Misool, Raja Ampat

1. About Misool / what can I see there?
2. Where is Misool?
3. Which boats cruise there?
4. What to pack

Manta magic! (c) T. Thimios

1. About Misool

The following is an edited extract from my husband’s book ‘Ultimate Dive Sites‘ by Todd Thimios, released Jan. 2025.

Of the ampat (four) islands that make up Indonesia’s Raja Ampat (four kings) region, the southernmost island of Misool is the most isolated and requires some effort to get to.

In 2017 Dr Mark Erdmann, vice president of Conservation International’s Asia-Pacific marine programs, said that Misool is ‘one of only a handful of places in the universe where biodiversity is improving rather than declining.’

The Misool Marine Reserve is over 120,000ha (300,000ac) in size and employs 15 local rangers who patrol a designated no-take (no fishing) zone. There are reportedly now 25 times more sharks on Misool’s reefs than there were a decade ago and the manta population has also increased. In terms of regular shark sightings, you can expect to see whitetip, blacktips, grey reef sharks and wobbegongs. If you’re night diving, you may also be lucky enough to spot an endemic Raja Ampat epaulette (walking) shark.

Of the 60+ dive sites around Misool, many of which are coral reefs, there’s a variety of options for both beginner or advanced divers. Thanks to the island’s location next to the nutrient-rich waters of the Ceram Trough and the Indonesian Throughflow, there’s incredible biodiversity, from big pelagics like whale sharks and mantas right down to cute critters like the Raja Ampat pygmy seahorse (or Santa Claus pygmy). Dive site names like ‘Magic Mountain’ (famous for its year-round mantas) and ‘Nudi Rock’ hint at what you can expect.

From sea mounts to swim-throughs and walls covered in colourful soft and hard corals, whips and gorgonians, Misool’s underwater topography is diverse. The top-side scenery is worth exploring, too, with pristine coves and even a lake full of stingless jellyfish, like the one in Palau. Many would consider Misool a ‘once in a lifetime’ kind of trip, though, to be honest, it’s likely that you’ll be planning your return before you even get home.

To read more about my trip to Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands aboard Coral Discoverer, click here.

2. Where is Misool?

Misool is the southernmost of the four main islands in Indonesia’s Raja Ampat (Four Kings) region, located in West Papua. It lies in the eastern part of Indonesia’s archipelago, south of Waigeo Island and northwest of the island of Halmahera. Misool is remote and largely isolated, surrounded by nutrient-rich waters that support some of the world’s most biodiverse coral reefs and marine life.

4. Which boats cruise there?

Coming soon…

From sea mounts to swim-throughs and walls covered in colourful soft and hard corals, whips and gorgonians, Misool’s underwater topography is diverse. Image (c) Todd Thimios.

4. What to pack

Pack light and comfortable essentials for your trip to Misool.

• Light, breathable clothing (long sleeve is best, for sun protection)
• Hat
• Polarised sunglasses
• Reef-smart sunscreen for protection from the tropical sun and/or eco zinc (like Sun Butter)
• Reusable water bottle
• Swimwear, if you intend to swim or snorkel (long sleeved is best, for sun protection)