What is the world record at Cape Kri?

Marine biologist Dr. Gerald Allen counted 374 fish species in a single dive at Cape Kri — the world record for fish species diversity. This extraordinary concentration results from Cape Kri's position at the confluence of major currents in Dampier Strait, creating a nutrient crossroads that supports unmatched marine biodiversity.

What marine life can I see at Cape Kri?

Expect schools of barracuda, giant trevally, reef sharks (blacktip, whitetip, grey), Napoleon wrasse, bumphead parrotfish, sea turtles, sweetlips, groupers, fusiliers, and thousands of reef fish species covering every surface. Macro life includes pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, and ornate ghost pipefish.

Is Cape Kri suitable for beginners?

Cape Kri experiences moderate to strong currents that make it best suited for Advanced Open Water divers. Some operators accept Open Water divers on calmer days with experienced guides. The reef itself starts at 5 meters, but the best action occurs at 10-25 meters where current-swept walls concentrate marine life.

Where is Cape Kri located?

Cape Kri is the northeastern point of Kri Island in Dampier Strait, central Raja Ampat. It sits approximately 45 minutes by speedboat from Waisai and is included on virtually all liveaboard and charter itineraries operating in the region.

How does Cape Kri compare to other dive sites?

Cape Kri holds the world record for fish species count. While Blue Magic offers better pelagic encounters and Melissa's Garden has more pristine coral gardens, Cape Kri's sheer diversity — 374+ species in a single dive — is unmatched anywhere on Earth. It is the definitive Raja Ampat dive.

Cape Kri Dive Site Raja Ampat — World Record Fish Diversity

Home / Cape Kri Dive Site Raja Ampat — World Record Fish Diversity

Cape Kri — The World’s Most Biodiverse Dive Site

Cape Kri holds the world record for fish species diversity — 374 species counted in a single dive by marine biologist Dr. Gerald Allen. This extraordinary reef at the northeastern tip of Kri Island sits at the crossroads of Dampier Strait’s powerful nutrient currents, creating a marine biodiversity concentration unmatched anywhere on planet Earth. Diving Cape Kri is not merely visiting a dive site — it is experiencing the singular pinnacle of what our planet’s oceans can produce.

The World Record Site

Dr. Gerald Allen’s record-setting species count at Cape Kri stunned the marine biology community and cemented Raja Ampat’s position as the global epicenter of marine biodiversity. To put 374 species in perspective: many popular dive destinations worldwide contain fewer total species across all their sites combined. At Cape Kri, this extraordinary concentration occurs on a single reef, on a single dive, in approximately 90 minutes of observation.

The secret lies in geography. Cape Kri’s position at Dampier Strait’s narrowest point accelerates tidal currents that carry nutrients from the Pacific Ocean into the strait. This nutrient conveyor belt supports an explosion of plankton growth, which feeds small fish, which attract larger predators, creating a complete marine food web of staggering complexity visible at every depth from the surface to beyond 30 meters.

What You’ll See

Fish Schools

Massive schools of barracuda, fusiliers, surgeonfish, and big-eye trevally create living walls of movement. Bumphead parrotfish cruise the reef in herds of 20-50. Schools so dense they block sunlight from the reef below. The biomass concentration at Cape Kri is visually overwhelming.

Reef Sharks & Predators

Blacktip, whitetip, and grey reef sharks patrol the current lines. Giant trevally hunt the reef edges. Napoleon wrasse approach divers with characteristic curiosity. Barracuda schools spiral in silver columns extending from reef to surface.

Reef Life

Every square meter of reef supports dozens of species. Anthias clouds in orange and purple, damselfish territories, butterflyfish pairs, angelfish, and wrasse species fill every niche. Hard coral coverage in excellent condition provides the foundation for this extraordinary ecosystem.

Macro Treasures

Pygmy seahorses on gorgonian fans (Hippocampus denise and H. bargibanti), ornate ghost pipefish, Pontoh’s pygmy seahorse, blue-ringed octopus, nudibranchs in extraordinary variety, and flatworms. Cape Kri rewards both wide-angle photographers capturing schools and macro specialists finding miniature marvels.

Dive Profile

Depth: Reef top at 5m, main wall 10-25m, sand slope to 30m+

Current: Moderate to strong — drift dive along the wall is standard technique

Visibility: 15-30m, best on incoming tides November-February

Water Temperature: 28-30°C year-round

Level: Advanced Open Water recommended. Current management skills essential

Duration: 50-70 minutes typical depending on current and air consumption

Combining Cape Kri with Dampier Strait Sites

Cape Kri pairs naturally with nearby world-class sites. Blue Magic (10 minutes) offers pelagic encounters complementing Cape Kri’s reef diversity. Sardine Reef provides wall diving with macro treasures. Manta Sandy adds manta ray encounters. Most liveaboard and charter itineraries include multiple Cape Kri dives across different tidal conditions to experience the site’s full range.

Dive the World Record Reef

Experience Cape Kri’s 374+ species diversity — the world’s richest single dive site. Our specialists time your visits for peak conditions and maximum marine encounters.

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