Misool

Misool is the southernmost of Raja Ampat's four main islands and arguably the most diverse. The reefs here have benefited from an effective community-run marine protected area, and the diving is exceptional: manta rays cleaning at stations on the outer reef, reef sharks in the channels, and a density of soft coral that makes even experienced divers stop and stare. The landscape above water is as dramatic as Wayag, with karst formations emerging from forested slopes above mangrove-fringed bays.

Misool is about 6–8 hours by boat from Waisai, which makes it primarily a liveaboard destination. A handful of small eco-resorts have been built on the island, operating on conservation principles and employing local Misool communities as guides and staff. Getting here independently is possible but slow.

things to do nature sight
A story
Misool's marine protected area was established in 2012 after local communities successfully negotiated to end the shark-finning operations that had devastated the reef for decades. Within a few years, shark numbers had begun to recover noticeably. The community-managed system, where local boat operators hold exclusive access rights in exchange for policing the zone, became a model for marine conservation across Indonesia.