Blue Magic

Blue Magic is a submerged seamount in the Dampier Strait, Raja Ampat, located just off Kri Island and sitting in open "blue" ocean. The reef is compact, built mostly of hard corals with a few soft corals, and rises to between 7 and 10 metres at its shallowest point before dropping beyond 30 metres, giving the site dramatic vertical relief and a constant sense of exposure to open water.

The site is defined by its pelagic action: large schools of fusiliers and jacks swarm the reef, relentlessly pursued by Spanish mackerel, giant trevally, barracuda, dogtooth tuna, and rainbow runners. Looking out into the blue regularly produces blacktip reef sharks and grey reef sharks, bumphead parrotfish, and occasional oceanic manta rays. Fish activity begins from the moment of descent and continues throughout the dive.

Blue Magic carries strong current — sometimes ranging from mild to strong depending on timing — and is rated as an advanced site, though some operators list it as suitable for intermediate to advanced divers. Wide-angle and macro photography both work here. Diving is timed carefully to coincide with optimal current and visibility conditions; the site is reached by boat, approximately 15 minutes' travel time from local departure points.