Coastal pelagicMarine Protected Area

Cenderawasih Bay (whale shark)

Depth: 5–20 mLevel: Open WaterAll year round

The only place in the world with a resident whale shark population all year round. The animals come to the bagan, floating fishing platforms, to feed on the small fish trapped in the nets suspended beneath. The encounter happens in a few metres of crystal-clear water, with the sharks circling the platform quite unbothered by the bubbles.

Depth

5–20 m

Recommended level

Open Water

Average visibility

15 m

One of the few bays in the world with resident whale sharks all year round, thanks to the bagan fishing platforms.

Protection status

Teluk Cenderawasih Marine National Park, the largest marine park in Indonesia (14,535 km²)

Did you know?

Papuan fishermen regard the arrival of whale sharks at their bagan as a good omen and share part of the catch with them: the aggregation is not a tourist set-up but a relationship between fishermen and animals that predates tourism. The bay also holds Japanese wrecks from the Second World War, among them the 120 m Shinwa Maru. It is an exceptional destination for non-divers: the encounter works just as well, or better, when freediving.

Sources consulted: liveaboardindonesia.com · Dive Happy · cenderawasihbay.com

Location

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