Cape Kri

Cape Kri: The World's Most Biodiverse Dive Site

Prepare for an unparalleled underwater experience at Cape Kri, a legendary dive site nestled in the heart of Raja Ampat's Dampier Strait. Renowned globally for its astonishing biodiversity, this site offers a vibrant spectacle of marine life, making it a benchmark for divers worldwide.

Diving Conditions and Topography

Cape Kri is an advanced dive site, characterized by a sloping reef and wall that extends from just a few meters down to a maximum depth of 40 m. Divers will find the water temperature consistently warm, averaging between 27-29°C year-round. The dive site is famous for its strong, nutrient-rich currents, which can range from a gentle drift to an exhilarating "full-on adrenaline" rush depending on the tide. These powerful currents, funneling the Indonesian Throughflow, are precisely what fuel the incredible marine biomass found here. Visibility typically ranges from an excellent 20-30 meters.

Due to the strong and variable currents, including potential down currents, especially during falling tides, this dive site is recommended for advanced divers holding an Advanced Open Water certification. We highly recommend diving with an experienced local instructor or guide who understands the tidal patterns, and divers should be prepared to use a reef hook.

Marine Life Extravaganza

Cape Kri holds a celebrated world record: in April 2012, marine biologist Dr. Gerald Allen documented an astonishing 374 species of fish on a single 90-minute dive here, solidifying its reputation as the most fish-diverse reef on Earth. This extraordinary concentration of life is evident from the moment you descend.

Divers can expect to be enveloped by massive schools of Fusiliers, Giant Trevally, Chevron Barracuda, and Snappers, often forming "living walls of movement." Patrolling the reef edges, you can encounter Grey Reef Sharks and Blacktip Reef Sharks. Keep an eye out for the distinctive Bumphead Parrotfish, often seen in large herds, and the majestic Humphead Wrasse (Napoleon Wrasse). For those with a keen eye, the Tasselled Wobbegong can be found camouflaged on the reef. The reef itself is a kaleidoscope of hard and soft corals, providing a home for countless smaller reef fish, nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, and even turtles.

Hazards and Recommendations

While the strong currents are responsible for the site's richness, they also present a significant hazard, including the possibility of down currents. Divers must be comfortable with drift diving techniques and always follow their instructor's guidance. Boat traffic in the Dampier Strait is another consideration, so maintaining good buoyancy and situational awareness is crucial. We recommend timing your dive for optimal tidal windows, often planned around lunar cycles, to best experience this incredible dive site.