THE WHALE SHARK HOTSPOT OF THE WORLD

Dive with the biggest whale shark population of the world. This place is still a hidden gem for liveaboard trips and off the beaten track.

Cenderawasih Bay is a large bay to the northwest of the Indonesian province of Papua and east of the province of West Papua. The bay is more than 300 km wide and home to a huge population of whale sharks. Their behavior 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 slips out of the fishing nets or is otherwise discarded by the fishermen.

If this is not enough there are also 4 species of turtles, green, hawksbill, Pacific ridley and leatherback, dolphins, dugongs and excellent macro life.

BEST TIME TO VISIT CENDERAWASIH BAY

The whale sharks can be spotted here year-round and the water temperature ranges between 27° and 30°C all the time. July/August and November/December is rainy season in this area. However, the liveaboard operators still offer trips in this time, as the rain is only for short periods and the bay is sheltered.

DIVE SITES IN CENDERAWASIH BAY

Kwatisore Bay is by far the most popular because this is where the whale shark gatherings happen. Nowhere else in the world you can see so many whale sharks in clear water with scuba equipment.

Shinwa Maru is a spot with several World War II wrecks lying in various depths. Some of the wrecks can easily be dived within normal recreational limits, others are much deeper or in locations where conditions can make it tough for all but the most experienced wreck divers. 

Sungei Omiand is the place for macro-lovers. It is a muck site where you dive close to the sea bed of black volcanic sand, looking for the weird and wonderful critters.

LIVEABOARDS IN CENDERAWASI BAY 

A liveaboard is the only way to explore the bay. Liveaboard operators of Raja Ampat expand their routes further east to include the amazing Cenderawasih Bay in their itineraries. You can expect to explore the top dive sites of the Coral Triangle plus encounter whale sharks on luxurious boats with all amenities you can wish.