Dive Site Review: Four Kings, Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Location: Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia

Overview: The dive site known as the Four Kings in Raja Ampat is a pinnacle of underwater biodiversity and a jewel in the crown of the Coral Triangle. Situated in the heart of the world's most diverse marine ecosystem, Four Kings is a testament to the richness of life that thrives beneath the crystal-clear waters of Raja Ampat.

Topography: Four Kings is characterized by a cluster of four large limestone pinnacles that rise dramatically from the depths of the Dampier Strait. These submerged towers serve as magnets for marine life, creating an underwater oasis where divers can witness a stunning variety of species and vibrant coral formations.

Marine Life: The diversity of marine life at Four Kings is unparalleled. Divers can expect encounters with schools of pelagic fish, including barracudas, trevallies, and jacks. The coral-covered pinnacles provide a spectacular backdrop for observing smaller reef inhabitants, such as pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, and colorful reef fish. The health of the coral reefs here is simply awe-inspiring, with both hard and soft corals creating a living kaleidoscope.

Currents and Visibility: The site is known for its exhilarating drift dives, with currents often providing a thrilling ride along the walls of the pinnacles. While the currents can be strong, they bring nutrient-rich waters that contribute to the site's extraordinary biodiversity. Visibility is typically excellent, often exceeding 100 feet (30 meters), allowing divers to fully appreciate the underwater landscapes and the marine life that inhabits them.

Dive Experience: Diving at Four Kings is a dynamic experience that caters to divers of various skill levels. The pinnacles' walls are adorned with vibrant soft corals and sea fans, creating an underwater tapestry that is simply breathtaking. The dive site offers both shallow and deeper areas, making it suitable for both novice and experienced divers. Photographers will find endless opportunities to capture the beauty of the marine life and the underwater terrain.

Conservation and Protection: As part of the Coral Triangle, Raja Ampat is recognized for its ecological significance, and Four Kings is no exception. Divers are encouraged to follow responsible diving practices, respecting the delicate marine ecosystem. Conservation efforts are ongoing to preserve the biodiversity of Raja Ampat, making it imperative for divers to play a role in maintaining the health of this extraordinary underwater paradise.

Access: Access to Four Kings is typically through liveaboard dive trips or dive resorts based in Raja Ampat. The region is remote, offering an escape into pristine nature, and the journey to Four Kings is as rewarding as the dives themselves.

Conclusion: Diving at Four Kings in Raja Ampat is an immersive encounter with the wonders of the underwater world. From the thriving coral gardens to the schools of fish swirling around the limestone pinnacles, every dive is a journey into the heart of marine biodiversity. Most visitors to Raja Ampat highlight Four Kings as one of their favorite dives.

DIVE DETAILS

Location - Raja Ampat, Indonesia 

Depth - The shallowest pinnacle is at 15 feet (5m), the deepest at 72 feet (22m)

Marine life - Intense, unparalleled. Fish of every color of the rainbow, incredible corals and occasional sightings of Manta Rays

DIVER TIPS

Visibility - Between 30 - 100 feet (10 and 30m) depending on the day

Current - Can be strong, that’s why the reef is so vibrant. Dive operators usually try to dive it on a slack tide, but the current can change at anytime

Local guide - Essential, the knowledge required to manage the dive site and current is invaluable

Dive season - All year around, peak season is however the months of European winter so October to March. Very good all year around though, but unusual to see Mantas in the “off” season

HOW TO GET THERE

The Port of entry to access the Raja Ampat Marine park is Sorong in West Papua. It is best accessed through Jakarta or Bali with many of the Bali flights changing planes in Makassar.

LOCAL OPERATORS

Misool eco resort offers the best resort style diving to access Four kings, Misool eco resort manages the area and the dive site traffic to ensure no dive site is overburdened by divers and that the park manages it’s natural wonders. Accommodation is excellent and luxurious

Scuba Spa Zen Liveaboard offers multi day dive expeditions over the whole of Raja Ampat in an incredible wooden liveaboard with in house spa and the highest standards of service

Solitude Adventurer liveaboard offers trips to Raja Ampat through the peak season and is a catamaran style boat which is more unusual in the area. This catamaran offers a very stable boat and a great shape to make the most of all living space and panoramic ocean view windows for all cabins.

Emperor Harmoni which we reviewed in February is one of two ships operated by Emperor Divers in Indonesia. It is crafted from Sulawesi ironwood in the traditional Indonesian pinisi style. This vessel, launched in September 2022, is equipped with modern amenities and safety features, including two 400 HP Yanmar engines for enhanced redundancy. With a crew of 22 and a capacity for 24 guests, the ship offers ample space and comfort for diving enthusiasts.