bird watching trips, and guests can enjoy free use of watersports equipment such as kayaks and paddleboards. This unique combination of authentic experiences, sustainable practices, and world-class diving makes Kri Eco Resort a favourite choice.

Travel tip: Resort transfers to/from Sorong are provided on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sunday

Located next to Kri Eco Resort and operated by Papua Diving, Sorido Bay Resort offers a more luxurious option for scuba divers and snorkelers seeking comfort as well as adventure. The resort offers a number of spacious bungalows equipped with modern amenities including air conditioning, ensuring a comfortable stay amidst the natural beauty of Raja Ampat. Guests have access to renowned dive sites such as Cape Kri, Sardine Reef, and Chicken Reef, plus more distant sites such as Manta Sandy and Arborek Jetty, where encounters with manta rays, reef sharks, and much more are the norm. The resort boasts a well-equipped dive centre and fantastic underwater photography facilities, making it an excellent choice for divers of all levels.

Like Kri Eco Resort, what really distinguishes Sorido Bay Resort is its integration of Papuan culture and personalized service. The resort’s design and operations reflect traditional Papuan aesthetics, providing guests with an authentic cultural experience, alongside their underwater adventures. This combination of luxury, culture, and exceptional service ensures an enriching and memorable stay for discerning scuba divers.

Travel tip: Resort transfers to/from Sorong are provided on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sunday

Cove Eco Resort is a beautiful eco-resort located on the remote, private island of Yeben, around two hours by boat from Waisai. Thanks to its isolated location, Yeben remains one of the best preserved parts of Raja Ampat, making it a pristine paradise for scuba divers and snorkels alike. From here, visitors can embark on excursions throughout Raja Ampat, exploring attractions of Wayag, Arborek, Waigeo and the Fam Islands. Surrounded by seven-kilometres of coral reef and around three-kilometres of inviting white sand, Cove Eco Resort also offers plenty of exploration closer to home, facilitated by guided snorkelling tours and glass-bottom kayaks.

With just ten air-conditioned cottages, the resort ensures a more personalized experience and guest can enjoy a range of amenities, including a well-equipped dive center, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a variety of recreational facilities such as a pool table and ping pong. The restaurant serves a fusion of Western and Indonesian cuisine, with meals prepared à la carte to cater to individual preferences. Cove Eco Resort takes its commitment to sustainability and community engagement very seriously. The resort has established a 5km no-fishing zone around Yeben Island, guests are provided with reusable water bottles, plus the resort supports local communities with solar lights, clean water, and educational resources.  

Resort transfers to/from Waisai are provided on Saturdays and Mondays. A public ferry operates between Sorong and Waisai.

Apart from Misool Resort in the far south, most dive resorts in Raja Ampat offer guests the chance to explore dive sites in and around the Dampier Strait, the heart of Raja Ampat’s exceptional diving. So your choice of resort should be based on whether you’re looking for affordable or luxury accommodation, easy access to other areas such as Wayag to the north, and Piaynemo to the west, and flexibility with your travel dates, as more remote resorts only offer free transfers a few times a week. ZuBlu's knowledgable dive travel team can always help you find the ideal resort.

Not sure if a dive resort or a liveaboard in Raja Ampat is the best choice for you? Check out of our article on the pros and cons of both staying in dive resorts, or joining a liveaboard.