Why a Land-Based Resort Stay Is Ideal in Raja Ampat

Choosing a land-based resort in Raja Ampat gives you more than just a place to stay, it gives you the freedom to explore both land and sea without compromise.

• Comfort and Stability: After long dives and ocean adventures, returning to a comfortable bed and a cool room is priceless. Sorido Bay Resort offers air-conditioned villas, fresh meals, and peaceful surroundings that let you recover and recharge.
• Flexible Exploration: Unlike liveaboards that follow fixed routes, land-based resorts allow guests to plan dives based on weather, currents, or mood. You can decide each day whether to dive, snorkel, or relax by the beach.
• Beyond Diving: A land stay opens opportunities for more than just diving. You can hike to scenic viewpoints to see the local wildlife, walk along empty beaches, kayak through mangroves, or visit local villages. This balance of land and sea experiences makes Raja Ampat more memorable.
• Eco-Friendly Approach: Our resorts; Kri Eco and Sorido Bay operate sustainably. They use fixed moorings to protect coral reefs, manage waste carefully, and support local conservation projects. Staying on land helps minimize the footprint often caused by long boat operations.
• Ease of Access and Logistics: For many travelers, especially those with gear or families, land-based resorts are more convenient. Everything you need, from meals to dive setups, is managed smoothly by experienced staff.
• Suitable for All Travelers: Land-based resorts are perfect not only for divers but also for families, couples, and photographers. Non-divers can enjoy snorkeling, village visits, or relaxation while divers explore deeper waters. It’s an inclusive experience that offers something for everyone.

In short, staying at a land-based resort provides comfort, flexibility, and a deeper connection to Raja Ampat’s beauty, both above and below the surface.

Sorido Bay Resort

Nestled on Kri Island, Sorido Bay Resort is a luxurious retreat for divers who want both comfort and convenience. Now featuring nine beautifully designed bungalows, the resort offers spacious, beachfront accommodation equipped with air conditioning and a private veranda overlooking the sea.

It offers direct access to some of Raja Ampat’s top dive sites, including Cape Kri, Sardine Reef, and Blue Magic. Guests can enjoy short boat rides to dive spots, returning easily between dives for meals or rest.

The resort is supported by the Raja Ampat SEACAM Center, providing professional underwater camera gear and support for photographers. Yearly underwater photography workshops are also held here, allowing guests to learn from experienced professionals and improve their underwater photography skills.

Kri Eco Resort

Just a short distance away, Kri Eco Resort offers a more traditional experience. Built using natural materials and designed to minimize impact, it combines comfort with a deep respect for nature. Each cottage sits above the water, giving guests the sound of gentle waves beneath them.

Both resorts focus strongly on marine conservation and sustainable practices. Waste is managed responsibly, and operations are designed to preserve the surrounding reefs.

Papua Diving Resorts: The Pioneers of Land-Based Diving

Both Sorido Bay and Kri Eco Resort are operated by Papua Diving Resorts, the first land-based dive operator in Raja Ampat. Papua Diving Resorts has been exploring and protecting these waters for decades.

The team consists mainly of local Papuans who know the waters, tides, and currents intimately, ensuring every dive trip is safe and well-guided. Many have been with founder, Max Ammer, since the early days, helping discover dive sites and build the resorts sustainably.

Guests benefit from this deep local knowledge, enjoying well-planned dive schedules, professional safety standards, and authentic hospitality that reflects the heart of Raja Ampat.

To make the most of your stay at a land-based resort in Raja Ampat, here are a few tips:

• Stay at least 7 nights: This gives enough time to enjoy both diving and land adventures.
• Plan dives during the best light: Early morning and late afternoon dives often offer calm seas and great visibility for photography.
• Bring both wide-angle and macro lenses: Raja Ampat’s reefs are rich with everything from manta rays to pygmy seahorses.
• Work closely with your guides: Local dive masters can customize trips to your skill level and photography goals.
• Use reef-safe products: Protect the coral ecosystem by using biodegradable sunscreen and toiletries.
• Respect marine park rules: Follow local regulations and avoid touching or disturbing marine life.

What are the benefits of staying at a resort instead of a liveaboard in Raja Ampat?

If you enjoy a mix of comfort, freedom, and adventure, a land-based resort stay is the perfect choice. You’ll have the comfort of your own room, delicious meals waiting after dives, and space to unwind between adventures. Unlike a liveaboard, you’re not limited to a set route or schedule, you can dive when conditions are best, rest when you like, and spend time exploring the islands. It’s a great way to enjoy Raja Ampat’s beauty both above and below the surface, without feeling rushed.

Can you dive from a land-based resort in Raja Ampat?

Yes. Both Sorido Bay and Kri Eco Resort organize daily dive trips to some of Raja Ampat’s most famous sites, including Cape Kri, Blue Magic, and Sardine Reef. Most dive spots are just a short boat ride away, allowing guests to return to the resort between dives for meals or rest. It’s a perfect balance of world-class diving and land-based comfort.

Are land-based resorts suitable for non-divers and families?

Yes, and that’s one of the biggest advantages. If you’re traveling with a partner, friend, or family member who doesn’t dive, there’s still plenty to do. They can snorkel in the clear shallows, kayak around the lagoons, join island tours, or simply relax on the beach with a book. The staff can help organize excursions or nature walks, so everyone gets to experience the magic of Raja Ampat in their own way.

Is Raja Ampat easy to reach for a land-based stay?

Yes. Most travelers fly to Sorong, the main gateway to Raja Ampat. From there, Papua Diving Resorts arrange a seamless transfer by boat directly to Kri Island. The journey across the turquoise sea takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and is well-coordinated by the resort’s team, ensuring a smooth and worry-free arrival experience. Guests are greeted by friendly staff upon arrival, ready to start their unforgettable land and sea adventure.