
Kri Island, Raja Ampat: A Complete Guide for Travelers
For those seeking an unforgettable diving experience, a remote yet luxurious escape, or a sustainable travel adventure, Kri Island delivers it all.
- February 10, 2025
For those seeking an unforgettable diving experience, a remote yet luxurious escape, or a sustainable travel adventure, Kri Island delivers it all.
Beneath the cerulean waters of Raja Ampat, an underwater world of staggering biodiversity awaits. At its heart lies Kri Island, a hidden gem where powdery beaches meet lush jungle, and the ocean teems with life.
For those seeking an unforgettable diving experience, a remote yet luxurious escape, or a sustainable travel adventure, Kri Island delivers it all.
Reaching Kri Island is an adventure in itself, a journey that unveils the untouched beauty of Indonesia’s easternmost paradise. While Raja Ampat's remote location can make it more expensive than other Indonesian destinations, the experience is unmatched, offering pristine nature and exclusivity.
Travelers first arrive in Sorong, the gateway to Raja Ampat, via direct flights from Jakarta or Makassar. From Sorong, a ferry glides across the shimmering sea to Waisai, the capital of Raja Ampat. Here, a speedboat transfer carries visitors over crystal-clear waters to Kri Island, offering a preview of the natural wonders to come.
For those staying at Papua Diving Resorts who book our standard package of 7 nights or more will enjoy complimentary boat transfers. Our standard departure days are Sundays and Wednesdays. For more information on boat transfer schedules, days, and times, please check Papua Diving Resorts FAQ page.
Read more: How to Get to Raja Ampat: Seamless with Papua Diving Resorts
The magic of Kri Island unfolds throughout the year, but each season offers its own allure. The dry season (October to April) is ideal for divers as visibility is at its peak and encounters with manta rays are frequent.
The green season (May to September), though marked by occasional rains, offers lush landscapes, fewer visitors, and equally mesmerizing marine life. This is also considered the best time for underwater photographers and videographers, as calmer conditions and softer lighting create optimal shooting opportunities beneath the waves.
Water temperatures hover between 27-30°C year-round, making Kri Island a diver’s paradise no matter the season.
Kri Island is synonymous with world-class diving. Home to some of Raja Ampat’s most renowned dive sites, the island boasts Cape Kri, a record-breaking site where divers have observed more fish species in a single dive than anywhere else on Earth—374, to be precise.
For those who prefer snorkeling, the shallow reefs around the island are bursting with vibrant corals, turtles, and schools of fish.
The Papua Diving Resorts’ dive center offers expert guides, high-quality equipment, and tailored diving experiences to suit all skill levels.
While the ocean is the main draw, Kri Island’s lush landscapes invite exploration. Guests can embark on kayaking adventures, paddleboarding sessions, or island-cruising trips to nearby isles, each offering secluded beaches and breathtaking views.
Hiking trails weave through the island’s jungle, leading to panoramic viewpoints where the azure waters stretch endlessly into the horizon.
Hiking trails weave through the island’s jungle, including a scenic route connecting Sorido Bay Resort to Kri Eco Resort, where guests can encounter a variety of bird species such as willy wagtails, sea eagles, parrots, and kingfishers.
For avid bird enthusiasts, Papua Diving Resorts also offers dedicated birdwatching excursions to spot the spectacular Red Birds of Paradise and Wilson's Birds of Paradise.
For a cultural touch, visitors can engage with local Papuan communities. During surface intervals, guests often visit nearby villages, providing a chance to walk around, interact with locals, and purchase small trinkets as souvenirs, offering an authentic glimpse into local traditions and crafts.
Read more: Raja Ampat Excursions
For those seeking an eco-luxury retreat, Papua Diving Resorts offers two exceptional properties on Kri Island: Sorido Bay Resort and Kri Eco Resort.
Sorido Bay Resort combines modern comforts with traditional Papuan architecture, offering spacious bungalows with sweeping ocean views.
With its overwater bungalows and rustic charm, Kri Eco Resort caters to travelers who wish to immerse themselves in nature without sacrificing comfort.
Sorido Bay Resort, part of Papua Diving Resorts in Raja Ampat, is home to the world's first Raja Ampat SEACAM Center.
This unique facility provides divers with access to top-tier underwater photography equipment, including high-end cameras, lenses perfect for macro photography, and accessories, enhancing the experience of capturing Raja Ampat's stunning underwater beauty.
If you're looking to deepen your understanding of underwater photography, the Underwater Photography Workshops at the Raja Ampat SEACAM Center are an ideal choice. Taking place from July 20-26 and August 10-16, 2025, these workshops are free for Sorido Bay Resort guests for this year only.
Participants will benefit from the expertise of SEACAM Ambassador, Don Silcock, who will guide them through the techniques and insights to capture breathtaking images of Raja Ampat’s vibrant marine life.
Award-winning underwater photographer, Don Silcock, will also be at Papua Diving Resorts for on-site personlized guidance from July 6 to August 19, 2025. Weekly presentations by Don at Papua Diving Resorts will allow guests the chance to gain insider tips and techniques to underwater photography.
Register now or get in touch with us at info@papua-diving.com for more information!
Guests can indulge in relaxation at The Healing Hut, a serene retreat offering massages and wellness treatments—perfect after a long journey or an exhilarating day of diving.
As part of its commitment to conservation, Papua Diving Resorts collaborates with the RARCC (Raja Ampat Research and Conservation Center), supporting the rewilding of zebra sharks through a dedicated shark hatchery.
Open on Saturdays, the hatchery offers guests a chance to witness the resort’s active role in marine preservation.
While Raja Ampat is a remote paradise, safety remains a priority. Visitors should ensure they have adequate travel insurance covering diving activities. Reef-safe sunscreen is encouraged to protect the delicate coral ecosystems.
The island maintains a relaxed, eco-conscious atmosphere—cash payments are preferred for local transactions, and respecting local customs enhances the travel experience. Emergency medical services are available in Waisai, with Sorong housing more comprehensive facilities.
Kri Island is more than a destination; it’s a portal to a world untouched by time, where nature thrives and adventure beckons.
To fully appreciate the island's diving, explore its stunning landscapes, and immerse yourself in its unique ecosystem, a stay of five to seven days is recommended.
Whether you're diving among vibrant reefs, relaxing in a seaside hammock, or learning about conservation efforts, every moment here is a treasure.
Ready to explore the wonders of Kri Island? Book your stay at Papua Diving Resorts and embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Raja Ampat.
This year, Papua Diving Resorts is proud to participate in ADEX Singapore 2025! Visit us at Booth K17 & K19 to learn more about our eco-luxury resorts, conservation efforts, and world-class diving experiences in Raja Ampat.
Max Ammer, founder of Papua Diving Resorts and a pioneer of sustainable tourism in the region, will also be delivering a speaker session titled “Operating in an Environmentally Friendly Way: A Resort Operator’s Perspective”.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with us, hear Max’s inspiring insights, and plan your next unforgettable adventure in Raja Ampat with our dive show special promo!