Batanta Collection

An endemic epaulette shark swims across the seafloor of Raja Ampat
An endemic epaulette shark swims across the rubble seafloor of Raja Ampat, Indonesia. This small shark spends most of its time on the bottom of reef environments

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Indonesia, Raja Ampat. Rarely seen tiger shrimp and soft corals. Date: 19/05/2006

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Indonesia, Raja Ampat. Frogfish mimics the shape of an orange and purple sea squirt. Date: 19/05/2006

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Indonesia, Raja Ampat. Close-up of mushroom coral. Date: 19/05/2006

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Indonesia, Raja Ampat. A nudibranch is host to an imperial shrimp while laying an orange ribbon of eggs. Date: 19/05/2006

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Ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae) that can change it's color and skin texture, Raja Ampat, Indonesia. Date: 19/05/2006

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Ringed anemone (Actiniaria), Raja Ampat, Indonesia. Date: 19/05/2006

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Indonesia, Raja Ampat. This commensal shrimp often associates with various anemones. Date: 19/05/2006

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Indonesia, Raja Ampat. This goby fish is commensal with many species of marine invertebrates, such as soft coral. Date: 19/05/2006

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Two species of fleshy hard corals competing for space on reef, Ayau Island, Raja Ampat, Indonesia. Date: 19/05/2006

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Indonesia, Papua, Raja Ampat. Pipefish swims past coral. Date: 19/05/2006

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Hermit crab (Paguroidea) emerging from freshly adopted shell amid coral, Batanta Island, Raja Ampat, Papua, Indonesia. Date: 19/05/2006

A giant clam grows on a reef in Raja Ampat
A giant clam (Tridacna gigas) grows on a reef in Raja Ampat, Indonesia. This is the largest species of bivalve in the world

Beams of sunlight descend into deep water in the Pacific Ocean

Sunlight silhouettes a table coral in Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Sunlight silhouettes a table coral (Acropora sp.) in Raja Ampat, Indonesia. This remote, equatorial region is known as the heart of the Coral Triangle

Reef-building corals grow inside Palaus lagoon which is studded with limestone islands. This Micronesian destination is popular among scuba divers and snorkelers due to its spectacular coral reefs

School of large damselfish in Palaus inner lagoon. This Micronesian destination is popular among scuba divers and snorkelers due to its spectacular coral reefs

A beautiful coral reef grows near a set of limestone islands in Indonesia
A beautiful coral reef grows near a set of limestone islands in Raja Ampat, Indonesia. This remote, equatorial region is known as the heart of the Coral Triangle

A cave has formed inside a limestone island in Raja Ampat, Indonesia. Caves are formed by carbonic acid eroding the limestone

Sunlight illuminates a large gorgonian growing on a reef in Raja Ampat
Sunlight pours down on a large gorgonian growing on a reef in Raja Ampat, Indonesia. This remote, equatorial region is known as the heart of the Coral Triangle

Forest-covered limestone islands surround a lagoon in Raja Ampat
Forest-covered limestone islands surround a gorgeous lagoon in a remote part of Raja Ampat, Indonesia. This beautiful region is known as the heart of the Coral Triangle

Limestone islands surrounded by a coral reef in Raja Ampat
Limestone islands surrounded by a coral reef in a remote part of Raja Ampat, Indonesia. This beautiful region is known as the heart of the Coral Triangle

A beautiful coral reef grows in Raja Ampat, Indonesia
A beautiful coral reef grows near a set of limestone islands in Raja Ampat, Indonesia. This remote, equatorial region is known as the heart of the Coral Triangle

Golden jellyfish swim inside a lake in the Republic of Palau
Golden jellyfish (Mastigias papua etpisonii) swim inside a marine lake in the Republic of Palau. These endemic jellies have a symbiosis with zooxanthellae

Rugged limestone islands frame an Indonesian pinisi schooner at anchor in a beautiful lagoon in a remote part of Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Rugged limestone islands surround corals growing in a gorgeous lagoon in a remote part of Raja Ampat, Indonesia. This beautiful region is known as the heart of the Coral Triangle

A Japanese Jake seaplane on the seafloor of Palaus lagoon
A Japanese Jake seaplane, shot down during World War II, lies on the seafloor of Palaus lagoon. Many planes and dozens of large ships were sunk around Palau during the war

Soft corals grow on the edge of Palaus barrier reef
Soft corals grow on a shallow reef flat on the edge of Palaus barrier reef. This Micronesian destination is popular among scuba divers and snorkelers due to its spectacular coral reefs

A beautiful coral reef in Raja Ampat, Indonesia
A beautiful coral reef grows near a set of limestone islands in Raja Ampat, Indonesia. This remote, equatorial region is known as the heart of the Coral Triangle

Indonesia, Papua, Raja Ampat. Pipefish swims past coral

Indonesia, Raja Ampat. Rarely seen tiger shrimp and soft corals

Indonesia, Raja Ampat. Close-up of mushroom coral

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Batanta is a mesmerizing island nestled in the heart of Raja Ampat, known for its breathtaking marine biodiversity. As I dive into the crystal-clear waters, I am greeted by an endemic epaulette shark gracefully gliding across the vibrant seafloor. Its distinctive markings and unique behavior make it a true marvel to behold. The underwater world is like no other, with coral reefs teeming with life and colors that seem to defy imagination. With each stroke, I discover new wonders hidden beneath the surface - from delicate sea fans swaying gently in the current to schools of colorful fish darting playfully around me. DDE-90024766, DDE-90024760, DDE-90024728 – these are not just random numbers but coordinates that lead you to some of Batanta's most enchanting dive sites. Exploring these locations reveals a kaleidoscope of marine species: vibrant parrotfish nibbling on corals, graceful manta rays majestically gliding through the water, and elusive pygmy seahorses camouflaged among intricate sea fans. As I continue my journey underwater, DDE-90024727 captures my attention - a magnificent coral garden stretching as far as the eye can see. The sheer diversity and abundance of corals here leave me in awe; their shapes and colors create an ethereal landscape that seems straight out of a dream. Moving further along DDE-90024699 brings me face-to-face with an ancient shipwreck resting peacefully on the seabed. Covered in soft corals and surrounded by curious reef inhabitants seeking refuge within its rusted hulls, this relic serves as a reminder of history's imprint on this magical place. Diving deeper into Batanta's secrets at DDE-90024698 leads me to encounter playful dolphins frolicking effortlessly through turquoise waters.