Raja Ampat off season?

[opalobsidian]

Hello!

My husband and I visit Asia in June/July. In 2011 we'd love to dive Raja Ampat, but hear it would be the off season....what exactly does that mean as far as diving conditions? Internet research turns up vague references to high winds....?

Thanks so much for your helprful answers!
Shivaya

 

[Magrone]

I am interested in a trip to Raja Ampat in June/July as well and would like to hear anyone's feedback for visiting this time of year...so bump!

 

[mrakom1161]

Hi, my first post, not meant to hijack the post, I would be
interested about the 'off season' and a pointer to the ideal
diving seasons in RA. Is it high season from mid Oct onwards?
thanks, mks

 

[highdesert]

From the Seven Seas website Raja Ampat and Triton Bay (Papua) Liveaboard Diving Cruises on the luxurious schooner The Seven Seas

Dry season: October - April

Rainy season: May - September

Air temperature: 27 - 32C

Water temperature: 27C

Best time to dive: October - April (more wind and rain in the rest of the season)

 

[scorpiofish]

This is the windy season. All the boats head elsewhere where they can be to the lee side of the prevailing wind.

Your best bet is land based at Misool Eco Resort or Sorido Bay, google Papua Diving.

 

[Magrone]

ScorpioFish, for the boats that do stay in Raja at this time (I am considering one), does "windy season" mean rough seas and low vis? I get seasick pretty easy, so this could make or break my decision to be on a boat. I'm also a photographer, so if there is a good possibility of low vis, I'll probably just go somewhere else. Thanks.

 

[scorpiofish]

ScorpioFish, for the boats that do stay in Raja at this time (I am considering one), does "windy season" mean rough seas and low vis? I get seasick pretty easy, so this could make or break my decision to be on a boat. I'm also a photographer, so if there is a good possibility of low vis, I'll probably just go somewhere else. Thanks.

I know of no boats that are there in July.

 

[Travelnsj]

I asked the same question recently when I was at Sorido and they shut down the Kri for a month or so because of the winds but they keep Sorido open as it is around the corner and a bit more sheltered.

 

[Magrone]

I know of no boats that are there in July.

Putiraja, Temukira, Raja Ampat Explorer:

Grand Komodo Liveaboard Diving Schedules, Prices, and Booking

Some are already fully booked.

I was actually considering June 10-17 on Putiraja but I don't want to get all the way out there and wish I had gone to Komodo or Lembeh,Buyat,Bunaken instead. I'm Kinda pushing this because I really want to dive Raja but I can't get the prime months to dive there (Dec. Jan etc) off from work.

 

[scubdive]

When is the best time of year to dive raja ampat?