Experience Night Diving in Raja Ampat

Night diving offers an entirely different perspective on the underwater world. By venturing into the ocean after sunset, divers can witness marine behavior that’s rarely seen during the day.

Predators like lionfish and moray eels emerge from their hiding places, while bioluminescent organisms create a mesmerizing, starry spectacle in the inky depths. It’s a surreal opportunity to engage with nature in a way that’s equal parts thrilling and serene.

Yes, night diving is safe when conducted with proper preparation and adherence to guidelines. The dive guides at Papua Diving Resorts ensure every participant is well-briefed on safety measures, including the use of lights, the buddy system, and navigating low-visibility conditions and currents.

At Papua Diving Resorts, safety and enjoyment go hand-in-hand, with thorough pre-dive orientations that instill confidence even in first-time night divers.

Raja Ampat’s extraordinary marine biodiversity makes it one of the best places in the world for night diving. As nocturnal creatures come to life, divers can observe unique species like bobtail squids, walking sharks, and bioluminescent plankton. 

The phenomenon of "reverse day" transforms the reef as day-dwellers retreat and the ocean’s nocturnal inhabitants take center stage. Photographers, in particular, will find this the perfect opportunity to capture stunning underwater scenes. With the right lighting, the ocean bed becomes a vibrant tapestry of glowing corals and active marine life.

Moreover, Raja Ampat’s healthy coral reefs are home to creatures like sleeping parrotfish encased in their mucous cocoons, camouflaged octopuses, and tiny shrimp that glow under UV light. 

These encounters showcase the intricate relationships within this delicate ecosystem, reminding divers of the importance of marine conservation.

Night diving requires a few adjustments compared to daytime dives. Proper light management is crucial, as is maintaining buoyancy in low visibility. 

Guides at Papua Diving Resorts ensure all divers are equipped with high-quality torches and backup lights to illuminate their surroundings and maintain communication. While the waters around Raja Ampat are typically calm, it’s always important to conserve air and dive mindfully. 

The dive sites for night dives are meticulously selected to avoid strong currents, enhancing safety and enjoyment. Our expert dive guides take into account the moon phases and the timing of incoming or outgoing tides, ensuring an optimal night dive experience for all divers.

For the best experience, plan your dive when water conditions are optimal, and marine life activity is at its peak. While visibility is generally good throughout the year, it is particularly excellent from July to September, when manta rays are less prevalent and plankton levels are lower. 

Our night dives are available throughout the year, allowing divers to enjoy unique underwater experiences regardless of the season.

At Papua Diving Resorts, night diving offers unique experiences, and we provide several options that make your underwater adventure truly unforgettable:

• Walking Shark Dive: Often done as a snorkel during low tide, this dive allows guests to witness the fascinating walking shark, a species endemic to Raja Ampat. Observing their unique behavior on the seabed is an unforgettable experience.
• Mandarin Dive: A magical sunset dive where divers can see mandarin fish performing their mating dance. While not a traditional night dive, it offers a serene transition from day to night. 

This dive is also perfect for photographers looking to capture unique animal behavior, as the mandarin fish are vibrant and colorful, making them an excellent subject for stunning photographs.

• Fluorescent Dive (Extra Charges): This dive uses UV lights to reveal the fluorescent colors of corals and marine life, turning the underwater world into a glowing tapestry of vibrant hues.
• Blackwater Dive (Extra Charges): Conducted in deep water away from the reef, blackwater diving offers a rare glimpse into the mysterious pelagic creatures that drift upward at night. It’s a thrilling adventure for experienced divers.

Night Diving for AOW Certification

Night dives are also part of the Advanced Open Water (AOW) Certification course. If you're looking to level up your diving skills, consider adding a night dive to your AOW certification. 

We offer PADI classes to help you gain new experiences while enjoying Raja Ampat’s breathtaking underwater world.

To make the most of your night dive, consider the following tips:

• Stay Calm and Focused: Adjusting to the darkness may feel intimidating initially, but trust your guide and equipment to navigate the underwater terrain safely.
• Manage Your Light Wisely: Avoid shining your torch directly into the eyes of marine life to minimize disturbance. Instead, use it to highlight creatures or guide your path.
• Practice Buoyancy Control: In low-light conditions, mastering your buoyancy ensures you can avoid accidental contact with sensitive corals or stirring up sediment.
• Respect the Environment: Nighttime is when many species feed or rest. Observe quietly and avoid touching or chasing marine life.

At Sorido Bay Resort, luxury and adventure converge to offer divers an unparalleled experience. Located in the heart of Raja Ampat, the resort provides everything you need for memorable night dives, from expert guidance to state-of-the-art facilities. 

Papua Diving’s commitment to marine conservation and guest safety ensures that every dive is as enriching as it is responsible.

Additionally, Sorido Bay Resort offers a blend of modern comfort and eco-conscious luxury. After your dive, unwind in spacious accommodations, savor locally-inspired cuisine, and share stories with fellow adventurers. Each detail is crafted to complement the unparalleled beauty of Raja Ampat.

2025 SEACAM Workshops at Sorido Bay Resort

For underwater photography enthusiasts, the Raja Ampat SEACAM Center at Sorido Bay Resort is a dream come true. Whether you’re trying SEACAM equipment for the first time or are an existing user looking to test new lenses and accessories, this facility is designed to support your creative pursuits. 

Don’t miss the upcoming 2025 SEACAM Workshops, led by award-winning SEACAM Ambassadors, happening on July 20-26 and August 10-16. These workshops are free of charge for 2025 only.

Reserve your place or contact us at info@papua-diving.com to let us know you're interested in joining these exciting workshops.