Raja Ampat Biodiversity Nature Resort — SSI Eco Dive Resort on Gam Island, Close to the Dampier Strait

Raja Ampat Biodiversity Nature Resort is a beach-cottage eco resort at Yenbeser on Gam Island, in the heart of the Dampier Strait. Its dive centre was the first SSI store in Raja Ampat and teaches from introductory courses through continuing education (deep, night, photography, rescue) to SSI Divemaster, with free SSI e-learning before arrival. The resort is certified against the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.

Guided boat dives run in small groups of normally four divers (six at most) per guide, with two morning dives, an afternoon dive, optional night dives and a dusk mandarinfish dive. The resort runs five boats, each with oxygen and first aid, and most of the famous sites are 5 to 15 minutes away: Cape Kri, Sardines Reef, Mike's Point, Blue Magic, Chicken Reef, Mioskun, Friwen Wall and the house reef among them. Further sites such as Arborek Jetty, Manta Sandy, Melissa's Garden and Fam Slope are reached for a supplement. Full rental sets, dive computers, torches and GoPro or compact cameras can be hired, and 15-litre tanks cost EUR 3 a dive.

On the current rates, a seven-night dive package with two boat dives a day, full board and transfers from Sorong on the public ferry costs from EUR 1,941 per person sharing in a Garden View Cottage, up to EUR 2,057 in a Deluxe Cottage, with a three-dives-a-day upgrade from EUR 2,084. Extra dives are EUR 45 and night dives carry a EUR 10 supplement. Check the marine park entry fee and Nitrox availability with the resort when booking.