Mansuar & Sawandarek – Snorkeling with Sea Turtles

Nestled in the heart of Raja Ampat, Mansuar Island and its picturesque village Sawandarek are among the region’s most unforgettable snorkeling destinations.Here, the sea glows turquoise, coral gardens stretch for hundreds of meters, and giant sea turtles glide gracefully through the water.

Mansuar offers everything you imagine when you think of paradise — crystal-clear water, palm-lined beaches, and an authentic Papuan village atmosphere that makes every visitor feel at home. it is a must visit!

Highlights

Mansuar and Sawandarek are part of central Raja Ampat’s island cluster, located between Kri, Arborek, and Gam Islands. They’re easy to reach on a day trip from Villa Luzo, yet they feel remote and peaceful — a perfect balance of accessibility and serenity.

Top highlights include:

• Snorkeling directly from the Sawandarek jetty, one of Raja Ampat’s most famous house reefs

• Swimming alongside giant sea turtles and colorful reef fish

• Coral gardens so healthy they almost touch the surface

• A charming local village with friendly residents and traditional Papuan life

• Sunset views that turn the sky into gold and orange reflections over the calm sea

What to See

The Sawandarek Jetty:

Right off the wooden pier, the reef drops into a kaleidoscope of coral and marine life.It’s one of the best snorkeling spots in Raja Ampat — perfect for beginners and experienced swimmers alike. Expect to see turtles, blacktip reef sharks, clownfish, parrotfish, and schools of colorful tropical fish.

Coral Gardens:

The coral here is spectacular — vast, bright, and full of life. You can spend hours drifting above the reef, watching rays of sunlight dance across soft corals and sea fans.

Sawandarek Village:

Behind the beach lies a small Papuan village, where locals welcome visitors with smiles and genuine curiosity. You can enjoy a simple lunch on the beach, buy handmade souvenirs, or just take a walk through the village to experience daily island life.

What Makes It Unique

Mansuar is special because it combines world-class snorkeling with authentic cultural connection.It’s a place where you can swim with turtles in the morning and chat with local children in the afternoon — a perfect blend of nature and humanity.

Unlike remote dive resorts, Mansuar remains simple and genuine.No fancy infrastructure, no crowds — just the sound of the waves, the laughter of locals, and the beauty of untouched coral reefs.

This is Raja Ampat at its purest: wild, warm, and wonderfully real.

How to Visit Mansuar & Sawandarek

• Getting there: Mansuar is about 40 minutes by boat from Villa Luzo, and usually visited together with Kri, Arborek, and Friwen Islands.

• Best time to visit: all year round, high season October to May, during calm seas

• What to bring: Snorkeling gear, reef-safe sunscreen.

• Included: our islandhopping tour

Experience Mansuar with Luzo Boat Tours & Villa Luzo

At Luzo Boat Tours, we include Mansuar and Sawandarek in our most popular island-hopping routes. Our local guides know the best snorkeling spots and will help you find turtles, reef sharks, and coral gardens that most travelers miss.

After your island adventure, return to Villa Luzo in Waisai — your comfortable retreat surrounded by nature.Relax, enjoy a home-cooked meal, and prepare for another day exploring the beauty of Raja Ampat.

Luzo Boat Tours – Explore. Relax. Remember.

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