Local Guide to Raja Ampat Dive Sites

Local Guide to Raja Ampat Dive Sites

Local Guide To Raja Ampat Dive Sites #05 Mayhem

On the western edge of the Dampier Strait, just off the coastline of Gam Island, you can find Mayhem Reef. A huge submerged pinnacle starts at about 10m and can drop below 35m at points. The pinnacle has natural walls and slopes rich with soft and hard coral. The dive site is considered more suited for advanced divers because of the strong currents that could occur in this area. Still, when dived in the right conditions with a knowledgeable guide, it was an incredible experience.

Local Guide to Raja Ampat Dive Sites
Local Guide to Raja Ampat Dive Sites 5

Because of the location of the pinnacle, marine life is abundant on the site, and the stronger the current, the more fish life there will be. The short distance to the shoreline creates a natural freeway for marine life to travel through, while the pinnacle serves as a drive-through for these species to feed. The deeper waters to the west can sometimes attract larger pelagic species.

Local Guide to Raja Ampat Dive Sites
Local Guide to Raja Ampat Dive Sites 6

There have been sightings of Manta Rays and even whale species. Schools of fusilier, batfish, snappers, sweetlips, and even bump-head parrotfish can be seen on the reef. This mass of fish brings their natural predators to the site. On some days, dozens of reef sharks can be seen patrolling the reef while Tasselled Wobbegong sharks lie in wait to lure their prey in for a meal.

Local Guide to Raja Ampat Dive Sites
Local Guide to Raja Ampat Dive Sites 7

The site is best dived starting from the North in a gentle to medium current, allowing drifting on the pinnacle's west or east walls. Masses of the soft corals line the walls, with batfish and triggerfish darting in and out of the growth. It is possible to spot schools of barracuda, jacks, and fusiliers just off the reef walls. Because of the size of the pinnacle, it is possible to spend ages exploring the dense reef wall just watching all the fish swim past.

Local Guide to Raja Ampat Dive Sites
Local Guide to Raja Ampat Dive Sites 8

Once you reach the reef's southern tip, you can make your way up the gentle slope using the reef as protection from any current. This dense slope has significant hard coral growth and natural rock formations. It is the perfect area to appreciate the rich colours found on the reefs of Raja Ampat and explore the macro life there, surrounded by fish. The gentle rise of the slope makes it the ideal way to end your dive incorporating your safety stop while still enjoying the incredible reef.

It is even possible for divers who are light on air to explore the opposite reef wall after this and circle back around to the reef slope for round two. Always dive the site with an SMB or other signaling device as a safety precaution. As the name suggests, this site provides all kinds of mayhem in the best possible way.

About Meridian Adventure Dive  

Situated in Raja Ampat, IndonesiaMeridian Adventure Dive is a PADI 5 Star Resort and winner of the PADI Green Star award. Scuba divers enjoy our professional services that have become synonymous with both the PADI and Meridian Adventure names.

How Do You Attach a Jon Line? @BrentHollett #askmark #scuba

LET’S KEEP IN TOUCH!

Get a weekly roundup of all Divernet news and articles Scuba Mask
We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Connect With Us

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x