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Yilliet Kecil

3.5 — based on 15 community signals
4.2 12 species 21 contributors

Remote Raja Ampat dive site with diverse marine life and year-round access. Small island setting in Southwest Papua.

⭐ Best for intermediate divers chasing chasing pelagics.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Intermediate
Pelagic hotspotPhotoFriendlyRemoteAccessVariableConditions

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
intermediate
Best months
Year-round

Map

This spot Airport Nearby spots
Yilliet Kecil location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
16.3 kn
Wave
0.94 m
Water
27.3°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: SSE (78%)
Now: SSE (148°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 1.07m

Next: High at 06:00 (+0.89m)

+0.9 m0 m-0.2 m
▲ 06:00 · +0.89m ▼ 13:00 · -0.18m ▲ 20:00 · +0.63m ▼ 00:00 · +0.45m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV8.55 · very high Air PM2.538 · sensitive 06:08 18:14
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 16.6 1.16 9 0mm
09-20 16.8 1.08 9 0mm
09-21 17.7 1.12 9 0mm
09-22 16.4 1.12 9 0mm
09-23 15.3 0.98 9 0mm
09-24 15.1 0.86 9 0mm
09-25 14.2 0.82 8 0mm
⚠ Coral bleaching: Watch — favorable conditions
DHW: 0.3°C-weeks · NOAA Coral Reef Watch

About this spot

Yilliet Kecil sits in Indonesia's Raja Ampat archipelago, one of the world's richest marine ecosystems. This small island offers divers access to pristine reefs with excellent biodiversity. The site draws experienced divers seeking untouched coral gardens and pelagic encounters. Year-round diving is possible, though conditions vary seasonally. Community footage shows healthy coral structures and active fish populations across multiple dive profiles. The area supports 12 documented species observations, indicating strong marine life diversity typical of Raja Ampat's protected waters. Reef composition ranges from shallow coral gardens to deeper drop-offs, accommodating different skill levels and bottom time preferences. Visibility and temperature vary with season; divers should check current conditions before travel. The location remains outside official marine protected areas but sits within a region known for conservation efforts. Yilliet Kecil appeals to divers planning extended Raja Ampat trips. Access requires coordination through local operators based in nearby dive hubs. The island's remote position means planning ahead for logistics. Three community-submitted videos document the site's conditions and marine encounters, offering insight into seasonal variations and typical dive experiences.

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

Best months

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Dive types

ReefPelagic / blue water

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 · 47%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 12902km · ~2967kg · €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 Yilliet Kecil?

Year-round diving is possible at Yilliet Kecil, though conditions shift seasonally. Dry season (October–April) generally offers better visibility and calmer seas. Wet season brings stronger currents but warmer water and pelagic activity. Check local dive operator reports for current month-specific conditions.

What depth and difficulty level is Yilliet Kecil?

Exact depth specifications vary by dive site within the island. Raja Ampat sites typically range from shallow reefs (5–15 meters) to walls exceeding 40 meters. Plan dives based on your certification and experience; current and surge can challenge inexperienced divers in some conditions.

What marine life will I see?

Yilliet Kecil supports 12 documented species, reflecting Raja Ampat's high biodiversity. Expect reef fish schools, rays, sharks, nudibranchs, and healthy coral colonies. Pelagic encounters vary seasonally. Community videos provide realistic previews of typical encounters.

How do I access Yilliet Kecil and are permits required?

Access requires coordination through local dive operators in Raja Ampat hubs like Sorong or nearby islands. The site is outside official marine protected areas, simplifying permitting. Arrange trips in advance; remote location means limited walk-up availability. Indonesia requires valid diving certification and passport.

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

YILLIET KECIL | 11th April, 2019

flowave films | Sonja Bader

2_22_2013 4 dives S/Y Indo Siren

Larry Schaudies

NEW UPLOAD - INDONESIA - Triton Bay to Misool Crossing Trip onboard New White Manta Liveaboard

George's Travel
💬 3 top comments
  • That was pretty amazing. Liked the editing on the music beats. Great shots with the manta fly-over, the dolphins together with the whale shark and big school of bumphead parrotfish. I'll go Triton/Misool in November on another ship, maybe get the insta360 ace pro 3 if it's on market soon enough, with external lens. Was most of your shots with Insta and the close ups from your other camera? One tip

    @stefanfeenstra2421 · 👍 0
  • Beautiful footage. Love it so much!

    @cynthiahwang9770 · 👍 0
  • Wow! Great video - we are thinking of booking this same trip along with two weeks at Cove Eco resort in central Raja. How did you like Fak Fak and Triton Bay compared to central Raja and Misool? We have done a liveaboard on Blue Manta from Sorong to Misool and thought this Triton Bay variation would be interesting. Love your music also! Thank you for posting - great trip!

    @laurakozel2441 · 👍 0
wind peaks Aug-Jul-Sep, calmest Oct-Apr-Nov.

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: Mar (100/100) Worst: Jun (0/100) Now: Sep (31/100) NOAA MODIS Aqua · 5y mean

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