Ayau — Next Level Blue in Raja Ampat

There are places on earth where the sea is so blue that your eyes need a moment to adjust. Where the sky, the lagoon and the horizon blend into one soft, endless line of colour. Ayau, a remote island group in the far north of Raja Ampat, is one of those places.

This part of Raja Ampat is remote and basic — but a true gem for travellers who seek exactly that. Even though these may not be the very best coral reefs in Raja Ampat for snorkelling, the sense of remoteness — with fewer than 100 visitors per year — combined with the truly next level light-blue water makes Ayau an unforgettable add-on for those staying a little longer in Raja Ampat.

Ayau — Next Level Blue

Ayau is made up of small coral islands and sandbanks that change shape and colour with the tides. The water here is so intensely blue that it reflects turquoise into the air. Every shade of blue is present — from crystal-clear turquoise to deep ocean blue.

It feels like standing at the end of the world. No resorts. No crowds. Just the ocean, the wind and the rhythm of nature. This is Ayau — Next Level Blue.

Highlights of Ayau

• Endless sandbanks appearing with the tides

• Blue lagoons that look like paintings

• Fish in every colour of the rainbow

• Traditional Papuan communities

• A dream location for photography & drone shots

• Magical sunrises and sunsets

Ayau is not just beautiful — it is calm, silent and untouched. A place that truly stays with you.

What to See at Ayau

Sandbanks & Coral Islands

At low tide, sparkling white sandbanks appear, surrounded by turquoise waters. You can literally stand in the middle of the ocean — surrounded by nothing but endless blue.

Snorkelling with Colourful Fish

Although the waves around Ayau damage coral, this is not the best snorkeling spot of raja Ampat but there is still plenty of life beneath the surface. Expect schools of colourful fish, small reef dwellers and a calm, underwater world that is perfect for slow, relaxed exploration.

Local Villages

The local communities here still live traditionally — simple, authentic and deeply connected to the ocean. You immediately feel: this is real island life.

What Makes Ayau Unique

Ayau is different from the rest of Raja Ampat.

It is remote — truly remote. Pure, untouched and incredibly quiet — the kind of place that makes you realise how rare destinations like this still are.

It doesn’t feel like a destination, It feels like a discovery.

Because Ayau doesn't have the best reefs and is very far and remote, it's not for everyone. However, it's perfect for those who have the time and want to visit a very remote and unique place with fewer than 80 tourists a year.

How to Visit Ayau from Waisai

From Waigeo in Raja Ampat you can travel to Ayau by speedboat — the journey takes around 5 hours. Another option is to fly to Kabare and continue from there by longboat for about 2 hours. Travel between islands inside the Ayau group is usually up to 2 hours by boat.

Ayau is not a standard trip. It is an adventure — and you should plan 4 to 5 days for the experience.

Explore Ayau with Luzo Boat Tours & Villa Luzo

When staying in Raja Ampat, Villa Luzo is the perfect place to relax after a day of island hopping. Ayau is a wonderful extension to your stay if you don’t mind simple accommodation and love the feeling of being at the very edge of the world.

We believe Raja Ampat is at its best when you slow down —and Ayau is the perfect add-on for travellers who want to go a little further and have the time. We recommend Ayau if you are in Raja Ampat for more than 7 days.

If you want to visit Ayau, add it to your island hopping tour If you want more tips and information about Raja Ampat, read: Island Hopping in Raja Ampat – The Ultimate Guide to Paradise