Reefs and Whale Sharks of Cenderawasih, Mapia and Biak July 23-August 2, 2025

Yes, Cenderawasih Bay is famous for snorkeling with whale sharks and who doesn’t want to swim with a massive polka -dotted fish?
But Cenderawasih offers so much more!

Cenderawasih Bay, Indonesia, offers a chance to swim up close to these magnificent creatures as well as snorkel remote reefs with beautiful hard coral gardens, interact with local villagers, explore undersea WWII wrecks and look out overhead for horn bills, parrots and eagles.

On this unique voyage we will also voyage to the more remote reefs of Mapia island and end our journey in Biak.

Cenderawasih Bay is the largest marine park in Indonesia. This  biologically rich region of West Papua has over 1,000 species of fish and 500 species of coral as well as rare birds, mammals, and plants, and more than 100 villages. Pristine and vast, the bay’s reef tops comprise some of healthiest hard coral gardens anywhere.

Not only is there a prolific volume of fish, there are species found here that can be seen nowhere else in the world.
Geologically the area has been isolated for millions of years and as a result many unique and endemic species have developed. This allows the opportunity to see endemics that only inhabit these waters such as a species of walking shark, pygmy fusiliers, dottybacks, Burgess butterflyfish and the Genicanthus bellus ornate angelfish. It is also interesting to note that many fish that would normally live in very deep seas, are found living Cenderawasih Bay in relatively shallow waters.

Also found in Cenderawasih Bay are volumes of colorful reef fish, turtles, manta rays and if we are lucky we may even encounter dugong.

But back to the whale sharks!  Whale Sharks are the largest fish in the sea, reaching lengths of 40 feet or more (picture a school bus!)
These gentle filter-feeders swim with their wide mouths open, collecting plankton and small fish.

The area has been the subject of much interest and several documentaries because of the relationship between the fishermen and the whale sharks in the bay. The traditional fishing platforms (called bagans) attract the whale sharks who come to the platforms to feed on the small bait fish that sit in the nets that hang beneath. The whale sharks have learned that if they suck on the fishing nets the fishermen’s catch comes out of the holes.

The fishermen believe these huge fish bring them good luck. They throw handfuls of fish to the whale sharks to keep them close to their bagan.  Whale sharks have been known to stay with snorkelers for hours at a time.

The whale sharks of Cenderawasih are best seen during the new moon. This trip has been calculated to coincide with the new moon on the 24th of July. We’ll be in the right place at the right time!

During this voyage we’ll have the unique opportunity to explore the remote reefs of Mapia Atoll.

Conservation International’s Dr. Mark Erdmann surveyed Mapia and reported that Mapia’s reefs are healthy and vibrant and teeming with fish. In Dr. Erdmann’s words, the entrance to the channel pass has huge aggregations of jacks, barracudas, sailfin snapper and abundant grey reef sharks. The southern point of the atoll is likewise magical.  Mapia has a resident population of reef Mantas as well.

Because of its unique oceanic conditions, Mapia has a number of fish species not normally seen on other reefs. New biodiversity was recorded during Dr. Erdmann’s survey, including several rare fish species and several potentially new ones.
Healthy populations of green and hawksbill turtle populations are found at Mapia, and at least 2 of the atoll’s 5 islands are important turtle nesting sites.

Mark reports that the local Papuan community on Mapia, who are primarily copra farmers and only fish for subsistence, are both proud of their beautiful islands and quite enthusiastic about conservation to ensure their reefs remain healthy.
This is going to be an exceptional journey and I hope you can join me!

Our expedition takes place on the intimate and luxurious Damai I liveaboard that holds a maximum of 14 passengers.  The elegant wooden vessel 130 ft long, 26 ft wide. The professional and experienced crew of 18 will make sure we have the most exceptional expedition possible.

There are  7 air-conditioned en-suite staterooms on the Damai I. The cabins come furnished with body wash, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, hand soap and hairdryers.

The comfortable well appointed standard cabins have a port hole or window and can be configured with a double or twin beds.
Cabin size ranges from 161 to 237 Sq. ft.

The spacious master cabins have panoramic windows and king size bed that can also be set up as two single beds.
Cabin 5, on the lower deck is massive at 430 Sq. ft.  Cabin 6 on the main deck is 377 Sq. ft. and has a private balcony.

All cabins have 110v and 220v power, two-prong plugs and international plugs that accept most devices.

The vessel is designed with three large Deck Areas for relaxing in both the sun and shade.  There is even a massage therapist on board.  The vessel is equipped with an antenna booster linked to a 3G hotspot so there will be opportunities to stay in touch during your adventure at sea.

We won’t go hungry. The Damai offers 3 gourmet meals a day all Chef prepared. Snacks are provided between snorkels as well. All food restrictions and requests can be accommodated. There is indoor and outdoor dining. On a clear evening we can dine under the stars.
The Damai offers complimentary beer and soft drinks and the first glass of table wine is included with dinner.

July 23-August 2, 2025  We board the Damai I in Nabire, the closest point to up close and personal with the whale sharks.
Our exact route will remain flexible. The Captain and the Cruise Director will put the best possible trip together based on the prevailing conditions. The focus will be on quality time with whales sharks and spending our days on beautiful, shallow reefs ideal for snorkeling!

August 2 We disembark the Damai in Biak the morning of the August 2nd. You are available to fly onward any time of day.
Even better, join me on the following adventure to snorkel the stunning reefs of N. Sulwawesi.
This land-based snorkel trip includes 5 nights at the acclaimed the Coral Eye eco-resort in Bangka and 5 nights at Siladen resort in Bunaken National Marine Park.

Pricing:
 $6950 per person based on double occupancy in a Deluxe Cabin, including $400 pp harbor fees
 $7450 per person based on double occupancy in Master cabin 5, including $400 pp harbor fees
 $7950 per person based on double occupancy in Master cabin 6, including $400 pp harbor fees

This Voyage is sold out. Contact Wendy@SnorkelingEtc.com to be waitlisted.  

Trip costs include:
♦  Transfers from the Nabire airport to the Damai I
♦  July 23-August 2, 2025, 10 night accommodations with en-suite shower bath, toilet and AC
♦  All meals and drinks while on board (excluding wine and spirits)
♦  $400 per person Port and Harbor Fees
♦ One massage treatment per person.
♦ Soft drinks and beer
♦ One glass of wine per person each night will be complimentary
♦ All water-based and land-based activities while on board
♦ August 2, 2025 Transfer from the Damai I to the Biak airport

Trip costs exclude:
♦ Airfares
♦ Marine Park fees approx $120
♦ Hotels before or after the cruise
♦ Alcoholic beverages not specified
♦ Trip cancellation and medical insurance. (essential)
♦ Gratuities

In the spirit of adventure:

Wendy Simon/CEO and fellow snorkel addict
Snorkeling Etc. Inc.
Santa Cruz, CA.
Wendy@SnorkelingEtc.com
831 254-5001