Asia, Indonesia
West Papua, Raja Ampat & Micronesia Cruise
On this diverse 16-night voyage, track northward from Australia to explore the Spice Islands and the fabled islands of Raja Ampat, through the Republic of Palau and the remote small islands of Micronesia before concluding in Yap. Be greeted and escorted by traditional kora kora canoes to the historic township of Banda Neira. Cruise the pristine coastal landscape of Mommon Peninsula where Kitikiti Waterfall cascades into the ocean. Marvel at one of the world’s most photographed marine scenes: the jagged green limestone cliffs and crystalclear water of Wayag. Swim with the harmless golden jellyfish of Jellyfish Lake, Palau. Learn about Yap’s ancient limestone currency and snorkel, dive and kayak to encounter coral reefs home to abundant marine life. This journey offers spectacular combinations of remote island cultures, marine life and history that can only be experienced by expedition ship.
• Enjoy the ancient warrior tradition welcome of the kora kora canoes in Banda Neira
• At Kitikiti Waterfalls, Mommon Peninsula, cruise the pristine landscape by Xplorer in search of hidden lagoons and exotic birds such as hornbills and if lucky, birds of paradise
• Discover the limestone karst islands of Raja Ampat and hike to the summit of Pindito Peak
• Snorkel and dive the coral reefs and lava flows of the Coral Triangle including Ulithi Atoll, Sonsorol, Banda Neira and the marine playground of Raja Ampat
• Join in traditional dance and singing performance and experience ancient Austranesian and Micronesian traditions passed down through history
• Learn about Yap’s time-honoured customs and culture and visit the isolated islet of Ulithi home to sea turtles, coconut crabs and sea birds
• Meet the people of Sonsorol Island who are linguistically and culturally different from their Caroline Islands neighbours
• Discover the breathtaking landscape of Palau and swim with harmless golden jellyfish in Jellyfish Lake
Highlights
• Enjoy the ancient warrior tradition welcome of the kora kora canoes in Banda Neira
• At Kitikiti Waterfalls, Mommon Peninsula, cruise the pristine landscape by Xplorer in search of hidden lagoons and exotic birds such as hornbills and if lucky, birds of paradise
• Discover the limestone karst islands of Raja Ampat and hike to the summit of Pindito Peak
• Snorkel and dive the coral reefs and lava flows of the Coral Triangle including Ulithi Atoll, Sonsorol, Banda Neira and the marine playground of Raja Ampat
• Join in traditional dance and singing performance and experience ancient Austranesian and Micronesian traditions passed down through history
• Learn about Yap’s time-honoured customs and culture and visit the isolated islet of Ulithi home to sea turtles, coconut crabs and sea birds
• Meet the people of Sonsorol Island who are linguistically and culturally different from their Caroline Islands neighbours
• Discover the breathtaking landscape of Palau and swim with harmless golden jellyfish in Jellyfish Lake
Make your way to SailSAFE check-in before boarding Coral Adventurer at Darwin’s Fort Hill Wharf at 7:00am for a 9:00am departure. Settle into your cabin and relax as we set sail across the Arafura Sea. Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities on board and join our Expedition Team in the Bridge Deck lounge for an insightful introduction to you expedition voyage. As dusk falls, join the Captain’s welcome drinks and meet your crew and fellow guests as the sun sets.
Relax on deck as we spend the day at sea, with onboard presentations from our Guest Lecturers, workshops, and demonstrations.
This voyage includes three full sea days and five half sea days.
The Banda archipelago is the historic heart of the spice trade and was once the world’s only source of nutmeg until the mid-19th century as Portuguese, Dutch and English fought for control over the spice trade. The ten volcanic islands have attracted traders and merchants for at least 2,000 years as highly sought-after goods such as cloves, textiles, batik and rice were moved through Banda.
As we approach and enter the Zonnegat channel, witness a thrilling spectacle as Moluccan rowers in traditional kora kora canoes greet the ship and escort you into the harbour. Kora kora canoes are a traditional war vessel, with elaborately carved figureheads stretching up to 4 metres. The canoes are propelled by up to 20 rowers and measure up to 20 metres long.
Go ashore to be welcomed by the nutmeg dance of the local school students, before touring the historic township. Spend time snorkelling and diving over the nearby lava flow reef system and trying local foods along on the waterfront. Explore Fort Belgica, built by the first Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) in 1611. The pentagonal shaped fort is extremely well preserved and provides an interesting insight into Dutch colonisation and the dramatic history of these islands. Join the locals for a traditional dance and music performance.
Visit the mesmerising Kitikiti Waterfall, which flows out of the lush jungle and falls directly into the ocean. Enjoy the chance to swim under this truly memorable waterfall, feeling the chilled fresh water meeting the warm ocean water and explore the surrounding crystal clear coves by snorkelling or kayaking. Delve deeper into this pristine landscape by Xplorer cruise or on a rainforest walk and spot exotic birds such as hornbills and if you are lucky, you may see the bird-of-paradise along the way.
Today, we arrive at Misool, one of the four largest islands of Raja Ampat. Here we visit Balbulol Lagoon, an almost landlocked inlet populated with conical-shaped islets undercut at sea level that rise from turquoise waters like Christmas Trees. There is time to swim and kayak amongst the islands in this beautiful lagoon, as well as exploring the island by Xplorer and beachcombing. Embarking on a hike here will lead to a higher viewpoint to experience the amazing rock island formations.
More Raja Ampat treasures await today as we explore the scattered karst ‘beehives’ of the Wayag Islands. This natural treasure is nature at its most vibrant both above and below the water, with emerald karst islands rising from the brilliant turquoise water. Explore the magnificent waterways and lagoons by Xplorer and Zodiac with time to swim in crystal clear waters and walk on white-sand beaches amongst the many islands. The coral reefs here provide exceptional diving and snorkelling, with many vibrant corals and tropical fish species to discover. After lunch, there is an opportunity for an energetic hike up to famed Pindito Peak, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over the island and its spectacular lagoon.
Sorong is our departure point from the Indonesian region. Lush mountains covered with forest surround the town and fishing a is major part of the local economy. Here, we will go ashore to visit the Sorong Nature Conservation Park to see the big old trees planted by the Dutch many years ago. We will also be welcomed by the Moi Tribe, the owners of the land, who are culturally unique from other peoples in the surrounding regions. Enjoy demonstrations such as the making of the traditional Papuan handwork bag. Later, enjoy a relaxing guided walk through the forest to look for birds.
Today, conditions allowing, we enjoy a true expedition stop at the small island of Tobi. Enjoy snorkelling over Helen Reef, a swim from the beach or beachcombing along the white sand. The island is known as a nesting site for lesser-crested terns and green sea turtles.
Isolated Sonsorol Island is one of the 16 States of Palau and is home to a population of between 25 and 65 people who are culturally and linguistically related to the Yap and Caroline Islands. Learn about their subsistence lifestyle disconnected from the modern world as we hope to visit the village and dive and snorkel the fringing reef and coral gardens.
Koror is the main state of the Republic of Palau, as well as the main island. Koror City is home to about half of the country’s population. The land mass of Koror is not large, with hundreds of islands and islets of volcanic and limestone reef construction that present a stunning vista of craggy forested islands surrounded by emerald seas.
Enjoy a delightful Koror city tour by bus, exploring the vibrant landmarks including museums and the reef center. Afterwards, guests can explore Koror at their own pace. As the day draws to a close, head to the beach for a local sunset. Dinner is provided on the ship, or you can choose to enjoy dinner at the local resort.
The following day, certified divers can embark on a guided dive to explore the mesmerizing underwater world here. Others may choose to walk and swim at Jellyfish Lake where you can swim alongside these fascinating creatures in their serene habitat. Visit Rock Islands to participate in a guided snorkel tour at the Milky Way, where you can float and rejuvenate in the mineral-rich waters. Or enjoy a relaxing coastal cruise, with opportunities for a beach swim. There will also be a panoramic guided cruise through Nikko Bay, admiring picturesque scenery.
Visit a traditional family home and learn about the different methods of building local houses, traditional attire, witness coconut harvesting as well as enjoy the weaving prowess of the local folks in Danup, Kanifay.
Walk the Ga’ell traditional stone path to a Yapese stone money bank and an old stone platform where once stood a traditional meeting house. You will be given detailed explanations about Yapese stone money, where limestone discs were quarried and carved into ‘coins’ known as Rai, which can be as large as 4m or as small as 4cm in diameter. Guest that cannot walk will be driven.
Be greeted by children at the great meeting house and stone money bank of Kaday Village where we will be welcomed by the village elders and we will explore the traditional Man’s house and the best-preserved traditional dock, within the mangrove channels that lead out to sea.
Stop by Tomil village, where we will be welcomed by the village community, with flower lais and fresh drinking coconuts and we will wittnes a Yapese traditional dance performance, in front of the giant meetings house of Tomil. There is an opportunity to visit the Yap Living History Museum to learn about Micronesian people and their time-honoured customs and culture, as well as snorkel and dive the lagoon with its coral reefs and abundant marine life.
Snorkel on coral reef gardens off a truly deserted islet in a remote part of the world. Enjoy the tropical vista of white sand beaches, colourful coral reefs home to sea turtles, coconut crabs and sea birds. There is also opportunity to visit the Ulithi Turtle Project and the vibrant community village.
Gather in front of the Men’s Meeting house where the captain will meet with the High Chief to thank him and the village community for welcoming us on Mogmog Island. Adhering to all customary traditions, walk about the village to visit and photograph the traditional buildings and sites. Local guides will give informative talks on the Men’s House and the Women’s house and their traditional functions, the traditional Mogmog Turtle Platform, as well the traditions and customs and social structures of Mogmog Island. Stroll through the village market with demonstrations of traditional woven baskets and purses, as well handwoven lava-lava, loom weaving demonstrations and other wooden handicrafts.
Sorol is a remote and rarely visited coral atoll, located 122 nautical miles south of Ulithi. We will be landing on the largest of the three islands accompanied by a local ranger. Here we will enjoy water activities and relaxing on an uninhabited atoll.
Disembark Coral Adventurer at Tomil Harbour, Yap this morning at 8:00am. Bid farewell to new-found friends, the Master and crew.
After disembarking the ship at Tomil Harbour, Yap, a charter flight from Yap to Cairns will be available.
This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions, and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. Coral Expeditions suggests that you do not arrive on the day of embarkation or depart on the day of disembarkation due to any changes that may occur in scheduling.
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Coral Deck Stateroom
$14,680 AUD pp
Coral Deck Staterooms are located below the Promenade Deck and are identically furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. The compact ensuite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. A porthole window gives you views of the world outside.
Coral Deck Staterooms are 17 square metres
Promenade Deck Stateroom
$17,620 AUD pp
Promenade Deck Staterooms are located below the Explorer deck and furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. The compact ensuite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. A large picture window gives you wide views of the world outside.
Promenade Deck Staterooms are 17 square metres
Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom
$23,480 AUD pp
Our Explorer Deck staterooms are comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. The compact ensuite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. Your private balcony has seating for two from which to view the passing coastal vistas. These staterooms are located on the Explorer deck.
Explorer Deck Balcony Staterooms are 21.4 square metres
Bridge Deck Balcony Suite
$33,080 AUD pp
Our six Bridge Deck Suites are spacious and elegant retreats after a busy day ashore. Suites are equipped with a lounge area, minibar and personal coffee machine. They have Junior King-sized beds. A 3.5 sq m private balcony has an outdoor daybed and lounge chair for two. A unique outside-facing bathroom with a horizon bath completes the experience. A complimentary minibar is replenished daily.
Bridge Deck Balcony Suites are 37.5 square metres.
Vessel Type: Expedition
Passenger Capacity: 120
Built: 2020
Expedition capabilities
> Two trademark Xplorer tenders seat all passengers and facilitate comfortable shore excursions
> Six zodiacs for more intrepid exploration
> Lecture lounge for daily expedition briefings and expert presentations
> Small onboard library featuring books on destinations and wildlife
> Shallow draft and advanced navigation and propulsion systems allowing access to locations closed to large cruise ships
Marine immersion
> Navigator lounge in the bridge
> Over 1000 square metres of open deck space including a wrap-around promenade deck with panoramic views
> Engine room tours and a high level of crew interaction with guests
Food and wine features
> Single seating dining with communal table serves buffet breakfast and lunch, and multi-course table d’hote dinners
> Showcase galley with viewing window creating fresh small-batch cuisine featuring Australian and local produce
> Multiple indoor and outdoor bars, including our Explorer bar on the sundeck for sunset drinks
> Curated wine cellar featuring boutique wines and exceptional vintage Australian reds
Guest comfort
> All outside-facing guest cabins with en-suite bathrooms; the majority have a private balcony
> Active stabilisers to dampen sea motion
> Well-equipped gym
> Passenger elevator
> Wi-Fi available in all guest areas
Inclusions
• All excursions with our Expedition Team
• Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and Kayaks
• Snorkelling & SCUBA equipment (SCUBA diving at an additional cost)
• Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
• All meals, chef-prepared on board
• Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
• Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
• 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
• All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
• Tips and gratuities
• Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
• Your expedition photos captured during the voyage
• Post-cruise transfers
• Wifi Access – Standard speed connectivity enabling email, social image sharing, web browsing and messaging
Exclusions
• Pre-cruise transfers
• Pre and post cruise flights/charter flights
• Pre and post cruise accommodation
• Travel Insurance
• SCUBA Diving (view Scuba diving rates)
• Entry visas & travel permits for the country you are travelling to/from
• Alcoholic drinks (including beer and wine) outside of lunch and dinner service
• Laundry service (available at a cost)
• Items of a personal nature such souvenir purchases
• Optional Extras (in some destinations)
Expedition
17 Days from
$14,680 AUD pp
Our Associates Include
