West Papua covers the western peninsula of the island of New Guinea.  Previously known as West Irian Jaya, the region covers the Doberai (Bird's Head) Peninsula and the surrounding islands of Raja Ampat.

Raja Ampat is a vast stretch of islands that has only recently been placed on the world map as a divers dream destination. This region consists of 3 major islands in the north (Salawati, Batanta, Waigeo) and Misool in the south.

All four areas are mostly accessed by liveaboards but there are a few resorts scattered in this remote destination.

Raja Ampat is best known for the vibrant and plentiful soft corals and its mass schools of tropical fish. The reef systems in this area are some of the healthiest found anywhere on earth as the currents carry water rich in nutrients to the hungry corals. While the corals are the main attraction of Raja Ampat manta rays can also be visiting a cleaning station.

• Cape Kri
• Triton Bay

• Raja Ampat diving is just about all year round. The term High Season is of little meaning here since there is such an expanse of sea visited by only a few liveaboards that "diver soup" is not really a danger. May to September is light rainy season, and Mid-July to mid-September sees some small surface swells.
• The Raja Ampat Government had introduced an entrance fee system to help support conservation and community projects within Raja Ampat. All tourists entering Raja Ampat are required to purchase an entrance tag.
• The entrance fee for foreign visitors is Rp 500,000/person/calender year (approximately US$55) for which they will receive a waterproof plastic entrance tag featuring a photo from Raja Ampat. All Indonesian visitors from outside Raja Ampat are required to pay Rp 250,000 and will receive an entry card. The annual tags and cards will be valid from January 1st until January 31st of the following year.