Ayu Islands

Islands

Small coral islands off Southwest Papua, part of Indonesia's island groups. Visitors seek diving and snorkelling on reef slopes, remote island culture and small‑boat excursions.

Ayu Islands JayapuraManokwariMeraukeTimikaAyu Islands
In this guide

Ayu Islands essentials

Address: Ayu Islands, Raja Ampat region vicinity, Southwest Papua, Indonesia
GoogleAppleOSM

About Ayu Islands

The Ayu Islands are a small tropical archipelago in the Indonesian province of Southwest Papua, consisting of low coral islands and associated reef systems. The group is part of the broader marine landscape of western New Guinea and is valued for its coral-reef biodiversity and diving potential.

The islands are low-lying and remote, with access typically by boat from larger regional islands or mainland ports. Their offshore reefs and clear waters make them a point of interest for snorkelling and scuba diving rather than large-scale tourism infrastructure.

Geographically, the Ayu Islands lie off the northwest coast of New Guinea within Indonesia’s Southwest Papua administrative region and form part of the complex island chains in that part of the Indonesian archipelago.

  • Marine environment: The islands and surrounding reefs are remote and primarily visited by boat; they are noted locally for coral reefs and tropical marine life.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Ayu Islands

The Ayu Islands are best visited in the dry season when seas are calmer and visibility for diving is optimal.

Dry season
October-April · 26-31°C
Calmer seas and clearer water for diving and snorkeling; prime season for marine activity.
Shoulder months
May-September · 24-29°C
Can be windier with occasional heavy rain; still possible for expeditions but less predictable.

Weather & Climate near Ayu Islands

Climate

Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 24°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2604 mm/year), wettest in June.

Air Quality: AQI 27 Good
Best Time to Visit
OctoberAugustMay
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
25°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good 24° - 30° 30° 182 mm overcast 82% 2.2 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.0h
February Good 24° - 30° 30° 199 mm overcast 82% 2.3 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.0h
March Good 24° - 31° 31° 193 mm overcast 82% 2.2 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.0h
April Good 24° - 31° 31° 231 mm partly cloudy 81% 2.0 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.0h
May Good 25° - 31° 32° 279 mm partly cloudy 81% 2.0 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.0h
June Good 24° - 30° 30° 293 mm overcast 81% 2.1 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.0h
July Good 24° - 30° 27° 273 mm overcast 81% 2.4 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.0h
August Very Good 24° - 30° 30° 238 mm partly cloudy 80% 3.0 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.0h
September Good 24° - 30° 31° 204 mm partly cloudy 80% 2.4 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.0h
October Very Good 25° - 31° 31° 157 mm partly cloudy 78% 2.1 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.0h
November Acceptable 24° - 31° 32° 163 mm overcast 80% 1.8 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.0h
December Good 24° - 31° 31° 192 mm overcast 81% 1.9 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.0h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Ayu Islands

Ayu Islands are reached by liveaboard or charter boat from Sorong, West Papua. Travel times vary by vessel; plan multi-day sea transfer and coordinate with local operators for permits and guides.

Tips for Visiting Ayu Islands

  • Access typically requires permits and an experienced local operator due to remoteness and conservation regulations.
  • Plan logistics carefully - fuel and repair options are extremely limited in Southwest Papua.
  • If diving, expect pristine reefs but limited support services; bring spare equipment and durable dive lights.