Sardines Reef Dive Site in Raja Ampat

Experience the thrill of diving with swirling schools of fish

Information about Sardines Reef

Sardines Reef, located off the coast of Kri Island in Raja Ampat, is a premier dive site renowned for its breathtaking marine life and dynamic underwater scenery. This submerged seamount offers divers an exhilarating experience with schools of fish so dense they can obscure the sunlight. The site is particularly famous for its swirling masses of fusiliers, trevallies, and barracudas that create a spectacular underwater ballet.

Diving at Sardines Reef, you'll encounter a healthy mix of hard and soft corals, including vibrant sea fans that house pygmy seahorses. The dive begins at a shallow 5 meters and descends to about 30 meters, providing ample opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity at various depths. The currents here can be strong, especially around the new and full moon, adding an extra element of adventure for experienced divers.

For those who prefer staying above water, Kri Island offers stunning beaches and opportunities for snorkeling. The island’s lush tropical landscape is perfect for nature walks and bird watching. Whether diving or exploring topside, Sardines Reef and Kri Island promise an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most diverse marine ecosystems.

Interesting facts about Sardines Reef

Getting there: The best way to explore Sardines Reef is by liveaboard, ensuring seamless access to the dive site and maximizing your underwater time.

Best time to visit Sardines Reef: The ideal time for diving is from October to April when the waters are calmer and marine life is abundant.

Diving Conditions: The site features depths from 5 to 30 meters with strong currents, particularly around the new and full moon, making it best suited for experienced divers.

Our liveaboard trips: Multiple liveaboards visit Sardines Reef, typically lasting 7-10 days and often including other top Raja Ampat dive sites such as Blue Magic and Cape Kri.

A little known fact: Sardines Reef is named not for actual sardines but for the dense schools of fish that resemble sardine-like swarms, creating a mesmerizing underwater spectacle.

Pictures of Sardines Reef

Possible Activities in Sardines Reef

Diving

Highlights Close to Sardines Reef

Cape Kri

Cape Kri, located in the vibrant waters of Raja Ampat, is celebrated for holding the world record for the most fish species counted on a single dive. This dive site, positioned off the northern coast of Kri Island, offers divers an unparalleled experience in marine biodiversity.

Cape Kri is a diver’s paradise, where you can encounter over 374 different species of fish in one dive. From majestic manta rays to schools of barracuda and vibrant reef fish, the underwater scene here is teeming with life. The healthy coral reefs are a spectacle in themselves, providing a colorful backdrop to the abundant marine life.

Beyond diving, the stunning surroundings of Kri Island offer fantastic snorkeling opportunities, pristine beaches, and lush jungle hikes for non-divers. The exceptional marine life and breathtaking underwater landscapes make Cape Kri a must-visit destination for any diving enthusiast.