The Whale Sharks Diving Experience
This cruise is dedicated to exploring the untamed and pristine underwater reefs of West Papua, recognized by marine biologists for having the highest recorded biodiversity on Earth. With approximately 1,508 fish species, 537 coral species (accounting for 75% of all species worldwide), and around 700 mollusc species, the marine life in this region is exceptionally diverse.
Navigating and diving around Misool, surrounded by limestone islands, provides a truly unique experience. The 425-square-kilometer Marine Protected Area (M.P.A.) delineated by the Misool Eco Resort, with approval from the local Papuan landowners, expanded in 2010 to cover 1,220 square kilometres. This expansive area showcases enormous sea fans, vibrant soft corals, and an abundance of fish.
Heading south, your liveaboard will make a stop at the underexplored Pisang Islands and Sangalla bay, before reaching the 6,000-square-kilometer Triton Bay Marine Protected Area.
Described by Conservation International’s Mark Erdmann and noted ichthyologist Dr. Gerry Allen as a “species factory,” Triton Bay’s rich waters support thriving reefs, whether famous for numerous critters or its resident population of whale sharks. Known as the “Soft Coral Capital of the World,” its dive sites range from pinnacles to boulders, adorned with invertebrates, or shallow coral gardens. Triton Bay boasts some of the world’s most vibrant soft coral reefs, harboring remarkable critters and attracting schools of surgeon fish, fusiliers, and barracudas around mushroom-shaped rocks.
Embark on a captivating cruise from Raja Ampat to Triton Bay, delving into the pristine reefs of West Papua.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to join and leave the Expedition?
How to reach Raja Ampat?
The embarkation port is Sorong. The easiest way to reach it is to organize this travel plan: Jakarta/Sorong(SOQ). These flights are quite tiring this is why we recommend you to arrive the day before the departure of the whale sharks diving cruise in order to rest in one of the hotels of Sorong.
For international flights we do recommend Quatar Airways. This company works in collaboration with Garuda Airlines and operates direct domestic flights from Jakarta to Sorong (GA-682 | departure at 00h30am arrival at 06:35am). Batik Air can be trusted as well and provides flights on the same timeframe.
If you’d prefer arrive from Bali, you will have to transit through Makassar. From Bali via Makassar we recommend the flight operated by Sriwijaya (SJ-726 | departure at 9:35pm arrival at 10:55pm at Makassar), Citilink or Lion Air. The only inconvenience for any flights, is that you will have to wait for the next flight at Makassar airport until 3am. During your transit at Makassar airport (UPG), seek for one of the two lounge rooms located respectively in front of the Gate 1 and the Gate 6. It will cost you around 10 € for an all-you-can-eat-and-drink buffet, and a comfortable seat.
You will land early morning in Sorong (SOQ) airport. From Makassar, Garuda and Batik Air operate the same kind of flights.
How to leave from Triton Bay ?
Our cruise will end in the little harbor of Kaimana. The Kaimana airport is only served by the WINGS AIR airline. You will have to transit first in Sorong before you can tramsit to Jakarta or Bali. Domestic flights may be delayed and this is why we do advice you to schedule a night in Sorong.
You can directly flight back to Jakarta with Garuda, Batik Air or Air Asia. To go back to Bali, the same company provides flights transiting through Makassar airport. If you leave in the morning, you will reach Bali late afternoon.
Where to sleep in Sorong?
We recommand you to stay in one of those hotel, as they are following the international standarts in terms of cleanliness and service. We can help you with your reservation and organize evrerything for you.
MAMBERAMO MARINA: The closest from any supermarket and restaurants. Provides a good bar and restaurant considering the city of Sorong.
SWISS BEL HOTEL : The more comfortable hotel in town. Close form the ferry terminal for Waisai, but far from any restaurant. Correct breackfast, but avoid the dining. An extra charge will be added for early bookings.
VEGA HOTEL. The closer from the airport, and the more recently built. The best thing is that you can checkin anytime withour extra charge.
KASUARI BEACH RESORT: The fursthest from Town, but good to avoid the hectic harbour of Sorong. Free shuttle can be organized from the airport.
Where to eat in Sorong?
We highly recommand the SUNSHINE BEACH RESTO for a sunset drink on their terrasse, and a followed diner. They are specialize in seafood and fish barbecue, but offer many vegetarian option too. Their Chap-Chay is delicious. Come a bit early if you want to avoid the cheezy and loudy local band, or late to blend in with the local color.
For a coffee and some good snaks before your flight, we do recommand the MISOOL FILLING STATION handle by the Misool Eco resort. Go upstairs to be comfortably seatted, and have a look to their sustainably-made souvenirs.
Visibility and Water Temperature
Misool offers a good visibility at this time of the year. It can reach 30 meters with an average water temperature around 28-30 degrees.
In Triton Bay, The visibility is always a bit lower. There is many rivers flowing into the bays. In case of heavy rain it can affect the visibility. Anyway Triton Bay host some of the richest waters in Indonesia. The quality of the soft coral reefs, and the fertile ground of the bay, involve unfortunately a lower visibity. Our last visits of the area, which were always during the month of April, we always had an average of 15-20 meters visibility. Water temperature was similar to Raja Ampat in April.
Is there Nitrox on board?
Yes the full board NITROX option is available. An extra fee of 15 Eur/day/person has to be added to your quote.
Who can join the Expedition?
This whale sharks diving cruise is open to Advanced open water certified divers with a minimum of 50 dives), and snorkellers. Some Discover Scuba Diving dives could be organized in case of special request. No diving courses will be provided.
Why respecting the recreational diving rules?
Diving an average of 3 times a day during 11 days is not the best for experimenting decompression dives. Also, Triton Bay is an remote area, with the closest decompression chamber is in Waisai, Raja Ampat. We respect the recreationnal diving basic rules for having a safe and enjoyable journey.
