The Indonesian province of Papua is already well famous for its spectacular reefs, wrecks and extremely varied and healthy marine life.  But there is a jewel in West Papua that remains to be discovered by divers.  Meaning “Bay of the Bird of Paradise”, Cenderawasih Bay Marine National Park is the largest of its kind in Indonesia.  It covers 14,000 km2 but still remains largely unknown and unexplored. And there is one thing even more special about this corner of Indonesia.  It has something to do with a particular marine inhabitant…
 
In recent years, the area has started to be heard of for its ever-growing population of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) visiting local fishing platforms (bagan).  The traditional local fishermen in the area believe that the whale sharks bring good luck on their catch.  They protect them and feed them with sardines every day.  In return, the whale shark’s movements in the water help herd other species of fish that are more valuable on the market than sardines such as tuna, rainbow runner and skipjacks. 
 
This gentle giant is one of the most impressive wild encounters available to the passionate diver.  The Cenderawasih Bay Marine National Park offers the rare chance to interact with whale sharks in great numbers and therefore observe some extraordinary behaviors up close, certain specimens can reach up to 10 or 12 meters!   In this site recently explored by Les Argonauts, it is quite common to witness many of these amazing creatures in the water at the same time, interacting with each other and even sometimes turning their attention to the divers.  Quite curious animals, they stay around for a long period of time, giving you the incredible opportunity to photograph and film them at your desire.  And return again the next day!