Snorkeling and Diving in a Marine Wonderland
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Overview
The Auri Islands are a small group of islets nestled within Cenderawasih Bay, Indonesia's largest marine national park. As a premier destination for expedition cruising, the Auri Islands are not visited for their urban life but for their pristine, untouched natural beauty. This secluded paradise is part of the "Coral Triangle," home to an astonishing concentration of marine life, including over 500 species of coral and a rich variety of endemic fish.
A stop at the Auri Islands is a truly immersive experience in a vibrant underwater world. The area is known for its crystal-clear, warm tropical waters, which provide exceptional visibility for snorkeling, diving, and swimming. Expedition visits here are a celebration of nature, offering a profound sense of peace and a rare opportunity to connect with one of the planet's most biodiverse marine ecosystems.
The main draw of the Auri Islands is the incredible underwater environment. Snorkeling and diving here are unparalleled, with a dazzling array of colorful coral reefs and an immense variety of fish species. The calm, clear waters make it an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced divers to explore the reefs.
Tip: Take your time to explore the shallow reefs near the islands, where you can often spot parrotfish, triggerfish, and various other reef inhabitants.
The marine park is known for its high concentration of endemic fish species, which are found nowhere else in the world. As you snorkel or dive, be on the lookout for unique creatures that have evolved in the relative isolation of Cenderawasih Bay.
Tip: Bring an underwater camera to capture the extraordinary colors and diversity of the marine life you encounter.
Your expedition may include a beach landing on one of the small, secluded islands. These moments offer a chance to walk on powdery white sands, relax under the shade of palm trees, and simply soak in the tranquility of this remote, idyllic setting.
Tip: Use this time for quiet reflection or beachcombing, and always be mindful of leaving no trace to protect the environment.
Many expedition cruises provide kayaks and paddleboards for guests to use. This offers a different perspective, allowing you to paddle quietly around the islands, gliding over the shallow reefs and exploring the coastlines at your own pace
Tip: Keep an eye out for larger marine life, such as dolphins or even dugongs, which are known to inhabit the bay's seagrass beds.
Join your ship’s naturalists on an expert-guided Zodiac cruise. These small boat excursions allow you to get closer to the shoreline, offering a unique perspective on the island's geology and coastal features, while learning about the ecosystem from your guides.
Tip: Ask your naturalists about the geological history of the region and how it has contributed to the incredible biodiversity of the area.
While not a guaranteed experience on every visit, the Auri Islands are part of the larger Cenderawasih Bay, which is famous as one of the few places in the world where you can potentially swim with the gentle and majestic whale sharks, the largest fish in the sea, which congregate here to feed.
Tip: If this experience is offered, listen carefully to all safety briefings and follow the guides' instructions to ensure a safe and respectful interaction with the wildlife.
Aboard
Silver Cloud
From
Darwin, Australia
1 Sailing
Sep 6, 2026
Published prices from
per person*
taxes & fees included
Aboard
Silver Cloud
From
Perth (Fremantle), Australia
1 Sailing
Aug 20, 2026
Aboard
Silver Cloud
From
Perth (Fremantle), Australia
1 Sailing
Aug 20, 2026
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