Hi lovely divers around the world. It's finally happening, I am off to Raja Ampat via Lembeh leaving Friday, but I need your help! I have just over 2 weeks in Raja Ampat and I am feeling a little overwhelmed with the different Island choices. I plan to stay on the islands as I want to do some surface exploring as well snorkel photography on the reefs (over under shots etc) as opposed to a Liveaboard - I have also heard the latter can be terrible if you get bad weather given the design of the traditional ships - first hand knowledge from a friend who spent the whole trip sick.
For context, I am a solo female diver. Underwater and Land photographer.
I have settled on around 5 or 6 night on Kri and 2 or 3 nights on Arborek.
Do I stay a couple of nights on one of the Pam/Fam islands to catch the sunsets and really explore the area. Will I be safe?
I had planned on Gam to hike and see Bird of Paradise but I can't work out how to get around. It seems I will end up doing a tour anyway in which case should I just do this from Kri or Arborek? It feels like all 3 of these Islands are close to each other
Also on the list is Palau Birie Batanta. Highest chance of seeing Dugongs but no dive center. Hiking, waterfalls and good reefs for snorkeling but quite a distance away - has anyone stayed there?
I will probably spend a few nights at the end at Waisai as I am sure I will be missing AC and showers by then.
Any Islands on the must do? Thoughts on the above?
And to really throw a spanner in the works - despite my comments on the LOB, I have reached out to one which has dates that might fit in nicely, but I will still have over a week to explore
For context, I am a solo female diver. Underwater and Land photographer.
I have settled on around 5 or 6 night on Kri and 2 or 3 nights on Arborek.
Do I stay a couple of nights on one of the Pam/Fam islands to catch the sunsets and really explore the area. Will I be safe?
I had planned on Gam to hike and see Bird of Paradise but I can't work out how to get around. It seems I will end up doing a tour anyway in which case should I just do this from Kri or Arborek? It feels like all 3 of these Islands are close to each other
Also on the list is Palau Birie Batanta. Highest chance of seeing Dugongs but no dive center. Hiking, waterfalls and good reefs for snorkeling but quite a distance away - has anyone stayed there?
I will probably spend a few nights at the end at Waisai as I am sure I will be missing AC and showers by then.
Any Islands on the must do? Thoughts on the above?
And to really throw a spanner in the works - despite my comments on the LOB, I have reached out to one which has dates that might fit in nicely, but I will still have over a week to explore