Whale Sharks and World War II Wrecks
Cenderawasih Bay is a vast, sheltered gulf on the northern coast of Papua, protected as Indonesia’s largest marine national park. Its isolation has shaped reefs with species found nowhere else, while in the calm waters off Nabire, whale sharks gather under traditional fishing platforms, often for hours at a time. Scubaspa Zen cruises here on 7-night trips from Manokwari and Nabire, where World War II wrecks and quiet island villages complete the picture.
Highlights
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Whale sharks encounters
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Indonesia's largest marine park
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World War II wrecks
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Calm, sheltered waters
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Papuan village visits
Available Routes
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Manokwari & Nabire
- Starts: Manokwari
- Ends: Nabire
- Jul 14 – 21, 2028 (7 nights)
- Starts: Nabire
- Ends: Manokwari
- Aug 1 – 8, 2028 (7 nights)
Sailing the length of Cenderawasih Bay between Manokwari and Nabire, this 7-night route pairs the World War II wrecks and reefs of the north with whale shark encounters beneath the bagans off Nabire.
View route map
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Nabire Round Trip
- Starts: Nabire
- Ends: Nabire
- Jul 23 – 30, 2028 (7 nights)
Starting and ending in Nabire, this 7-night route stays close to the whale shark grounds of southern Cenderawasih Bay, leaving more time for encounters at the bagans and for the bay’s quiet reefs and endemic species.
View route map
A Typical Day in Cenderawasih Bay
In Cenderawasih Bay, mornings often begin at the bagans, where whale sharks are most active early in the day. The sample day below shows how diving, wellness and time ashore usually fit together, though times and activities may change with conditions and your cruise director’s plan.
- 05:45
- Sunrise Yoga Start the day with a stretch
- 06:30
- Dive
- 08:00
- Breakfast Live cooking station
- 10:30
- Dive / Snorkeling
- 12:30
- Lunch Live cooking station
- 14:30
- Dive / Snorkeling
- 15:30
- Activity of the day Village visit
- 17:30-
- Dive Occasional dusk/night dive
- 19:30
- Dinner À la carte or special evening
Diving Details
Diving in Cenderawasih Bay is generally calmer than in many parts of eastern Indonesia. Its sheltered waters, warm temperatures, and gentle currents make for relaxed diving, while the bay’s isolation has allowed unique marine life to develop. The highlight is diving and snorkeling with whale sharks under the bagans, where they sometimes remain for a long period of time, which is ideal for extended encounters. Beyond the whale sharks, divers can explore healthy coral gardens, sloping reefs, and walls with an impressive variety of marine life.
Near Manokwari, World War II wrecks add a fascinating historical dimension to the diving experience.
Practical Information for diving in Cenderwasih Bay
- Water temperature: 28–30°C (82–86°F).
- Dive experience: Minimum Advanced Open Water certification (or equivalent) and 30 logged dives.
- Currents: Generally gentle in the bay's sheltered waters, although conditions vary by site. Good buoyancy control is important around whale sharks and wrecks.
- Best suited to divers of all experience levels who meet the minimum certification.
- Wetsuit recommendation: 3 mm full wetsuit (three dives a day, with an occasional fourth, can leave you chilled).
Rates & Dates
14 – 21 Jul
- Fully Booked
Cenderawasih Bay
Manokwari to Nabire
23 – 30 Jul
Cenderawasih Bay
Nabire to Nabire
From $6,650
01 – 08 Aug
Cenderawasih Bay
Nabire to Manokwari
From $8,750
Moments on Board
Gentle giants, forgotten wrecks
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before setting sail
Where does a Cenderawasih Bay trip start and end?
All Cenderawasih Bay trips last 7 nights. In 2028, one route sails from Manokwari to Nabire, another from Nabire back to Manokwari, and a third starts and ends in Nabire. Check the available routes above for dates.
Why do whale sharks gather at the bagans?
Bagans are traditional fishing platforms that use lights at night to attract small fish. Whale sharks have learned to visit them for an easy meal, and local fishermen often share part of their catch, which keeps the sharks close to the surface in the early morning. As with any wild encounter, sightings can never be guaranteed.
Can I snorkel with the whale sharks if I don’t dive?
Yes. Whale sharks often feed close to the surface beneath the bagans, so snorkelers can enjoy the encounter just as much as divers. Our guides brief every guest beforehand on how to keep a respectful distance and never touch the animals.
Alor
April, May, September and October 2027
A remote archipelago at the eastern end of Nusa Tenggara, with cold, clear currents, some of Indonesia’s best muck diving and villages rich in tradition.
Raja Ampat
Seasonal departures usually running from October to April
The heart of the Coral Triangle, where limestone islands, vibrant reefs and manta cleaning stations meet in one remote archipelago.