Scuba Diver Ocean Planet Issue 04/2016 | Page 93

One of the region’s jewels is the small island of Gam, separated from Waigeo by a narrow passage. Easily accessible, Gam is in the heart of the Dampier Strait, which rightfully claims some of the most famous dive sites in the world. Just minutes from the Dampier Strait, is home to nearly 600 species of coral, including 75 percent of all coral species known in the world, as well as at least 1,074 fish species. On reaching Gam, a long, breathtaking strip of white sandy beach is home to the Raja Ampat Biodiversity Resort, doubly favoured by both Nature and hosts who consciously grow and invest in a holiday destination that encourages guests to explore and experience the exceptional environs of Raja Ampat while maintaining an environmental integrity. The island of Gam was selected primarily for its beauty, but it was also chosen for its proximity to Waisai, making the resort a destination that is both accessible and affordable. Daily ferries bring guests from Sorong to the capital, Waisai, and a relaxing 30-minute boat ride brings you to this idyllic getaway. Imagine descending into the big blue, encountering a rainbow of colours in the vibrant, thriving soft coral reefs. These marine invertebrates live in colonies of polyps and create a kaleidoscope of unique formations that stun the eyes of the most seasoned divers and spoil forever the newcomers. Then the marine life comes alive, as if they know how special they are and want to share their secrets. Schools of fusiliers and jacks duck and sway in the currents, bumphead parrotfish chomp away on the corals, shy Denise’s pygmy seahorses hide among gorgonian coral and whitetip and blacktip reef sharks sweep and patrol effortlessly through the sea. Dive sites include Blue Magic, where majestic mantas, grey reef sharks and schools of big-eyed trevally and barracudas put on a spectacular show. Sardine Reef, just five metres at the top, offers 27 The long, breathtaking strip of one of the best reef dives in the white sandy beach, world to witness biodiversity in home to Raja Ampat Biodiversity Resort all its glory. Unforgettable, too, 27