Ondina · Indonesia · 10D9N
Embark on an expedition into the remote and magnificent Cenderawasih Bay, a region famed for its unique blend of historical underwater relics and unparalleled megafauna encounters. This itinerary focuses on the bay's two main draws: the numerous WWII shipwrecks scattered around Manokwari and the resident population of whale sharks that congregate around traditional fishing platforms. The diving varies from exploring wreck structures encrusted with decades of coral growth to drifting along vibrant walls and slopes teeming with fish. With calm seas expected, this trip offers a true sense of discovery in one of Indonesia's final frontiers, concluding with dives around the island of Biak.
Upon arrival in Manokwari, guests will be transferred to the liveaboard, receive a welcome drink, and settle into their cabins. In the afternoon, the first dive of the trip will take place at one of the WWII Japanese wrecks in Manokwari Bay. The vessel will then sail overnight to Pulau Roon.
Today is dedicated to diving around Pulau Roon, exploring sites like Pulau Auri and Pulau Sodompari. Divers will also have the opportunity to visit the remains of a Zero plane wreck located in the southern part of Pulau Roon. The boat will sail overnight to Kwatisore.
Dive sites: Pulau Auri, Pulau Sodompari, Zero plane wreck
Experience the highlight of Cenderawasih Bay in Kwatisore, where divers can encounter whale sharks. These gentle giants are attracted to the 'bagans' (fishing outriggers) to feed on scraps from the night's catch of anchovies, providing incredible opportunities for close interactions.
Dive sites: Bagan (Fishing Platform)
The day features dives around Tanjung Mangguar, known for its vibrant reefs. In the afternoon, there will be a muck dive in Nepanyaur Bay, offering a chance to discover unique macro marine life. Tanjung Mangguar is characterized by healthy coral reefs, sloping walls, and vibrant reef fish. Nepanyaur Bay, a sheltered area, is famous for its black sand and rubble bottoms, making it a prime location for finding rare and unusual critter species.
Dive sites: Tanjung Mangguar, Nepanyaur Bay
Today's diving includes wall dives in the atolls of Spag Point and Wild Fish Ridge. In the afternoon, the focus shifts to Pulau Rouw, where guests can walk along the beach and snorkel over three P-38 WWII planes lying in just 1 meter of water.
Dive sites: Spag Point, Wild Fish Ridge, Pulau Rouw (P-38 WWII planes)
Enjoy a full day of diving around the islands of Sewadeh. This area boasts plenty of schooling fish, reef sharks, and features Slampipien with its stunning hard coral gardens in shallow waters. The vessel will sail overnight to Numfor. The Sewadeh area offers diverse reef structures, from vibrant coral gardens to sloping walls, attracting schooling fish and reef sharks. Slampipien is particularly renowned for its extensive and pristine hard coral formations in the shallower areas, creating picturesque reefscapes.
Dive sites: Sewadeh, Slampipien
The morning begins with a dive on the southeast coast of Numfor before moving to Pulau Manim. The rest of the day is dedicated to exploring eight different landing craft wrecks from WWII. Guests can also enjoy a walk along the white sand beach. Overnight sail to Manokwari.
Dive sites: Numfor (southeast coast), Pulau Manim (WWII landing crafts)
Two morning dives will be conducted on Japanese WWII wrecks in Manokwari Bay. The afternoon will be spent preparing for departure the following morning.
After breakfast, guests will transfer to the airport in Biak for their onward journey.
After breakfast, guests will transfer to the airport in Biak for their onward journey.