Citrus Ridge

Citrus Ridge is located in the southern part of the Raja Ampat archipelago, off the coast of Gam Island.

Overview

Citrus Ridge is located in the southern part of the Raja Ampat archipelago, off the coast of Gam Island. Citrus Ridge features a steep coral-covered slope, with depths ranging from 10 to 27meters. The site gets its name from the abundant lush soft corals in orange and yellow hues, hence citrus ridge. 

The Topography

The underwater terrain in Citrus Ridge is a beautiful mix of coral gardens, slopes and reef outcrops, making it a visually stunning dive site. The currents here are moderate to strong, often running along the reef, creating an exhilarating drift dive experience for those seeking a bit of adventure.

The Visibility

Visibility typically ranges between 15 to 30 meters (50 to 100 feet), with the best conditions during the dry season (October to April).

Best Suited for Intermediate to Advanced Divers

This site is well-suited for intermediate to advanced divers due to the currents and depths involved. Strong currents can make the dive challenging, but they also attract larger pelagic species.

A drift dive is the best way to explore the site, allowing divers to move effortlessly with the flow and cover more ground. If you’re a seasoned diver looking for exciting, fast-paced underwater action, Citrus Ridge is must-see.

The current-driven nature of the site means that most divers prefer a drift dive, where the current carries them along the slope, allowing for effortless exploration.

The Marine Life

Citrus Ridge is renowned for its rich marine life. The site is a haven for both macro and large pelagic species. Divers can expect to encounter schools of bumphead parrotfish, a majestic sight as these massive fish move in coordinated formations.

Other frequent residents include barracudas, fusiliers, and surgeonfish, which dart through the water in large groups. The reef is also home to numerous nudibranchs, pufferfish, and spadefish, offering plenty of opportunities for macro photography.

Eels and the occasional wobbegong shark can be spotted among the coral and rocky crevices, while octopus and scorpaenid fish (like scorpionfish) often camouflage themselves on the reef.

Green turtles also frequently rest on the corals, and triggerfish, which can be seen patrolling their territories. The site’s topography, combined with the nutrient-rich currents, supports an abundance of life, making it a prime location for underwater photographers and marine enthusiasts alike.

The Diving

We will drop in at the end of the ridge where the current direction is coming from and make our way along the reef. We will descend to around 25 meters and explore the slope of the ridge. 

Halfway through the dive we will hit a large sand slope, current can pick up here so it will be a bit of a hard fin to get across it, but once we do the current drops off again and we can continue to explore the reef until we need to make our way up to 5 meters for the safety stop.

A nice view when we pop up to the surface awaits us with a scene of mangroves and even a chance to see hunting Archer Fish spitting water at bugs on the branches above.

Topography: Sloping Reef Following a Ridge with Sandy Parts
Max Depth: 27 meters
Typical Current: Medium to Strong
Best For: An Amazing Colourful Dive With a Nice Drift

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