Max Ammer, the founder of Papua Diving, first came to the region over 21 year ago following his passion to search for submerged World War II aircraft. After spending so much time in Raja Ampat Max fell in love with the Papuan people and started a number of initiatives to support the local Papuan communities. Papua Diving was one of the projects. It’s mission: to bring much needed money to the local people by enabling divers who had never heard of the region to be amazed by the wonders of the unspoiled aquatic world here.

Kri Island aerial photo

Papua Diving is unique when compared to other land based and liveaboard operators in Raja Ampat. Not only thanks to our outstanding location – Today we may pride ourselves of having an unique knowledge about the area thanks to working so closely together with the Papuan people for many years. Choosing to stay with Papua Diving is more than an amazing tropical island and aquatic world experience. You will also directly contribute to local marine & community conservation activities. Compared to other operators in the area, we still stand by our credentials as:

  • the being the pioneering hence the most experienced operator in Raja Ampat
  • providing employment to more papuan people than other operators (90% of our staff are papuan)
  • donating 10% of profit to conservation initiatives
  • in addition to direct donations we invest more money into the local economy and other practical assistance to local communities
  • we actively set up and support conservation initiatives and projects

Max Ammer

Many of the today`s famous dive sites were discovered by Max and our team and retain the original names he gave them. The whole of our dive team are Papuan people. Many of them were previously fisherman that used highly destructive methods such as dynamite fishing or shark finning. Now they are amongst some of the most conscientious conservationists in the region helping to clean and monitor the marine park protected zones.
Today, he spends most of his time on the island between international meetings and expeditions into the interior of Papua.
Meet him at Sorido Bay Resort, as his main office is in the Raja Ampat Research and Conservation centre.

Max Ammer - Founder