Nyande Raja Ampat

Located in Waisai, West Papua, Nyande Raja Ampat offers a base for exploring one of the most biodiverse marine environments on the planet. Since 2019, the centre has operated with a focus on low-impact tourism, ensuring that your presence on the reef leaves as little trace as possible.

The centre is uniquely powered by solar energy and follows strict waste management protocols, including a zero single-use plastic policy. This commitment to sustainability extends to their choice of transport, using small boats to navigate the waters around Mansuar, Kri, and the southern side of Gam.

The team at Nyande Raja Ampat focuses on small-group diving to ensure every diver receives individual attention. This approach allows for a more personalised experience, whether you are completing your first certification or working towards a Divemaster qualification.

Safety is a core priority, with emergency oxygen and a medical kit maintained on-site. The centre also requires all divers to hold valid recreational diving insurance before participating in any activities.

Nyande Raja Ampat is an SSI affiliated centre offering a comprehensive range of training. Beginners can start with Try Scuba on the house reef or via boat, leading into the Open Water Diver course.

For more experienced divers, the centre provides Advanced Adventurer, Stress and Rescue, and the full Stress and Rescue + React Right programmes. They also offer various SSI Specialties and the Divemaster course for those looking to turn their passion into a profession.

The centre utilises small boats for excursions, which are ideal for navigating the intricate reef systems of Raja Ampat. These vessels are chosen to minimise environmental impact while providing access to key sites like Piaynemo.

For those staying on Mansuar or Kri, and the southern side of Gam, the centre provides a complimentary pick-up service to get you to the dive sites efficiently.

Full equipment hire is available for those not travelling with their own kit, though divers are encouraged to bring their own regulators and BCDs. The centre specifically uses wing-style BCDs to help divers manage buoyancy and maintain a streamlined profile.

Please note that dive computers are not included in the rental selection and must be provided by the diver. The facility is solar-powered, featuring LED lighting and charging points for your electronics.

The reefs around the centre are home to a vast array of marine life. You can encounter the Mandarin fish at Roni Reef, adding a splash of colour to your underwater photography.

The surrounding waters are characterised by vibrant coral ecosystems that support a high density of fish species. The diversity of the reef life is a primary draw for those visiting the West Papua region.

Divers should be prepared for the currents often encountered in Raja Ampat. The centre notes that using a wing-style BCD is particularly beneficial for maintaining stability and control when navigating these moving water masses.