
Frequently Asked Questions
Take a look at some of our frequently asked questions. We have divided the questions into four sections: general, resorts, divers, and travel FAQ.
Take a look at some of our frequently asked questions. We have divided the questions into four sections: general, resorts, divers, and travel FAQ.
Find out the best time to visit, how to get to Kri Island, our standard arrival and departure days, boat transfer schedule, flight recommendations, etc.
We can’t always promise clear skies but, with your help, we can guarantee a clear conscience.
The Papua Diving dive resorts, Kri Eco and Sorido Bay, are situated on Kri Island which is 75km from the port of Sorong on the northwest coast of West Papua, Indonesia.
A typical route to get there:
SUNDAYS For stays of 7, 14, and 21 nights we operate a free boat transfer for arrival and departures on Sundays.
THURSDAY/WEDNESDAY For stays of 10 & 17 nights there are two options for the free boat transfer, either arrive Thursday and depart Sunday, or
Arrive Sunday and depart Wednesday.
Scheduled Boat Transfers:
FREE for bookings of a minimum of 7 nights (Sundays to Sundays)
Direct Transfers:
Midweek Transfers:
FREE for bookings of a minimum of 10 nights (Sundays to Wednesdays or Thursdays to Sundays)
*Time and transfer method depending on total guest
For all other arrival/departure days boat charter fees will apply. Arrival or departure on Saturdays is not possible. See our rates.
Arrival in Sorong latest at 8:30 AM (Sundays)
Departure from Sorong earliest at 10:30 AM (Sundays)
For midweek transfers kindly consult with us before purchasing your flights.
Indonesia has three Time Zones :
Western Indonesian Time : GMT +7 (Jakarta)
Central Indonesian Time : GMT +8 (Manado / Makassar)
Eastern Indonesian Time : GMT +9 (Raja Ampat – Kri Island)
Please beware of those when taking domestic flights.
You can either make direct reservations with us through our Book Now page or use one of our internationally approved agents.
All travelers to Indonesia must be in possession of a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival and have proof (tickets) of onward or return passage. Visas can be obtained at a cost of 35US$. Click here to visit Indonesia's official e-visa website.
As of 2007, Raja Ampat uses a tag system to support Marine Protected Areas and community projects. All visitors, divers or non-divers, are required to purchase a
tag which is valid for one year starting from the date of purchase. The cost is 1 000 000 Rupiah (approx. 65 euro) for foreigners. Indonesian nationals pay 500 000 IDR. Children 12 years and younger are exempt from paying the fee. To make your registration process faster, we will pay this fee ahead of time for you on your behalf. So you will only need to settle this fee with us and not the local government.
Information on our accommodation packages, resorts amenities, activities, and method of payments.
The “Exploration package” includes:
The “unlimited diving” package includes:
The packages do not include:
For all non-diving guests, there’s plenty of fantastic snorkeling around. Just some fun kicks off the shore you can discover the beauty of our reefs. Even just off our Jetty, you can see Bluespotted Stingrays, Turtles, Crocodile Fish, Black Tip Reef sharks, Batfish, a huge school of Jackfish, and sometimes even a school of Bumphead Parrot Fish.
If you like to discover more of the surrounding reefs, we also offer guided snorkeling packages (single trips/half day). See our Snorkeling Page for more information on what to expect when snorkeling in Raja Ampat.
If you need to rent an ABC set we can provide it to you. Please note our supplies are limited, so we kindly ask you to inform us upfront about your needs. We highly recommend bringing your own set to which you are accustomed already. Check out our Snorkeling Packing List for more tips.
On Saturdays (also on any other day of the week upon request) we also offer a small bird-watching trip. If the weather permits we do a hike (30 minutes) to see the Red Bird-of-Paradise which is endemic to the Raja Ampat. This trip is free from our side (free boat transfer to the starting point of the start of 30-minute hike to the birding location) however each participant is asked to pay a donation fee (23 euros) to protect these birds and assist in children's health care initiatives.
A jungle trek will reveal lush pristine jungle rainforest. Bird lovers will love the incredible early morning sounds, and find some spots to do see some Cockatoos, Parrots, Lorikeets, Kingfishers, and Kookaburras … to name a few. Upon special request, we can also organize a half-day bird-watching trip to the island of Waigeo to see Wilson’s bird of paradise.
At low tide, you can walk along the long beach of Kri Island or of course, just relax and enjoy true serenity.
Visit our Excursions Page and Activities Page for more information on water-based and land-based activities around the resorts.
Yes, we do. We are PADI 5* Dive Resorts.
Please see our PADI dive courses page here.
WiFi Internet access is available from lounge areas and guest rooms to keep in touch with you loved ones at home.
Given our location the satellite connection does not deliver broadband speeds but is suitable for email and even video chat with friends and family. If you wish to have a backup internet connection, we recommend to buy a TELKOMSEL sim card including data. Our connection is usually reliable but we cannot guarantee the service. There’s also a computer with Internet access available at each resort should you wish to check your email but not have your own device. You can also have friends and family email Papua Diving at “info@papua-diving.com” and our staff will forward any messages to you.
Our generators provide us with electricity of 220V, 24/7, with a round two-prong plug (European plug), and we also have 110V outlets (at Sorido Bay Resort only).
Staying with Papua Diving is more than just an opportunity for an escape; it is also a direct contribution to local marine & community conservation activities. Most of the resorts were built using local materials that were bought from local villagers also offering employment to those communities at the same time.
At the moment more than 89% of the staff are Papuans, many of them ex-sharkfinners and dynamite fishermen. Not only have we gone to great lengths to reduce the impact of our operations, but we also extended our environmental responsibility to the area surrounding our resorts. 10% of the annual profit is donated to the Raja Ampat Research and Conservation Centre (RARCC) – adjunct to Sorido Bay Resort, that has been protecting the area for over 20 years. Recent developments like the record diversity count and a visible increase of shark life state the positive effects of conservation efforts.
Visit our Conservation Page for more information.
Free Nitrox available for certified Enriched Air Divers – PADI Nitrox courses are available at the resort
Our tanks are normally fitted with an INT/A-clamp valves so if you have an adapter please bring it along as we have a limited amount of adapters available. All our Nitrox tanks are fitted with a DIN valve with a INT-adapter screwed in.
First aid kit, emergency aid oxygen (DAN system), tools, compass and mobile phones.
Yes, if you have not dived within the last 12 months or have logged less than 50 dives a Refresher course is mandatory.
The Refresher is ideal if you have had a short break from diving or if you are a newly qualified diver that has not been diving for a few months. It allows you to recollect your skills and theory and promotes your safety as a diver.
At the cost of 50 euro, the Refresher Program will be added to any dive package of your choice.
We practice a strict non-decompression diving rule, with slow controlled ascents and safety stop, due to our remote location.
We would recommend to book directly with one of the online booking platforms or through a local agent
We are in a very remote area.
Please read our packing guide for some tips. Please bring:
Travel light
Your safety and health are of highest importance to us
Malaria is present in Papua, however there are only few mosquitoes on our island. Mosquito repellent is recommended at dawn and dusk and when passing through greater risk areas such as Sorong. Some malarial prophylactics cause adverse reactions to divers and also with prolonged usage. Please discuss your travel plans with your Doctor and conduct your own risk assessment.
We advise all guests to have travel insurance. In case of flight cancellation or major flight delays we will try to delay the departure of our scheduled transfer boat but this cannot be guaranteed. Late arrival guests will then require a private boat or ferry transfer. The private boat fee should be claimed from the prearranged travel insurance. Please note: Private charters are subject to availability, especially at short notice. |