Skip to content
OpenWaterAtlas

Mangrove Ridge

3.6 — based on 20 community signals
4.1 12 species 16 contributors

Mangrove Ridge near Yanggelo Island offers year-round diving in Raja Ampat's biodiverse waters with active community documentation.

⭐ Best for intermediate divers chasing chasing pelagics.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Intermediate
BleachingRiskBoatOnlyPhotoFriendlyPelagic hotspot
+1 more
MacroFocus

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
intermediate
Marine life
Common octopus

Map

This spot POIs Airport Nearby spots
Mangrove Ridge location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
3 kn
Wave
0.34 m
Water
28.5°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: SE (30%)
Now: S (178°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 0.95m

Today: High 08:00 (+0.41m), Low 04:00 (+0.35m)

+1.0 m0 m+0.1 m
▼ 04:00 · +0.35m ▲ 08:00 · +0.41m ▼ 14:00 · +0.28m ▲ 22:00 · +0.74m Now +0.4m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV9.3 · very high Air PM2.528 · moderate 06:08 18:14
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 7.4 0.4 9 1mm
09-20 7.8 0.38 9 0mm
09-21 8.1 0.42 9 0mm
09-22 6.3 0.4 8 1mm
09-23 7.7 0.26 8 6mm
09-24 7.3 0.3 9 4mm
09-25 4.8 0.3 6 5mm
⚠ Coral bleaching: Watch — favorable conditions
DHW: 1.6°C-weeks · NOAA Coral Reef Watch

About this spot

Mangrove Ridge sits near Yanggelo Island in Raja Ampat Regency, Southwest Papua, Indonesia—one of the world's premier marine biodiversity hotspots. The site draws divers year-round, making it accessible without strict seasonal windows. While precise depth and visibility data aren't catalogued here, Raja Ampat's signature conditions typically feature strong currents, excellent visibility during optimal periods, and rich reef ecosystems. The area is known for its thriving coral and fish populations. Community observations document 12 distinct species at this location, with video documentation from three separate diver visits providing real-world insight into conditions and marine life encounters. This grassroots data helps divers prepare for what they'll actually see. Mangrove Ridge sits outside Marine Protected Areas, meaning fewer restrictions on access compared to some nearby Raja Ampat sites. However, the region does fall under coral bleaching watch status—common across Indonesia's waters. This means conditions can shift seasonally, and divers should check current reports before booking. Getting to Yanggelo Island and Mangrove Ridge requires logistical planning typical of Raja Ampat: fly to Sorong on Papua's mainland, then arrange boat transfers. Permits and access rules are standard Indonesian requirements; verify current regulations with local operators before travel.

📖 Guide: Diving in Indonesia: 323 Sites, Mantas to Micro-critters

Marine life

Common octopus

Dive types

ReefBoat

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
  • 📔 Dive logbook
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type C/F · 230V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 48%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 12734km · ~2929kg · €53

From your departure country

United States
Origin score: 54/100
  • Visa: Visa on arrival · 30 days max
  • Flight: 12h · direct
  • Jet-lag: 12h east · 8 days recovery

FAQ

When is the best time to dive Mangrove Ridge?

Mangrove Ridge is diveable year-round, so your best window depends on your schedule rather than strict seasonal closures. However, check current coral bleaching alerts before booking, as water stress can affect visibility and marine life behavior. Local operators can advise on optimal months based on weather and current conditions.

What depth and difficulty level should I expect?

Exact depth and difficulty ratings aren't available in current data. Raja Ampat sites typically demand competent water skills due to currents and surge. Contact local operators near Yanggelo Island for specifics on Mangrove Ridge's particular profile before committing.

What marine life will I see?

Community divers have documented 12 species observations at Mangrove Ridge, though the full list isn't detailed here. Raja Ampat is globally renowned for fish diversity, corals, rays, and sharks. Watch the three community videos available to get a real sense of what recent divers encountered.

Do I need permits or special access?

Mangrove Ridge is outside designated Marine Protected Areas, so access restrictions are fewer than at some Raja Ampat sites. You'll still need standard Indonesian entry documentation and may need to arrange permits through local dive operators. Check current regulations with your operator or the Raja Ampat Regency office before travel.

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Raja Ampat: Mangrove Kingdom

Andrei Voinigescu
💬 3 top comments
  • The smoothness of your footage is top notch

    @SundaystrollerA7 · 👍 0
  • What a great video! Thanks for sharing these unique pictures!

    @blackseaandothers · 👍 0
  • amazing

    @MrOhUW · 👍 0

Shallows | Sawandarek, Mangrove Ridge | Ilike Liveaboard Indonesia | Diving Raja Apat Ep 3

First Church of The Masochist Hikes
💬 3 top comments
  • Hey all. I came down with a bad case of bronchitis on top of the injuries hence the radio silence. Still trying to work my way through the rest of these before we hit trip season in April. Also yes I’m using the same music. I had another song I tried to use for this one and Taters veto’d it. And I’d rather anger the internet vs her… :)

    @FirstChurchofTheMasochistHikes · 👍 20
  • Thanks, awesome guys. ✌🏻👊

    @butchbinion1560 · 👍 2
  • I'm glad your vlogs are back! I always find them interesting!

    @wilmertsch · 👍 2

Snorkeling Raja Ampat. Western Gam. Mangrove Ridge .Indonesia. December 2022

Snorkel lovers
💬 2 top comments
  • that spotfin porcupinefish was very cute :)

    @catfishyay · 👍 1
  • excellent coral reef. Wondering in which part of west Gam you are snorkelling? Near AvinSea Homestay?

    @liudan-b1l · 👍 1
wind peaks Feb-Jul-Aug, calmest Nov-Apr-Jun.

5-year monthly climate

60 samples
0 5 10 15 20 25 JFMAMJJASOND
p25–p75 range Median Wind (kn) Air (°C)
Visibility (month-by-month)
Best: Feb (100/100) Worst: Jun (0/100) Now: Sep (46/100) NOAA MODIS Aqua · 5y mean

Nearby spots

Mangrove and Slope Indonesia Diving
🇮🇩 Indonesia

Mangrove and Slope

Mangrove and Slope offers year-round diving near Yanggelo Island in Raja Ampat, Indonesia, with diverse marine species and healthy coral ecosystems.

Intermediate 20m Jan·Feb·Mar+
Diving
🇮🇩 Indonesia

GA's Flash

GA's Flash is a year-round dive spot near Yanggelo Island in Raja Ampat, Indonesia, known for diverse marine life and community-documented dives.

Intermediate Jan·Feb·Mar+
Citrus Ridge Dive Site Indonesia Diving
🇮🇩 Indonesia

Citrus Ridge Dive Site

Citrus Ridge offers year-round diving near Yanggelo Island in Raja Ampat, Indonesia, with diverse marine life and accessible conditions.

Jan·Feb·Mar+

Similar spots

Same activity, shared marine species or similar profile.

Diving
🇮🇩 Indonesia

Gam Ridge

Gam Ridge offers year-round diving in Raja Ampat with 12 recorded species observations and active community video documentation.

Intermediate Jan·Feb·Mar+
Alor — The Edge Indonesia Diving
🇮🇩 Indonesia

Alor — The Edge

Wall + drift combo in eastern Indonesia, dolphins on surface intervals, untouched coral reefs.

Intermediate 5–30m 25m Apr·May·Jun+
Manta Reef Philippines Diving
🇵🇭 Philippines

Manta Reef

Manta Reef in the Philippines offers year-round diving with diverse marine ecosystems and frequent manta encounters near Danjugan Island.

Intermediate Jan·Feb·Mar+
Exit 1 and 2 Maldives Diving
🇲🇻 Maldives

Exit 1 and 2

Exit 1 and 2 are twin dive sites near Vilamendhoo in Alif Dhaal Atoll, offering year-round diving in the Maldives.

Intermediate Jan·Feb·Mar+

Suggest an operator

Know a great dive shop, kite school, or local guide at this spot? Tell us — we'll review and add it.

Up to 500 characters
Plan
View →