Inclusive long-sail to Cenderawasih Bay-Manokwari, Indonesia

Travel to Cenderawasih Bay, an incredible hidden gem in Papua, Indonesia, known for its peaceful beauty and abundant marine species. Year-round Cenderawasih Bay presents an exceptional chance to scuba dive with whale sharks, as these docile behemoths call the bay home. Divers and lovers of the sea can find refuge in the tranquil, nutrient-rich waters, while beneath the surface lie colorful coral reefs and abandoned World War II ships that are just waiting to be explored.

A traditional Indonesian Phinisi, a finely built liveaboard yacht that combines classic craftsmanship with contemporary elegance, elevates your voyage through this amazing location. This wooden schooner, measuring thirty meters, functions as your floating residence and entryway to the marvels of Cenderawasih Bay. This boat can accommodate up to 10 people over five spacious, air-conditioned cabins, all designed for maximum comfort. After a long day of diving and exploration, you will have the ideal spot to relax in each beautifully constructed cabin, complete with modern facilities like hot showers and en-suite bathrooms.

From the sundeck terrace above deck, where you can unwind and take in the tranquility of the bay, take in expansive views of the breathtaking coastline. Along with social facilities like the air-conditioned saloon and outside dining places, the yacht also has private quarters where you can unwind and take in the stunning surroundings. Every day, a resident chef creates exquisite meals that are customized to your tastes and feature a combination of Asian and foreign cuisine. With the availability of unique dietary options, each meal is a joy in and of itself. The dining experience adds another level of enjoyment to your vacation, whether you're having a BBQ outside beneath the stars or a feast of fresh seafood on the sun deck.

Every day is filled with adventure, whether you're diving at well-known locations like Kwatisore Bay, which is well-known for its frequent sightings of whale sharks or Roon Island, where WWII shipwrecks have grown into healthy coral reefs. The dive team on board guarantees a safe and enjoyable diving experience with a guide-to-diver ratio of 1:5. All necessary diving equipment is provided, including Nitrox for those who need it. The knowledgeable instructors are on hand to help you explore the undersea environment if diving is unfamiliar to you. For those who don't dive, Cenderawasih Bay provides excellent kayaking, snorkeling, and island trips that highlight the distinctive culture of the surrounding Papuan villages.

For surface exploration, you can also rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and snorkeling equipment at your leisure. The expert team on board the yacht makes sure that everything runs smoothly and luxuriously for those looking for a more laid-back experience. The crew, who are famous shipbuilders and sailors descended from the Bugis, bring their profound connection to the sea to every element of your journey and provide excellent hospitality and individual attention all along the way.

Apart from providing diving and snorkeling experiences, the liveaboard offers customisable itineraries that allow you to customize your trip to your exact preferences. To fully immerse yourself in Papuan culture, you can visit nearby communities, unwind on quiet beaches, or explore isolated islands. Every moment is planned to provide both action and relaxation, whether you're relaxing on the sundeck of the boat, going on inland excursions, or taking a leisurely kayak paddle down the shoreline.

11-DAYS LIVEABOARD ITINERARY

• Day 1: Embarkation in Manokwari
Begin your adventure as we pick you up from your hotel or Manokwari airport and transport you to the harbor. Onboard the stunning yacht, our crew will welcome you with refreshments and a tour of the ship. Following a safety briefing and an introduction to life onboard, you’ll enjoy lunch before your first afternoon dive in the Manokwari area to check your equipment and acclimate to diving conditions. Dive: 1 Check Dive

• Day 2: Manokwari Wreck Diving
Manokwari, a key stronghold during WWII, is home to some of the most remarkable shipwrecks in Cenderawasih Bay. Dive into history with wrecks like the Shinwa Maru, an imposing Japanese vessel resting in 35m of water, and the Cross Wreck, a former patrol boat in 20m of water, with vibrant coral growth. Explore the Pillbox Wreck, a cargo ship loaded with ammunition, lying on its side in shallow water. These WWII relics are decorated with corals and teem with fascinating marine life. Dives: 3 Wreck Dives

• Day 3: Numfoor & Manim Islands
Today, you’ll explore the vibrant coral walls and slopes of Numfoor Island, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and big fish, including reef sharks, barracudas, and tunas. In the afternoon, dive among WWII landing crafts scattered across the sandy slopes of Manim Island, beautifully adorned with soft corals at depths ranging from 5 to 40 meters. Dives: 3 Shipwreck Dives

• Day 4: Purup Island
Experience the beauty of Purup Island through three diverse dive sites featuring sloping walls rich with soft corals, sea fans, and sponges. Encounter schools of barracuda, trevally, and reef sharks. In the afternoon, enjoy a visit to a local village to see ancient rock art, followed by an exciting night dive to spot nocturnal marine creatures. Dives: 3 Dives + 1 Night Dive, Local Village Visit

• Day 5: Mioswar & Roon Islands
Today’s dives feature large rocks and boulders covered in thriving coral, including green Tubastrea coral. You’ll likely spot schools of fusiliers, bumphead parrotfish, and the occasional grey reef shark. Tanjung Ayami offers a unique boulder diving experience with excellent coral growth. End the day with a memorable beach BBQ under the stars. Dives: 3 Dives + Beach BBQ

• Day 6: Roon & Ribbon Islands
Explore the coral-covered reefs of Ribbon Islands, where you can find vibrant soft corals, sea fans, and sponges. Look for hawksbill and green turtles, barracudas, and surgeonfish. A highlight of the day is a WWII aircraft wreck at 12m depth, still partially intact and surrounded by coral growth. A night dive will be available for those who wish to continue exploring. Dives: 3 Dives + 1 Night Dive, WWII Plane Wreck

• Day 7: Sodompari Island & Wandammen Peninsula
The mini wall reef of Sodompari Island is adorned with sea fans and soft coral, offering excellent fish life when the currents are running. At Wandammen Peninsula, dive among rocky ridges and bommies teeming with colorful corals, schooling barracuda, trevally, fusiliers, and critters. Dives: 3 Dives

• Day 8: Tridacna Atoll
Named after its abundance of giant Tridacna clams, Tridacna Atoll offers crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. Discover a stunning array of marine life, including schooling barracudas, trevallies, and colorful reef fish, all while surrounded by pristine white-sand beaches. Dives: 3 Dives

• Day 9: Tanjung Mangguar
Dive into the spectacular waters of Tanjung Mangguar, a site rich with soft coral and sea whip colonies. Explore gardens of Acropora coral, giant sponges, and spot large marine creatures like barracudas, manta rays, and even sharks. A night dive will give you the chance to encounter more unique marine life. Dives: 3 Dives + 1 Night Dive

• Days 10-11: Kwatisore Bay - Whale Sharks

The final two days are spent at Kwatisore Bay, famed for its year-round population of whale sharks. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dive or snorkel alongside these majestic giants is the highlight of Cenderawasih Bay. The local fishermen of Bagans feed the whale sharks, drawing them close to the surface, creating unparalleled opportunities for interaction. Dives: 6 Whale Shark Dives

• Day 12: Disembarkation in Nabire
After a final breakfast and the exchange of memories and photos, it’s time to say farewell to the crew. You will be transferred to your hotel or Nabire airport, concluding your unforgettable journey through Cenderawasih Bay.

Flights to Nabire or Biak are the first leg of the journey to Cenderawasih Bay, after which it's an easy transition to the liveaboard. The crew takes care of all the details from the moment you arrive to make sure you have a stress-free and seamless trip. Your stay at Cenderawasih Bay, which offers the ideal balance of exploration, relaxation, and discovery in one of the most remarkable marine environments on Earth, is sure to be an unforgettable experience thanks to the abundance of amazing dive sites, cultural interactions and luxurious amenities on board the yacht.