Land base Raja Ampat

Is it possible to dive Raja Ampat on a land base instead of live aboard, say from Sorong ?

Any recommendation on where to stay, operator,etc ??

Is it popular to do a few days of diving base from Sorong before getting on a live aboard that heads to Manado ?

I am planning 2009 trip, so help me out please !

Thank you !

Is it possible to dive Raja Ampat on a land base instead of live aboard, say from Sorong ?

Any recommendation on where to stay, operator,etc ??

 

Is it popular to do a few days of diving base from Sorong before getting on a live aboard that heads to Manado ?

 

With 5 trips through Sorong, I've not heard of any quality dive ops based in Sorong.

There are several excellent land based operations in Raja, but they are 1/2 day out.

 

The better diving in that area is from a live aboard.

 

If you have time for some land based diving, I'd do it out of Manado at Lembah (KBR) or on the other side in Bunaken Marine Reserve (Tasik Ria resort). Both places will do air port runs. There are also other quality land based operations in the area, these are ones we have used with a high degree of satisfaction.

 

PM me for more info

Misool Eco Resort is just opening in October in southern Raja. I have been associated with the resort since pre construction. The diving is absolutely stunning with some of the best dive site in Raja within 0-15 minutes of the resort. It is a 3-4 hour speedboat ride to the resort and they will pick you up. Go to: www.misoolecoresort.com to learn more.

You can see my film on the location at: http://www.bluespheremedia.com/indonesia-r...mpat-video.html

Good luck!

There is an outfit called Papua Diving on Kri Island in the Raja Ampat, a mere 45 miles away from Sorong or one hour and 10 minutes by speedboat, with the world's most famous dive-site as it's house-reef (Cape-Kri).

The owner is famous and has been in the area for the last 17 years, building the two resorts with the help of the local population. Hang with this guy and experience Raja Ampat like nobody else in this world.

To make it even more perfect; one of South Africa's most famous dive operators, Neville Ayliffe, has joined the company, and now there is no stopping them; you want the best, you go there.

A great way to visit the area, is to combo with Sulawesi: stop over in Manado for 4-5 days (before or after Raja Ampat), in order to dive Bunaken or Lembeh straits, then it is a mere 1h15min flight to Sorong on the Sunday, where the resort staff will meet you at the airport and take you to the boat; and after lunch, you will be already be diving the best sites in the world.

You are welcome to contact us anytime, and we would be happy to point you in the right direction.....