Featured Anchorage #3
Southeast Asia Pilot – August 2025
Wayag – Raja Ampat, Indonesia
00°10.184N, 130°01.112E
Mooring buoys
Picking up moorings instead of anchoring is increasingly necessary as authorities scramble to preserve coral. Where we suggest you pick up a mooring, be prepared to move if asked to do so by the mooring’s owner or a local authority. In some anchorages, you may find moorings that aren’t mentioned in these pages because they weren’t there when the anchorage was last surveyed. Whichever case, it’s your responsibility to check moorings in terms of their availability, condition and suitability for your yacht. Be aware that some moorings are suitable for small, light boats only.
Overview
Wayag is the poster child for Raja Ampat’s beauty – jagged limestone karsts rising from turquoise lagoons, pristine beaches, and diving that’s among the best in the world. It’s remote, breathtaking, and unforgettable.
Anchorage Notes
⇒ Depth: 15–20m on sand with scattered coral
⇒ Holding: Generally good in sand patches; avoid coral heads
⇒ Protection: Good in settled weather; exposed to strong NW winds
⇒ Hazards: Narrow lagoon entries with coral outcrops – best entered in good light
Facilities & Shore Access
⇒ No shore facilities – pure wilderness
⇒ Climb the Wayag viewpoint for one of the most photographed panoramas in Indonesia
⇒ Snorkelling and diving directly from the boat – expect manta rays, reef sharks, and endless coral gardens
⇒ Visits now require a Raja Ampat Marine Park entry permit, obtainable in Waisai or Sorong
Why We Like It
⇒ Remote and pristine – feels like true exploration
⇒ Incredible natural beauty both above and below water
⇒ A bucket-list stop for serious cruisers in Indonesia
Southeast Asia Pilot – 7th Edition has detailed coverage of over 600 anchorages across nine countries. Available now in print and digital editions.
Southeast Asia Pilot and Phuket Publicity Services do their best to ensure that the information on this website is accurate. However, good seamanship demands that seafarers check critical information carefully with relevant sources to ensure it is up to date.FacebookLinkedInInstagram
