Raja Ampat is virtually unknown to most of the world. However, those who have heard of it know a few things about it. It is an undersea paradise. The scenery above water is breathtaking as well. And the diversity of corals is the highest in the world. Today, we took advantage of all these things, spending a lot of time underwater and the rest of the time in spectacular scenery.
The first thing I saw when I left the National Geographic Orion this morning was a group of manta rays feeding in a current line. I was able to slip into the water and shoot some video and photos of these giants performing their feeding ballet. Raja is a great place for mantas, with strong currents, abundant food, and certain areas designated marine reserves. Then, we snorkeled on a pristine reef, filled with corals of every shape and color. Giant clams were tucked into various folds in the reef, their multihued mantles shining vibrantly. Of course, fish were swirling about. So many different species, attempting to put names to all of them is near impossible. All of this, with postcard perfect mushroom shaped islands, and I couldn’t really think of any place better.
If this wasn’t all enough, we then went for a late afternoon Zodiac cruise in amongst all the islands, ending on a sandy beach. Here, cocktails were enjoyed as the sun dipped below the horizon. Some of us continued on this incredible day of enjoying Raja Ampat by going for a night dive. Our discoveries were endless, but a few highlights were a feeding cuttlefish, ghost pipefish, hermit crabs, and many flatworms.
As we surfaced to end our dive, stars stretched from horizon to horizon, with a sliver of the moon high above. I may never leave here.
