Whale Shark Adventure in Cenderawasih Bay Papua

Duration: 4 Days

Overview

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Cenderawasih Bay, located in the remote West Papua, Indonesia, is a world-renowned destination for unforgettable encounters with whale sharks, the largest fish in the ocean. This pristine bay, part of the Cenderawasih Bay National Park, offers a unique experience where visitors can snorkel or dive alongside these gentle giants, often near traditional fishing platforms (bagans) that attract them. The bay’s rich marine biodiversity, including vibrant coral reefs, manta rays, and tropical fish, adds to its allure. Beyond the underwater wonders, the adventure includes cultural interactions with local Papuan fishermen, who share a special bond with the whale sharks. With its untouched natural beauty, eco-tourism focus, and remote location, Cenderawasih Bay provides a rare and intimate opportunity to connect with nature, making it a must-visit for divers, snorkelers, and adventure seekers.

Highlights

Cenderawasih Bay is one of the few places in the world where you can swim and interact with gentle whale sharks in their natural habitat.
The bay is part of the Cenderawasih Bay National Park, home to vibrant coral reefs, diverse fish species, and other marine life like manta rays, dolphins, and turtles
Local fishermen use bagans to catch small fish, which attract whale sharks.
Engage with the local Papuan communities and learn about their traditional fishing practices and way of life.

Itinerary

Day 1 : Morning Arrival in Nabire – Soa Village – Free Program (-/L/D)

Arrive in the morning at Nabire Airport before 12:00, proceed to the shop, shopping & same day heading to Sowa beach after lunch (your own account) in any restaurant in the town. It is around 3 hours to drive to Sowa with the last part on poor roads. After arrival at the village, report Visit Permit to Conservation Area to head of village. Preparation for buying small fishes from fisherman platforms or Bagans, Free activities in the Sowa beach (final preparation) for the next day swimming with the whale sharks trip. Overnight stay at Sowa home stay. Dinner will be provided by local people (home stay owner). Basic Room – Shared Bathroom Outside

Day 2: Playing and Swimming with the Whale Sharks – Return to Sowa beach (B/L/D)

Simple breakfast will be provided in the local house, by motorised canoe to reach the Fisherman platforms or Bagan to buy some more small fishes to feed the whale sharks and continue to snorkeling with some Whale Sharks. (Note* Dependent on local situation and the weather maybe only 2 to 5 whale Sharks or maybe more). Lunch in box will be provided. After lunch, swim with Sharks again and back to the base (Sowa beach home stay). Dinner will be Fish Barbeque on the Sowa beach & Beer (Beer by your own). Basic Room – Shared Bathroom Outside

Day 3: Sowa Beach-Whale Shakrs- Drive Back Nabire-Hotel (B/L/D)

Wake up & breakfast included. After the breakfast, you are going to head to Bagan (feeding sharks spot). There you will snorkel with the Sharks. In the afternoon, come back to the Sowa & lunch in Home stay. Finally, you will be heading back to Nabire for overnight. Check in to Philadelphia hotel room with AC and Dinner will be in local restaurant (Hotel room & Dinner are inclusive).

Day 4: Nabire-Departure (B/-/-)

Early morning with or without breakfast, transfer to airport by car at 04:30 a.m. for your flight schedule to Moses Kilangin, Tembagapura/Timika on Garuda. Arrive and continue your flight to next destination Denpasar. End of service.

Tour Program and itinerary are subject to change in accordance with local situation and condition. In general: Infrastructure, Flights, Weather and etc.