Raja Ampat: Indonesia's Underwater Eden

David Doubilet and Jennifer Hayes

Lauren A. Greene

“The richest coral reef in the world!” That is how National Geographic photographers David Doubilet and Jennifer Hayes describe Indonesia’s Raja Ampat. The celebrated photographers have explored this marine paradise numerous times and one thing they’ve learned is to always expect the unexpected.

In 2026, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is returning to the region aboard Aqua Blu, a long-range ocean explorer yacht purpose-built to navigate these expansive seas and provide access to this legendary dive and snorkel destination. On our brand-new voyage, Indonesia's Spice Islands and Raja Ampat, you'll spend several days discovering the myriad undersea wonders that await in Raja Ampat. Here, Doubilet and Hayes give you a stunning glimpse at what's to come if you join us next year.

The Jewel of the Coral Triangle

Raja Ampat sits smack in the middle of the Coral Triangle, an intricate marine area that encompasses the waters of Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Timor-Leste and the Solomon Islands. Seventy-six percent of the world’s coral species can be found in this remarkable region—and Raja Ampat is the center of the center of coral diversity with 553 species. As you can imagine, that amount of coral supports an abundance of fascinating life.

Secrets of the Sea

Doubilet and Hayes vividly remember their first expedition together to Raja Ampat in 2005. “We did not see another boat other than wooden dugouts for the whole month we were there,” they recall. Since then, they have returned often to explore. “Collectively speaking, we have probably spent between 1-2 years getting to know a few of her secrets. We savor each and every minute we get to work there, and we don’t say that lightly—every moment under the sea is a standout moment.”

A Tapestry of Habitat

When you plunge into these turquoise waters prepare to be utterly amazed. There are over 1,500 coral reef fish species, five of the world’s seven sea turtle species, and seven giant clam species—and that is just the beginning. “The seascape is a tapestry of habitat,” say Doubilet and Hayes. “Shallow corals patrolled by walking sharks, deep reefs awash in nutrients, blue water mangroves, mangroves with carpets of leather coral so thick you can’t see the bottom, limestone caves. And then there is the marine life—walls of fish on Cape Kri, carousels of manta rays and clouds of chromis in Melissa’s Garden.”

From Sharks to Sweetlips

Although the couple hopes to encounter new creatures each time they dive, there are two species which they’re happy to see time and time again. For Hayes, it’s the wobbegong shark. “They are a quirky shark designed to live on the seafloor and they often lay about on large table corals for hours at a time. They have a fringed mouth that attracts prey, but it also makes them look a bit like a giant tawny-colored bathmat,” she says. Doubilet’s favorites are the large schools of sweetlips that live on many reefs—they’re bright yellow with stripes and bubblegum-pink lips.

A Must-See for Ocean Lovers

“This expedition offers a glimpse of one of the greatest ocean pulses of life on the planet. There are very few reef systems left that are not overdeveloped, ravaged by climate change or overfished,” say Doubilet and Hayes. “If you love the ocean, Raja Ampat is a must-see and we do not want you to miss it.” Scroll below for a few more of their spectacular photos—then plan to join National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions on this unforgettable new itinerary into the beating heart of a coral wildness.

Into the Blue

The largest fish in the sea, a whale shark glides through the waters of Raja Ampat.

Raja Ampat: Indonesia's Underwater Eden

David Doubilet and Jennifer Hayes

Lauren A. Greene

Get Inspired By Photos, Videos, Webinars, Stories and Exclusive Offers.

The Jewel of the Coral Triangle

Secrets of the Sea

A Tapestry of Habitat

From Sharks to Sweetlips

A Must-See for Ocean Lovers

Into the Blue

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Raja Ampat: Indonesia's Underwater Eden

David Doubilet and Jennifer Hayes

Lauren A. Greene

Get Inspired By Photos, Videos, Webinars, Stories and Exclusive Offers.

The Jewel of the Coral Triangle

Secrets of the Sea

A Tapestry of Habitat

From Sharks to Sweetlips

A Must-See for Ocean Lovers

Into the Blue

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