Cenderawasih Bay

 

Whale Sharks and Wrecks:
Biak – Biak, Biak – Manokwari, Manokwari – Biak.

Cenderawasih bay…..

……is a marine park located in the north coast of Irian Jaya, east of Birds Head peninsula. This marine park covers an area of approximately 80 square kilometres, which has become the largest national marine park throughout Southeast Asia. The most important city in the area is Manokwari. For this route we fly from Sorong to Manokwari or Biak where we will start sialing to explore the remote Cenderawasih Bay dive sites.
Because of its isolated location this bay is protected from the Pacific currents which promote the gathering of certain endemic species. In Cenderawasih Bay we can encounter in the shallows species that normally live in deeper waters. We will also find a wide variety of corals. The good muck diving will keep the lovers of the tiny and strange critters busy, they will enjoy searching for pigmy seahorses, tiger prawns and frog fish among other species.
Those who like wrecks, in Cenderawasih Bay will be able to dive in several famous ships and planes, sunk durink Word War II. A great opportunity for easy wreck diving.
But the bay popularity comes from being one of the very few areas in the world where there can be found a resident colony of  whale sharks, the largest fish in the Oceans. Actually the whale shark is the star in this bay. Whale sharks come here in large numbers to feed on anchovies which congregate near the fishing platforms.

 

Recommendations:

Bring light clothing. Use sunscreen during the day. Water temperature is 26º-28º C, cooler in the north.  3-to 5mm wetsuit is reccommneded. Visibility is variable and averages 15m. This destination is ideal for shooting wide angle, but there are very interesting macro subjects too. Presents like used clothing, school supplies and ballons for the children of the village are always welcome.