- One-way itinerary around the tip sites in Cenderawasih Bay
- Explore ghostly remains of WWII shipwrecks
- Visit the northern waters of Biak, reaching depths of up to 5,000 metres
- Search for Denise's pygmy seahorses in Roon
- Dive with whale sharks of Cenderawasih Bay, possibly at night
Day 1: Embarkation in Nabire | 1 dive
We will pick you up either at your hotel or Nabire 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 Kwatisore Bay.
Days 2-3: Kwatisore Bay Whale Sharks | 6 dives
Kwatisore 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 at the whale sharks so they stay close to the bagans.
Day 4: Tanjung Mangguar | 4 dives
Tanjung Manager 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 5: Pulau Sodompari & Wandammen Peninsula | 3 dives
A half-kilometre-long reef runs west of Pulau Sodompari. A lovely mini wall with the nourishment of 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 6: Pulau Roon & Pulau Ribbon | 4 dives
These islands are covered with masses of 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 off Pulau Rippon is a downed aircraft from World War 2 resting at 12m on a hard-coral slope. The wings and some of the fuselage are still intact. Beautiful sea fans and soft corals can be found as the slope steepens. Possible night dive in the area.
Day 7: Pulau Mioswar, Pulau Roon | 3 dives
Three dives in the area with large rocks and boulders covered in both 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 8: Pulau Matas & Pulau Rouw | 2 dives
Early in the morning, we arrive at the beautiful sand island of Pulau Ma-tas. The chain of the island in this area is breathtaking, with some best beaches to be found in West Papua. On the first dive of the day, we dive to the south end of Pulau Matas. Sloping wall with lovely coral coverage and good fish life. On the second dive, we'll make a small navigation to Pulau Roun, where 3 World War 2 American "P38 Lightning" fighter lie 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 spectacular beaches in Cenderawasih Bay. Evening we will enjoy one of Calico Jack's famous beach BBQ parties, where the crew will entertain and socialise with you as you relax on our giant bean bags under a pagoda, whilst being served up our chef's delicious BBQ dinner.
Day 9: Pulau Wairundi | 4 dives
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 10: Pulau Numfoor & Manim Island | 3 dives
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, big 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 depths between 40+ meters to a shallow 5 metres.
Day 11: Manokwari WW2 wreck dives | 2 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.
"Pillbox wreck" is a cargo ship carrying ammunition roughly 60-65 metres long. It is lying on its starboard side in around 16 metres of water, just off the coast of Mansinam Island. It is in excellent condition and well preserved.
Day 12: Disembarkation in Manokwari
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 Manokwari airport.
Sample itineraries are for guidance only. Actual itineraries may differ slightly due to factors such as weather, wildlife, logistics, and local regulations.
Twin beds2 peopleShareable
Double bed2 peopleNon shareable
Twin or double bed2 peopleShareable
