Getting there is difficult. Visitors fly to Nabire or Manokwari via Ambon or Sorong. There are some very basic accommodations near the whale shark spot. From there you can then go to the Bagans with simple boats of the locals. Bagans are large floating fishing platforms in the sea, from which the natives fish with large nets at night to catch small silversides, which are found here in huge schools. Since silversides are also a favorite diet of whale sharks, these largest fish in the world are often found in close proximity to these platforms as well. So far no place in the world is known where there are as many whale sharks as in Cenderawasih Bay.

Because of the difficult journey, a visit to this globally unique whale shark hotspot is best realized on a live aboard. Cenderawasih tours are offered by live aboard operators once or twice a year departing from Sorong or Manokwari.