Papua Explorers Eco Resort

Overview

Papua Explorers Eco Resort is nestled in the heart of Raja Ampat, the crown jewel of the Coral Triangle, and beautifully in keeping with its surroundings. Made up of just 15 Papuan-style over-water cottages run by a team with over 25 years in the dive industry, this is one of the best resorts in the Dampier Strait. The team are passionate divers and nature enthusiasts, dedicated to protecting the biodiversity of Raja Ampat.  

In Depth

The resort is a truly authentic Eco Resort, constructed using Papuan architectural techniques and natural materials collected from surrounding villages. All the accommodation is built on stilts over-water and are simple, but comfortable with a spacious veranda leading directly to the sea, ideal for cooling off from the midday heat.  

The restaurant is also suspended over the turquoise lagoon, and its round shape allows for fantastic views from all angles. Schools of fish can often be seen lurking under the restaurant in the shade, and baby sharks swimming in the shallows. Healthy and delicious food is prepared by the chefs with three meals a day and an afternoon snack too.  

The Diving

The PADI 5* Dive Centre at Papua Explorers is located at the end of the main jetty, above the stunning house reef. The centre itself is well-equipped and spacious, with a dedicated camera room, storage area, rinse tanks and a large outside deck. All underwater adventures will begin here, often accompanied by an unforgettable sunrise.  

The friendly, yet professional team is made up of multilingual PADI instructors with various specialities, 11 skilled Indonesia dive guides of the highest standard and highly trained and attentive boat crew and drivers. There are up to three guided boat dives offered per day, plus unlimited guided house reef dives with the option for a dusk or night dive each day. The fleet of eight daily diving boats means that there are never more than six divers per boat delivering the best experience for divers. Snorkellers are extremely welcome at Papua Explorers and are equally catered for as the divers (a rarity!)  

Beyond the Reef

The natural beauty of this Indonesian island group is hard to beat and there is plenty to be explored above the waves. Grab a kayak or paddleboard to explore the mushroom-shaped islands and turquoise inlets, or head off on a birdwatching trip with the opportunity to see the Red Bird of Paradise in a bay close-by. There is also the option to get involved with the conservation projects at the resort, which are always evolving and adapting with the focus of safeguarding this final frontier.