Cenderawasih Bay

Cenderawasih Bay, located in West Papua Province, stands as Indonesia's premier destination for year-round whale shark encounters, with 95%+ success rates at traditional fishing platforms (bagans) near Kwatisore village. This vast marine sanctuary encompasses 1,453,500 hectares as Indonesia's largest national park, where over 160 documented whale sharks display unique vertical feeding behavior found nowhere else on Earth.

Cenderawasih Bay offers unparalleled opportunities for diving with whale sharks in their natural habitat, featuring resident populations that remain year-round, pristine hard coral gardens with 34%+ coverage, and 35+ endemic fish species found exclusively in these waters. The bay's geological isolation created an evolutionary laboratory with deep-water species accessible at recreational depths. Liveaboard diving in Indonesia provides the only way to access this remote marine wilderness.

Most liveaboards depart from Manokwari or Nabire during the July-October operating season, with some itineraries using Biak as alternative ports. Liveaboard options range from vessels starting at $350/day to luxury expedition boats reaching $700+/day, with options suitable for various experience levels seeking true expedition diving experiences.

For comprehensive planning information including detailed costs, seasonal considerations, and marine life guides, see our complete Cenderawasih Bay liveaboard guide.

Highlights

• 95%+ whale shark encounter success rate year-round at bagans near Kwatisore village
• 160+ documented resident whale sharks displaying unique vertical feeding behavior
• Indonesia's largest marine national park at 1,453,500 hectares
• 35+ endemic fish species found exclusively in Cenderawasih Bay waters
• Pristine hard coral formations with 34%+ coverage exceeding regional averages
• WWII wrecks and aircraft near Manokwari adding historical dimension
• True expedition diving in Southeast Asia's most remote and pristine marine sanctuary

Best Time to Visit

The operating season runs July through October with most stable weather conditions, calm seas, and optimal visibility (15-30 meters). Water temperatures remain consistently warm at 27-30°C year-round. Unlike migratory populations elsewhere, Cenderawasih Bay's resident whale sharks remain in the bay throughout the year, offering reliable encounters even outside peak season, though liveaboard operations are limited to these months due to weather patterns.

Diving Regions

Kwatisore & Whale Shark Encounters (Bagans & Endemic Species)

The waters around Kwatisore village feature traditional fishing platforms (bagans) where groups of 3-7 resident whale sharks gather to feed on baitfish, displaying unique vertical swimming behavior documented nowhere else on Earth. Beyond the giants, the bay's geological isolation created an evolutionary laboratory with 35+ endemic fish species including Walton's flasher wrasse, Cenderawasih fairy wrasse, and Price's damselfish found exclusively in these protected waters. The pristine hard coral gardens show exceptional health with 34%+ coverage, while deep-water species like Burgess' butterflyfish appear at recreational depths due to the bay's unique geological history. Sites suit various skill levels with calm conditions typical of the protected bay.

Manokwari & Historical Dive Sites (WWII Wrecks & Hard Corals)

The waters near Manokwari feature Japanese WWII shipwrecks and aircraft from Pacific Theater operations, now coral-encrusted time capsules providing unique historical diving experiences alongside natural reef exploration. These sites combine wartime history with thriving marine ecosystems, while the surrounding reefs showcase some of the bay's healthiest hard coral formations. The region offers excellent macro photography opportunities with pygmy seahorses, frogfish, and endemic mantis shrimp species in sandy slopes and coral gardens accessible to divers of all certification levels.

Ready to experience year-round whale shark encounters in Indonesia's largest marine sanctuary? Discover available Cenderawasih Bay liveaboards and start planning your expedition diving adventure.

Combination Itineraries & Related Destinations

Due to Cenderawasih Bay's remote location and Indonesia's vast size, this destination operates best as a standalone expedition. Many passionate divers plan multi-destination Indonesia diving vacations across different seasons, combining separate trips to Raja Ampat, Triton Bay, Komodo, and Banda Sea to experience the full spectrum of Indonesian marine biodiversity.

Divers interested in Indonesia's whale sharks should explore our Indonesia big animal diving guide covering year-round encounters, while endemic species enthusiasts will benefit from our small animal diving guide featuring Cenderawasih Bay's unique critters and evolutionary marvels found nowhere else on Earth.