...Highlights: whale sharks, manta rays, great macro life/ marine diversity...
...Diving environment: healthy reefs, wreck diving, beginner and advanced divers, off the beaten track...
The best known diving in the West Papua area is Raja Ampat, an archipelago surrounding the 4 main islands of Misool, Salawati, Batanta and Waigeo. However, there is much more to this remote area of Indonesia as liveaboard operators and adventurous scuba divers are beginning to discover.
As liveaboard routes venture further east, the underwater treasures of Cenderawasih Bay reveal a great diversity of diving and a real sense of the pioneer spirit - of going where few others dare. Cenderawasih's marine diversity has earned it the name "The Galapagos of Indonesia's reefs" by none other than Dr Gerald Allen. As an indicator of biodiversity, the bay has 4 species of turtle: green, hawksbill, Pacific ridley and leatherback, as well as much sought-after marine mammals such as dolphins and dugongs. A vast array of reef fish and a wide variety of dive sites are further reasons why this region is up and coming at high speed.
In Cenderawasih Bay the main diving drawcard is the presence of numerous whale sharks. Their behaviour here is unlike anything you may have seen elsewhere. Where whale sharks are normally seen on their own, mouths agape to filter feed on plankton, Cenderawasih Bay whale shark encounters are completely different. Here they gather together below fishing platforms, dining on the small fry that slip out of the fishing nets or are otherwise discarded by the fishermen.
Some of the photographic opportunities such behaviour offers to scuba divers are stunning. Imagine several whale sharks in your field of vision, from small juvenile to colossal mature adult, some hanging vertically in the water to access the fry near the surface. Spectacular!
It is not all about the marine megafauna in Papua Province and West Papua. There is no shortage of fascinating dive sites for those who prefer to nose around the substrate for the minute and marvellous. Cenderawasih also has its fair share of excellent macro with pygmies, tiger prawns, nudibranchs and sea snakes giving divers plenty of smaller stuff to marvel at.
Special mention should also be reserved for the World War II wrecks that Cenderawasih Bay also plays host to. The bay at Manokwari was a safe anchorage for the Japanese while allied forces held nearby Biak Island. So it is little wonder that many ships and planes met a watery fate. It is likely that many remain as yet undiscovered and several that have been are still rarely dived.
In conclusion, the Cenderawasih region is a remarkable dive destination for large animals, small animals, beautiful reefs bursting with life, and historical WWII wrecks. It is little wonder that such a reputation is making the area a must-visit destination for so many scuba divers.
At the time of writing, liveaboards are the only viable option we recommend to visit the dive sites of West Papua and Cenderawasih Bay.
Note that it is also possible to combine a visit to Cenderawasih with a visit to Raja Ampat on the same dive cruise. This would be ideal if you want to visit both of these world class diving destinations of West Papua but do not have the time for 2 separate safaris.
For more information on the charter routes and durations, and all the other travel information you might need to visit Indonesia, check out our Cenderawasih Bay liveaboard section.
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Some Indonesian liveaboards visit Cenderawasih Bay from June to October. During the months of July to September, strong winds and rain can cause rough seas in the open areas of West Papua such as Raja Ampat. Liveaboards use this change in the weather to focus on more sheltered routes such as Cenderawasih. The famous whale sharks are present in the bay throughout the year.
The Papua provinces of Indonesia experience 2 wet seasons: - November/December and July/August, however, it might rain in Papua at any time, not only in rainy season. Water temperatures are relatively constant, varying from a low of around 27°C from May to October, up to a high of 30°C between November and April. For more on the climate and sea temperature in Biak, Cenderawasih, visit the Weather Atlas.
Review our maps below of Indonesian Papua, showing the location of Cenderawasih Bay, and its host country Indonesia. Here, you will find information on how to get to Cenderawasih.
5 - >40m
10 - 30m
Moderate to strong
Normally calm
27 - 30°C
Intermediate - advanced
Unknown, but >50
10 - 12 days
I would have to say the best part of the Dive The World service was the options of packages that were presented when trying to select where to go, it allowed us to get the best bang for our bucks
