5.0 
11 nights, Cenderawasih Bay, done properly.
An 11-night Nabire → Manokwari expedition (~33 dives) with dawn whale-shark encounters in Kwatisore, sponge gardens at Tanjung Mangguar, soft-coral walls around Roon/Rippon, and WW2 wrecks off Manokwari—all on a small-group phinisi (10 guests), two pro guides, safety-first operations. OWD minimum; 25+ dives recommended.
Accommodation
11 nights + All Meals
Yacht
Calico Jack
Trip Type
Diving, Exploration
Itinerary
Looking to book for a group of 8 or more?.
Calico Jack is available for private charter, meaning deals and savings on group bookings. It also gives you the flexibility to tailor this itinerary to your exact wishes. Contact us for more information.
Trip Schedule
Check the schdule for the next planned trip.
[insq_widget]
An 11-night expedition from Nabire to Manokwari covering the best of Cenderawasih Bay
Dawn sessions with whale sharks in Kwatisore Bay, wide-angle sponge gardens at Tanjung Mangguar, pelagics and critters around Pulau Sodompari and the Wandammen Peninsula, soft-coral walls and a shallow WW2 aircraft near Pulau Roon/Rippon, plus village time at Mioswar. Mid-trip, expect sand-island downtime at Pulau Matas/Rouw (SUP/kayak, beach BBQ), then clean slopes and routine black-tip/white-tip/grey reef sightings at Wairundi. We finish on the Manokwari wrecks—Shinwa Maru (~35 m) and the Pillbox—both within recreational limits. Plan for ~33 dives (3/day, alternating night dives), small groups (10 guests, two guides, max 5 per group), and efficient tender operations. OWD or equivalent required; 25+ dives recommended. Non-dive windows include kayaks, SUPs, and snorkeling; full board with chef-prepared meals. If you want Cenderawasih’s headline encounters without big-boat crowds, this is the departure.
Included
- Land transfers to and from the aipoirt and hotel
- Full crew with planned itinerary
- Full board accommodation
- 3 x meals a day + snacks & drinks
- 3-4 dives per day + alternating additional night dives
- Dive guides
- Fishing equipment where allowes
- Snorkeling equipment
- Kayaks & stand-up paddleboards
Frequently asked questions
Q: What’s included in the 11-night Cenderawasih Bay trip?
A: Your package covers airport/hotel transfers, 11 nights on board Calico Jack, three chef-prepared meals a day plus snacks, 3–4 dives daily with alternating night dives, dive guides, tanks, weights, use of snorkeling gear, kayaks and SUPs, plus land excursions and beach BBQs. Alcohol, park fees, and dive gear rental are extra.
Q: Do I need to be an advanced diver to join?
A: The minimum requirement is Open Water Diver certification, but we strongly recommend at least 25 logged dives due to currents, depth, and wreck profiles. Most guests are experienced divers comfortable with drift dives and repetitive diving schedules.
Q: How many dives will we do on the trip?
A: Expect around 33 dives in total — usually 3 day dives plus alternating night dives. The exact number may vary depending on conditions and group preferences.
Q: What are the main highlights of this itinerary?
A: Dawn encounters with whale sharks in Kwatisore Bay, WWII wrecks near Manokwari (including the Shinwa Maru), sponge gardens at Tanjung Mangguar, soft-coral walls around Pulau Roon/Rippon, and a mix of macro critters and pelagics across Wairundi and Wandammen Peninsula.
Q: What’s the group size and diver-to-guide ratio?
A: Calico Jack carries a maximum of 10 guests, split into groups of 5 divers per guide. Two dive tenders ensure smooth operations, and safety always comes first.
Q: Are non-divers welcome on this trip?
A: Yes — non-divers can join at a reduced rate. They’ll enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, SUP, beach excursions, village visits, and nature walks. Whale sharks can also be seen while snorkeling.
Q: What’s the best time of year for this trip?
A: Calico Jack visits Cenderawasih Bay in August and September, when seas are calm and whale shark encounters are most reliable.
Q: What’s the accommodation like onboard?
A: Five air-conditioned en-suite cabins (two double, two convertible twin/double, one twin). Daily housekeeping, hot showers, storage space, and traditional Indonesian woodwork create a comfortable, intimate atmosphere.
Q: How do I get to Cenderawasih Bay to start the trip?
A: Trips usually start in Nabire and end in Manokwari (or vice versa). Guests fly via Jakarta, Bali, or Makassar with domestic connections. We provide full transfer assistance and pickup/drop-off.
Q: Can I do a certification course during the cruise?
A: Yes, Open Water, Advanced, and specialty courses can be arranged on private charters. For per-cabin trips, we offer Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) for beginners, subject to conditions.
Q: How do I book this trip?
A: You can check available dates on our schedule, request an easy quote, or contact us directly to secure your spot. Private charter bookings for groups of 8+ are available with custom itineraries.
Trip gallery
[acf_masonry field=”trip_gallery” columns=”4″ size=”large” gap=”10″ clickable=”off”]