EcoXplorer Itinerary
Whale Shark Expedition and Diving Cenderawasih Bay: Biak - Cendrawasih - Manokwari10 days / 9 nights
About EcoXplorer
- Accommodates a maximum of 12 guests in eastern Indonesia
- Itineraries in Raja Ampat, Cenderawasih Bay, Triton Bay, Halmahera and Banda Sea
- Cultural visits, snorkelling, fishing and island exploration between dives
- All profits support EcoNusa’s conservation and community initiatives
EcoXplorer is a 28m expedition liveaboard operating across the remote waters of eastern Indonesia, from Raja Ampat and Cenderawasih Bay, to Triton Bay, Halmahera and the Banda Sea. Rebuilt in the style of a traditional Indonesian phinisi, the vessel accommodates a maximum of 12 guests in ensuite cabins and combines dedicated diving facilities with cultural visits, wildlife encounters and island exploration. Highlights of the itineraries can include spectacular reefs, manta rays, whale sharks, wrecks, schooling fish and unusual macro life, depending on the itinerary. And with all profits supporting EcoNusa’s conservation and community programmes, EcoXplorer is particularly well suited to divers seeking small-group expeditions with a more meaningful local connection.
Itinerary details
Length of trip 10 days / 9 nights
Number of dives 24
Experience Advanced Open Water - Minimum 40 dives
Insurance Required
Highlights
- Features a dedicated dive at Kwatisore Bay, where you can experience whale sharks at the local bagan
- Explore historical sites like the Cross Wreck, the Shinwa Maru Cargo Wreck, the Rasi Wreck
- Sites like the Auri Pinnacles and Boomerang Atoll Wall offer deep-water biodiversity
- Dramatic underwater landscapes, perfect for spotting pelagic species at Mangguar Outer Ridge
Day 1 - Arrival in Biak
08:00-09:00: Arrival at Frans Kaisiepo Airport (Biak), greeting, and transfer to harbor.
09:00-10:00: Boarding, safety briefing, and cabin allocation.
10:00-11:00: Check Dive / Dive 1: BMJ Shipwreck (near Biak mainland).
12:00-13:30: Welcome lunch while the vessel cruises to the Padaido Islands.
14:30-15:30: Dive 2: Catalina Flying Boat Wreck (Perfect afternoon depth).
16:00-18:30: Ship anchors in Biak
19:00: Dinner.
Day 2 - Padaido
06:00 – 07:00: Light breakfast.
07:30 – 08:30: Dive 1: Barracuda Point (Morning pelagic action).
09:00–10:00: Full breakfast.
10:30 – 11:30: Dive 2: Wundi Cave.
12:00 – 13:30: Lunch.
14:00 – 15:00: Dive 3: Torpedo Net
16:00: Major Crossing Begins: Anchor raised for the long southward steam down to Num Island (~15-16 hours).
19:00: Dinner served at sea.
Day 3 - Num Island
06:00 – 07:15: Light breakfast as the ship drops anchor at Num Island.
07:30 – 08:30: Dive 1: Num Reef Slope (Pristine hard coral structures, morning fish activity).
09:00–10:00: Full breakfast.
10:30 – 11:30: Dive 2: Swande Corner (Deep drop-offs, keeping an eye out for pelagics).
12:00 – 13:30: Lunch & Surface Interval.
14:00 – 15:00: Dive 3: Mios Num Shallows (Excellent afternoon light for macro photography and exploring the reef flats).
15:30 – 16:30: Quick afternoon snacks on deck while the crew pulls anchor.
16:30: Vessel departs for Boomerang Atoll (~2.5 to 3 hours of sailing). Guests can use this time to wash gear, edit photos, or rest.
19:00: dinner, arrive and drop anchor inside the calm lagoon of Boomerang Atoll.
Day 4 - Boomerang Atoll
06:00 – 07:00: Light breakfast.
07:30 – 08:30: Dive 1: Wild Fish Ridge (Deep drop-offs, high fish density).
09:00–10:00: Full Breakfast.
10:30 – 11:30: Dive 2: Spag Point / Tridacna Garden.
12:00 – 13:30: Lunch.
14:00 – 15:00: Dive 3: Marl’s Treasure (Sloping wall with excellent wide-angle views).
16:00: Depart southward toward Kwatisore Bay (~5 hours sailing).
19:00: Dinner served at sea.
21:00: Arrive and drop anchor quietly near the Kwatisore bagans (fishing platforms).
Day 5 - Kwatisore & Tanjung Mangguar
05:30 – 06:00: Quick coffee and pre-dive briefing.
06:00 – 07:30: Dive 1 & Snorkel: Kwatisore Bay (unforgettable morning whale shark interaction under the bagans).
08:00: Vessel pulls anchor; starts the 5-hour crossing northwest toward Mangguar Island.
08:30 – 09:30: Full breakfast served on deck while underway.
13:00: Arrive at Mangguar Island; immediate lunch
14:00 – 15:00: Dive 2: Mangguar Island Slope.
15:30 – 16:30: Dive 3: Tanjung Mangguar Outer Wall (Excellent drift dive).
17:00: Major Crossing Begins: Late afternoon supper/snacks served as the ship begins its long 13-hour trek north to Auri Atoll.
19:00: Main dinner served at sea.
Day 6 - Auri Atoll
04:00: Vessel arrives at Auri Atoll under the cover of darkness and anchors safely.
06:00 – 07:00: Light breakfast.
07:30 – 08:30: Dive 1: Auri Pinnacle (Vibrant soft corals, deep walls, and morning pelagic action).
09:00–10:00: Full breakfast.
10:30 – 11:30: Dive 2: Auri Ridge (Excellent hard coral coverage and schools of fusiliers)
12:00 – 13:15: Lunch & Surface Interval.
13:30 – 14:30: Dive 3: Pulau Auri Shallows (Shallow, light-filled coral gardens; excellent macro focus for spotting boxer crabs and pygmy seahorses).
14:30 – 15:00: Divers back on board, warm showers.
15:00 – 16:00: Post-dive afternoon snacks on deck while the crew secures the dive tenders and lifts anchor.
16:00: Anchor up & depart for Purup & Mioswar (~4 hours sailing northwest).
19:00: Dinner served at sea while cruising through calm bay waters.
20:00: The vessel arrives at the protected Mioswar anchorage and drops anchor for a peaceful night's sleep.
Day 7 - Purup & Mioswar
06:00 – 07:00: Light breakfast.
07:30 – 09:00: Dive 1: Purup Island Slopes.
09:00–10:00: Full breakfast.
10:30 – 12:00: Dive 2: Purup Ridge.
12:00 – 14:00: Lunch while crossing over to Mioswar Island (~2 hours).
14:30 – 15:30: Dive 3: Mioswar Sulfuric Hot Springs Reef.
16:00 – 18:00: Island Hopping: Trekking to Mioswar’s natural hot springs and waterfall.
19:00: Dinner & overnight steam north to Numfor Island (~4-5 hours).
Day 8 - Numfor Island
06:00 – 07:00: Light breakfast.
07:30 – 09:00: Dive 1: Numfor Wall Drift.
09:00–10:00: Full Breakfast.
10:30 – 12:00: Dive 2: Hard Coral Plateau / Snorkeling.
12:00 – 13:30: Lunch.
14:00 – 15:00: Dive 3: Shallow Reef Exploration / Local Village Visit.
16:00: Final Blue-Water Crossing: Steam west towards the Papuan mainland/Manokwari (~8 hours).
19:00: Farewell dinner at sea.
Day 9 - Manokwari
06:00 – 07:00: Light breakfast inside Manokwari Bay.
07:30 – 08:30: Dive 1: Pillbox Wreck / Shinwa Maru Wreck (Final Dive of the trip).
08:30: Diving Operations Complete. 24-Hour Decompression Clock Begins.
09:00–10:00: Full breakfast.
10:30 – 12:00: Equipment washing, drying, and packing on deck.
12:00 – 13:30: Lunch
15:00 – 18:00: Land Tour: Historical exploration of Mansinam Island (the cradle of Papuan history) or local landmarks.
19:00: Relaxing dinner at anchor in port.
Day 10 - Manokwari Departure
07:30 – 08:30: Final breakfast on board.
08:30 – 09:00: Crew farewells, final bill settling, and luggage handling.
09:00: Official Checkout.
09:15: Airport shuttle departs for Rendani Airport (MKW), Manokwari.
Sample itineraries are for guidance only. Actual itineraries may differ slightly due to factors such as weather, wildlife, logistics, and local regulations.
Sample itineraries are for guidance only. Actual itineraries may differ slightly due to factors such as weather, wildlife, logistics, and local regulations.
Transfer details
Departure
09:00am
Biak
Franskaisiepo International Airport: BIK
Return
09:00am
Manokwari
Rendani Airport: MKW
Current availability and prices: https://www.zubludiving.com/itineraries/ecoxplorer/itn-2608030825391-whale-shark-expedition-and-diving-cenderawasih-bay-biak-cendrawasih-manokwari