Cenderawasih Bay, West Papua

1. My visit to Cenderawasih Bay
2. Where is Cenderawasih Bay?
3. What can I see there?
4. Which boats cruise there?
5. Tips for planning your visit

Taking a tender excursion across to the Indonesian bagan fishermen to see the whale sharks congregating under the boats, eating their bycatch. Image (c) me – Melissa Connell.

1. My visit to Cenderawasih Bay

Though the name is hard to pronounce, Cenderawasih (Bird of Paradise) Bay has become well-known amongst divers for its incredible marine biodiversity. The star of the show here are the whale sharks.

During our visit, local bagan fishermen were throwing their bycatch into the water and half a dozen whale sharks continuously looped around to enjoy an easy meal.

The biggest fish in the world, whale sharks are docile, but despite this they are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List mainly due to a demand for their meat, fins and oil. It was good to hear that the Cenderawasih Bay National Park Authority, together with Conservation International Indonesia has started a whale shark satellite tagging, thanks to information provided by the bagan fishermen.

These photos were captured by my friend, Grace, on her GoPro, so they aren’t the best in quality. But they do capture the feeling of awe that I (and the rest of our group) experienced in coming face-to-face with these big, beautiful fish.

To read more about my trip to Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands aboard Coral Discoverer, click here.

Me (Melissa) face-to-face with a whale shark in Cenderawasih Bay. All whale shark images on this page (c) Grace Picôt.

2. Where is Cenderawasih Bay?

Cenderawasih Bay lies along the northern coast of West Papua, opening into the Pacific Ocean between the Bird’s Head Peninsula and the Wandammen Peninsula. It forms part of the vast Cenderawasih Bay Marine National Park, Indonesia’s largest marine sanctuary. The region is near popular destinations such as Manokwari, Nabire, and Biak Island. Known for its gentle whale sharks that gather near local fishing platforms, the bay is a world-class freediving and snorkelling destination.

3. What can I see there?

Cenderawasih Bay is perhaps best known as a hotspot for whale shark encounters. These gentle giants congregate in the bay’s shallow waters to feed on plankton, creating one of the world’s most accessible opportunities to swim alongside these magnificent creatures. Snorkellers can witness the awe-inspiring size and grace of the whale sharks in their natural habitat, and, as a bonus, in warm water!

Cenderawasih Bay is a marine protected area, with local communities and conservation groups actively working to safeguard its fragile ecosystems. Expedition cruises often include educational briefings and opportunities to support conservation initiatives, giving guests a deeper understanding of the bay’s ecological significance.

Expedition vessels may also incorporate a visit to a nearby local village, such as Kwatisore village, to learn about West Papuan traditions and daily life.

Me (Melissa) face-to-face with a whale shark in Cenderawasih Bay. Image (c) Grace Picôt.

4. What boats cruise there?

Coming soon …

5. Tips for planning your visit

Best time: Whale sharks can be seen year-round in Cenderawasih Bay, making it one of the few places in the world with such consistent sightings. The calm waters near Kwatisore Village, close to Nabire, are especially known for daily encounters, where these gentle giants gather around traditional fishing platforms, or “bagans”.

What to pack: For an excursion to a bagan in Cenderawasih Bay, pack lightweight, practical essentials:

• Swimsuit
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Hat (with a string, so it doesn’t blow off while you’re on the tender ride),
• Polarised sunglasses
• Quick-dry clothing
• Waterproof bag
• Towel
• Snorkel gear
• Camera or GoPro
• Reusable water bottle