About Cendrawasih Bay
Off Papua's coast, whale sharks gather seasonally near fishing nets in one of the planet's most thrilling wildlife encounters, where gentle giants swim within metres of divers and snorkelers. The bay's rich currents feed massive plankton blooms that attract these filter-feeding behemoths. It's an encounter that rewrites any traveller's understanding of what's possible with wild animals.
Country
Indonesia
Best months to visit
Year-round
Currency
IDR
Language
Indonesian, Papuan dialects
Things to do in Cendrawasih Bay
Swim alongside whale sharks during the feeding season (October-May)
Dive pristine reefs with mantas and schooling barracuda
Visit traditional fishing villages and learn about whale shark interactions
Explore remote islands with deserted beaches
Snorkel shipwrecks and artificial reef structures
Camp on uninhabited islands under equatorial stars
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
--
Data unavailable
February
--
Data unavailable
March
--
Data unavailable
April
--
Data unavailable
May
--
Data unavailable
June
--
Data unavailable
July
--
Data unavailable
August
--
Data unavailable
September
--
Data unavailable
October
--
Data unavailable
November
--
Data unavailable
December
--
Data unavailable
Ready to visit Cendrawasih Bay?
Find the best hotels and experiences for your trip.