Port information & tips for Auri Islands (Cenderawasih Bay)
The Auri Islands are a pristine jewel in the heart of Indonesia's Cenderawasih Bay and enchant visitors as part of the country's largest marine national park. This secluded archipelago boasts a paradisiacal atmosphere with crystal-clear turquoise waters and a deep sense of tranquility that invites exploration of its spectacular underwater world. Highlights include the vibrant coral gardens of the Cenderawasih Bay National Park as well as the chance for fascinating encounters with whale sharks and rare sea turtles right off the coast. Since there is no commercial terminal in this protected region, ships use a natural anchorage in the bay. Transfers are made comfortably by Zodiac directly to the secluded sandy beaches, allowing guests to arrive amidst untouched wilderness and world-class snorkeling sites without any detours.
Traveling to the Auri Islands in Cenderawasih Bay is a fascinating journey to one of Indonesia's most remote and pristine cruise destinations. As traditional cruise ports with extensive infrastructure are lacking, embarkations primarily take place on liveaboard dive boats or expedition cruise ships, which are reached from regional airports.
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region typically involves a long-haul flight to one of Indonesia's international hubs, such as Jakarta (CGK) or Bali (DPS). From there, you take one or more domestic flights to regional airports near Cenderawasih Bay. The main destination airports are Manokwari (MKW), which is often considered the primary access point, Nabire (NBX), and Biak (BIK). Some routes may also use Sorong (SOQ) as a start or end point, especially for combinations with Raja Ampat. Flight connections from Jakarta or Bali to Manokwari or Nabire often require stopovers, for example in Makassar (UPG) or Ambon (AMQ), and can take a total travel time of 6 to 9 hours for the domestic flights.
Transfer & Embarkation
Regional airports such as Manokwari (MKW), Nabire (NBX), or Biak (BIK) serve as starting points for the onward journey to the ship. Transfers from the airport to the respective embarkation port or pier are usually organized by the cruise providers and are often included in the travel price. For example, the drive from Manokwari Airport to the port takes about 20 minutes, while the transfer from Nabire to the ship or resort can involve a combination of car (approx. 2 hours) and speedboat (approx. 30-90 minutes). Embarkation takes place directly onto the mostly smaller expedition or dive ships, as there are no large cruise terminals.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long travel times from the DACH region and potential delays with domestic flights in eastern Indonesia, arriving at least one day before the scheduled embarkation is strongly recommended. A pre-cruise hotel in Jakarta, Bali, or at the regional departure airport (e.g., Manokwari or Nabire) allows for a relaxed arrival and ensures that you reach your ship on time. Many liveaboard providers even recommend or arrange such overnight stays to ensure a smooth start to your cruise adventure.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Accordingly, plan sufficient time for the journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the shipping company and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
