Arborek Dive Shop

Arborek Dive Shop

Arborek Dive Shop is a locally-owned and community-run dive operation situated on Arborek Island in the heart of Raja Ampat's renowned Dampier Strait, West Papua, Indonesia. Owned and staffed by the local village, the shop channels tourism revenue directly into the island community and its marine conservation efforts, including supporting English education for youth, Crown of Thorns starfish control, Manta monitoring, and coral reef restoration.

Services & Diving

• Guided Dive Trips: Explore the vibrant reefs of the Dampier Strait with experienced local instructors. The shop offers three guided boat dives per day, Monday through Saturday. Popular dive sites include the famous Arborek Jetty right offshore, Manta Sandy, Manta Point, Cape Kri, Deep Rock, Citrus, and Mayhem, as well as exclusive "secret" sites.
• Snorkeling Excursions: For non-divers, snorkeling trips to various locations are available, with snorkeling equipment for hire.
• Transfers: The shop can arrange transfers from Waisai.

Certification & Expertise

While Arborek Dive Shop does not offer certification courses, they require divers to hold at least a PADI Open Water certification to dive with them. Many of the best wall dives in the area can be deeper than 18 meters and subject to moderate to strong currents, making an Advanced Open Water certification recommended for accessing all sites. The dive guides, including owners Marsel Mambrasar and Githa Anathasia, are PADI Dive Masters with extensive Raja Ampat experience, and all boat crew are PADI or SSI certified to at least Open Water level.

Equipment & Facilities

• Rental Gear: A range of dive equipment is available for rent, including BCDs, regulators, masks, snorkels, fins, booties, weight belts, and a limited selection of wetsuits. Use of a dive computer is mandatory.
• Dive Boat: The operation utilizes a fiberglass dive boat powered by two 40HP engines.
• Compressor: A Cat compressor ensures reliable air fills.
• Safety: First aid kits and emergency oxygen supply are on board.
• Amenities: Refillable water bottles and refills are available.

Location & Conditions

Arborek Island is a small, easily explorable island in the Dampier Strait, known for its vibrant marine life and close-knit community. Dive visibility typically ranges from 15 to 30 meters, with water temperatures between 26°C and 30°C. Currents in the Dampier Strait can vary from mild to strong, attracting a rich diversity of marine life. The best time to visit for diving is generally from October to April, offering calmer seas and excellent visibility, with increased chances of encountering manta rays.

The staff are proficient in English.