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Swim with Whale Sharks in Cendrawasih Bay & Triton Bay 2026 — Raja Ampat Combo Tour
Whale sharks are the world’s largest fish. Cendrawasih Bay holds the highest concentration of whale sharks globally. 12-day expedition combining Cendrawasih’s sharks with Raja Ampat’s coral reefs. $8,900 all-inclusive.
Swim with Whale Sharks in Cendrawasih Bay & Triton Bay 2026
TL;DR: Snorkel 30-foot whale sharks at Cendrawasih Bay (95% encounter rate, November–April). Then sail to Raja Ampat for 5-day snorkeling. 12-day all-inclusive combo: $8,900 per person. Non-divers 100% welcome.
What Are Whale Sharks & Where Do They Live?
The whale shark is a filter-feeding fish, not a whale. Adults reach 25–40 feet. They are gentle, curious, and pose zero threat to humans. Cendrawasih Bay is the world’s premier whale shark aggregation zone, November to April. Encounter rates: 95% in January–March.
12-Day Whale Shark + Raja Ampat Combo Itinerary
Days 1–2: Arrive Sorong. Transfer to Cendrawasih Bay lodging.
Days 3–6: Whale Shark Safari. 30+ hours in water with whale sharks across 4 days.
Days 7–11: Raja Ampat 5-Day Snorkeling Immersion on luxury phinisi yacht.
Day 12: Return to Sorong, depart.
Whale Shark Safety & Ethical Snorkeling
Strict interaction guidelines: enter water 3–5 meters in front of shark, maintain 1–2 meters distance, limit interaction to 5–10 minutes, max 4 snorkelers per shark, no flash photography, no touching. Our guides are trained in whale shark ethology.
Photography: Camera Settings & Composition Tips
GoPro: 4K, 30 fps, wide-angle. DSLR/Mirrorless: 14–24mm ultra-wide, 1/250 sec, f/5.6–f/8. Smartphone: Waterproof case, portrait mode. Composition: Shoot with eye in frame, include diver for scale, shoot at eye level, burst mode.
Insider Tip
After 500+ whale shark encounters, the photos matter less than the feeling. Some of our guests shoot zero photos. They report the clearest memories.
What’s Included in the $8,900 All-Inclusive Package
- 6 nights Cendrawasih lodging + 5 nights phinisi yacht
- All meals, snorkeling, whale shark encounters
- Marine biologist guide
- 5-day Raja Ampat snorkeling itinerary
- All permits, transfers, snorkeling gear
- GoPro footage compiled
- Basic travel insurance
Quick Answers
Whale Shark Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Whale sharks are filter feeders and pose zero threat to humans. Zero incidents annually.
Many nervous guests report that seeing a whale shark dissolves fear instantly.
Discouraged by law and ethics. We enforce strict no-touch protocols.
Encounter rates 95% Jan–Mar. If zero encounters, 50% refund or rescheduling.
Our season is November–April for peak encounters. May–Oct is off-season.
Listed as Vulnerable by IUCN. We donate 5% of each booking to protection programs.
Yes. Whale shark snorkeling requires zero diving skills.
Yes. GoPro, DSLR, or smartphone in waterproof case. Photography coaching available.
12-Day All-Inclusive Combo: $8,900 per person. November–April departures. Limited to 10 guests.
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