Overview

Cenderawasih Bay: a new dive destination on the world dive map!

Cenderawasih Bay is a large bay to the northwest of the Indonesian province of Papua and east of the province of West Papua, between the Bird’s Head Peninsula and the mouth of the Mamberamo River.

The bay is more than 300 kilometers wide. The coastline from Manokwari in the northwest of the bay, to Cape d’Urville at the mouth of the Mamberamo is more than 700 kilometers long. To the south, the Wandammen peninsula heads north into the bay. Important places along the coast are Manokwari, Ransiki, Wasior and Nabire.

The Wamma River, Tabai River, Warenai River, and Wapoga Riverempty into the Bay.

Most of the diving, other than on Manokwari’s excellent WWII wrecks, is within Cenderawasih Bay National Park, Indonesia’s largest. This park is huge, half again larger than Raja Ampat; even a 14 day dive trip barely scratches the “surface” of this underwater wilderness.

Cenderawasih, along with Raja Ampat and Triton Bay, makes up the Bird’s Head Seascape. Its reefs look nothing like Raja’s colorful, fish-filled reefs, nor are they similar to Triton Bay’s soft coral wonderland. Pristine and vast, the bay’s reef tops comprise some of healthiest hard coral gardens to be seen. Dramatic vertical walls with prolific sponge life abound on the outlying atolls, schooling fish along the reef points and ridges.

Cenderawasih also has a few unique features in Indonesia’s pantheon of rich reefs. The bay was geologically isolated until recently, and if you look at a map you’ll see that it is still somewhat confined. This means that less current moves through Cenderawasih’s waters, and therefore there’s less recruitment of marine larvae than in a place like Raja. This isolation has blessed Cenderawasih with a number of very colourful endemic species. Perhaps even more interesting is the fact that many normally deep-dwelling fish species are found here in relatively shallow water. This topsy-turvy reefscape, along with the presence of the world’s largest fish, the whale shark, prompted Dr. Gerald Allen to call Cenderawasih “ the Galapagos of Indonesia’s Reefs”.

Accommodation

The beautiful ship Dewi Nusantara will be hosting us on this adventure a lifetime.

Living aboard Dewi Nusantara is as close to a five star experience as is possible in the faraway corners of the Indonesian archipelago.

With an overall length of 57 meters, our three masted topsail schooner moves with a grace and stability that only larger sailing vessels can offer. 2000 square meters of sail are complemented by two 500 horsepower marine engines and two desalinators that each produce 5000 liters of fresh water per day. We purposely designed the Goddess of the Archipelago to be totally independent for long periods at sea while offering unparalleled comfort. There are eight spacious air-conditioned staterooms, that can be adapted to either twin or double use, each with its own en suite bathroom. The master and commanders’ cabin aft is the size of a large hotel suite.

While you experience the romance of a bygone area you will be able to indulge in the sheer luxury of finding lots of space everywhere you go from bow to stern. There is a huge lounge and the dining facilities are those of a superb restaurant.

With her state of the art diving equipment Dewi Nusantara has become the ultimate live-aboard diving platform in Indonesia. Her discreet and attentive Indonesian crew of 18 is complemented by one cruise director and four dive-masters who all have a long experience in the area.

Cabins are double occupancy with the option of twin beds or a double bed for couples.

What's Included

The following is included in this once in a lifetime diving experience in Indonesia

We are excited about all our trip to Indonesia has to offer

12 days 11 nights on the Dewi Nusantara with daily housekeeping
3-4 dives per day
Free Nitrox
All meals, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are included (alcoholic beverages are available for purchase)
Video of your trip
Two trip leaders from Scuba Getaway to ensure you have the best experience possible

Payment Options

A liveaboard trip is an investment for an experience of a lifetime and we want to make it as easy as possible on your pocketbook!

To talk more about this incredible trip, please contact Gillian at 1-416-792-3483 or email gillian@scubagetaway.com

The following is our basic deposit structure for our Indonesia 2019.

Due upon booking: $1,000 USD

Due April 1, 2021: $2000 USD

Due April 1, 2022: $2500 USD

Remaining Balance Feb 1, 2024

Please note there is a marine park fee and port fee of $285 USD with this trip.

(If deposit dates have already passed, please email gillian@scubagetaway.com to discuss alternate payment options for the trip.)

FAQ

What currency are trips priced in?

All currency for this trip is in USD.

What are your terms and conditions?

Please read our Terms and Conditions carefully. It includes all the information you need to know about booking with Scuba Getaway. You will have the option to agree to these Terms and Conditions when you make your first trip deposit.

Do you provide trip insurance?

We highly recommend you purchase trip cancellation insurance.

Do you provide dive insurance?

It’s required by Scuba Getaway and the Dewi Nusantara that all divers have dive insurance. We will request proof of current dive insurance before the trip. If you need to purchase insurance, we recommend DAN (Diver’s Alert Network).

Do I have to pay everything at once?

We offer a deposit schedule for each trip so that it’s easy on your pocket book.

How does roommate selection work?

One of the benefits to booking with Scuba Getaway is that we find great divers and roommates for you, if you aren’t traveling with a friend or significant other. We don’t pair co-ed roommates and we are happy to introduce you to your roommate before the trip.

What level of certification do I need for this trip?

For our liveaboards you are required to be advanced certified. If you are in the Greater Toronto Area our sister company Toronto Scuba Centre can help with certification, practice sessions and dive gear.

I don’t have all my own gear. Can I rent gear?

The Dewi Nusantara does provide gear rentals, as does Toronto Scuba Centre. You can also purchase new gear with Toronto Scuba Centre as well.

Are you able to accommodate food allergies and/or restrictions?

The Dewi Nusantara is happy to provide guests with a wide variety of options and has lots of experience dealing with food allergies.

I have never been on a liveaboard before and don’t know what to expect.

If diving is a new found passion of yours or you are an experienced diver that hasn’t yet made the giant stride onto a liveaboard, we can assure you that this type of trip is the best way to see the greatest dive sites in the world. There are always two representatives from Scuba Getaway on every trip that guide you and help you with all your diving needs. Our representatives are experienced divers and act on your behalf when dealing with all aspects of your trip from diving to accommodation to socializing we have your back and we are there to ensure you have the greatest trip possible. We only book premium liveaboards with the best crew in areas we are very familiar with.

Questions?