Our driver will transfer you to the Nabire airport.
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We offer tours to swim with whale sharks in Papua. This tour will take you to the whale sharks in Nabire. Did you know that Papua is one of the few places in the world where you can easily see and swim with whale sharks? These majestic, endangered animals can grow up to 12 meters! It is such a unique experience to swim with these rare, enormous creatures known to be very gentle and docile.
The activity of fishermen can explain the mass presence of whale sharks on the coast of Papua. Over the years, fishermen and whale sharks have gained a mutually beneficial relationship as the sharks are attracted by the fish that escape from the nets or are rejected by the fishermen. On the other hand, whale sharks protect the fishermen by keeping other predators away.
We know that whale sharks are currently listed as a vulnerable species. They continue to be hunted in other parts of Asia, even though it is now strictly illegal under international law. In Cendrawasih Bay, besides the fishermen, the local people currently have a chance to benefit from tourism related to seeing these beautiful animals. We actively monitor the safety and professionalism of the swimming activities when we visit them.
TIP: You should plan this tour during the new moon and outside Indonesian public holidays. The best time to see the Whale Sharks in Nabire is with the new moon and from June to October. If you plan to see whale sharks outside this season, we recommend doing our whale sharks tour in Kaimana in Triton Bay. The best time for whale sharks in Kaimana is from October to April.
View our whale shark tour in Kaimana in Triton Bay here: https://travelpapua.com/tours/kaimana/
The best time to see the Whale Sharks in Nabire is with the new moon and from May to October. If you plan to see whale sharks outside this season, we recommend doing our whale sharks tour in Kaimana in Triton Bay. The best time for whale sharks in Kaimana is from October to April.
View our whale shark tour in Kaimana in Triton Bay here: https://travelpapua.com/tours/kaimana/
The whale shark tour in Nabire is based on shared. That means transfers and excursions are shared if other guests travel simultaneously, usually not more than ten people in a group.
The driver will pick you up from the airport in Nabire. Your flight should not arrive later than 11:00, otherwise, you need to overnight in Nabire. It is a 2 - 3 hour drive to the region of the whale shark. If we are still on time, you can have your first encounter with the whale sharks today. A local speedboat will take you to the fishing platforms where the whale sharks come to feed the rejected fish. You will stay in Kali Lemon, which offer basic accommodation on a private beach. Drivers speak no/limited English and a local guide from the resort will join when visiting the Whale Sharks.
The whale sharks feed at the bagangs, which are traditional fishing platforms. Be silent and careful in your first approach, or you might scare the whale shark away. Sometimes, up to 4 whale sharks can be seen at one time. We usually do the trip two times a day—one time in the morning and one time in the afternoon. Lunch will be prepared at the accommodation. We advise you to bring your own snorkeling equipment because rental is limited.
You will have another trip to see the whale sharks in the morning. After lunch, you will return to Nabire, staying one night in a hotel. Nabire has a few basic hotels with air conditioning and hot water.
Our driver will transfer you to the Nabire airport.
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