Telma

Telma is a reef dive site in the northern Raja Ampat area, West Papua, Indonesia.

Overview

Telma is a reef site positioned in the northeastern sector of the Raja Ampat archipelago, in an area characterised by the Cenderawasih-influenced oceanographic conditions that produce exceptional water clarity. The reef offers a productive dive along a coral slope that captures currents from the north, maintaining healthy reef conditions and supporting good fish biomass. The site name reflects the local Papuan place names common across this part of West Papua. Coral cover is strong, with both hard and soft coral communities well represented. Visibility at Telma often reaches 25-35 meters in the dry season, and water temperatures average 27-29°C.

Site Information

• Location: Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 25 meters
• Typical Visibility: 15-35 meters
• Current: Moderate, northerly influence
• Best Time: October to April

Marine Life

The reef at Telma is notable for the quality of its hard coral formations, particularly in the 8-15 meter range where branching Acropora and massive corals form complex structures. Large schools of anthias hover over the coral heads, and surgeonfish graze in numbers. Reef sharks are regular visitors, and Napoleon wrasse patrol the reef edge. Sea turtles are commonly encountered. The northern location and associated currents occasionally bring encounters with larger pelagics including mackerel and occasional whale sharks during aggregation periods. Macro life on the deeper reef includes nudibranchs and various shrimp species.

Dive Profile

Begin at the reef crest and explore the shallow coral garden before descending the slope. Telma rewards a thorough dive along the 10-20 meter zone where coral structure is most complex. The site’s good visibility allows appreciation of the reef layout from mid-water. Finish with a leisurely safety stop in the shallow coral garden.

Entry and Exit

Access is by dive boat. Entry via giant stride from the boat. Northern sector conditions can be affected by seasonal winds; morning dives are typically calmer. Deploy SMB before ascending for boat pickup.

Tips and Recommendations

• The northern location means this site is often dived as part of liveaboard itineraries combining it with Sorong-area sites
• Good visibility makes this an excellent site for wide-angle ambient light photography
• Scan the reef edge for reef sharks and Napoleon wrasse during the dive
• Combine with nearby northern sites for a full day of diverse reef diving

Safety Considerations

Northern exposure can create surge and surface chop in certain conditions. Check the weather forecast and sea conditions before diving. Currents can develop — maintain awareness and carry an SMB. Dive within your certification limits.

Photography

The excellent visibility at Telma supports wide-angle ambient light photography without the need for artificial lighting in the shallows. The clean water and strong coral coverage make for outstanding reef scenic shots. Fish portraits and behavioural photography are accessible given the relaxed fish life at this less-visited northern site.

Sources: Papua Diving - Raja Ampat Dive Sites, Bluewater Dive Travel - Raja Ampat Diving, La Galigo Liveaboard - Top 10 Raja Ampat Dive Sites, Girls That Scuba - Scuba Diving Raja Ampat, PADI - Diving in Raja Ampat. Last updated 2026-04-04.