Raja Ampat -> Cendrawasih Bay

[screamliner]

Hey there. Going to RA in March, will be based in Dampier Strait. My friend would also like to see the whale sharks - any hints whether how to get to Cendrawasih bay? Either from RA or anywhere in Papua as we will be doing some hiking there too. Or is it doable only via liveaboard? Merry xmas to y'all

 

[rmorgan]

Liveaboard only, primarily June or July through August

 

[screamliner]

Is March/April off-season then? No sharks, bad weather?

 

[rmorgan]

The whale sharks are full-time residents due to traditional fishing practices. The summer months are rough in Raja Ampat, so a number of the R4 liveaboards run trips to Cenderawasih Bay in July and August (maybe earlier?). I don’t think the demand is there for full-time boats—I think it’s still considered quasi-expeditionary diving, apart from the whale sharks.