What It’s Like Staying at a Remote Dive Resort in Raja Ampat

Many first-time guests wonder, “How do you actually get to Raja Ampat?” The journey starts with a flight to Sorong, West Papua, followed by a scenic boat transfer to Kri Island. Although it may take a little effort to get here, the remoteness is what makes the experience so extraordinary.

Instead of busy tourist spots, you’ll meet a small group of like-minded travelers who share your love for the ocean and nature. It’s a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere, one that makes Raja Ampat feel even more special and personal.

Staying at a remote dive resort is about stepping away from the noise of everyday life. Here, you won't find busy streets or bustling crowds. Instead, you are enveloped in the natural beauty of Raja Ampat, with lush forests, crystal-clear waters, and peaceful surroundings.

What makes living here unique?

• No mass tourism: The resorts are small and intimate, offering a more personal and quiet experience.
• Pristine nature: Your every step is surrounded by untouched beauty.
• Close connection to staff and the local community: The resorts are built on relationships, and guests often form bonds with the staff and local Papuan communities.
• Quiet, unspoiled surroundings: There are no distractions, only the sound of the ocean, rustling of trees and birdsong.

Living remotely is not always easy, but the rewards are immense. It’s about slowing down, appreciating simplicity, and reconnecting with what truly matters.

One of the biggest draws of staying at a remote dive resort in Raja Ampat is the diving itself.

Here, you have some of the world's best dive sites right at your doorstep.

• World-renowned house reefs: Wake up and dive; no long boat rides required. Dive spots like Cape Kri, Sardine Reef, and Melissa’s Garden are among the best in the world.
• Access to Raja Ampat SEACAM Center at Sorido Bay: Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just beginning, the Raja Ampat SEACAM Center at Sorido Bay Resort offers workshops and guidance to help you capture Raja Ampat’s underwater beauty like a pro.
• Personalized diving experience: With professional dive guides and small dive groups, each dive is tailored to your level and preferences.
• Night diving and critter hunting: Experience the magic of night dives in Raja Ampat, where you will encounter rare marine creatures you might not see while the sun is still out.

Wondering if Raja Ampat is only for experienced divers? Definitely not! While the region is known for thrilling drift dives and advanced sites, there are also calm, shallow reefs and jetty dives ideal for beginners. With expert guides and small groups, dives can be tailored to every skill level, ensuring everyone enjoys Raja Ampat’s marine magic.

From vibrant coral gardens to large pelagics, Raja Ampat's reefs are an unforgettable experience for divers of all levels.

If you're curious about the kind of amenities remote dive resorts offer, expect the unexpected. Staying at Papua Diving Resorts is not just about diving; it’s about embracing the rhythm of resort life.

• Accommodation: Both Sorido Bay Resort and Kri Eco Resort offer sustainable stays, with Sorido Bay providing a luxurious retreat and Kri Eco offering a simplified experience. Both resorts are committed to eco-friendly practices and sustainability, offering organic products and using locally-sourced and made boats and furniture.
• Daily rhythm: Early morning dives, shared community meals, and sunset views over the ocean help set the pace of life. Guests can choose between adventure-filled days or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

• Food and sustainability: At Papua Diving Resorts, we prioritize local sourcing and minimize waste. The meals served are fresh, delicious, and prepared with respect for the environment. We also cater to a wide range of dietary needs, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy-sensitive requests, ensuring every guest is well-nourished and cared for.
• Community atmosphere: With a small guest capacity, it’s easy to form meaningful connections with fellow travelers and staff alike. The sense of community is strong, adding to the overall experience

For a deeper look at the dining experience, check out these independent reviews by Vegan Food Quest:

• Kri Eco Resort review
• Sorido Bay Resort review

This remote dive resort experience is ideal for a variety of travelers:

• Nature lovers: Those who want to immerse themselves in pristine wilderness.
• Serious divers: Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, Raja Ampat's reefs offer something for everyone.
• Snorkelers: You don’t have to dive to explore; most of our dive sites have shallow top reefs, teeming with marine life and easily accessible for snorkelers.
• Eco-conscious travelers: If you care about sustainable practices and want to contribute to preserving this unique environment, Papua Diving Resorts is the perfect choice.
• Photographers and adventure seekers: Raja Ampat's underwater and terrestrial landscapes offer endless opportunities for stunning photography and unforgettable adventures.

At Papua Diving Resorts, sustainability is woven into every aspect of the experience. From the architecture to the waste management systems, we aim to minimize our environmental impact while offering guests a luxurious and immersive stay.

• Wastewater gardens: Our eco-friendly treatment system ensures that we give back to the environment what we take from it.
• Community empowerment: We work closely with local Papuan communities, through RARCC (Raja Ampat Research and Conservation Center), supporting education, capacity building, and collaborative conservation projects that create lasting impact.
• Eco-conscious design: Both Sorido Bay Resort and Kri Eco Resort feature sustainable design elements that respect the natural environment.

By staying at Papua Diving Resorts, you are supporting responsible tourism that prioritizes the long-term health of Raja Ampat's unique ecosystems.

Fun fact: Sorido Bay Resort was originally a coconut plantation, meaning no native forest was cleared to build the resort. In fact, we planted native trees to restore the area, and now, wildlife like birds, monitor lizards, and cuscus have returned. It’s a living example of how thoughtful development can actively improve the local ecosystem.