Hello. I am deciding between going to raja ampat and komodo in mid april. I would be staying in the north/central regions of these two places. I would like to go to raja ampat, but afraid visibility might be sub-optimal at this time? I can go next year at a more optimal time if this is the case. But if Komodo is also not great at this time, might have to think of other options. Thanks.
Raja Ampat Visibility mid April
- Thread starter handa9000
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garycrano
Registered
I was in RA for the first two weeks of February this year and the vis was pretty crappy.
Dan
Contributor
I was there around mid April 2013. Visibility is pretty good (60-80’). Check out some pictures I posted here: Misool Eco Resort
Even in May 2016: Pulau Pef - Little Raja Ampat Trip Report
Even in May 2016: Pulau Pef - Little Raja Ampat Trip Report
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April is usually pretty good viz
Adelaar Cruises
Contributor
Komodo is usually great in April and quieter as a lot of seasonal boats are still in Raja Ampat or crossing back to Komodo.
Dan
Contributor
As far as diving, just compare some of the YouTube videos taken in April from Komodo & Raja Ampat
As far as above water, Raja Ampat offer great scenic view of the limestone "mushroom-like" island cluster that you can see when you hike up Penemu & Wayag, which you may also see in other places, like Palau. Komodo islands look like more common tropical island scene, however, seeing Komodo dragons in their natural habitat in south Rinca, is totally unique and it is the only place in the world. Tough choice. So, it boils down to your preference. In terms of getting there, it is easier & shorter flight time to go to Komodo than to Raja Ampat.
I have been to Raja Ampat 6 times & the 7th time is in December 2019. I have been to Komodo 3 times. So it's obvious my choice & preference.
As far as above water, Raja Ampat offer great scenic view of the limestone "mushroom-like" island cluster that you can see when you hike up Penemu & Wayag, which you may also see in other places, like Palau. Komodo islands look like more common tropical island scene, however, seeing Komodo dragons in their natural habitat in south Rinca, is totally unique and it is the only place in the world. Tough choice. So, it boils down to your preference. In terms of getting there, it is easier & shorter flight time to go to Komodo than to Raja Ampat.
I have been to Raja Ampat 6 times & the 7th time is in December 2019. I have been to Komodo 3 times. So it's obvious my choice & preference.
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In a recent trip to Raja Ampat visibility was explained to me like this: in remote places far from large land masses, large cities, big rivers etc (like raja ampat) low visibility is usually due to plankton and not due to sediment/dirt.
Hence:
- good visibility = not much plankton = not much food for fish = not many fish, while
- poor visibility = plenty of plankton = plenty of food = plenty of fish
I haven't been to a lot of places to see if that is true but sound quite logical to me.
Just my 2 cents.
Hence:
- good visibility = not much plankton = not much food for fish = not many fish, while
- poor visibility = plenty of plankton = plenty of food = plenty of fish
I haven't been to a lot of places to see if that is true but sound quite logical to me.
Just my 2 cents.
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