Route Description - Cenderawasih Bay - Manokwari - Nabire
Embark on an unforgettable diving adventure through the breathtaking Cenderawasih Bay, starting with embarkation in Manokwari. Over 12 days, explore a diverse range of dive sites, including dramatic WWII wrecks, vibrant coral reefs, and pristine sandy beaches. Marvel at the majestic whale sharks of Kwatisore Bay, discover historical wrecks, and enjoy unique underwater landscapes. Conclude your journey with a beach BBQ and final dives before disembarking in Nabire, having experienced the best of West Papua’s marine treasures.
Day 1: Embarkation in Manokwari
Meet & greet at the airport. Group transfer to the port. Onboarding, meeting the crew & briefing.
We will pick you up at your hotel or Manokwari airport and take you to the harbour, where our crew will welcome you onboard Calico Jack. Following refreshments and a short tour of the ship, you will be briefed on safety, diving operations, and life onboard. After Lunch, we will make an afternoon check dive in the Manokwari area.
Days 2: Manokwari WW2 wreck dives
During World War 2, Manokwari was a Japanese stronghold, and several outstanding wrecks lie within recreational diving depths. Bombed by the Americans in May 1944, these old warships are now the main attraction for divers in this part of Cenderawasih bay. "Shinwa Maru" (the Good Ghost) is an imposing ship, resting port side up in 35m of water. It sank near the port of Manokwari after being hit by two bombs, leaving it with two holes in the bow. In one of the cargos are still cables and machinery once used to move weapons. The sides are nicely decorated in such corals and hard corals.
"Cross Wreck" is a 35m former patrol boat lying o Mansinam Island, the patrol boat took a direct hit across its bow, and the wreck sits in about 20 meters of water.
Coral growth is impressive and colourful and is known for its critters, including leaf fish, juvenile batfish, octopus, and manta shrimp.
"Pillbox wreck" is a cargo ship carrying ammunition roughly 60-65 meters long.
It is lying on its starboard side in around 16 meters of water, just o the Coast of Mansinam Island. It is in excellent condition and well preserved.
Day 3: Pulau Numfoor & Manim Island
Pulau Numfoor is a wall and steep slope with good coral growth surrounded by bright, blue water and big fish. Baby Grey reef sharks, white tips, barracudas, tunas, giant groupers, jacks, and snappers can easily be spotted. The fish life is particularly good with some current running. On Manim Island are more than seven landing crafts from the war. They all sit on a white sand slope, each decorated with colourful corals, at different depths between 40+ meters to a shallow 5 meters.
Day 4: Pulau Wairundi
Wairundi island offers unspoiled reefs for a great diving experience; you will be amazed by the abundance of rainbow-coloured reef fish and hard and soft corals that dominate the landscape. White sandy slopes feature soft sponge coral and plenty of creatures for the keen underwater photographers of the group. You can also expect quite a lot of shark action, with Whitetip, Black-tip, and Grey reef sharks patrolling these waters.
Day 5: Pulau Matas & Pulau Rouw
Early morning, we arrive at the beautiful sand island of Pulau Matas. The chain of the island in this area is breathtaking, with some best beaches to be found in West Papua. On the day's first dive, we dive at the south end of Pulau Matas. Slopping wall with lovely coral coverage and good fish life. On the second dive, we'll make small navigation to Pulau Roun where 3 World War 2 American "P38 Lightning" fighter lies in shallow water. It's a little unclear how the planes found their way here, but it seems as if they were ditched sometime in 1944. The afternoon is our scheduled beach afternoon of snorkelling, exploring the inhabitant island, and chilling on one of the most specular beaches in Cenderawasih Bay. Evening we will enjoy one of Calico Jack's famous beach BBQ parties, where the crew will entertain and socialize with you as you relax on our giant bean bags under a pagoda whilst being served up our chef's delicious BBQ dinner.
Day 6: Pulau Mioswar, Pulau Roon
Three dives in the area with large rocks and boulders covered in soft and hard coral. Some of the most prolific green Tubastrea hard corals of Cenderawasih grow here. Schools of Fusiliers, along with bump head parrotfish or the occasional small grey reef shark, can be seen here. Tanjung Ayami is a nice boulder dive with good coral growth and many Fusiliers and Barracudas. Afternoon we will have a chance to go on land and visit the local village in the area. Evening Night dive off the front of the village.
Day 7: Pulau Roon & Pulau Ribbon
These islands have lovely soft corals, sea fans, whips, and elephant ear sponges. Hawksbill, green turtles, barracuda, and surgeonfish can be seen cruising along the oasis of coral. Just of Pulau Rippon is a downed aircraft from World War 2 resting in 12m on a hard-coral slope. The wings and some of the fuselage is still intact. Beautiful sea fans and soft corals can be found as the slope steepens. Possible night dive in the area.
Day 8: Pulau Sodompari & Wandammen Peninsula
A half-kilometre-long reef runs west of Pulau Sodompari. A lovely mini wall with sea fans and so coral. Good fish life in the area when the current is running. Wandammen Peninsula offers a good variety of pelagic and critter action with ridges of rocks and bommies covered in colourful sea fans and soft corals, schooling barracuda, giant trevally, fusiliers and plenty of critters to be found in the area.
Day 9: Tanjung Mangguar
Tanjung Mangguar is one of the most beautiful and exciting dive areas in Cenderawasih. Massive soft coral and sea whip colonies adorn this reef, which attracts a large number of fishes, including barracudas, rainbow runners, jacks, and even sharks, manta rays, and Mobula rays can be spotted regularly! Huge barrel- and elephant ear sponges, giant clams, gardens, and lots of fish, all-in crystal-clear water.Possible night dive in the area.
Day 10 - 11: Kwatisore Bay Whale Sharks
Depending on Shark encounters 10-11 days of itinerary may vary.
Kwastisore Bay is home to the majestic and beautiful Whale shark. This once-in-a-lifetime experience to dive or snorkel with these gentle giants is what makes Cenderawasih Bay so unique. Cenderawasih bay is a year-round playground for whale sharks that is an everyday occurrence. Cenderawasih Whale sharks are thought to bring good luck to the fisherman who lives on the Bagons (floating fishing platforms). The fisherman tosses handfuls of baitfish so the whale sharks so they stay close to the bagans.
Day 12: Disembarkation in Nabire
After breakfast and the last exchange of photos and memories, the crew and Calico Jack will say our fondest farewells and transport you either to your hotel or Nabire airport.