Manta Sandy
- Type
- Open-ocean snorkel
- Key feature
- Famous for manta cleaning stations
Best reefs & manta spots
Raja Ampat snorkeling tour
Manta Sandy, Arborek Jetty, Cape Kri and Melissa's Garden — calm, shallow reefs for beginners and seasoned snorkellers alike.
- 4
- iconic reef sites
- Dec–Mar
- peak manta season
- Waisai
- starting point
Conditions in season
Calm, clear and warm
- 10–20 m
- typical visibility
- 28–30°C
- water temperature
- Oct–Apr
- prime snorkelling season
- Dec–Mar
- mantas most active
Where you snorkel
Four iconic snorkel sites
Real place names, each with its own character — from open-ocean mantas to a house reef.
Arborek Jetty
- Type
- Coastal jetty
- Key feature
- Flourishing coral reef
Cape Kri
- Type
- Offshore reef
- Key feature
- Highest species diversity
Melissa's Garden
- Type
- House reef
- Key feature
- Pristine reefs, wobbegong sharks
Your guide picks the order and sites by tide, current and manta activity on the day.
Eco-conscious snorkelling
Leave the reef as you found it
Raja Ampat is a marine biodiversity hotspot. Keeping it pristine is part of every trip.
In villages like Arborek, meet the families behind community conservation and support local businesses.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen
- Never touch or stand on coral
- Keep plastic to a minimum
Before you go
Gear, papers and travel
Bring your own snorkel kit or rent it locally. Sort the permit and flights early.
Recommended gear
- Mask, fins and snorkel
- Rash guard
- Waterproof camera
- Light, breathable clothing
Paperwork
- Marine Park permit, USD 80 per foreign visitor, valid 12 months
- Buy online or at the BLUD UPTD office in Waisai
Getting there
- Fly to Sorong (SOQ), West Papua
- Boat to Waisai, about 2–3 hours
- Check flight schedules and book early
The details
What's included, and who it suits
Included
- Hotel or airport shuttle to the port
- Guided snorkelling at multiple sites
- Marine Park permit assistance
- Snorkel gear
Not included
- Flights to Sorong (SOQ)
- Marine Park permit fee (USD 40-80)
- Crew tips
Ideal for
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Full day
Full day
Viewpoint
Far north
3 days
Shared
Culture
Private
Romantic
Snorkelling questions
Good to know
Seasons, travel, permits and beginners.
Ready to get wet?
Snorkel Raja Ampat's best reefs
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