Incredible Whalesharks in Cendrawasih Bay

Well, WOW is all I can say to sum up my experience with the Whalesharks in Cendrawasih Bay in Indonesia, we spent 6 hours in the water with them over 2 days last week and it was incredible. You could dive or snorkel, it didn't matter as they were all over the place We had 4 at one time, all within sight and pretty much within touch distance as well, we didn't touch them but one certainly wanted to touch us as it kept bumping into divers, too funny. These whalesharks hang around local fishing platforms offshore and the fishermen feed them on baitfish, the sharks also suck on the nets at the same time to try to get at the fish. This is not a location like many places where you see a whaleshark and have to hope it comes past you, these whalesharks are always right there! I took over 500 photos and could have taken tons more.. it is probably the most amazing whaleshark encounter out there at this time... Here are some photos to keep you enthralled, i am editing some video too

More here: https://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=3460...mp;l=890385cdb7

Look at No. 4- Wowwww!

Nice one, Mike. #4 is just ridiculous...

Wow it is really impressive !!!!

I would have been scared !! Nice photo and it should be a great experience to live. I hope one day I will have the opportunity to live one

Even if at first I will be scared !

Thanks for the photos !

Jack

#4 is fantastic ! How do you get there ? And apart of the whale sharks spot, how is the diving in Cendrawasih Bay relative to R4 for instance ?

Fishermen feeding the stingrays is how Stingray City was started on Grand Cayman. Now everyone can come feed the rays. So are you gonna call this play Whale Shark City?

Thanks guys, Whaleshark City it is! haha

for #4 i just wish i had a flatter sea.. could get a really cool split for sure.

As for the rest of the diving out there, some very nice hard coral and some good diving just to the north of the whalesharks. It really needs more exploring but I already have some good spots that have been explored. Can't wait to get back there and do more exploring, as well as more whalesharks

To get there is best on a liveaboard (I was on the Damai, we were the second liveaboard there in the last few years) there is one small resort about 36 miles away that do a trip to the sharks once a week.

I will be heading out there again in 2012 on the Damai for more

the split shot is just amazing