Question Raja Ampat in September? Going there with my wife!

[John Starmer]

Hi all, just wanted to share that I’ve finally booked my first ever trip to Raja Ampat! Heading thre this Septmber with the wife, and we’re both well excited about it. We’ve done most of our diving in the Caribbean and Red Sea before, but always heard Raja Ampat is on another level. Couple of mates have been and reckon it’s the best they’ve ever done, so it’s been on the list for a while now

Saw that this liveaboard la galigo is doing 33% off trips in August and September, so didn’t think twice, got ourselves booked in straight away. Boat looks solid, and the whole setup seems proper.

I know September isntg peak season, but maybe that’s not such a bad thing? Hoping it means less people about, maybe a bit more space at the dive sites. Could work out nicely, who knows.Anyone here been to Raja Ampat around that time? What’s the diving usually like? viz? currents? weather? Anything I should be ready for?

Also if you’ve been on La Galigo, would love to hear what it was like.

(still gets too excited and packs way too early )

 

[cozcharlie]

There was as a similar question in last few months. Try using search function or just scrolling down in history to see what others said

Big picture is September is on edge of wet season. The rain risk isn’t really the issue (rains year round anyway ), but winds in wet season can kick up waves . That is what a resort manager there said and an internet search says same thing. I think core of wet season is considered to be mid June - to mid September , but September is not the heart of that.

I have been there in September with beautiful weather and fewer people . Think others said same thing. Bottom line is you are probably running higher weather risk than in peak season, but most likely it will be just fine . We will see if other opinions differ (and look back a month or two in the posts )

 

[JustinJRL]

Agree with above! Ive been in September and October. This is nature: when it comes to sun, rain, visibility, fish...you never know what youll get. Currents are stronger at new moon, i planned my last trip to coincide and i got currents and lots of fish. Even with below average visibility and gloomy skies, you'll likely do some of the best diving imaginable!

 

[Chris Underwater]

I've been on La Galigo before, you can read and watch here: Trip Report - Raja Ampat via liveaboard

 

[John Starmer]

I've been on La Galigo before, you can read and watch here: Trip Report - Raja Ampat via liveaboard

Hey seems like I made a solid choice for choosing la galigo! thanks!

 

[John Starmer]

There was as a similar question in last few months. Try using search function or just scrolling down in history to see what others said

Big picture is September is on edge of wet season. The rain risk isn’t really the issue (rains year round anyway ), but winds in wet season can kick up waves . That is what a resort manager there said and an internet search says same thing. I think core of wet season is considered to be mid June - to mid September , but September is not the heart of that.

I have been there in September with beautiful weather and fewer people . Think others said same thing. Bottom line is you are probably running higher weather risk than in peak season, but most likely it will be just fine . We will see if other opinions differ (and look back a month or two in the posts )

Hey thanks! Hoping that it goes as you just said, that it'll be fine!

 

[Pearlman]

FYI I just returned from North Sulawesi in the middle of this month and the entire region is experiencing the wettest dry season in decades. It rained almost every day for a few hours on the 10 diving days and the day I checked in I was driven from the airport in a strong thunderstorm. Going by online reports even Bali is witnessing the same. Not sure how the weather is farther east of Sulawesi…

Edit: Not that we could not dive because of the rains. Just a heads up for incidental downsides like lower viz and possibly choppy seas …