Papua Paradise Eco Resort & Gangga Divers — Raja Ampat

Papua Paradise Eco Resort occupies the small, otherwise uninhabited Birie Island in the Sagawin Strait, Raja Ampat. Its dive centre is operated by Gangga Divers and is one of the few PADI 5 Star dive centres in Raja Ampat, run by international professional instructors, with a classroom for PADI courses.

Diving is kept to a standard of four guests per guide. Nitrox (around 32%) is free for certified Nitrox divers, rental equipment is by Aqualung, and 8, 12 and 15-litre aluminium tanks are available. Underwater photographers get an air-conditioned camera room with workstations, padded camera crates and freshwater rinse tanks.

The resort's bungalows and spa make it a comfortable base for exploring the world's most biodiverse reefs, with birdwatching, hiking and snorkelling for non-divers.