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Diving in Raja Ampat

Where It Is: Four large islands and hundreds of smaller land masses make up the immense archipelago of Raja Ampat, set in the Pacific waters off the Bird's Head Peninsula of eastern Indonesia. There are hundreds of dive sites among these islands.

What to Look for: The marine life diversity here is some of the richest in the world, with hundreds of species of coral supporting an enormous spectrum of sea creatures. Pygmy sea horses, walking sharks, unicorn fish, and manta rays with 10-foot wingspans are all frequently sighted here. World War II–era shipwrecks, including a Japanese naval patrol vessel, add to Raja Ampat's intrigue.