A Once-in-a-Lifetime Dive Expedition
The journey to Raja Ampat, Indonesia, isn’t for the faint of heart, but for those who make the trip, paradise awaits. Kari Brown, one of Deep Blue Adventures’ travel specialists, embarked on the ultimate diving adventure alongside Diver Dan’s Scuba & Aquatic Center at the breathtaking Meridian Adventure Dive Resort. For the next nine days, Kari and her group will explore the vibrant reefs and thriving marine ecosystems of Raja Ampat—home to some of the most biodiverse waters on the planet!
Read more about Raja Ampat here!
Day 1: Welcome to Paradise!
After over 24 hours of flights and a scenic 2-hour ferry ride, we finally arrived in the dreamlike landscapes of Raja Ampat! Greeted with warm smiles, vibrant island energy, and refreshing tropical drinks, we knew this was going to be an unforgettable journey. The resort staff welcomed us with open arms, handling every detail—from gear transfers to personalized dive preparations—so we could dive right into relaxation mode. As the sun set over the crystal-clear waters, we indulged in a delicious dinner, letting the ocean breeze fuel our anticipation for the adventures ahead.
Day 2: Sharks, Turtles, and a Birthday Bash!
Diving kicked off with a bang! Split across five boats, our group explored some of the region’s most jaw-dropping dive sites. The ocean was alive with magic—graceful sea turtles, playful dolphins, and schools of bumphead parrotfish swimming past us. A wobbegong shark (affectionately called a “wobbly shark”) lounged on the reef, while blacktip reef sharks cruised by, eyeing us curiously.
After an incredible morning underwater, we celebrated our amazing trip leader Brian’s 50th birthday with a beachside BBQ and traditional local dancers. Cheers to another year of adventure, Brian!
Day 3: Wobbegongs, Mantas, and a Turtle Surprise!
The third day greeted us with an explosion of marine life. Wobbegongs were everywhere, blending seamlessly into the reef while a curious sea turtle treated us to a surprise “drive-by,” lazily cruising through our group. Meanwhile, another boat had the fortune of spotting massive manta rays gliding effortlessly through the blue—a glimpse into what’s in store for us tomorrow at Piaynemo!
By the end of the day, we were exhausted but beyond grateful for the incredible world we were privileged to explore. The team at Meridian Adventure Dive Resort is absolutely top-notch, making this experience even more unforgettable!
Day 4: Mantas, Piaynemo Views, and a Night Dive Spectacle!
Epic doesn’t even begin to describe today. A scenic boat ride through crystal-clear waters led us to Piaynemo, one of Raja Ampat’s most iconic viewpoints. After conquering the 300-step climb, we were rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of emerald islets dotting the turquoise sea. Just when we thought the day couldn’t get better, mantas appeared on our journey back, gracefully dancing on the ocean’s surface.
The night dive took things to another level—spotting a rare frogfish, tiny octopus, and even a walking shark! Raja Ampat’s marine life never ceases to amaze.
Day 5: Ghosts of the Ocean and Color-Shifting Wonders
Spotted: the elusive ghost pipefish, an octopus putting on a dazzling color-changing display, and a vibrant collection of nudibranchs that looked straight out of a sci-fi movie! Every dive continues to surprise us with new discoveries, making Raja Ampat one of the most biodiverse destinations on the planet.
Day 6: Manta Madness and a Night Dive Extravaganza
Just when we thought we had seen it all, Raja Ampat delivered once again! Today, we encountered both reef and oceanic mantas, including a stunning all-black beauty that left us in awe. The night dive revealed a whole new world: pipefish, seahorses, crocodile fish, cuttlefish, and the friendliest porcupine fish imaginable!
Each dive brings something new, reminding us why Raja Ampat is a diver’s paradise.
Day 7: Schools of Barracuda and Thriving Reefs
The ocean is alive! A massive school of barracuda swirled around us, while a family of bumphead parrotfish chomped away at the reef. Stingrays, remoras, and both blacktip and whitetip reef sharks made their appearances, showcasing the thriving health of this marine ecosystem. Every moment underwater is a testament to Raja Ampat’s status as one of the world’s top diving destinations.
Day 8: The Adventure Continues!
Though the trip is winding down, the underwater wonders keep coming! A curious turtle followed us around, we spotted a devil scorpionfish, and rays soared across the ocean floor like underwater spacecraft. The afternoon and night dives delivered even more surprises—Raja Ampat never disappoints!
Day 9: The Grand Finale – Turtle City and the Blue River Tour
Our final day was nothing short of spectacular! Turtle City lived up to its name, with these gentle creatures gracefully gliding through the clear blue waters. The Blue River tour was a breathtaking experience, taking us through a surreal landscape where saltwater and freshwater meet.
The last dive was nothing short of perfection—crystal-clear water, vibrant reefs, and a dazzling spectrum of marine life sending us off with an unforgettable farewell. Raja Ampat, you have stolen our hearts!
Until Next Time, Raja Ampat!
As Kari and the team from Diver Dan’s Scuba & Aquatic Center bid farewell to Raja Ampat, they leave with memories of thrilling encounters, stunning landscapes, and some of the best diving the world has to offer. From wobbegongs and mantas to pygmy seahorses and ghost pipefish, the ocean has shown us its finest treasures.
This is only one of many of Kari’s adventures—where will she go next? Stay tuned and dive in with Deep Blue Adventures for your next underwater expedition!
Check out more photos from Kari’s Raja Ampat trip!
