Epic Photo Destinations: Raja Ampat

Underwater photographers are a unique group of divers, with the majority actively traveling the world in search of new dive and photo experiences. Maybe there's an urge to visit that "you must go here" recommendation from a friend, or maybe the trip is to try and create that iconic pier photo from the magazines, or maybe it's a desire to add to a collection of nudibranch portraits. Whatever the reason, dive travel is a lot of fun, and a great way to experience the varying marine life around the globe.

This special feature is article #1 of 5, with each showcasing one of Bluewater Photo's favorite destinations for underwater photography and video.

Raja Ampat

Dubbed the "Four Kings" after local folklore, Raja Ampat is a collection of islands between the Maluku Islands and west coast of Papua, Indonesia. There are several diving hubs where underwater photo and video shooters can find resorts to fit most budgets (keep in mind that these are remote places for travel). Liveaboard boats have also become a popular way to see a wide variety of Raja Ampat's landscape and marine life.

I had the opportunity to dive Raja Ampat via Papua Diving and Papua Paradise in late September 2014, and while my dive travel is limited, I was blown away by the color, diversity, exhilarating current dives and conversations with local staff at both resorts. Below is a photo essay from Raja Ampat through my eyes and those of a couple other photographers.

Book Your Trip to Raja Ampat

Bluewater Travel can help you plan and book the perfect Raja Ampat dive trip. Visit BluewaterDiveTravel.com for more info, or join our March 2016 Raja trip (special price) or Dec 2016 Raja photo trip.

Email bookings@bluewaterdivetravel.com for personalized info.

Photo: Amr A. Abdul-Majeed

Check out our Epic Photo Destination #2:  French Polynesia

Further Reading

• Underwater Photographer's Guide to Raja Ampat

• The Allure of Papua New Guinea

• A Guide to Shooting Striking Sunbursts