Reaching Kri Island is part of the adventure. Located in Southwest Papua, Raja Ampat sits in one of Indonesia’s most remote regions. While the journey requires a few steps, the reward is access to a marine paradise unlike anywhere else in the world.
Most travelers begin by flying to Sorong, the gateway city to Raja Ampat. Direct flights connect Sorong with major Indonesian hubs such as Jakarta, Bali, and Makassar. From Sorong, visitors can take a ferry across the calm waters to Waisai, the capital of Raja Ampat. Alternatively, guests who book a standard package with Papua Diving Resorts can enjoy a complimentary direct speedboat transfer from Sorong to Kri Island, a scenic journey of approximately 90 minutes that offers a seamless and comfortable start to their stay.
From Waisai, a speedboat transfer carries travelers across brilliant blue seas toward Kri Island, a journey that takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes and offers a first glimpse of the region’s stunning reefs and island scenery. During the journey, it is common to see limestone islands rising from the ocean and coral reefs visible beneath the surface. On occasion, dolphins and even whales can be sighted along the way, making the transfer itself a memorable introduction to the natural beauty that defines Raja Ampat.
Guests staying with Papua Diving Resorts who book standard packages of seven nights or longer receive complimentary boat transfers. These typically depart on Sundays and Wednesdays, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey to the resort.
Kri Island is famous among divers for good reason. The surrounding waters contain some of the most celebrated dive sites in Raja Ampat Islands.
One of the most well known is our house reef Cape Kri, a site that gained international recognition when marine biologist Dr. Gerald Allen recorded 374 species of reef fish during a single dive, a world record that highlights the extraordinary biodiversity of Raja Ampat.
Descending along the reef at Cape Kri often reveals large schools of fish moving through the currents. Barracuda and trevally gather in impressive formations, reef sharks patrol the deeper water, and sea turtles glide across coral gardens below.
For macro enthusiasts, the reefs offer an entirely different world of discovery. Nudibranchs in brilliant colors move across coral branches, tiny gobies hide among sponges, and pygmy seahorses cling to delicate sea fans.
Snorkelers can also enjoy the island’s vibrant reefs. Many coral gardens begin in shallow water just steps from the beach, allowing guests to observe reef fish, turtles, and colorful corals without scuba equipment.
Papua Diving Resorts provides professional dive guides, high quality equipment, and customized programs for scuba diving in Raja Ampat, suitable for beginners and experienced divers alike.
While the underwater world draws most visitors, Kri Island’s natural landscapes are equally captivating.
Guests can explore the island through different activities, such as kayak or paddleboard, gliding quietly along the shoreline as tropical fish swim beneath the surface. Short boat trips to nearby islands reveal hidden beaches and panoramic viewpoints overlooking Raja Ampat’s iconic limestone formations.
For those interested in wildlife, jungle paths connect Sorido Bay Resort and Kri Eco Resort, offering opportunities to observe local bird species. Willy wagtails, sea eagles, parrots, and kingfishers are frequently spotted among the trees.
Papua Diving Resorts also organizes birdwatching excursions to see two of the region’s most extraordinary species: the Red Bird of Paradise and the Wilson’s Bird of Paradise. Watching these birds perform their elaborate courtship displays is an unforgettable experience.
Surface intervals at nearby Papuan villages allow guests to learn about local traditions and daily life. Visitors can walk through the villages, meet community members, and discover handcrafted souvenirs that reflect the culture of the region.
Papua Diving Resorts operates two distinctive properties on Kri Island, each offering a unique way to experience Raja Ampat.
Sorido Bay Resort blends traditional Papuan design with modern comfort. Spacious beachfront bungalows overlook the sea, creating a tranquil setting where guests can relax between dives.
Kri Eco Resort offers charming overwater bungalows built from natural materials. The resort emphasizes sustainability while providing a comfortable base for divers who want to stay close to nature.
Both resorts share access to professional dive facilities and experienced guides who know the reefs of Raja Ampat intimately.
Sorido Bay Resort is home to the Raja Ampat SEACAM Center, the first underwater photography center of its kind in the region.
Divers have access to high-quality cameras, macro lenses, and specialized accessories designed to capture the extraordinary marine life of Raja Ampat. For photographers, this facility opens new creative possibilities for documenting the reef’s vibrant colors and rare species. To further support this passion, Papua Diving Resorts also hosts yearly underwater photography workshops, where guests can refine their skills, learn from experienced professionals, and deepen their connection to the underwater world.
Raja Ampat’s extraordinary biodiversity exists thanks to strong conservation efforts supported by local communities, scientists, and responsible tourism operators.
Papua Diving Resorts collaborates with the Raja Ampat Research and Conservation Center (RARCC) to support marine research and species protection initiatives. One of the most exciting projects involves the rewilding of zebra sharks through a dedicated shark hatchery.
Guests can visit the hatchery on Saturdays to learn more about these conservation efforts and witness how sustainable tourism contributes directly to protecting the region’s marine life.
Kri Island goes beyond beautiful scenery. It is a place where thriving coral reefs, vibrant wildlife, and warm Papuan hospitality come together to create an unforgettable experience.
To fully appreciate the island’s diving, landscapes, and conservation initiatives, most visitors choose to stay five to seven days. This allows enough time to explore multiple dive sites, enjoy island excursions, and truly settle into the rhythm of life in Raja Ampat.
Whether you are diving among swirling schools of fish, relaxing in a hammock beside the sea, or learning about marine conservation efforts that protect this extraordinary ecosystem, every moment on Kri Island feels meaningful.
For travelers ready to explore this remarkable corner of Indonesia, Papua Diving Resorts provides the ideal base for discovering Raja Ampat. Guests can choose between the comfort of Sorido Bay Resort or the immersive overwater experience of Kri Eco Resort, both located steps from some of the region’s most celebrated dive sites.
From expert dive guides to conservation initiatives that help protect Raja Ampat’s marine biodiversity, every stay supports a deeper connection with the ocean.
Book your stay with Papua Diving Resorts and begin your journey into one of the world’s most extraordinary marine destinations.
