Explore Spectacular Coral Reefs from a Liveaboard Boat in West Papua
Snorkeling with Whale Sharks in Cenderawasih Bay
Overview
With pristine reefs, white-sand beaches, and dramatic karst cliffs, Cenderawasih Bay in West Papua is stunning. Set in the heart of the Coral Triangle, Cenderawasih is also a biodiversity hotspot, renowned for its numerous endemic reef fish and corals. Aboard our 100-foot liveaboard schooner, we'll explore its hidden gems—plus enjoy two days of snorkeling and swimming with whale sharks, one of the most thrilling encounters on the planet. On shore, we visit villages, and we'll also take island walks to look for extraordinary birdlife, including the famed bird of paradise (“cenderawasih” in Indonesian), for whom this bay is named. This is a phenomenal natural history adventure!
Arrive: Nabire, Indonesia
Depart: Nabire, Indonesia
Highlights
- Swim with massive whale sharks—the Earth's largest fish!
- Explore one of the most biologically diverse and remote areas on the planet
- World-class snorkeling above pristine coral reefs, WWII history, spectacular stargazing at night
- Travel aboard a traditional double-masted Indonesian schooner, anchoring in isolated coves
Itinerary
Please be aware that this itinerary is designed to be flexible. Although we will visit all the places listed on the itinerary, we rarely follow the schedule as described exactly due to weather, tides, preferences of trip members, and other factors. Come prepared to be flexible!
We embark on a traditional Indonesian schooner that will take us to some of the best snorkelling spots in the Coral Triangle. This afternoon on Kalilemon Reef be sure to watch for the recently discovered Cenderawasih longnose butterfly fish, with its bright yellow body and featherlike dorsal fins. Dinner this evening is followed by a presentation about whale sharks—the fascinating creatures we hope to see tomorrow.
Whale sharks are the largest fish in the ocean—some are the size of a school bus! Swimming with them is an unforgettable experience, and we've found a location where we should be able to snorkel for several days in close proximity with the gentle giants. We also visit a village, meet residents, and discover the local culture.
Take a short hike through mangroves in search of the exquisite lesser bird of paradise in its flamboyant mating plumage. Then set sail for the crystalline waters of Bird's Head Seascape, an epicentre of marine biodiversity where we'll look for divaricate soft coral, feather stars, manta rays, hawksbill turtles, and leatherback turtles. Interesting geology topside and incredible topography beneath the surface make for fascinating snorkelling.
Today we snorkel with 100-year-old giant clams, which can reach four feet in length and weigh over 500 pounds. They're sometimes referred to as “man-eating” clams, but don't worry—their main foods are algae and plankton. We'll set off on a birding walk in search of hornbills, kingfishers, parrots, and eagles, all common here. Later, villagers welcome us to their homes; the local children are eager to interact and practice their English.
A morning sail takes us to brilliantly colored hard corals in the shallow Numamuran Strait, where the jungle descends right into the reefs and the snorkelling is stunning—look for Acropora branching corals, large boulder coral colonies, and cushion stars. We paddleboard around the picturesque anchorage, keeping our eyes peeled for dugongs—relatives of manatees that graze on underwater grasses.
We begin the day snorkelling above a Japanese Zero fighter plane resting in just 30 feet of water—a WWII relic that's now home to colorful fish. Hawksbill and green turtles, barracuda, and surgeonfish (think of Dory, from Finding Nemo) all live in the area. In the afternoon we snorkel in a new spot, with sea fans, blue sea stars, huge barrel sponges, an amazing array of hard and soft corals, and bright sea whips on reef “islands” above a white sand bottom.
We anchor near Yop Island and travel by dinghy into Korio Bay, where the bird and plant life are spectacular. Be sure to have your binoculars with you as we search for the dramatic Blyth's hornbill and eclectus parrots, which are easy to spot because of their bright red and green plumage. On our afternoon snorkel, watch for the colorful Nursalim flasher wrasse and the brilliant blue Giti's demoiselle.
Auri's spectacular karst islands rise above the water's surface like the backs of gigantic green sea monsters. Underwater, the scenery is just as incredible, with pristine coral reefs, colorful fish, and a trio of American WWII fighter jets sunk in the shallows. Our days are filled with jaw-dropping beauty as we explore crystal-clear waters and enjoy lunchtime beach barbecues along white sandy shores beneath palm trees. We'll be snorkelling and paddleboarding in paradise!
We sail overnight from Auri on Day 10 and disembark in Nabire this morning. The crew will take your checked luggage to the airport. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for departure.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 3, Moderate, according to our trip grading system. You need to be comfortable snorkeling in a variety of conditions, including drift snorkels and occasionally against strong currents. While snorkeling is usually at your own pace, it is sometimes necessary to be able to keep up with the group.Average Day
Review Trip Level Details
- 4-6 hours snorkeling
- 3-4 hours sailing
- Occasional kayaking, paddleboarding, and short-moderate hikes
Cenderawasih Bay is very close to the equator and has a warm, tropical climate with year-round temperatures in the high 80sºF and occasional rain showers.
The cook on board prepares simple and tasty meals, a mix of Asian and Western styles with seafood and plenty of fruit and vegetables. There is bread and fruit available for breakfast, as well as eggs upon request. Lunch and dinner are served as a group, and snacks are available as well. There are plenty of vegetarian options.
During the snorkels and land excursions, we will take a small dinghy to each site. The dinghy will always stay with the group so that you can return to the boat at any time.
Cenderawasih Bay is largely protected from the southeast winds that prevail during the summer months, so the majority of our trip takes place in calm waters. There is a higher chance of rough seas when we are in the northern, more exposed areas of the bay. We will always monitor the weather conditions and make changes to our route if necessary.
The Cenderawasih journey takes place in an extremely remote and uninhabited bay in the Pacific. In the case of serious illness or injury, medical attention and swift evacuation are not available. Once we sail from Nabire, we are far away from towns and medical facilities. In the case of serious illness or injury, we will make every effort to reach medical facilities as soon as possible, but be aware that it may take the boat days to return to the port of Nabire. If you have health or medical issues of concern, please discuss them with your physician before considering this trip.
Client Testimonials
"This trip met all of our expectations! For anyone wanting to be able to see and snorkel with whale sharks, this is the trip to take. The other snorkeling sites were also exceptional, and the hike through the jungle to see the Lesser Bird of Paradise was fantastic! Our visit to a small, remote village to meet and interact with the local people was also very special and heart-warming."
Bob Q.
Woodinville, WA
"This trip is a secret gem in the WT catalog. Not only do you get the whale sharks, but you also get the coral and pretty fish that the area is known for. You also get some Birds of Paradise and time with the locals. What's not to love?! "
Dawn M.
Playa Del Rey, CA
"What an expedition! Snorkeling was the focus and it was most excellent—everything from gorgeous coral, bat caves, myriad fish and other sea life, giant clams, WW II plane wrecks (we even found a fourth wreck), and even whale sharks! There were five our first time in the water with them. What a thrill to be so close to these enormous fish! And in an uncrowded environment."
Maggie G.
Tupper Lake, NY
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Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.