The oceanic current of the Indonesian throughflow is at it’s most concentrated as it passes between the islands comprising central Raja Ampat (namely Waigeo, Batanta, Mansuar and the Jef Fam islands), resulting in bountiful reefs, many large pelagic fish and an abundance of adrenaline pumping drift dives.
Generally, central Raja Ampat is seen as the absolute best part of the archipelago to spot large groups of manta rays! At the right time of year, it is also the most likely region to spot marine mammals like whales, dolphins and dugong. Furthermore, there are large numbers of reef sharks, reef fish and turtles found throughout most dive sites.
There are several great muck diving sites around the more sheltered parts of Batanta as well as a number of caves to be explored within the bays of Waigeo and the Jeft Fam Group, in addition to several great wreck dives throughout.
When scuba divers first came to Raja Ampat, it was the central region that they explored first! Subsequently, it is the most well known region. Because it is also the most densely populated region of Raja Ampat, most dive resorts are based around here.
Generally, all Raja Ampat liveaboards explore the central region before going on to explore the other regions.