Raja Ampat
Region: Bird’s Head Peninsula, West Papua, Indonesia
Type: Coral reef archipelago (1,500+ islands)
Significance: Most biodiverse marine region on Earth — 1,397+ fish species, 600+ hard coral species (70%+ of all known species)
First Wetpixel coverage: 2003
Entrance fee: IDR 1,000,000 (~US$76) international / IDR 500,000 (~US$38) domestic (12-month validity, as of 2015)
Overview
Raja Ampat (“The Four Kings”) is an archipelago comprising over 1,500 small islands, cays, and shoals surrounding four main islands — Misool, Salawati, Batanta, and Waigeo — off the Bird’s Head Peninsula of West Papua, Indonesia. Located at the confluence of the Indian and Pacific Oceans within the Coral Triangle, it is consistently described in Wetpixel coverage as the most biodiverse marine region on Earth ([1]).
Marine scientist Gerald Allen recorded 284 fish species on a single dive at Cape Kri — a record later surpassed at Tanjung Papisol with 330 species ([2], [3]). The region is home to more than 1,000 species of fish and over 70% of the world’s hard coral species ([4]).
As Alex Mustard wrote: “Heaven on Earth, or perhaps more correctly Heaven Underwater is Raja Ampat” ([5]). Andrea and Antonella Ferrari called it “the last frontier of over-the-edge diving” ([6]).
The archipelago’s approximately 600 limestone islands are largely unpopulated and shrouded in virgin lowland forest, often surrounded by thick blue-water mangrove belts. The karst geology means fresh water is scarce, which has ironically protected the islands from development ([7]). Culturally, the islands were ruled in the 15th century by the Sultanate of Tidore from Halmahera in the Malukus ([8]).
Dive Areas and Key Sites
The photographic appeal spans wide-angle reef scenics, manta ray encounters, wobbegong sharks, blue-water mangroves, jellyfish lakes, schooling baitfish, and WWII wrecks. Most diving takes place in the 5–20 meter range, with the majority of dive sites less than ten minutes from shore bases ([9]).
Dampier Strait (Kri and Mansuar)
The most accessible area, reached from Sorong. Key sites include:
- Cape Kri — World record holder for fish species on a single dive; a technicolored spectacle rivaling Sipadan’s drop-off and Palau’s Blue Corner ([10])
- Mike’s Point — Described by the Ferraris as “the most beautiful of them all and one of the most scenic dive spots on Earth, a living multi-layered tapestry of pink and orange gorgonians” ([11])
- Sardines — An underwater promontory with raging currents, gigantic schools of fish, and lurking wobbegongs ([12])
- Manta Sandy / Manta Point — Cleaning station where divers can encounter up to twenty mantas, each up to three meters wide ([13])
Misool (Southern Raja Ampat)
The southern region, home to Misool Eco Resort and its 1,220 sq km marine reserve:
- Boo Windows — Signature dive site in the Boo Islands; a swim-through arch adorned with sea fans and crinoids featured in countless Wetpixel Full Frame galleries ([14], [15])
- Magic Mountain — Seamount with manta ray encounters ([16], [17])
- Four Kings — Reef with schooling fish throngs ([18])
- Three Sisters — Narrow channel where mobula rays pass through above gorgonian sea fans ([19])
- Pelee Island — Reef scenes with orange soft corals, sea fans, and schooling silversides ([20])
Waigeo (Northern Raja Ampat)
- The Passage — A five-meter-deep, river-like sea fjord snaking through forest, with purple sponges and gigantic orange sea fans almost reaching the surface, described as “a mystical place, rich in silent grottoes, underwater passages, submerged tunnels leading to still seawater pools hidden inside the forest” ([21]). Fan corals grow to the surface with virgin rainforest above; “unforgettable light at around midday” ([22])
- Ed’s Black Forest — Dark reef with dense marine life ([23])
Fam/Penemu
- Melissa’s Garden — Submerged psychedelic panorama of mushroom-shaped limestone islets draped in red gorgonians and bright purple soft corals ([24])
Wayag Islands
- Wayag Lagoon — Site of the first documented manta ray nursery in Southeast Asia, confirmed in 2015 through satellite tagging ([25])
Adjacent Areas (Bird’s Head Seascape)
The broader Bird’s Head Seascape encompasses Raja Ampat plus Cenderawasih Bay (whale sharks) and Triton Bay, all sharing similar marine biodiversity ([26]).
Marine Life
Signature Species
The region supports an extraordinary density and diversity of marine life:
- Manta rays — Reef mantas (Mobula alfredi) at cleaning stations; Mustard reported more than 25 times more sharks on Misool reefs in 2019 than his first visit in 2006 ([27])
- Mobula rays — Gather in massive groups (50+) around October to feed on seasonal silverside aggregations over the reef ([28])
- Wobbegong carpet sharks — Ubiquitous throughout the region ([29])
- Hemiscyllium coral catsharks — “Walking” sharks unique to the area ([30])
- Pygmy seahorses — Three species: H. bargibanti, H. denise (Misool variant), and undescribed species (possibly pontohi and colemani) ([31], [32])
- Schooling baitfish/silversides — Massive seasonal aggregations from October onward, dense enough to block out the sun ([33])
- Saltwater crocodiles — Present in the mangroves; a diver was attacked at the blue-water mangroves in Misool in April 2009 ([34])
Scientific Research
- 2009: Dr. Mark Erdmann (Conservation International) began comprehensive biodiversity surveys; he has lived and worked in Indonesia for 25+ years and is one of the driving forces behind the Bird’s Head MPA network ([35])
- 2012: A definitive fish species reference for the Coral Triangle was released ([36])
- 2014: Comprehensive manta ray tagging program launched across Indonesia, including Raja Ampat, run by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries and Conservation International ([37])
- 2015: Bird’s Head Seascape Manta ID database launched in partnership with Indonesian Manta Project and Conservation International. Photo identification work began in 2011 at Misool Eco Resort and Papua Diving ([38]). By 2019, the database had over 1,000 identified individuals; by 2020, over 1,400 ([39], [40])
- 2015: New cardinalfish species Cercamia melanogaste described by Dr. Erdmann, endemic to specific areas of the Bird’s Head Seascape including northern Raja Ampat ([41])
- 2015: Bird’s Head Seascape Natural History Notes series launched, starting with damselfish research by Dr. Richard Smith ([42])
Conservation
Raja Ampat’s conservation story is one of the most significant threads in Wetpixel coverage, representing a model for community-based marine protection:
Marine Protected Areas
- 2005: Marit and Andrew Miners stumbled upon a shark finning camp while diving in Misool and decided to start a conservation project. Tribal elders gave their blessing to establish the Misool Marine Reserve spanning 300,000 acres (later reported as 1,220 sq km), inside which all fishing is forbidden ([43])
- 2007: Seven MPAs declared; tourism entrance fee system introduced (Rp 500,000 for foreigners, Rp 250,000 for Indonesians). 70% of funds managed by a multi-stakeholder team for conservation and community development, 30% to the Tourism Department. Three major international NGOs — Conservation International, The Nature Conservancy, and WWF — helped define the most valuable areas for protection ([44], [45])
- 2010: Misool Eco Resort’s no-take zone expanded to 425 sq km, protected by a 15-strong ranger team using a 5-boat fleet and radar surveillance. Scientists measured a 250% average increase in fish biomass over 6 years ([46], [47])
- 2015: Entry fee restructured: doubled to IDR 500,000 domestic / IDR 1,000,000 international, now valid 12 months (previously calendar year). 75–80% used directly to manage the six MPAs, balance for social/economic infrastructure ([48])
- 2017: Fam Archipelago communities declared a 6th MPA (360,000 hectares / ~900,000 acres), signed by 20 clans’ representatives from three villages, ratified by the Regent of Raja Ampat ([49])
Shark and Ray Sanctuary
- 2010: Bupati Marcus Wanma declared a 15,000 sq mi shark sanctuary — the first in Indonesia — protecting sharks, mantas, mobulas, dugongs, and turtles. Driven by a Shark Savers petition with 8,500+ signatures, supported by Conservation International, Misool Eco Resort, WildAid, CORAL, and Papua Diving ([50], [51])
- 2013: Shark sanctuary written into permanent provincial law by the Raja Ampat parliament — the first such legal framework in Indonesia and the Coral Triangle. Shark Savers, Conservation International, The Nature Conservancy, WildAid, CORAL, Papua Diving, and Misool Eco Resort campaigned for the permanent legislation ([52])
- 2014: Indonesia announced a national manta sanctuary (5.8 million sq km), building on Raja Ampat’s local protections ([53])
- 2015: First documented manta ray nursery in Southeast Asia confirmed at Wayag Lagoon through satellite tagging. New regulations including curbing speedboat usage within the lagoon were expected ([54])
Conservation Films and Advocacy
- 2010: Shawn Heinrichs and John Weller journeyed to Raja Ampat as part of the “Last Oceans” conservation film series, producing an intimate manta encounter video to support the shark and manta hunting ban petition ([55])
- 2013: Greenpeace featured Paul Hilton’s gallery from Raja Ampat aboard Rainbow Warrior III for International Day for Biological Diversity ([56])
- 2015: Heinrichs and Weller produced “Guardians of Raja Ampat,” shown to 10,000+ local community members ([57])
- 2016: “Rangers of the Reef” documentary short by Brady Valashinas, featuring Emmy-winning cinematographer Heinrichs and Misool Eco Resort, illustrated the work of maintaining the no-take zone for over ten years ([58])
- 2017: Misool Foundation released a decade-anniversary film by Heinrichs showcasing their conservation successes ([59]). The Foundation also held a fundraiser in Portland with WildAid and Patagonia, featuring Heinrichs and Misool co-founder Marit Miners ([60])
- 2019: West Papua became Indonesia’s first conservation province; Conservation International awarded Global Conservation Hero ([61])
Caledonian Sky Grounding (2017)
On March 4, 2017, the cruise ship Caledonian Sky ran aground at Crossover reef off Kri while taking tourists on a bird-watching cruise, destroying 18,882 sq m of marine ecosystems (13,270 sq m completely destroyed). Scientists estimated recovery could take up to 100 years ([62]). The Indonesian government sought Rp 6 trillion (~US$450 million) in damages from the ship’s operators, calculated across four components: ecosystem damage, economy and society impact, ecosystem rehabilitation costs, and damage claim costs ([63]).
Pioneers and Key Figures
Max Ammer
Dutch-born pioneer Max Ammer built Kri Eco Resort and later Sorido Bay Resort, opening Raja Ampat to dive tourism after discovering the region approximately 30 years ago while searching for WWII wrecks ([64]). His strict conservation views helped convince local Papuan communities that protecting nature was a sound investment. Ammer is a Seventh Day Adventist, and Saturdays are observed as holiday days with no guided diving until 7:00 pm ([65]). Markus Roth described falling in love with the region at Ammer’s Kri Eco Resort: “Since then eight years have passed, but my feelings have not become weaker. Rather stronger” ([66]).
Andrew and Marit Miners
Founded Misool Eco Resort in Misool after discovering a shark finning camp in 2005. They secured the blessing of tribal elders to establish a 300,000-acre marine reserve and built it into a model for ecotourism-funded conservation ([67]). The Misool Foundation grew out of their conservation efforts.
Burt Jones and Maurine Shimlock
Authored the definitive guidebooks: Diving Indonesia’s Raja Ampat (2009, reviewed by Mustard) and Diving Indonesia’s Bird’s Head Seascape (2011, reviewed by Drew Wong), both published with Conservation International. The first book contains 130+ dive site descriptions with GPS coordinates ([68], [69]). Jones and Shimlock also administered the Bird’s Head Seascape website from 2014 onward ([70]). Shimlock joined the Women Divers Hall of Fame in 2012 ([71]). Their three decades of underwater photography were celebrated in a 2020 retrospective ([72]).
David Doubilet
National Geographic’s September 2007 issue featured Doubilet’s celebration of Indonesia’s marine life, with images and text from Raja Ampat and the Bird’s Head Seascape ([73]).
Dive Infrastructure
Land-Based Resorts
- Kri Eco Resort — Max Ammer’s original operation on Kri Island; traditional and more basic. “Currently gets less than 500 visitors a year” as of 2007 ([74])
- Sorido Bay Resort — Ammer’s more luxurious facility on Kri; equipped for professional photographers with communal fresh-water rinsing tubs, Apple computer stations in a dedicated air-conditioned camera room, and recharging power banks in every bungalow. Nitrox available ([75])
- Misool Eco Resort — Founded by Andrew and Marit Miners in Misool; controls all diving in its marine reserve, ensuring no more than one boat of divers per site. Excellent dive center accommodating large photographer groups ([76])
- Raja4Divers (Pulau Pef) — Opened 2011 with the first dedicated professional UW imaging facility in Raja Ampat, operated by Claudia Pellarini and Leon Joubert of BittenbySharks. Climate-controlled workspaces, individual set-up/charging stations, iMacs with imaging software, camera/equipment rental, and expert guide Nikson Soor ([77])
Liveaboards
Multiple liveaboard vessels operate in the area, including:
- Damai I and Damai II — Luxury dive vessels used for multiple Wetpixel expeditions ([78], [79])
- Seven Seas — Used for Wetpixel Ultimate Indonesia expeditions ([80])
- Archipelago Adventurer II — Used for ReefNet documentation expedition ([81])
- Indo Siren — Indo Siren rescued passengers when its sister ship Mandarin Siren caught fire and sank in January 2012, likely due to an electrical fault in the tumble dryer ([82])
- Pindito — Featured as grand prize for 2019 BHS Manta ID Photo Contest ([83])
Access
Reached via turboprop or jet flight from Manado (North Sulawesi) or direct flights to Sorong. From Sorong, transfer boats depart for resorts and liveaboard embarkation. Flight cancellations and delays are common ([84]). Cerebral malaria is present in the area, particularly for land excursions ([85]).
Raja Ampat Entrance Tag Design Contest
From 2007 to at least 2017, Wetpixel hosted the annual Raja Ampat Entrance Tag Design Contest in partnership with Conservation International and the Coral Reef Alliance. The winning image or design was printed on 4,000–5,000+ park entrance tags attached to visiting divers’ BCDs. Winners received free dive trips to Raja Ampat from local sponsors.
| Year (tag) | Winner | Winning Design | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Alex Mustard | ”Big Personality” pygmy seahorse portrait | [86] |
| 2009 | Marcio Lisa | Manta ray silhouette | [87] |
| 2010 | Nicholas Samaras | Stylized manta ray illustration inspired by Indonesian cultural designs | [88] |
| 2011 | (contest held) | — | [89] |
| 2012 | Cornelia Thieme | Dual seahorse motif with hidden marine icons | [90] |
| 2013 | Nicholas Samaras (2nd win) | Batfish photograph | [91] |
The contest later expanded into a standalone Raja Ampat Underwater Photo Contest offering $33,000 in prizes with no entry fee ([92], [93]).
Photography and Videography
Photo Essays and Full Frame Features
Raja Ampat has been the subject of numerous Wetpixel Full Frame photo essays:
- 2006: Andrea and Antonella Ferrari — first major Wetpixel trip report from Raja Ampat ([94])
- 2007: Ferrari return visit — expanded description of dive sites and conservation progress ([95])
- 2014: Alex Tattersall — Raja Ampat wide-angle and macro photography from a workshop led by Alex Mustard aboard Indo Siren ([96])
- 2015: Burt Jones & Maurine Shimlock — Bird’s Head Seascape three decades ([97])
- 2015: Hergen Spalink and Kerri Bingham — schooling silversides and mobula rays, shot over ten years of living/working in Indonesia ([98])
- 2016: Markus Roth — Bird’s Head Seascape, eight years of visiting ([99])
- 2016: Wetpixel Raja Ampat Expedition — collective gallery from September 2016 Damai trips ([100])
- 2019: Nick More — Misool, from a photo trip led by Mustard and Martin Edge at Misool Eco Resort ([101])
- 2021: Alex Mustard — Misool scenics, documenting 25x more sharks than his 2006 visit ([102])
Notable Video Productions
- 2010: Shawn Heinrichs/John Weller — “Last Oceans” manta encounter film from Misool ([103])
- 2016: Ron Lagerlof — “Raja Mono,” filmed on RED Scarlet-W Monochrome in 5K; believed to be the first time the dedicated B&W cinema camera was used underwater ([104])
- 2020: Hergen Spalink — Raja Ampat with Z CAM E2 in Nauticam housing, 4K @160fps ([105])
- 2020: Julia Sumerling — “Float” and “Drift,” meditative short films from Raja Ampat shared during COVID-19 lockdowns to “soothe your withdrawals” ([106], [107])
- 2020: Laval — documentary interview with Max Ammer about pioneering diving in Raja Ampat, shot with Sony NX80 ([108])
Guidebooks
- Diving Indonesia’s Raja Ampat by Burt Jones and Maurine Shimlock (2009) — 146 pages, 130+ dive site descriptions with GPS coordinates ([109])
- Diving Indonesia’s Bird’s Head Seascape by Jones and Shimlock (2011) — covers the broader region ([110])
- Diving & Snorkeling Guide to Raja Ampat & Northeast Indonesia by Simon Pridmore and Tim Rock (2016) — 100+ diving/snorkeling sites, 240 color images, volume 5 in their series ([111])
- The 50 Best Dives in Indonesia by Tim Rock and Simon Pridmore (2018) — includes Raja Ampat among the top destinations ([112])
Wetpixel Live
- 2021: Alex Mustard and Adam Hanlon discussed image-making techniques for Raja Ampat’s wide-angle destinations on Wetpixel Live ([113])
Notable Expeditions
| Date | Trip | Leader(s) | Vessel/Base | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2003 | Richest Reefs book shoot | Michael Aw | — | [114] |
| Nov 2006 | Trip report | Andrea & Antonella Ferrari | Kri/Sorido Eco Resorts | [115] |
| Sep 2007 | Return trip report | Andrea & Antonella Ferrari | Kri/Sorido Eco Resorts | [116] |
| Feb 2007 | Bird’s Head Seascape | Eric Cheng & Norbert Wu | — | [117] |
| Nov 2008 | Seven Seas trip | Stephen Frink | Seven Seas | [118] |
| Mar–Apr 2009 | Ultimate Indonesia (2 legs) | Eric Cheng | Seven Seas | [119] |
| Dec 2009 | ReefNet documentation | Keri Wilk | Archipelago Adventurer II | [120] |
| Nov–Dec 2010 | Wetpixel Misool Eco Resort | Eric Cheng | Misool Eco Resort | [121] |
| 2012 | Ultimate Indonesia | Wetpixel | Damai II | [122] |
| 2014 | Photo workshop | Alex Mustard | Indo Siren | [123] |
| Sep 2016 | Wetpixel Expedition (2 trips) | Adam Hanlon | Damai I | [124] |
| 2019 | Misool photo trip | Alex Mustard & Martin Edge | Misool Eco Resort | [125] |
| Apr 2021 (planned) | Raja Ampat & Banda Sea for Image Makers | Adam Hanlon | Damai I | [126] |
| Sep 2022 | Photo Safari | Adam Hanlon | Damai | [127] |
Incidents
- April 2009: Saltwater crocodile attack at the blue-water mangroves in Misool. A diver was grabbed from the side, sustaining hand and neck injuries. The buddy fought the crocodile and the victim eventually stabbed its eye with a knife to escape. The Wetpixel Ultimate Indonesia expedition had been diving the same site just the month before ([128])
- January 2012: Liveaboard Mandarin Siren caught fire (suspected electrical fault in tumble dryer) and sank while operating in Raja Ampat. Guests were diving at the time; no injuries. Sister ship Indo Siren rescued all passengers and crew ([129])
- March 2017: Cruise ship Caledonian Sky grounding at Crossover reef (see Conservation section above)
Community Discussion
Raja Ampat is one of the most discussed destinations on the Wetpixel forums, with 227+ thread mentions across 25+ dedicated threads. Common topics include:
- Destination comparisons — Raja Ampat vs. Komodo, vs. Fiji, vs. PNG ([130], [131])
- Liveaboard recommendations — Choosing between operators and itineraries ([132], [133])
- Lens selection — Best wide-angle and macro lenses for the diverse conditions ([134], [135])
- Trip reports and galleries — Extensive photo sharing from across the archipelago ([136], [137])
- Travel logistics — Flights, visa requirements, anti-malarials, customs duties ([138], [139])
Timeline
- 2003: Michael Aw photographs Raja Ampat for Richest Reefs book — earliest Wetpixel mention ([140])
- 2006: Andrea and Antonella Ferrari publish first major Wetpixel trip report ([141])
- 2007: Park entrance fee system launched; first Entrance Tag Design Contest hosted by Wetpixel with Conservation International and CORAL ([142], [143]); David Doubilet features region in National Geographic ([144])
- 2009: Diving Indonesia’s Raja Ampat guidebook published; crocodile attack at Misool mangroves; Ultimate Indonesia expedition includes Raja Ampat
- 2010: Shark sanctuary declared; Wetpixel expedition to Misool Eco Resort; Heinrichs/Weller film manta encounters
- 2011: UW imaging centre opens at Raja4Divers; Bird’s Head Manta ID program begins
- 2012: Mandarin Siren liveaboard sinks; Ultimate Indonesia expedition on Damai II; Maurine Shimlock enters Women Divers Hall of Fame
- 2013: Shark sanctuary becomes permanent law; Greenpeace showcases biodiversity from Rainbow Warrior III
- 2014: Indonesia national manta sanctuary; BHS website launched; manta tagging program begins; Alex Tattersall Full Frame
- 2015: Manta ray nursery confirmed at Wayag; entry fees doubled; BHS Manta ID database launches; new cardinalfish species described
- 2016: Ron Lagerlof films first underwater RED Monochrome footage; Wetpixel two-trip expedition on Damai I; Rangers of the Reef documentary
- 2017: Caledonian Sky cruise ship destroys 18,882 sq m of reef; 6th MPA declared at Fam; Misool Foundation decade celebration
- 2018: Dr. Mark Erdmann Underwater Tribe podcast; 50 Best Dives in Indonesia published
- 2019: West Papua becomes Indonesia’s first conservation province; BHS Manta ID reaches 1,000 entries; Wetpixel Raja Ampat 2021 trip announced
- 2020: COVID-19 lockdowns; Julia Sumerling’s Raja Ampat videos shared to “soothe withdrawals”; Max Ammer documentary interview; BHS Manta ID exceeds 1,400 individuals
- 2021: Alex Mustard Misool scenics Full Frame; Wetpixel Live discusses Raja Ampat image-making
- 2022: Wetpixel Photo Safari with Adam Hanlon on Damai ([145])
References
Wetpixel Live
Sources
- Wetpixel article, Dec 13, 2016: Wetpixel Raja Ampat Expedition 2016 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 30, 2006: Raja Ampat Dive Trip Report By Andrea And Antonella Ferrari ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 27, 2011: Diving Indonesias Birds Head Seascape A Book Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 29, 2009: Book Review Diving Indonesias Raja Ampat ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 2, 2021: Alex Mustard Misool ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 30, 2006: Raja Ampat Dive Trip Report By Andrea And Antonella Ferrari ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 25, 2007: Andrea And Antonella Ferrari Return To Raja Ampat ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 25, 2007: Andrea And Antonella Ferrari Return To Raja Ampat ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 25, 2007: Andrea And Antonella Ferrari Return To Raja Ampat ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 25, 2007: Andrea And Antonella Ferrari Return To Raja Ampat ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 25, 2007: Andrea And Antonella Ferrari Return To Raja Ampat ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 25, 2007: Andrea And Antonella Ferrari Return To Raja Ampat ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 25, 2007: Andrea And Antonella Ferrari Return To Raja Ampat ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 4, 2016: Markus Roth Birds Head Seascape ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 2, 2021: Alex Mustard Misool ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 13, 2016: Wetpixel Raja Ampat Expedition 2016 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 14, 2019: Misool Nick More ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 2, 2021: Alex Mustard Misool ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 27, 2015: Hergen Spalink And Kerri Bingham Schooling Silversides ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 2, 2021: Alex Mustard Misool ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 25, 2007: Andrea And Antonella Ferrari Return To Raja Ampat ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 27, 2014: Alex Tattersall Raja Ampat ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 13, 2016: Wetpixel Raja Ampat Expedition 2016 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 25, 2007: Andrea And Antonella Ferrari Return To Raja Ampat ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 28, 2015: The First Documented Manta Ray Nursery In Southeast Asia ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 1, 2014: Birds Head Seascape Website Launched ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 2, 2021: Alex Mustard Misool ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 27, 2015: Hergen Spalink And Kerri Bingham Schooling Silversides ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 25, 2007: Andrea And Antonella Ferrari Return To Raja Ampat ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 25, 2007: Andrea And Antonella Ferrari Return To Raja Ampat ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 25, 2007: Andrea And Antonella Ferrari Return To Raja Ampat ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 14, 2019: Misool Nick More ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 27, 2015: Hergen Spalink And Kerri Bingham Schooling Silversides ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 29, 2009: Saltwater Crocodile Attack In Misool Raja Ampat Indonesia ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 5, 2018: Underwater Tribe Podcast Number 11 Dr Mark Erdmann ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 25, 2012: Definitive Fish Species Reference For The Coral Triangle Released ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 23, 2014: Manta Ray Tagging Program Launches In Indonesia ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 20, 2015: Birds Head Manta Id Database Launches ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 6, 2019: Birds Head Manta Id Contest Open For Entries ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 30, 2020: Call For Images Historic Manta Id Shots ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 18, 2015: New Cardinalfish Described In The Birds Head ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 1, 2015: Birds Head Seascape Posts Natural History Notes ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 9, 2017: Misool Foundation To Host Fundraiser In Portland ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 14, 2007: Raja Ampat Announces Tourism Entrance Fee And Tagging System ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 25, 2007: Andrea And Antonella Ferrari Return To Raja Ampat ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 7, 2010: Misool Eco Resort Holds Fundraising Raffle To Support Ranger Patrol ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 2, 2021: Alex Mustard Misool ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 30, 2015: Raja Ampat Regency Changes Fees ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 19, 2017: Communities Agree Further Mpa In Raja Ampat ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 17, 2010: Raja Ampat Creates Shark Sanctuary ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 18, 2010: Help Establish A New Shark Sanctuary In Raja Ampat Indonesia ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 21, 2013: Raja Ampat Shark Sanctuary Becomes Law ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 21, 2014: Indonesia Announces Manta Sanctuary ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 28, 2015: The First Documented Manta Ray Nursery In Southeast Asia ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 2, 2010: Raja Ampat Misool Manta Show Video ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 27, 2013: Greenpeace Showcases The Biological Diversity Of Raja Ampat ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 16, 2015: Video The Guardians Of Raja Ampat ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 17, 2016: Rangers Of The Reef A Documentary Short On Misools No Take Zone ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 8, 2017: Video Misool Foundation ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 9, 2017: Misool Foundation To Host Fundraiser In Portland ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 18, 2019: West Papua Wins Global Conservation Hero Award ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 14, 2017: Recovery Of Raja Ampat Reef Damaged By Cruise Ship Up To 100 Years ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 30, 2017: Cruise Ship Owners Fined For Reef Damage ↩
- Forum thread: Video The Pioneer Of Diving In Raja Ampat A Story Of Max Ammer ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 25, 2007: Andrea And Antonella Ferrari Return To Raja Ampat ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 4, 2016: Markus Roth Birds Head Seascape ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 9, 2017: Misool Foundation To Host Fundraiser In Portland ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 29, 2009: Book Review Diving Indonesias Raja Ampat ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 27, 2011: Diving Indonesias Birds Head Seascape A Book Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 1, 2014: Birds Head Seascape Website Launched ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 4, 2012: Maurine Shimlock Joins Women Divers Hall Of Fame ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 26, 2020: Burt Jones And Maurine Shimlock 3 Decades Of Inspiration ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 24, 2007: National Geographic David Doubilet In Indonesia ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 25, 2007: Andrea And Antonella Ferrari Return To Raja Ampat ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 25, 2007: Andrea And Antonella Ferrari Return To Raja Ampat ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 14, 2019: Misool Nick More ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 10, 2011: Dedicated Uw Imaging Centre Opens In Raja Ampat ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 13, 2016: Wetpixel Raja Ampat Expedition 2016 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 26, 2012: Video From Wetpixel Indonesia 2012 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 11, 2008: Wetpixel Ultimate Indonesia Expeditions Mar Apr 20091 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 14, 2009: December 2009 Reefnet Expedition Ambon Raja Ampat With Keri Wilk ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 4, 2012: Liveaboard Mandarin Siren Sinks ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 6, 2019: Birds Head Manta Id Contest Open For Entries ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 25, 2007: Andrea And Antonella Ferrari Return To Raja Ampat ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 25, 2007: Andrea And Antonella Ferrari Return To Raja Ampat ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 25, 2007: Alex Mustard Wins 2008 Raja Ampat Tourism Entry Tag Contest ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 1, 2008: Marcio Lisa Wins 2009 Raja Ampat Tourism Entry Tag C ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 2, 2009: Nicholas Samara Wins 2010 Raja Ampat Tag Design Contest ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 1, 2010: 2011 Raja Ampat Entrance Tag Contest ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 20, 2011: Winner Of 2012 Raja Ampat Entrance Tag Competition Announced ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 20, 2012: The 2013 Wetpixel Raja Ampat Entrance Tag Competition Has A Winner ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 19, 2016: Call For Entries Raja Ampat Underwater Photo Contest ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 3, 2017: Call For Entries 2017 Raja Ampat Underwater Photo Contest ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 30, 2006: Raja Ampat Dive Trip Report By Andrea And Antonella Ferrari ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 25, 2007: Andrea And Antonella Ferrari Return To Raja Ampat ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 27, 2014: Alex Tattersall Raja Ampat ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 9, 2015: Burt Jones Maurine Shimlock Birds Head Seascape ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 27, 2015: Hergen Spalink And Kerri Bingham Schooling Silversides ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 4, 2016: Markus Roth Birds Head Seascape ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 13, 2016: Wetpixel Raja Ampat Expedition 2016 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 14, 2019: Misool Nick More ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 2, 2021: Alex Mustard Misool ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 2, 2010: Raja Ampat Misool Manta Show Video ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 13, 2016: Video Raja Mono A Study In Contrast By Ron Lagerlof ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 18, 2020: Video Raja Ampat With The Z Cam E2 By Hergen Spalink ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 6, 2020: Video Float By Julia Sumerling ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 8, 2020: Video Drift By Julia Sumerling ↩
- Forum thread: Video The Pioneer Of Diving In Raja Ampat A Story Of Max Ammer ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 29, 2009: Book Review Diving Indonesias Raja Ampat ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 27, 2011: Diving Indonesias Birds Head Seascape A Book Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 4, 2016: Diving And Snorkeling Guide To Raja Ampat ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 29, 2018: Book The 50 Best Dives In Indonesia ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 3, 2021: Wetpixel Live Uw Image Making In Raja Ampat ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 29, 2003: Aquatica D100 Housing123 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 30, 2006: Raja Ampat Dive Trip Report By Andrea And Antonella Ferrari ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 25, 2007: Andrea And Antonella Ferrari Return To Raja Ampat ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 24, 2007: National Geographic David Doubilet In Indonesia ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 11, 2008: Wetpixel Ultimate Indonesia Expeditions Mar Apr 20091 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 11, 2008: Wetpixel Ultimate Indonesia Expeditions Mar Apr 20091 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 14, 2009: December 2009 Reefnet Expedition Ambon Raja Ampat With Keri Wilk ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 7, 2010: Space Now Available On Wetpixel Raja Ampat Expedition ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 26, 2012: Video From Wetpixel Indonesia 2012 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 27, 2014: Alex Tattersall Raja Ampat ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 13, 2016: Wetpixel Raja Ampat Expedition 2016 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 14, 2019: Misool Nick More ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 25, 2019: Trip Wetpixel Raja Ampat And Banda Sea For Image Makers 2021 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 30, 2022: Spaces Available Wetpixel Raja Ampat Photo Safari ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 29, 2009: Saltwater Crocodile Attack In Misool Raja Ampat Indonesia ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 4, 2012: Liveaboard Mandarin Siren Sinks ↩
- Forum thread: Raja Ampat Or Fiji ↩
- Forum thread: Raja Ampat Vs Komodo ↩
- Forum thread: Raja Ampat Live Aboards ↩
- Forum thread: Liveaboards To Raja Ampat ↩
- Forum thread: Best Lenses For Lembeh And Raja Ampat ↩
- Forum thread: Lenses For Raja Ampat ↩
- Forum thread: Images From Our Raja Ampat Komodo Trip ↩
- Forum thread: Raja Ampat Just Photos ↩
- Forum thread: Domestic Airlines Indonesia Raja Ampat ↩
- Forum thread: Raja Ampat Anti Malarials ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 29, 2003: Aquatica D100 Housing123 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 30, 2006: Raja Ampat Dive Trip Report By Andrea And Antonella Ferrari ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 14, 2007: Raja Ampat Announces Tourism Entrance Fee And Tagging System ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 7, 2007: The Official Raja Ampat Park Entrance Tag Contest ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 24, 2007: National Geographic David Doubilet In Indonesia ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 30, 2022: Spaces Available Wetpixel Raja Ampat Photo Safari ↩
- Aquatica D100 Housing — Michael Aw shoots in Raja Ampat (2003) (article) ↩
- Raja Ampat trip report — Andrea & Antonella Ferrari (2006) (article) ↩
- Ferrari return to Raja Ampat (2007) (article) ↩
- Raja Ampat entrance fee and tagging system (2007) (article) ↩
- Official Raja Ampat Entrance Tag Design Contest (2007) (article) ↩
- National Geographic: David Doubilet in Indonesia (2007) (article) ↩
- Alex Mustard wins 2008 tag contest (2007) (article) ↩
- 2009 Raja Ampat Entrance Tag Design Contest (2008) (article) ↩
- Marcio Lisa wins 2009 tag contest (2008) (article) ↩
- Wetpixel Ultimate Indonesia expeditions (2008) (article) ↩
- Saltwater crocodile attack in Misool (2009) (article) ↩
- ReefNet expedition with Keri Wilk (2009) (article) ↩
- Nicholas Samaras wins 2010 tag contest (2009) (article) ↩
- Book review: Diving Indonesia’s Raja Ampat (2009) (article) ↩
- Misool Eco Resort ranger patrol raffle (2010) (article) ↩
- Help establish shark sanctuary petition (2010) (article) ↩
- Misool manta show video (2010) (article) ↩
- Wetpixel Misool Eco Resort expedition (2010) (article) ↩
- Raja Ampat creates shark sanctuary (2010) (article) ↩
- Dedicated UW imaging centre opens (2011) (article) ↩
- Winner of 2012 tag competition — Cornelia Thieme (2011) (article) ↩
- Bird’s Head Seascape book review (2011) (article) ↩
- Liveaboard Mandarin Siren sinks (2012) (article) ↩
- Maurine Shimlock joins Women Divers Hall of Fame (2012) (article) ↩
- Coral Triangle fish species reference (2012) (article) ↩
- 2013 tag contest winner — Nicholas Samaras (2012) (article) ↩
- Video from Wetpixel Indonesia 2012 (2012) (article) ↩
- Shark sanctuary becomes law (2013) (article) ↩
- Greenpeace showcases Raja Ampat biodiversity (2013) (article) ↩
- Indonesia announces manta sanctuary (2014) (article) ↩
- Bird’s Head Seascape website launched (2014) (article) ↩
- Manta ray tagging program (2014) (article) ↩
- Alex Tattersall: Raja Ampat (2014) (article) ↩
- Guardians of Raja Ampat film (2015) (article) ↩
- Raja Ampat Regency changes fees (2015) (article) ↩
- Burt Jones & Maurine Shimlock: Bird’s Head Seascape (2015) (article) ↩
- New cardinalfish described (2015) (article) ↩
- Hergen Spalink & Kerri Bingham: Schooling silversides (2015) (article) ↩
- Bird’s Head Manta ID database launches (2015) (article) ↩
- First documented manta ray nursery in SE Asia (2015) (article) ↩
- Bird’s Head Seascape Natural History Notes (2015) (article) ↩
- Markus Roth: Bird’s Head Seascape (2016) (article) ↩
- Diving & Snorkeling Guide to Raja Ampat (2016) (article) ↩
- Video: Raja Mono by Ron Lagerlof (2016) (article) ↩
- Raja Ampat UW Photo Contest (2016) (article) ↩
- Rangers of the Reef documentary (2016) (article) ↩
- Wetpixel Raja Ampat Expedition 2016 (2016) (article) ↩
- Video: Misool Foundation (2017) (article) ↩
- Cruise ship reef damage (2017) (article) ↩
- Cruise ship owners fined (2017) (article) ↩
- Raja Ampat UW Photo Contest 2017 (2017) (article) ↩
- Misool Foundation fundraiser in Portland (2017) (article) ↩
- Communities agree further MPA in Raja Ampat (2017) (article) ↩
- The 50 Best Dives in Indonesia (2018) (article) ↩
- Underwater Tribe Podcast: Dr. Mark Erdmann (2018) (article) ↩
- Misool: Nick More (2019) (article) ↩
- West Papua conservation province (2019) (article) ↩
- BHS Manta ID Contest (2019) (article) ↩
- Wetpixel Raja Ampat 2021 trip (2019) (article) ↩
- Video: Raja Ampat with Z CAM E2 (2020) (article) ↩
- Video: Float by Julia Sumerling (2020) (article) ↩
- Video: Drift by Julia Sumerling (2020) (article) ↩
- Call for historic manta ID shots (2020) (article) ↩
- Burt Jones & Maurine Shimlock — 3 decades (2020) (article) ↩
- Alex Mustard: Misool scenics (2021) (article) ↩
- Wetpixel Live: UW Image-Making in Raja Ampat (2021) (article) ↩
- Wetpixel Raja Ampat Photo Safari (2022) (article) ↩
- Max Ammer documentary interview (forum, 2020) (forum) ↩
- Wetpixel Live Ep. 167: Underwater Image-Making in Raja Ampat (unknown) ↩
- Wetpixel Live Extra: Wetpixel Raja Ampat Expedition 2016 (unknown) ↩