The Climate, Diving Season and Best Time to Visit
A number of Indonesian liveaboards visit the Cenderawasih Bay region between the months of June and October. From July to September, rain and strong winds can cause choppy open-sea conditions in areas of Raja Ampat. So to avoid these conditions, some liveaboards follow sheltered routes to and in Cenderawasih Bay. The world-renowned whale shark dives take place all year round.
Indonesia's Papuan provinces experience 2 wet seasons: - July/August and November/December. It may rain in Papua at any time, rainy season or dry. Water temperatures remain reasonably constant, from around 27°C (May to October), up to high of 30°C (November and April).
Ports of Departure and How to Get There
'Cenderawasih Bay' liveaboard cruises depart from a range of ports within the bay. These can include Manokwari, Nabire and Biak. The more frequent trips of 'Raja Ampat & Cenderawasih Bay' may also use one of these ports, as well as Sorong in West Papua. Manokwari is accessed from Jakarta via Ujung Pandang. Biak enjoys direct flights from Ujung Pandang and Jayapura. Nabire airport is accessible from Jakarta and Surabaya via Ambon. You can fly to Sorong direct from Jakarta, or from Bali via Ujung Pandang or Manado.
Most people fly into Indonesia to Jakarta (Java), Manado (Sulawesi) or Denpasar (Bali). More information on: how to get to Indonesia.
Check each boat's 'Departure Schedule & Prices' for port details. Operators typically provide airport/hotel transfers. We'll send full departure instructions after booking.
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Places to Stay
Book pre- or post-safari hotels in Indonesia at HotelsCombined.com. Compare options, chat online, and reserve with guaranteed best prices for your Cenderawasih trip:
