Cenderawasih Bay & Raja Ampat - Oct 2014

Join us as we return to one of our favorite areas of the world - The Bird's Head Seascape - to explore new areas and return to some of the most pristine reefs we've photographed.

The trip will cover two areas - Cenderawasih Bay and Raja Ampat.

Cenderawasih Bay, which Dr. Gerry Allen calls "the Galapagos of the East,"  is a relatively unexplored region of the Bird's Head Peninsula. 1.5 million hectares of this area are preserved as an unspoiled marine protected area, highlighted by "dazzling vistas ranging from dense tropical forests, sheathing mist-topped limestone cliffs to tiny sand-binged atolls caping dramatic coral walls" according to "Diving Indonesia's Bird's Head Seascape".

The real prize for underwater photographers, however, is the unique behavior of whale sharks near Naribe that gather around floating platforms. On these platforms, fishermen haul in their catch of small baitfish that are used as bait for larger predatory fish. The excess bait fish are left in the nets which are dropped back down into the water. Whale sharks have learned that they can suck these fish out of the net for a meal.

We will spend a few days photographing these charming whale sharks and other gems of Cenderawasih before heading north to Raja Ampat. This will be our third expedition to Raja Ampat, and we can never get enough of this area that can boast of the world's most bio-diverse reefs.

We will travel on one of the only live-aboard vessels that goes to Cenderawasih Bay, the MSY Seahorse. We chose this boat for its spacious and comfortable cabins, flexible schedule, and its excellent facilities for underwater photographers.

CENDERAWASIH BAY AND RAJA AMPAT UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY HIGHLIGHTS

• Unique whale shark behavior in Cenderawasih Bay

• Wrecks and unspoiled reef in the Cenderawasih Bay Marine Park

• Wide angle photography in the most biodiverse reefs of the world

• Possibility to photograph many bucketlist macro subjects including many nudibranch species, cuttlefish, squid, blue ring octopus, and more
  

EXPEDITION RATES & RESERVATIONS

Rate is $5109 per person based on double occupancy

A $2500 deposit is required.

Prices include:

• 13 Days/12 Nights aboard the Seahorse (Double occupancy rate) –
  
• 12 full days of diving - up to 4 dives a day
• Tanks and weights
  
• All meals and soft drinks
  
• Transfers

Prices above do NOT include:


• Airfare
• Fuel surcharges and marine park fees
• Nitrox
  
• Alcoholic beverages
  
• Additional dive equipment other than tanks and weights
• Trip insurance
• Tips for the crew

 
Space is limited, and our trips sell out very quickly. A completed application and a non-refundable deposit of $2,500 are required to reserve your spot. To request an application or for more information about our 2014 Cenderawasih Bay expedition, please email us at trips@divephotoguide.com