Diving Raja Ampat in 2024...(4K)

Full trip report from an epic 10 days diving south and central Raja Ampat with the Samambaia liveaboard. Unbelievable corals, big schools, pristine reefs, mantas, sharks, hunting activity... Raja never disappoints!
Find me on Instagram @kabirteja
For licensing or expedition inquiries: [e-mail]
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
1:00 Welcome to Raja Ampat on the Samambaia
2:28 Underwater Cinematic: South Raja Ampat / Misool No- Take Zone
5:48 Misool Recap
6:36 Underwater Cinematic: Raja Ampat Night Dives
9:46 Welcome to the Dampier Straight
10:41 Underwater Cinematic #3: Central Raja Ampat / Dampier Straight
15:10 Debrief / Trip Discussion

[@gavind1482]

Just got back from diving in Thailand and was reviewing the stuff on my Gopro when I came across your video and needless to say I have a ton of stuff to learn. You have some seriously mind blowing footage ! Please share gear tips n resources that helped you reach this level. Thank you

[@alliehartom5978]

For some reason this video was recommended on my feed, and I'm so glad I watched it. I don't dive, and terrified of the water after almost drowning eight times in my life, but to watch this was incredibly relaxing and beautiful. I'm glad there are people like you who go places that I never will so that I can see them too. Well done.

[@DiveHard]

Glad that it popped up on your feed and that you decided to watch it! Thank you🙏🏽 Diving is often considered an 'extreme sport' but the reality is that its incredibly peaceful and relaxing. Almost drowning sounds terrifying, and I'm sure left an imprint. But not impossible to overcome... maybe one day you will find yourself back in the water with a tank on your back looking at all of this with your own eyes. But until then enjoy the videos 🙃thanks again🙏🏽🤙🏽

[@Paragonly]

Not trying to be rude.. wait. actually I am cuz why wouldn’t you have taken swimming lessons by now if you’re so prone to drowning? 8 times is crazy, either you are constantly putting yourself in dangerous situations or you just have zero situational awareness

[@QDiver47]

So well done...really appreciate your insights. I am ready to go to Raja!!

[@travelingmedico8772]

This vid is seriously underrated

[@Iceify_]

I'm surprised of how unaffected this reef looks despite world wide coral bleaching over the past decade. Hope it stays that way this is awesome to see.

[@denisedamian4308]

Just wow! Excellent dive footage. Thank you.

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽🤙🏽

[@scottallan6770]

Mind bogglingly stunning and sooo well done!!! Thank you so much for making my day! 🙏

[@DiveHard]

thank YOU! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@LlamasPvP]

Excellent production quality. Actually unreal.

[@DiveHard]

Thank you again! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@HarleyIDDRC]

This is great. Thanks!

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽

[@mattcherry3762]

Incredible footage and editing. You’re so talented. Can’t wait for the next video

[@DiveHard]

Thank you!!🙏🏽Neither can I 🙃🤙🏽

[@chriswongdo]

Amazing cinematics and color grading as usual! Glad to see the R5 is working out. That blue ring octopus was crazy!

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽 Bad viz makes color grading painful, but the R5 handled all of it pretty well! Blue rings are one of my favorite critters - always the highlight of the dive 🤙🏽

[@Kleinholz235]

What a fantastic adventure and very very good video! Stunning work ❤❤❤

[@DiveHard]

Thank you sir! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🤙🏽

[@mahmutsuner7560]

Fascinating programme, good filming & big stuff what can you ask for!!

[@DiveHard]

Thank you!! 🙏🏽 Raja never disappoints!

[@nixl3518]

Mesmerizing video! Great descriptions, and then just serenity as we watched the underwater scenes. Some of the best underwater footage I’ve seen in my life! Thanks very much.

[@DiveHard]

Thank you!! Very much appreciate that 🙏🏽🙏🏽🤙🏽

[@emmau4206]

Phenomenal footage, inspirational. Thank you

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@LlamasPvP]

This is one of the best dive videos I've ever seen.

[@DiveHard]

Wow! Thank you! I try my best to make bangers only. Appreciate that 🙏🏽🙏🏽🤙🏽

[@danieldelordi366]

I already told you, I love your videos. And this one especially. Looking forward for the next

[@DiveHard]

Thank you for all of it Daniel. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 You are the man! Looking forward to the next one, keep in touch 🤙🏽

[@andrevagner6345]

amazing footage with incredible level of details

[@DiveHard]

Thank you andre! Thanks for watching always 🙏🏽💙🤙🏽

[@sbmillward]

Fantastic footage and information. Thanks for sharing :)

[@DiveHard]

thank you! 🙏🏽and thanks for watching 🤙🏽

[@snap4433221]

Top notch footage, as always! Raja is one of the few diving destinations still unchecked on my bucket list (this and Galapagos).

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽 Those are two big ones! Neither of which you will want to take off the list after you dive them 🙃

[@PTG847]

Excellent. Thank you

[@DiveHard]

Thank you for watching! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@Deboges]

Just back from 11 days in Raja (North, Central and South). Your filmography captures the South and Central well!

[@DiveHard]

That’s awesome, and thank you! 🙏🏽 which boat were you on / how was the north?

[@czele123]

Awesome video, great shots and your narration is well suited and very real. I watch many videos but will say that yours and especially this one is one of the best! I really hope your work, patience and efforts are somehow rewarded! Thanks for sharing!

[@DiveHard]

Thank you!🙏🏽very much appreciate that. I love making these videos and am grateful that they are appreciated by people like you. To me, that's more than enough! Cheers! 🙏🏽🤙🏽

[@czele123]

I admire your passion and skills! Happy diving!

[@Radodanko94]

Absolutely epic

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽

[@patricksuschko36]

Holy cow, this is some amazing footage..just mindblowing to watch. It gives me goosbumps and makes me feel like i am in the water with all these amazing creatures.

[@DiveHard]

Thank you!🙏🏽🙏🏽its an incredible place, glad that you enjoyed it 🤙🏽

[@user-ci8kk3cn5b]

Totally incredible😍

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽 🤙🏽

[@CR014]

Incredible video, as always. I always look forward to watching these when they drop. 😁 Love seeing the epaulette and tasseled wobbegong sharks. Can't believe you got that close to a blue ringed octopus! Holy cow that would make me nervous. Hope to get to Indonesia one day to dive.

[@DiveHard]

Thank you!! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 Indonesia is incredible and you should absolutely try to make it there one day. I also love the wobbegongs they are goofy but beautiful. The blue rings are pretty shy and generally harmless, as long as you don’t touch them / let them touch you 😂 Thank you again for tuning in as always and Dive Hard!🙏🏽💙🤙🏽

[@moniadventure]

Wunderbar! Danke! Thanks for sharing and the effort! I need to get back to Raja Ampat for sure.

[@DiveHard]

Thank you for watching! 🙏🏽 glad you’ve already experienced it, once is not enough! Cheers 🤙🏽🙏🏽

[@arospro]

Your videos just keep getting better! Keep up the awesome work :D It would be nice to see some videos about underwater photography and perhaps your favorite dive sites

[@DiveHard]

Thank you very much!🙏🏽I am trying my best to push it a bit more each time. And thank you for the feedback / ideas. I have been thinking about making some more content during the long surface intervals but wasn't sure if people would be interested... stay tuned!🙏🏽🤙🏽

[@arospro]

@@DiveHard Can't speak for everyone, but I would certainly be interested. You've been to most of my bucket list (lucky you) so it would be nice to know what to prioritze for example as this hobby is a bit expensive so I definitely can't afford it all at once :)

[@Broski319]

Awesome stuff as usual Kabir!! I’ve got to get back asap

[@DiveHard]

Thank you sir! 🙏🏽you definitely should! Hope all is well and that you're diving hard 🤙🏽

[@Deep-sea-tv]

What an amazing video showcasing fascinating details about the underwater world! Could you please share the type of equipment used for filming and the lighting setup underwater

[@ephilippos]

Thank you for a beautiful video and experience! The mere fact that you are visiting Asia is inspiring and exciting in itself! There are so many things to do close to nature there and a whole different cultures and biodiversity to explore.

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽 I love many many things about Asia - the people, the ways of life, the food - it’s a wonderful part of this planet. Especially for its nature. To me, it is the biodiversity above and below the water that I find the most impressive. Nothing quite like it. BBC is going to release a planet earth like series on just Asia and I might be contributing to that :) Cheers🙏🏽 🤙🏽

[@ClaudioAloha]

awesome quality! 🐠🎥🤙

[@DiveHard]

Thank you!! 🙏🏽🤙🏽

[@praveenbk21]

Wow .... night dive clip was amazing 👏

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽 there was some really cool action on the night dives we had. Especially the black water 🤙🏽

[@ManJaIndo]

Nice video, thanks for sharing

[@DiveHard]

Thank you for watching! 🙏🏽🤙🏽

[@ranlobo28]

Congrats! You have taken the macro game to the next level!

[@DiveHard]

Thank you Randall! 🙏🏽Hope all is well! It might be about about time to go back to that big animal game 🙃

[@rajatprajapati1268]

Blue ringed octopus !! Insane video guys. Keep up the work

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽 they are my favorite critter! I get super excited every time I see one, and it never ever gets old. Super beautiful badass animals 🙏🏽🤙🏽

[@deebKen]

Beautiful footages!! Glad this was on my algorithm! I wish I can film and edit like you one day!

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽Glad that the algorithm led you here! Keep at it and enjoy the process! You should see what my videos looked like 14 years ago 😂 Cheers! 🙏🏽🤙🏽

[@FlyanDive]

wow super video ! we wish we can go dive there !! definitely on our bucket list

[@DiveHard]

thank you! 🙏🏽 I think you will for sure make it there one day, and you will love it! cheers! 🤙🏽

[@Deboges]

Watched it again. We were there pretty much at the same time (and I've also been before to have a basis to compare this experience) and the commentary is spot on! Completely echoes our experiences. Great stuff, keep posting.

[@DiveHard]

🙏🏽 this was a Jan 8-19 itinerary but my understanding was that these conditions were ‘sticky’ for at least a few weeks. Good that you keep coming back to Raja, I’m sure next time will be different as well. Thank you again, no plans on stopping! 🙏🏽🤙🏽

[@WarfanAfrah]

This looks incredible. Bravo on capturing it all so beautifully. Im about to do my open water certification here in Canada and watching your stuff is so inspiring!

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽 enjoy the open water certification and good luck on your scuba journey. Stick with it, it gets better as you get better. I’d recommend getting as much experience as you can close to home before venturing to Indonesia (at least 50-100 dives to get the most out of and enjoy it) 🤙🏽🙏🏽

[@ivankebisek5926]

Amazing video! Thank you for sharing. Watched it on tablet, but I will take time this evening to enjoy it on the large TV SCREEN. Was lucky to dive in Raja Ampat ones and plan to come back next year. Hope it will work out. Subscribed and looking for your next projects.

[@DiveHard]

Thank you!! 🙏🏽 super happy that you’d take the time to watch it on the big screen instead of a phone / tablet. It pains me how much of the production / quality is lost on small screens / KZbin compression. You are one of the lucky ones and as you know Raja is certainly worth revisiting. Hope you have a great trip! 🙏🏽 🙏🏽 🤙🏽

[@MikeVeitch]

Damn! You had so many mantas.. looks like an amazing trip

[@DiveHard]

Mike! Great trip indeed. I saw Luca from afar. There were lots of mantas at Manta Ridge, but I spent a lot of time looking at their butts. Hope all is well! 🤙🏽

[@myunderwaterspace2760]

Some day will going and diving there ..nice video ❤

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽 Hope that you make it there soon and love it as much as I do. Cheers 🙏🏽🤙🏽

[@erbsl99]

Great Video. Excellent cut. I'll diver there somewhere in the future, it's a long dream of myself. Normally I also create videos from diving, but I think yours is so good, that I will spend my time just for diving and watch this video.

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽 You definitely should, it's no doubt a dream destination. I love the process of making videos but it does come at the cost of being 'in the moment' (and a lot of other $ costs as well 😂). Honored that you would say that about this video. Cheers and Dive Hard! 🙏🏽🤙🏽

[@helgakroeck2787]

Wonderful. Looking already forward to our next stay next January. Just divers heaven ❤

[@DiveHard]

🙏🏽 sounds like you’ve been before - have an awesome return trip!

[@eugenelee1250]

I am going to Misool end of this March, I can't wait !! Your video is always top-notch man Fantastic work

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽that is awesome. I think visibility *should* be better at that time of year, though you never know. Either way, I'm sure you'll have a blast. Cheers! 🤙🏽

[@phh7637]

This is on my things to do before I die bucket list! I need to crack in with it though! Love Indo having been many times but never to RA. Great video by the way. Excellent job! Thanks.

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! It’s definitely a top bucket list item! You may want to do it again and again, so get on with it! 🤙🏽🙏🏽

[@huntress44]

One of the best dive videos I've seen in a very long time. Just, beautiful! Visibility isn't really that terrible for me. Raja Ampat & Tubbataha are my dream diving destinations but I'm too broke to afford either at the moment. One day! 🤞

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 I agree the visibility is isn’t a big deal - it’s never super clear in Raja and that’s okay. It’s still mind blowing. Tubbataha also on my list! Save up and Dive Hard! 🤙🏽

[@PoseidonsAdventure]

Excellent work as usual, I’ve work as a cruise director in Raja from 2013 for 5 years, and definitely saw a change over my time there. Still I agree that this place is incredible when it comes to biodiversity and overall coral health. Man I really need to step up my underwater videography game 😅 your work is impressive! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽 I think that means you saw a few things! 😂 not easy work of course but a great privilege. I know it has changed and is not what it used to be. Unfortunately that is how it is for many of the great dive destinations. But I will continue to dive them with the utmost enthusiasm! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🤙🏽

[@WetGills]

Bravo👏 This will help keep my gills wet, even if I don't make it to Raja this year!

[@DiveHard]

Thank you!! Keep them gills wet! 🙏🏽🤙🏽

[@dripphoenix80]

was just there diving 3 weeks ago, absolutely unreal

[@DiveHard]

That's awesome! Glad you enjoyed it. Did you have similar conditions / viz? Cheers 🙏🏽🤙🏽

[@dutchtravelguy7306]

You just showcased why Raja Ampat is on my diving destinations :)

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! Hope that you go and cross it off. And then put it back on 🙏🏽 🤙🏽

[@gleicieengeler9388]

Btw, I found your channel while looking for information about Alor. Well done, beautiful images and super nice narrative. Congrats!

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽 Alor definitely has gnarly currents, more so than other locations. I would avoid it for now until you look forward to strong currents. Avoiding the several days after a full moon also generally results in less strong currents. Cheers and dive hard! 🤙🏽🙏🏽

[@marvinhotger2844]

Awesome video. Glad thati found your channel a couple of days ago. Would be interesting to know which eqipment you use and how you are editing. Bute especcialy your gear, camera, light, housing..etc. would be interesting 😊

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽 glad that it found you as well. I’ve been thinking about doing a gear/technique video series for a while but wasn’t sure if it’s something that people would be interested in. So I appreciate the nudge 🙂 Stay tuned 🙏🏽 🤙🏽

[@davidryanree]

Amazing video!! One of the best I've seen on YT. You got me looking up Raja Ampat liveaboards. What is the creature at the 13:44 mark? Keep up the good work and safe travels.

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽 glad this gave some inspiration! The creature at 13:44 is a giant clam - the biggest I’ve ever seen are in Raja. Raja is king! 🤙🏽🙏🏽

[@AquaticRod]

Your colors are stunning...

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽 I do spend a lot of time color grading 😂

[@Snorkellovers]

great video!!! I have been many times in raja. What camera do you use it? I like the quality

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽 that means you are lucky and have probably seen a lot of cool things! Lately i have been using the r5 and a7siii. Great cameras, but most of them are these days. Cheers 🤙🏽

[@elizac8997]

Your video appeared in my feed and I'm so glad it did! 😀 I am a fan of snorkeling, but you've almost convinced me that I should take a serious diving class. 😀 Your videos are amazing! You almost forget to breath when looking at your underwater clips. I have two questions for you: 1. What kind of underwater camera(s) did you use for your most recent videos? 2. Have you dived in Egypt before? (If not, I think you would like it 😀)

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽 glad you found it. You should definitely get your dive certification, especially if you already like snorkeling and appreciate the ocean. Stick with it until you get comfortable and you’ll never look back. I use a lot of cameras but I currently bounce between an a73 and r5. But all modern mirrorless cameras will produce similar results. Egypt is on the list and I know the viz and colors are mind blowing. Stay tuned 😉🤙🏽

[@shanereid3837]

Your videos are always so dang good! Don’t stop making them! Raja Ampat is on my list. What’s the best time of year to go?

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 I can't stop won't stop! The season for Raja is generally October - May and there isn't really a 'best' time to go. My understanding is that March can be best for Misool (but not Dampier) while August can be very good viz in Dampier (but not possible to dive any other areas). In general, its more about luck and the particular week you go - very hard to try and time it for the best conditions. I say go when you can! Cheers🤙🏽

[@agussetiyawan2574]

Wah bagus sekali

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽 🤙🏽

[@gilNYC]

WOWWWW! Incredible video. Will be there Xmas, so excited! Can I ask what camera you shot this on?

[@DiveHard]

thank you! 🙏🏽 and awesome! you will have an awesome time! I shot most of this with the canon r5. i would expect similar results from any modern mirrorless camera though - can't go wrong these days. enjoy!! 🤙🏽

[@zwe816]

Amazing video. enjoyed watching it. What equipment did you use ?

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽 dji air 2s in the sky, a7s3 and r5 underwater and topside. A few shots with the Zv-e1 which I’m enjoying a lot as well

[@HarleyIDDRC]

The footage is great. I’d love to have more commentary and organism ID

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽 I appreciate the suggestion. I have a lot of footage and usually include a small fraction in these trip reports, perhaps a more traditional documentary/ narration format would be a nice change. Cheers 🤙🏽

[@SugbuDiver]

Hi May I ask what's the camera you've been using? I love how sharp and balance the lighting is

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽 I’ve been using the 1DX2 for a long time and recently upgraded to r5, and sometimes take the a7s3. All are fantastic cameras. Cheers! 🤙🏽

[@cromtarzan]

This vedio by far one of the best about Raja ampat! Thank you for sharing :) Could you tell me your camera information? :)

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽 I’m mostly using an r5 underwater but also use a7s3. Both are fantastic cameras, but so are most modern cameras these days 🤙🏽

[@pipo2813]

Perfect videos. Im starting in scuba videography. Would like to know what lens you use. Im recently using sony 20-70 G lens on a sony a7rIV. Any recommendations. Thanks.

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽 for this I used a wacp and a 20+ year old kit lens (28-70). It sounds janky but the combo is actually super sharp. I also use a 16-35 behind a dome. If I used sony I would definitely give the 20-70 a look since it’s a nice zoom range for UW (a bit tight on the wide end but more than enough for most things)

[@photoctopus]

Excellent Video! May I ask what you are shooting with? Camera and Lights? I just bought a Z8 for our upcoming trip and plan to shoot video... Inspiring!

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽I am currently shooting with an R5 but shoot with a bunch of different rigs. In the past its been Sony or Canon but thinking about moving over to Nikon as they have some really impressive video features now. Lights are mostly Sola 2100 (spot / wide beam). Cheers! 🤙🏽

[@KC-vy5mb]

This cinematic video is FIRE , what camera you use to capture such amazing footage ?

[@DiveHard]

Thank you!! 🙏🏽 I use an r5 but honestly any modern ICL camera can more or less produce similar results these days. The tech is just awesome

[@Dave2Con]

Loving this style of your videos! Can i ask what camera/lens's your are shooting with? Both above and below the water

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽 My cameras change a fair bit but for this one I used an R5 and the 16-35, 28-80 and 90mm macro. Above water its the Mavic Air 2S + Canon c70 mostly with the 16-35 (+speedbooster)

[@greggoryheil769]

Would you mind letting me know what camera housing you were using, the small white one that looked like it was for a compact camera. Thank you !!!

[@DiveHard]

Unfortunately I was using something maybe 10x the size and weight of that small white rx5. Always changing systems but currently with an a7s3 or r5. Pretty much all of the mirrorless icl cameras these days produce amazing images. But they still are a pain to haul around and the little ones are getter better and better (esp if you have enough light)

[@bertholdgrunhagen8049]

Hi Kabir, again an amazing video! Hope next year we'll have an opportunity to dive together!

[@DiveHard]

Thank you Berthold! 🙏🏽 likewise! Cheers

[@jaredchin5772]

dude, the footage and colors are amazing! Can you talk a little about your camera set up? I'm mesmerized by those shots man

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽quite a few people are asking about the camera set up so I think I'll have to do a video on it. But the truth is that pretty much any modern camera system can recreate similar results. The technology has come a really long way!

[@gleicieengeler9388]

Hi, thank you for the great video. I’ve been to Raja Ampat last December 2023 (x-mas) and we had a great time on the Blue Manta. I missed a lot because even with more than 50 dives experience I’m still afraid of down currents. Do you have a suggestion about how to cope with fear of currents?

[@DiveHard]

Down currents are nerve racking for sure, and indo has a lot of them. Blue manta is a great boat and I’m sure you saw a lot of awesome stuff in Raja. 50 dives isn’t bad but still in beginner / intermediate range. I didn’t really get comfortable in all currents until 200+ dives. The only way to get comfortable with currents is to rack up more dives and get everything else super dialed in - equipment, buoyancy, etc. Then start diving in lateral currents and get comfortable with the idea of going with the flow. When currents start to feel really fun (which is how I feel now), the down currents aren’t as scary. Your awareness as a divers matters - noticing that there is a down current is part of that (which way are the fish swimming, what are happening to bubbles, etc.). I also carry a large SMB, nautilus lifelines, and an EPIRB which gives me a lot of comfort in the event I drift away or get separated in open ocean environments. I think the best advice I can give is to dive in currents in locations where drifts are predictable (e.g. Maldives etc) and learn to love them. I alway start playing around when I feel the whirlpool / down current. They can be serious, but comfort and experience is the key to navigating those situations

[@emmanuelpollino3833]

Hi great video , what is your camera and lens for to dive plz ? 😍

[@DiveHard]

thank you 🙏🏽I am currently using an r5 + 16-35 f4, 28-80 and 90mm macro. cheers! 🤙🏽

[@sylvies6827]

Raja Ampat is still the best but I was there in Dec-2023 and it is less good now than in 2014. I asked some dive guides I dived with in 2014 and 2015 and they have the same opinion. People who dived before 2010 said it was even better before! Now there are too many boats. Luckily Misool resort has the responsibility now to dispatch the boats so that there is not more than a boat at one site. Otherwise there would be many boats at Shadow reef!

[@DiveHard]

I know that it’s not what it used to be ☹️ I definitely noticed a difference from my first time (not as many fish etc). But it’s still amazing and I will continue to dive it with great enthusiasm. There are definitely too many boats now and I worry a lot about the non-diver / leisure travel segment that is starting to be catered to there. In my experience that’s usually a bad thing for the underwater ecosystem Unfortunately, a decline form the past glory is the case for many of my favorite dive sites. I still have hope that things can recover over time, as naive as that is. It’s important to be optimistic about the future and do what we can. Cheers 🤙🏽

[@pames240]

Amazing video! This place is incredible… I’m wondering if’s possible to dive as a beginner in Raja Ampat… what do you think?

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽 it is really incredible. However, I would definitely advise beginners against going to raja until they have more experience (minimum 50-100 recent dives + experience with current/reef hooks). For a few reasons. The dives can be challenging with current, etc. and aside from the obvious safety risk, as a beginner you risk damaging the coral which in my opinion is super bad juju. It’s also not cheap, and you won’t appreciate it as much as you will after you have more experience (since you’ll be more focused on the skills of diving vs. taking in everything that is going on around you). You should go, but you’d get similar ‘value’ as a beginner diver going other places first, and then step it up the destinations over time with more experience. Cheers and Dive Hard! 🙏🏽🤙🏽

[@angelinakonig4819]

Amazing video. We also spent three holidays diving in Raja Ampat now and last year crossing from Ambon to Sorong. I'd love to create a similar map in my videos like the one at minute 2:12. Do you edit your videos with final cut? Maybe you can tell me what kind of template you use? Keep on with your good work, I think I have to go through all your videos 😀

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽 sounds like you’re and indo junkie like me 🙃 I do mostly edit with Final Cut but don’t use any templates. The map sequences are all done from scratch in Motion or natively in FCPX. They take me forever and it’s a pain to do it this way but I think they add something special for all the crossing we do on liveaboards. I looked for templates but they are pretty garbage. If you join a workshop one day I can show you the process. Cheers! 🙏🏽🤙🏽

[@GhettoSuguru]

AMAZING!!!! What's the average depth you guys dived in ?

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽 average depth for me on most dives was probably in the 15-25m range. But spent a good amount of time around 10-15m as well. I think it really depends on the dive site and conditions - I go where the life is

[@davroy1970]

As an Aussie, I literally jumped off my chair when I saw that blue-ringed octopus! We've been told all our lives just how dangerous they are. Very beautiful, though.

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! I always love seeing blue rings. They can definitely kill you but as long as you don’t touch / keep a safe distance there is very little risk. I would be nervous to walk around a reef barefoot like the locals do sometimes, lots of poisonous critters down there 🙏🏽 🤙🏽

[@eugenelee1250]

btw what is your camera setup ?

[@DiveHard]

Nauticam R5 with wacp a lot of the time, sometime with a 16-35 and a dome. Generally prefer ambient light but depends on the conditions

[@sfiron]

National Geographic level of content and cinematography. What I missed in your video is a suggestion of when is the best time of year to come(viz,weather etc)?

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽🙏🏽 In terms of season for weather and viz, it can vary a lot across the region (e.g. March is often good for Misool but not the best for Dampier, and vis versa). I've heard many thoughts on what is generally the 'best' time to go (i.e. 'go in September/October' or 'avoid December'), but my sense is that it comes down mostly to luck. I don't try to be super precise any more. Especially given what's happening with El Nino / La Nina and broader climate trends. The Raja Ampat season is generally Nov - April and you will never be guaranteed great viz. I think central can have great viz in August but not a lots of boats go at that time. Basically, go when you can! 🤙🏽

[@sfiron]

​@@DiveHard Thanks. What you said about El Ninio is very true. A friend was in the Galapagos and had some warm water and little pelagic animals. It's very chaotic world we have. Keep posting those videos!!!

[@chunwinglai1315]

How do we get there?

[@uruvilaathakarjanan9996]

It is said that the amount of marine species bio-diversity in Raaja Ampaat is way more than that of the great barrier reefs. It is also said that there are many different species of rare corals, animones, sponges and marine-animals that are Only found in Raaja Ampaat waters.

[@DiveHard]

100%! It’s the epicenter of biodiversity in the world. This is often debated by researchers but I’m pretty sure Raja is #1 (hard/expensive to prove). And the volume of life / biomass is also super impressive

[@j4s0nst4th4m]

If you are serious about coral, you must try in WAKATOBI, Indonesia. I’ll make sure your googles are full of tears. 😊

[@DiveHard]

I have heard only good things about WAKATOBI. One day I will make it over there. Anytime there is abundant healthy coral I am at risk of big emotions 🤣

[@SaurabhOKumar]

Very beautiful work of your videography.. You are doing great job...KEEP DOING IT PLEASE ..LOVED IT 😘

[@DiveHard]

Thank you! 🙏🏽 I appreciate that very much. I don't plan on ever stopping!🤙🏽

[@SaurabhOKumar]

@@DiveHard GOOD! 👍

[@wildcreatures9810]

What camera do you use please?

[@DiveHard]

R5 / A7S3

[@wildcreatures9810]

@@DiveHard thank you.

[@shinsvantil8642]

Please give me the details of the live aboard to check it out. Would love to dive with them…

[@DiveHard]

This was the Samambaia - I always have a good time with them. Enjoy!

[@garyingram58]

What month were you there?

[@DiveHard]

This was a january itinerary

[@SLNANOREEFER]

how about the lowest budget for 1 week in raja ampat with 2 dives?

[@DiveHard]

Not necessarily my expertise but there are most definitely cheaper ways to do than liveaboard. There are a lot of homestays / local operations that bring your costs down quite a bit. And if you do it with one of the conservation organizations it can be even cheaper (while helping collect coral reef data, etc.). Cheers 🤙🏽

[@paintermax2721]

像天堂一样

[@DiveHard]

Nothing quite like it! 🙏🏽 🤙🏽

[@scubaasmr]

Great video! Just came back and also made a Raja Ampat trip video myself (available on my channel)! Apparently, it will also be presented at the Asian Dive Expo in Singapore. Come take a look if you're interested.

[@DiveHard]

Awesome! Thank you 🙏🏽 Hope you had a great trip and congrats on the adex presentation! Cheers 🤙🏽

[@CritterHunter]

We need to film and dive together. Lets chat, hit me up!

[@DiveHard]

Sounds like a fun idea! I’m actually on my way to the Philippines for Tubbataha right now. Just in and out for the Liveaboard but keep in touch for next time 🤙🏽

[@CritterHunter]

@@DiveHard I left tubbataha yesterday

[@DiveHard]

@CritterHunter how was it? Good action?

[@mikeoakeshart3823]

This is where the Qatari football team train.

[@DiveHard]

I don’t know how that would be possible but lucky them! 🤙🏽🙏🏽

[@TheBronzorN]

mind blowing amazing

[@DiveHard]

Thank you!! 🙏🏽