Raja Ampat Diving Season Tips: When To Go For Mantas, Whales, And Sunshine? 

Timing is not just a tip to remember for divers in Raja Ampat. A change of season and the difference? It’s as big as having a glass boat ride to a Manta cleaning station and a bumpy trek through monsoon winds.  

Known as the “Last Paradise,” Raja Ampat sits at the heart of the Coral Triangle. Here, the seasons do not just mean the weather. The seasons also dictate the challenges the waters will throw at you and the giants you will meet.  

In this guide on Raja Ampat diving season tips, I will start with a short answer about the diving seasons and then give you the details.  

The Short Answer: Peak Vs. Off-Peak Season For Diving In Raja Ampat  

Feature Peak Season (October – April) Off-Peak Season (May – September) 
Sea Conditions Calm, glassy water Choppy in the South, calm in the North 
Visibility Excellent (15m–30m) Variable (can be lower near islands) 
Marine Life Manta Rays, Whale Sharks, and Dolphins Resident Reef Life, Macro, “Walking” Sharks 
Crowds High (Book 12-18 months early) Low (Peaceful dive sites) 
Price Premium Potential discounts (10-20% off) 

Have you already booked your dates? Check our guide on Raja Ampat diving trips for a detailed itinerary planning.  

The Two Main Seasons Of Diving In Raja Ampat: A Detailed Breakdown 

The character and conditions of the dive sites in Raja Ampat change in dry and wet seasons.  

The Dry Season (October to April) The Wet Season (May – September)  
• Low Winds  
• Calm Water  
• Ultimate Raja Ampat Liveaboard Season  
• Ideal for Spotting Reef and Oceanic Mantas 
• High Southern Winds  
• Misool Becomes Inaccessible  
• Dampier Strait is Accessible  
• Ideal for Spotting Snapper and Barracuda 

Raja Ampat Marine Life Calendar 

For you, the best diving season in Raja Ampat Indonesia depends on the kind of marine animal you want to encounter. Here, I will give you details about the Oceanic and Reef Manta Ray season, the whale and dolphin migration season, and the season for walking sharks and macro life.  

1. Manta Ray Season (Oceanic Vs. Reef) 

Manta Ray Season (Oceanic Vs. Reef)

December to March is the best season for spotting these marine animals.  

Manta Sandy cleaning station is great for Reef Manta sightings. Magic Mountain in Misool is one of the sites where you will find Oceanic and Reef Mantas together.  

Furthermore, Dr. Setyawan, in a report published by Conservation International on 9th October 2024, has shared some interesting facts about the Reef Mantas. He mentioned that  

“...reef manta rays can travel hundreds of kilometres, and there aren’t any obvious barriers to movement between these three regions in Raja Ampat.” 

2. The Whale And Dolphin Migration (November – December) 

The Whale And Dolphin Migration (November – December)

You will find Pilot Whales and different dolphin species in the deep channels of the Dampier Strait in November and December.  

3. Walking Sharks & Macro Life (Year-Round) 

Walking Sharks & Macro Life (Year-Round)

The endemic Walking Sharks, or Raja Ampat Epaulette Sharks, are visible in the water year-round. Night dives are the best to watch these marine creatures in action.  

You will also spot the Pygmy Seahorses and Nudibranchs across all seasons.  

Regional Differences: The Misool Vs Dampier Strait Season 

Let’s check out the regional differences in Raja Ampat across seasons.

1. Dampier Strait (North/Central) 

Sheltered by large islands, the Dampier Strait offers safe diving conditions even when the wind is high. 

So, you can dive here safely in all seasons.  

2. Misool (South) 

Thanks to the southern monsoon, crossing Misool is dangerous in the wet season. The frotier is wilder than the north and central zones.  

Raja Ampat Diving Season Tips For Liveaboard Vs. Resort 

Raja Ampat Diving Season Tips For Liveaboard Vs. Resort

There is no “bad” time to visit Raja Ampat, only the “wrong” region for the season. If you want Mantas and luxury liveaboards, aim for January. If you want solitude and budget-friendly resort stays, June in the Dampier Strait is a hidden gem. 

1. The Komodo Switch And The liveaboard Season  

In May, about 80% of the liveaboard fleet sails west to Komodo National Park to follow the dry weather. If you want a luxury boat experience, you must visit Raja Ampat between October and April. 

2. Choose Diving Resorts For Off-Peak Season Diving  

If you are traveling in the summer, between June and August, you must choose the land-based resorts in the Dampier Strait. These resorts offer stability, and you can take shorter boat rides to reach the dive sites. Enjoy the low-season pricing.  

What Are The Expert Tips For the Raja Ampat Diving Season? 

You cannot fear the rain when you are diving in Raja Ampat. Also, the consistent temperature of the water in Raja Ampat makes diving possible, especially in the Dampier Strait sites. 

Here are some other things to remember if you are diving in Raja Ampat.  

Expert Tips What It Means 
Don’t Fear the Rain It is a rainforest; it rains even in the dry season. The fish don’t mind, and you’re already wet.  
The “Green Water” is Good Lower visibility often means plankton, and dense plankton is the “dinner bell” for Manta Rays. 
Book Christmas Early This is the busiest window, and some boats sell out 2 years in advance.  
Currents and Moons For the most intense fish action, book your trip during the New or Full Moon.  
Surface Intervals Use sun protection in the dry season and bring a windbreaker for the wet season boat rides.  
Water Temp is Constant It stays 28 to 30 degrees Celsius all year. A 3mm wetsuit is plenty.  
Check Boat Locations Ensure your preferred boat hasn’t already moved to Komodo for the summer. 
Flight Reliability Pad your travel schedule in July/August, as wind can delay small island hops or ferries. 

Raja Ampat Diving Season Tips For Photographers: The Lens Guide 

Raja Ampat Diving Season Tips For Photographers The Lens Guide
Seasons  Ideal Lens What to Capture  
October to April Wide Angle • Perfect for Capturing Mantas  
• Sweeping Schools of Fish  Split Shots with Blue Skies  
May to September Macro Lens • Fluctuating Visibility  
• Perfect to Focus on Pygmy Seahorses, Blue-ringed Octopus, and Ornate Ghost Pipefish.  
Late April and Early October (The Shoulder Season Secret) Macro Lens  • These are Sweet Spots, and You Get to Frame the Calm Transition of the Marine Animals.   
• Still, the Crowd of the Big 5 is Not Intense as the December and January Holidays.  

Raja Ampat Diving Season Tips: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Raja Ampat diving season tips.  

1. What Is The Absolute Best Month To Dive Raja Ampat? 

January is the absolute best or the prime month to dive in Raja Ampat. You get peak visibility, around 25 to 30 meters in the water, and it is the ideal month to spot Reef and Oceanic Mantas due to plankton increases.  
Furthermore, all the regions, the south, the central, and the north, remain accessible this month.  

2. Can I Dive Raja Ampat In August?

Yes, you can dive in Raja Ampat in August. In fact, August is a great month if you want to explore Cape Kri and Blue Magic without the crowd. 
However, if you are diving in Raja Ampat in August, stick to the sites in Waigeo, Gam, and Mansuar and along the Dampier Strait in the North and Central zones.

3. When Is The Best Time For Whale Sharks In Raja Ampat?

October to April is the best time to see Whale Sharks in Raja Ampat. You can find them in Misool and the Dampier Strait sites. 
However, for a better and more certain visibility of Whale Sharks, you must visit Triton Bay, south of Raja Ampat. The Full Moon Nights are ideal for spotting Whale Sharks. 

4. Is The Wet Season Cheaper In Raja Ampat?

Yes, the wet season is cheaper in Raja Ampat as it is the off-peak season for diving. In the diving resorts, mostly concentrated around the Dampier Strait Region, you will get a discount of around 10-15%. There is also a hefty discount on the diving packages. 
On the other hand, the liveaboards will offer around 20-30% discount in the wet season. 

5. What Is The Water Temperature Like Year-round In Raja Ampat?

The year-round water temperature in Raja Ampat is around 28 to 30 degrees Celsius. 
One of the best things about diving in Raja Ampat is the incredibly stable, bathtub-warm water. 
Because the archipelago is located just one degree from the equator, you won’t experience the dramatic temperature drops or “thermoclines” found in other parts of Indonesia, like Komodo or Bali. 

6. Do I Need A Dry Suit Or A Thick Wetsuit In The Off-season?

No, you don’t need a dry suit or thick wetsuit to dive in Raja Ampat, even in the off-season. It is because the temperature of the waters here hovers around 28 to 30 degrees Celsius throughout the year. 
A 3mm thick wetsuit is enough if you are doing deep diving. It ensures that your body does not lose temperature rapidly. It also protects you from the irritants in the water and helps in buoyancy.

7. Does Visibility Change With The Seasons In Raja Ampat?

Yes, visibility changes with the seasons in Raja Ampat. However, remember that having clear water does not mean the ideal condition for spotting the marine life in Raja Ampat. 
In the dry season, from October to April, the visibility is around 15 to 30 meters. 
Still, from December to March, nutrient-rich currents flood the archipelago. This creates “green” or “particulate” water. While this might frustrate wide-angle photographers looking for a pure blue background, it is the “dinner bell” for Manta Rays and Whale Sharks.
Furthermore, during the wet season, from May to September, the visibility is 10 to 20 meters. However, this is an ideal time for many photographers as the water is clearer due to the lack of plankton blooms.

8. When Do The Liveaboards Move To Komodo?

The famous Indonesian Switch, or the transition of liveaboards to and from Komodo, happens twice a year. 
In April and May, the peak diving season in Raja Ampat approaches its end. So, 80% of the liveaboards in Raja Ampat move toward the Komodo National Park. 
These liveaboards often pass through the Banda Sea and the Forgotten Island, where you can spot hammerhead sharks in late April and May. 
Again, these liveaboards return in September and October as Komodo starts getting heavy rainfall, but the water of Raja Ampat becomes still. 
On the way, you can spot deep-sea pinnacles and incredible whale shark encounters in Triton Bay or the Banda Sea. 

9. Is It Safe To Visit Raja Ampat During The Monsoon?

Yes, the rainy season does not mean a complete shutdown for tourists to Raja Ampat. In fact, the central zone (Dampier Strait) and areas such as Waigeo/Gam remain quite accessible even in high winds due to the protection of huge land masses. 
However, the diving sites in the southern zone of Misool are risky in these months. 

10. When Is The Best Time For Underwater Photography In Raja Ampat?

The best time for underwater photography in Raja Ampat will depend on the kind of backdrop you want. The waters of Raja Ampat always amaze you with an impressive marine life. 

October to November is the time for the best all-round photography experience. You will get calm seas, returning Mantas, and massive schools of baitfish. Great for wide-angle and split shots. 

Also, for a truly unique photographic subject, aim for the Full Moons in October and November. This is when the reefs often experience mass coral spawning. It is a spectacular nighttime event that turns the water into a “snow globe” of biological activity.

Again, January and February are ideal for framing the Manta action. Plankton blooms can create “green” water, but offer world-class Manta displays. These are the months for macro specialists. 

The months of March and April offer peak visibility. You will now find the clearest water of the year (30m+). Ideal for large reefscapes and blue backgrounds.

Finally, June to September is ideal for shooting the empty reef and macros in action. 

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Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

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The annual wildebeest migration takes place between July and October. Must-do tourist activities here in Kenya: Go on a game drive through the Masai Mara National Reserve and see wildlife up close. Visit the Mara Triangle, a protected area within the national reserve. Go on a ride on a hot air balloon over the Masai Mara National Reserve for a bird’s-eye view of the wildlife. 12. Lake Malawi National Park, Malawi Lake Malawi is the third-largest lake in Africa and one of the deepest lakes in the world. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and UNESCO describes the National Park as an area decked with nature’s beauty and bounty and also with the rugged landscapes around it.  It indeed forms a  contrast with the clear waters of the lake. Lake Malawi is a popular swimming, snorkeling, diving, and fishing destination. Speaking of fishing, the area hosts hundreds of varieties of cichlid fish. Not only this, nearly all the fishes are endemic to that of the  Lake Malawi. Remember to practice sustainable fishing! Must-do Tourist Activities on Lake Malawi National Park: Visit the Likoma Island, a beautiful island in Lake Malawi. Go snorkeling or scuba diving in the clear waters of Lake Malawi and see a variety of marine life. Take a boat trip on Lake Malawi and enjoy the stunning scenery. 13. Rainbow Mountains, Morocco The Rainbow Mountains are a unique geological formation in Morocco. The mountains are made up of a variety of colorful rocks, which give them their name. The Rainbow Mountains are a popular tourist destination for photographers and hikers. Must-do tourist activities here: Hike through the Rainbow Mountains and see the incredible colors of the rocks up close. Take a photo of the Rainbow Mountains at sunset or sunrise to capture their magical colors. Visit the nearby Berber villages and learn about the local culture. 14. Dogon Country, Mali The Dogon Country is a region in Mali that is known for its unique culture and architecture. People here are known for their cliffside villages and their traditional masks. The Dogon Country is a popular tourist destination for people interested in learning about African culture. Incredible things to do here: Visit the cliffside villages of the Dogon people and see their unique architecture. Learn about the Dogon people's culture and traditions. See the Dogon people's traditional masks. If you’re planning for International Travel in 2024, here are 9 great tips for a more authentic travel experience. 15. Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia The Simien Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its stunning scenery and its population of gelada baboons. The Simien Mountains are also home to a variety of other wildlife, including mountain nyala, Walia ibex, and Ethiopian wolves. Unique and incredible things to do: Hike through the Simien Mountains and see the incredible scenery, including the Ras Dashen mountain, the highest peak in Ethiopia. Visit the gelada baboon population and see these fascinating creatures up close. Take a photo of the Simien Mountains at sunset or sunrise to capture their magical beauty. 16. Dahab, Egypt Location: Sinai Peninsula, Egypt. Originally a Bedouin fishing village, now a popular diving destination. Dahab attracted over 1 million visitors in 2021 (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities). Dahab is peculiar for The Blue Hole, a renowned diving site that attracts thousands of scuba divers around the world. Things you just can’t miss: Dive or snorkel in the Blue Hole. Explore the Desert of Sinai on a camel safari. 17. Etosha National Park, Namibia Etosha National Park is a large national park in Namibia, reputed for its salt pan, which is one of the largest in the world. The park has now become the top tourist attraction of Namibia with more than 140 000 visitors recorded annually. Beyond the salt pan, Tourists visit Etosha National Park to experience a diversity of wildlife, including lions, elephants, rhinos, and giraffes. Unique and incredible things to do: Visit the Etosha salt pan and see the animals that come to drink from the waterholes. Go on a game drive through the Etosha National Park and see wildlife up close. Visit the Okaukuejo waterhole and see the animals that come to drink at night.   18. Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa Addo Elephant National Park is one of South Africa’s proud National Parks,  reputed for hosting arguably the largest population of elephants in the world. If you’re a fan of these giant creatures, you should be visiting South Africa’s Addo Elephant National Park in 2024. About 120,000 people check out this park every year. The park is also home to a variety of other impressive wildlife, including lions, rhinos, and buffalo. Things you can’t miss here: Go on a game drive through the Addo Elephant National Park and see elephants up close. Visit the Shamwari Game Reserve, a private game reserve within the Addo Elephant National Park. Take a helicopter safari over the Addo Elephant National Park and see the wildlife from above. 19. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda Location: Southwestern Uganda, at the junction of the plain and mountain forests. Just realized we haven’t talked about Gorillas so far. Thankfully, there’s the Bwindi National Park, which is popular for the 400 Bwindi Gorillas and Mountain Gorillas. The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is known for its exceptional biodiversity, with more than 160 species of trees and over 100 species of ferns 1. It is also home to many types of birds and butterflies. Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the largest population of mountain gorillas in the world. Stuff you can’t miss here: Go on a gorilla trekking tour and see mountain gorillas up close. Visit the Mubwindi Swamp, a unique ecosystem within the national park. Take a hike through the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and enjoy the stunning scenery. 20. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Location: Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania We’re ending the list with a place that’s known as Africa’s roof – The Kilimanjaro. A dormant volcano, Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest peak, a place that attracts around 50,000 climbers/hikers each year. As you hike the largest free-standing mountain in the world (20,000 ft), you’ll experience multiple climatic zones, from tropical rainforest to arctic ice cap. Visiting Kilimanjaro is different from hiking other mountains in the world, such as the Seven Magic Mountains in Vegas, because almost all the variants of the ecological system are traced on the mountain. Not only this, they are also traced to the rain forest, heath, moorland, alpine desert, cultivable lands, and an arctic summit. Did you know? Nearly every climber who has summitted Uhuru Peak has recorded his or her thoughts about the accomplishment in a book stored in a wooden box at the top. Activities you can’t miss here: Trek to the summit for a sunrise view. Explore the diverse flora and fauna along the trails. Need help planning your trip to Africa? Check out our Top planning tips for your next trip abroad. Read Also: Maldives’ Luminescent Secret: The Mesmerizing Sea Of Stars! The Stairway To Heaven Hawaii: Hiking Adventure’s Hidden Gem Walking On Sunshine: Exploring The Magic Of Vietnam’s Golden Hand Bridge!

READ MORE best hotels in dallas

Luxe Living: The Best Hotels In Dallas

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 27, 2023

Dallas has a long history of serving as the commercial center of Texas. But there is actually somewhere to stay for every kind of visitor. It includes parents with young children, art enthusiasts, and even those of us who are spa junkies. With so many excellent hotels in the city, your stay will feel like a more opulent version of home. This is regardless of your preference for dramatic design or comforting classics. Below are the best hotels in Dallas, from Uptown to Downtown, Las Colinas, Design District, and all points in between. Throughout a downtown filled with skyscrapers are the Dallas Zoo, the Museum of Art, and botanical gardens. Dallas is passionate about its historical landmarks, sports teams, the Cowboys and Mavericks, and the breathtaking views from Reunion Tower. These are a few of Dallas's most upscale hotels, which will add extra opulence to your Texas vacation. Best Hotels In Dallas Whether it's for a business trip or one of the many things the city has to offer, Dallas is one of the most visited cities in the Lone Star State. Here are the best hotels in Dallas for your lounging pleasure. Ritz-Carlton This Texas franchise of a well-known luxury hotel brand is situated in downtown Dallas, approximately 20 minutes from DFW Airport. Among the greatest hotels in Dallas is The  Ritz-Carlton, which features an outdoor pool, on-site spa, and private lounge. With a sauna as well as a steam room, its fitness center is open 24/7. When you're ready to relax in your own space, your guest room offers a large haven with tasteful furnishings and a marble bathroom. The Privacy Wing has 5,500 square feet, five bathrooms with soaking tubs, and enough space for 16 adults to sleep. It is the most lavish guest room in the five-star hotel. The on-site Fearing's Restaurant offers American fare with a southwestern flair and has a cozy atmosphere. The Highland Dallas, Curio Collection By Hilton Situated near Mockingbird Station and across the highway from Southern Methodist University, the hotel enjoys a prime location just outside of the Park Cities. This makes it a popular choice for both university parents as well as business travelers. Its pet- and family-friendly policies make it a great option for a range of traveler types. It also checks all the boxes at a far more reasonable price than many of the downtown options. Knife, the hotel's in-house restaurant, is among Dallas's best steakhouses because of chef John Tesar's skill with dry-aged meats. The Joule One of the best hotels in Dallas while downtown is the Joule on Main Street. You're close to the aquarium, museums, Reunion Tower, Dallas Convention Center, and all the excitement the city has to offer. The boutique hotel features peaceful guest rooms with minibars, premium linens, rain showers, free WiFi, as well as flat-screen TVs. It is tastefully and artistically decorated. A room, suite, or penthouse with 2,500 square feet of elegant space spread over three floors is your option. The contemporary penthouse features a roomy wet bar and a glass staircase that opens to your private patio. The Joule offers a plethora of fine dining options, including underground cocktail bars, lobby and pool bars, and local Texan and Italian cuisine. When you're ready for activities, the opulent hotel offers a fitness center with Pelotons, a rooftop pool with cabanas, and a spa on site. The Adolphus Hotel, Autograph Collection In 2018, after several years of refinement (and a multi-million dollar investment), the first luxury hotel in downtown Dallas made a spectacular return. Even though Adolphus's recent renovation was able to preserve its historical charm, the improved amenities have us hooked. It is yet another of the best hotels in Dallas that will have you feeling like a million bucks. The 30-minute express massage at Spa Adolphus prior to swimming makes the hotel's rooftop pool incredibly soothing. In the lobby are a coffee shop, a glamorous gift shop, and a barbershop. The French Room, with its exquisite dining area, amazing food, as well as flawless presentation, is the true gem. Virgin Hotels Dallas Thanks to Richard Branson's audacious brand of opulent stays, a hotel with a soul located in the Dallas Design District opened its doors in December 2019. Hotel enthusiasts are captivated by many its distinctive features. The sliding doors separate each suite into two separate rooms, and small touches like yoga mats. There are signature red sofas and street-level prices for mini bar snacks and sodas. Although the pool is undoubtedly elegant, the Commons Club appears to be the property's main feature. Dallas offers a member-only vibe with an open public policy, This will guarantee that everyone enjoys a mouthwatering meal and a stunning drink. Hotel ZaZa Dallas Uptown Hotel ZaZa Dallas Uptown is conveniently located near the American Airlines Center. It is just a short stroll from the Arts District and less than five minutes away from NBA games. The upscale boutique hotel has a stylish on-site restaurant and a bustling nightlife. The Hotel ZaZa features a rooftop bar by the pool, along with well-kept landscaping, soothing fountains, and cozy lounge chairs. Couples massages are among the treatments provided by the on-site Zaspa. Also, visitors can unwind in the fitness center or at the outdoor pool. At Hotel ZaZa Dallas Uptown, each guest room has a unique theme with elegant furnishings to match. The opulent hotel rooms come equipped with minibars, plush bedding, whirlpool tubs, and fine linens. Hotel Crescent Court Another one of the best hotels in Dallas is the Hotel Crescent Court. With easy access to Dallas downtown, the Design District, and the DFW airport, Hotel Crescent Court is located uptown. The Dallas Arts District and a range of eateries and retail establishments are all within walking distance of the opulent hotel. The guest rooms are the pinnacle of luxurious living. It has spacious, artistically designed interiors, flat-screen TVs, and charming balconies accessible through sliding glass doors. The larger suites have multiple floors, glass fireplaces, spiral staircases, marble bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows. It has views of the downtown Dallas skyline and garden. The rooftop pool with a gentle waterfall, fitness center, and large spa are all just steps from your guest room. In addition to several dining options, such as the well-known Japanese restaurant Nobu, a sunny casual restaurant, and a Starbucks, Hotel Crescent Court features an on-site social club. Wrapping Up These were some of the best hotels in Dallas. First-rate service and fantastic entertainment make luxury Dallas hotels more than just a place to sleep. There are thirty-six luxury lodging options in Dallas to pick from, each offering stunning rooms along with contemporary amenities. Travelers enjoy Dallas's theater scene. You could reserve a hotel room near popular attractions like Six Flags Over Texas and American Airlines Center. You also have the option to find a luxurious suite in a more sedate area for some downtime. Hotels.com offers an amazing range of exceptional getaway options. It has options for hotels just outside of Dallas or a luxurious hotel right in the middle of the city. Read Also: Sin City Stays: Here Are The Best Hotels In Vegas! Eternal Elegance: A Guide To The Best Hotels In Rome Here Are The 25+ Best Hotels In Mexico City That You Must Visit!