Discover Misool liveaboard diving in Indonesia

About Misool Liveaboard Diving

Embark on a journey to Misool, where the allure of the deep blue awaits, blending adventure with sustainability and discovery.

Misool is a remote, large island located in the southern part of Raja Ampat, in the West Papua province of Indonesia. It lies within the Coral Triangle, an area known for its astonishing marine biodiversity. The island is characterized by its rugged, mountainous southern region, with the highest peak reaching 990 meters, and mostly lowlands elsewhere.

The island's natural beauty extends above and below the water. Its diverse marine life includes over 1,600 fish species, many of which are endemic. The healthy coral reefs around Misool are a result of its protection as a 'No-Take-Zone,' preventing fishing over an area of 828 square kilometers. This protection, coupled with its location bordered by the nutrient-rich Seram Sea, contributes to the area's rich marine ecosystem.

Misool is inhabited by less than 10,000 people, primarily Papuan tribes speaking several local languages. The island is also dotted with ancient caves featuring petroglyphs dating back 5,000 years. Access to Misool is typically via Sorong, with options to travel by ferry or liveaboard. It is without a doubt that Misool is a bucket-list destination for any diver traveling to Indonesia.

Top Diving Highlights

• Saltwater Lakes Exploration: Dive into the three captivating saltwater lakes of Misool, including Lenmakana, Karawapop, and Keramat, where you can swim alongside stingless jellyfish
• Manta Ray Encounters: Experience the thrill of diving with both oceanic and reef manta rays at Magic Mountain, a site renowned for its unique underwater spectacle and rare black manta rays
• Spectacular Underwater Topography: Marvel at the limestone formations at Boo Windows/Boo Rocks, and hop between pristine white beaches scattered across the islets

Dive Site Characteristics

Misool's underwater landscape is as diverse as its marine life. The topography includes coral reefs, pinnacles, caves, drop-offs, and walls, with depths ranging from 2 to 30 meters. Water temperatures remain a warm 26 to 30 degrees Celsius year-round, though currents can vary, requiring caution and experience.

Dive Sites in Misool

Misool much like all the Raja Ampat region is filled with dive sites which makes diving options widely diverse also providing liveaboards with the opportunity to shuffle throughout the day and not crowd any specific dive site.

Magic Mountain: A world-class dive site known for its manta rays, including both reef and oceanic varieties, and the rare black manta ray. This site functions as a cleaning station for mantas and offers a unique diving experience.

Boo Windows/Boo Rocks: Famous for its underwater limestone formations, this site offers magnificent diving opportunities.

Saltwater Lakes: Lenmakana, Karawapop, and Keramat are notable for their stingless jellyfish, offering a unique swimming experience.

Misool liveaboard diving is also a world-famous spot for Blackwater Diving or also known as Blackwater Photography.

Marine Life

The region's biodiversity is unmatched, with 388 fish species recorded in a single dive. Divers can encounter species like the pygmy seahorse, nudibranchs, octopuses, and turtles, along with endemic species such as Misool rainbowfish and Nursalim’s flasher wrasse.

There are a few highlights and particularly: oceanic manta rays, wobbegon sharks, blue ring octopus, and the walking shark. Turtles and clams here are also special due to their humongous sizes, rarely seen anywhere else in the world.

Accessibility and Seasons

While Misool is remote, accessible primarily by liveaboard, this isolation adds to its allure. Flights to Sorong, followed by a ferry or liveaboard journey, are required to reach this diving paradise. Optimal diving conditions are found from October to April, with calmer seas and clearer weather.

There are not many flights to Sorong but travelers can fly from Jakarta or Bali with a few direct flights or stop-overs in the hub of Makassar.