Explore Papua

The largest and easternmost province of Indonesia, Papua, offers diving from the unspoiled island of Biak located in Cenderawasih Bay. From Biak, divers can explore the towering walls, swim-throughs, and caves of the 67 islands in the Biak-Numfor Regency or dive with whale sharks in Cenderawasih.

While scuba diving in Papua, divers will find the World War II wrecks of Biak, encrusted with colorful coral, while walls host a wide range of marine life. Blue ribbon eel, Spanish dancer nudibranch, and red-striped coral shrimp take refuge on the wall while tunas, barracudas, and dolphins pass by.

In Cenderawasih Bay, there are four species of sea turtles to spot: green, hawksbill, Pacific ridley, and leatherback. Dugongs have also been sighted in the area. There are numerous whale sharks present, feeding on the offcasts from fishermen, and in black volcanic sands, frogfish, pygmy seahorses, tiger prawns, and sea snakes await discovery. The historical World War II wreck, Shinwa Maru, a 120-meter Japanese transport ship, is also accessible from dive centers on Biak Island.

Located on Biak Island, there are only three dive resorts and dive centers to choose from due to the remoteness of the area. These dive centers offer dive courses; however, due to strong currents that can sweep the area, it’s recommended to be an advanced diver. Usually, scuba diving in Papua is made accessible by visiting liveaboards, where divers can delve into the awe-inspiring dive sites of Raja Ampat in West Papua, sight whale sharks at Cenderawasih Bay, and discover the unspoiled reefs surrounding Biak.