Cape Kri Dive Site — World Record 374 Fish Species

Last reviewed: May 24, 2026 by Rendi Arumakori, Marine Biologist & PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer (PADI-MSDT #377192) · Co-led 5 reef restoration projects with Conservation International.

Cape Kri is a sloping reef dive site at the easternmost point of Kri Island, located in the Dampier Strait of Raja Ampat at GPS coordinates 0°33’29.0″S 130°41’37.0″E. This site holds the scientifically verified world record for the highest number of reef fish species observed on a single dive. In 2012, ichthyologist Dr. Gerald Allen documented 374 distinct species here in 90 minutes, a testament to the extreme biomass this location sustains. The powerful currents that sweep the point are the engine of this biodiversity, making Cape Kri Raja Ampat diving a demanding but profoundly rewarding experience for advanced divers aboard a private charter.

The Record-Breaking Dive: Dr. Allen’s 374 Species

The distinction of the Cape Kri dive site is a matter of scientific record, not marketing hyperbole. In April 2012, Dr. Gerald Allen, a leading authority on Indo-Pacific reef fishes affiliated with Conservation International, conducted a survey dive with the specific objective of quantifying its biodiversity. The final tally of 374 species on a single tank dive confirmed what veteran dive guides had long suspected: this small point of land in the Coral Triangle is an epicentre of marine life. The record highlights the unparalleled species richness of Raja Ampat, which is home to over 1,427 reef fish species in total.

This extreme density is a direct result of Cape Kri’s unique geographical position. It acts as a natural barrier, intercepting the nutrient-rich currents flowing through the Dampier Strait. This constant supply of planktonic food supports every level of the food chain, from vast schools of fusiliers to the pelagic predators that hunt them. For a diver, this translates into an overwhelming visual spectacle of biomass and activity, a concentration of life that few other sites on the planet can match. The Cape Kri 374 species record is not just a number; it is the definitive measure of this site’s biological significance.

Dive Profile and Topography

A dive at Cape Kri is typically executed as a drift dive, beginning on the northern side of the island’s eastern tip. Divers descend onto a vibrant coral slope that begins at a depth of 5 metres and falls away to a sandy bottom beyond 40 metres. The most productive depth range for observing the schooling fish and predator action is between 15 and 28 metres.

The site’s key feature is “The Corner” or “The Split,” the very tip of the island where the current hits directly. Here, the reef wall is steep and fissured, offering small overhangs and ledges. The standard dive plan involves descending upstream of the point and drifting with the current towards this corner. Here, divers often use reef hooks to secure themselves to a stationary piece of rock or dead coral, allowing them to remain in the zone of maximum activity without exertion. From this vantage point, one can observe the full panorama of marine life that makes Kri Island diving a core component of any serious North Raja Ampat yacht itinerary.

Navigating the Cape Kri Current

The primary environmental factor defining the Cape Kri dive site is its formidable current. The Dampier Strait acts as a funnel for the massive exchange of water between the Pacific Ocean and the Halmahera Sea, and Cape Kri sits directly in its path. Currents here regularly run between 1 to 3 knots and can be exceptionally strong during new or full moon phases. This is not a dive for novices.

Successfully diving here requires precise timing and expert guidance. Our charter captains, such as the 25-year veteran Captain Yance Mambrasar, work with dive masters to schedule entries precisely at slack tide or the beginning of an incoming tide. An incoming tide typically provides clearer water and brings large schools of fish closer to the reef to feed.
Key considerations for managing the Cape Kri current include:

• Certification: An Advanced Open Water (AOW) certification is the absolute minimum requirement.
• Experience: We recommend a minimum of 30-50 logged dives, with verifiable experience in strong current and drift diving environments.
• Equipment: Every diver must carry and be proficient with a surface marker buoy (SMB). A reef hook is essential standard equipment for holding position at The Corner.
• Briefing: A thorough pre-dive briefing from an experienced guide is critical. It covers the entry point, planned depth, signals for managing the current, and procedures for a mid-water ascent and safety stop while drifting.

Our dive teams are experts in these conditions, ensuring that certified guests can safely experience the full spectacle of the site. A well-planned dive here is a masterclass in using the current to your advantage, transforming it from a challenge into the engine of the entire experience.

Marine Life and Species Encounters

The sheer volume and variety of marine life at Cape Kri are what secured its world record. The experience is one of immersion in immense schools of fish that can obscure the reef itself. While encounters vary with every dive, certain species are consistently present in large numbers.

Pelagic and Schooling Fish

The water column is often dominated by a moving wall of fish. Expect to encounter:

• Jacks & Trevally: Giant schools of big-eye trevally and giant trevally (GTs) patrol the point.
• Barracuda: Chevron and yellowtail barracuda form large, often spiralling, aggregations.
• Tuna & Mackerel: Dogtooth tuna and Spanish mackerel are frequently seen hunting the smaller fusiliers and baitfish.
• Bumphead Parrotfish: Large resident schools of Bolbometopon muricatum often graze on the hard corals of the reef flat in the morning.

Reef Residents and Predators

The reef structure itself provides a habitat for a dense population of sharks, turtles, and large reef fish.

• Sharks: Blacktip, whitetip, and grey reef sharks are consistently seen patrolling the reef edge and the deeper slope.
• Wobbegong Shark: The endemic tasselled wobbegong (Eucrossorhinus dasypogon) is often found camouflaged on the reef or under table corals. Our onboard marine biologist, Rendi Arumakori, can assist in locating these masters of disguise.
• Groupers & Sweetlips: Large potato cod, coral trout, and massive schools of oriental sweetlips congregate around cleaning stations.
• Turtles: Hawksbill and green sea turtles are common residents, feeding on sponges and resting on the reef.

The biodiversity that makes up the Cape Kri 374 species record is ever-present. This is a primary site featured in our specialist diving and snorkelling charters, designed for serious underwater photographers and marine life enthusiasts.

Accessing Cape Kri on a Private Yacht Charter

The only way to dive Cape Kri at the optimal time and with the necessary support is from a liveaboard vessel. A private yacht charter offers unparalleled flexibility and comfort. Vessels such as the 51m phinisi Dunia Baru or the 60m motor yacht Aqua Blu provide the ideal platform, anchoring in the calm, protected waters of Yenbeser Bay, just off Kri Island.

From the anchorage, the dive site is a short 10 to 15-minute transfer via a dedicated high-speed dive tender or RIB. This proximity allows our crews to time dives with tidal precision, often scheduling an early morning dive before other boats arrive to witness the peak fish activity. Our concierge, Maria Tafurwarsai, liaises with the yacht’s cruise director to integrate dives at Cape Kri and other premier Dampier Strait sites like Blue Magic and Sardine Reef into a seamless itinerary. Reviewing our fleet comparison guide can help you select the ideal vessel for your group’s diving requirements and comfort level, with transparent charter pricing tiers available.

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FAQ — Cape Kri Raja Ampat Diving

What is the world record set at Cape Kri?

In April 2012, ichthyologist Dr. Gerald Allen officially recorded 374 different reef fish species on a single 90-minute dive at Cape Kri. This world record, certified by Conservation International, confirms the site as having the highest concentration of marine biodiversity ever recorded at one location on Earth.

How strong is the current at Cape Kri?

The current is consistently moderate to strong, typically ranging from 1 to 3 knots. It can exceed 4 knots during spring tides (new and full moons). This is an advanced dive site where experience in strong currents is mandatory. Reef hooks are essential equipment for holding position and observing the marine life.

What is the minimum dive certification for Cape Kri?

The minimum required certification is Advanced Open Water (AOW) or an equivalent rating from a recognised agency. We strongly recommend divers have at least 30 to 50 logged dives, with specific experience in drift diving and deep diving protocols, before attempting to dive Cape Kri. All divers must be comfortable deploying a surface marker buoy (SMB).

What marine life will I see at Cape Kri?

You will see an extraordinary biomass of fish. Expect immense schools of trevally, barracuda, and fusiliers. Large bumphead parrotfish, Napoleon wrasse, and numerous sweetlips are residents. Encounters with blacktip, whitetip, and grey reef sharks are very common, as are hawksbill turtles. The endemic wobbegong shark is also a frequent sighting for observant divers.

How do you get to the Cape Kri dive site?

Cape Kri is accessible only by boat. On a private phinisi charter, your yacht will anchor in a protected bay nearby. The dive site itself is reached via a 10-15 minute trip in a specialised dive tender (RIB), allowing for precise drop-offs at the optimal point on the reef relative to the current. For more general travel information, please see our frequently asked questions page.

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Plan Your Raja Ampat Yacht Charter

Diving Cape Kri is a pinnacle experience, best accessed with the comfort, safety, and flexibility of a private charter. Our team has the regional expertise to build an itinerary around this and other significant dive sites. Contact our charter specialists to begin designing your expedition.

WhatsApp: +62 811 3941 4563

Email: bd@juaraholding.com