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This is a limited offer to Cenderawasih Bay,an incredible ocean where whale sharks gather. Also called the Galapagos of Indonesia, it's home to a variety of endemic,colourful species that are reminiscent of birds of paradise. Famous for whale sharks,the bay is among the world's most precious sea areas. Book early as this cruise is limited to April only!
This is a huge bay northwest of New Guinea Island, which straddles Papua New Guinea. Because it's near the equator with a rainforest climate, it often rains and there are beautiful,deep green islands. Cenderawasih means bird of paradise in Indonesian, and the bay is said to have been so-named because of the many colourful creatures that live there. It's famous as a dive site where whale sharks gather, a rare spot where you can see them in groups. There are many sites with coral reefs and dynamic underwater topography as well as a lot of endemic species so you'll see some rare fish.
▲Paradise bird
Cenderawasih Bay is famous as an area where whale sharks live. The ocean is incredible and usually you'll spot 4 or 5, or even 10 when there are many. Cenderwasih Bay also has a traditional fishing method in which small fish are caught when a net is hung down over a boat called a Bagan. This attracts whale sharks that gather around the boats to get a share. While they are eating the small fish and plankton they almost never move away, so you'll be able to enjoy them up close to your heart's content.
▲Whale sharks gathering on a bagan boat
The area is home to many endemic and colourful species like birds of paradise, so much so that ichthyologists have called it the Galapagos of Indonesia. You'll see the Cenderawasih Walking Shark, a type of shark only seen during night dives, the Walton's Flasher Wrasse, which is part of the wrasse family and beautifully coloured like a bird of paradise, and the Cenderawasih Wrasse. You'll also enjoy spotting other rare fish such as the black and white Burgess' Butterflyfish.
▲Endemic species of paradise bird color
Off Ripon Island, which you will visit during the cruise, is a fighter plane that's said to have sunk during World War Two. Located at around 12m, the body of the plane has almost disappeared but you can still see the cockpit and wing. Looking over the cockpit in detail, you'll find a plate with Japanese writing, which indicates that it's a Japanese Zero fighter plane.
▲Zero fighter plane