R4GiantM
Registered
My wife and I are planning a land-based trip to Raja Ampat in 2025 (Jan. or Feb.) and are excited to see the coral reefs and hoping to see manta rays for the first time. We're favoring the resort option and are leaning towards Cove Eco Resort (CER) or Papua Explorers (PE). We've looked at others; Misool and Sorido Bay--too $$$; Raja Ampat Biodiversity Nature Resort (BNR) and Raja Ampat Dive Lodge (RAD)---have lower ratings... Regardless, CER and PE seem like the best fits. They are roughly comparable cost-wise and seem to offer similar guidance and access to dive sites. Both have good reviews and appear to have good house reefs, so is there an advantage to choosing one over the other? For example, does one have access to an incredible site that the other does not?, does one engage in more sustainable practices?, or does one have better food?, etc.
We also considered homestays like Besar Bay (Gam) & Turtle (Kri), but I have trouble sleeping in the heat/humidity (which I learned in Costa Rica), so an electric fan or AC would be helpful. It might sound trivial, but I've found that 3 or 4 sleepless nights can sour the remainder of your trip.
I also realize that there might not be a significant difference between CER, PE, or other resorts, but any insight or suggestions people have about accommodations in Raja Ampat would be a huge help.
Thanks!
We also considered homestays like Besar Bay (Gam) & Turtle (Kri), but I have trouble sleeping in the heat/humidity (which I learned in Costa Rica), so an electric fan or AC would be helpful. It might sound trivial, but I've found that 3 or 4 sleepless nights can sour the remainder of your trip.
I also realize that there might not be a significant difference between CER, PE, or other resorts, but any insight or suggestions people have about accommodations in Raja Ampat would be a huge help.
Thanks!