West Papua is the last frontier of the Indo-Pacific and deep in the heart of this flourishing equatorial wilderness is a biodiversity hotspot – Cenderawasih Bay. See the biggest fish in the world interacting with local fishermen and then snorkel with these gentle leviathans for hours enjoying countless breath-taking encounters.


Highlights


• Visit Mapia Atoll - a very remote and exquisite coral atoll seldom visited by tourists

• Visit Pulau Num and Pulau Swande

• Encounter the whale shark (Rhincodon typus) - the biggest fish in the sea!

Your adventure begins amidst the tropical charm of Darwin. One of our crew members will escort you aboard our chartered aircraft for your short flight to Biak. Biak is also where we will welcome you aboard the magnificent TRUE NORTH. Enjoy a welcome aboard cocktail as we set sail on a journey through the very heart of the ‘Coral Triangle’ – the world’s most bio-diverse marine region. West Papua’s coastal areas encompass more than 275,000km2 of land and sea including the Cenderawasih Bay Marine Park – the largest marine park in Indonesia and, setting for one of the most unique animal encounters on the planet!
Mapia Atoll is a very remote and exquisite coral atoll seldom visited by tourists. Located north of the equator and lying basically in the middle of nowhere, the atoll presents classic opportunity to indulge in nature’s tropical ocean splendour. Vertical walls rise several thousand feet from the ocean floor and come alive with brilliant soft corals, gorgonians, sponges, myriad of tropical fish and a dense population of green and hawksbill turtles. The area also has an enviable reputation for light game fishing! Snorkel, dive and fish to your hearts content!
Today we visit Pulau Num and Pulau Swande. These highly picturesque islands offer another day of spectacular snorkelling, diving, beach-combing and fishing. Take an adventure boat ride through the bays of Pulau Num where locals live in huts stilted over the water and soak-up the stunning tropical scenery at Palau Swande. After lunch our guides will give an informative presentation on what makes Cenderawasih Bay so biologically and culturally unique. At the end of the day stroll along your very own beach, indulge in a refreshing beverage and watch the sun set in paradise!
The Auri Islands offer the most beautiful clear-water snorkelling and diving in Cenderawasih Bay, as well as some of the most beautiful (and uninhabited!) white sand beaches in West Papua. Revel in breathtaking snorkelling and diving on the sheer walls of Tridacna Atoll (named for the plethora of giant clams on the reef) and again at Wild Fish Reef. After lunch, we’ll be treated to an informative presentation on what to expect when we encounter tomorrow’s giants and then everyone will be given the opportunity to enjoy a mid-afternoon adventure boat ride through Auri’s spectacular Karst islands. Later in the day, snorkel over a trio of American WWII fighter jets mysteriously sunk in formation in only a few metres of water. End the day with beach drinks on our very own pristine sand spit as the setting sun turns the Cenderawasih sky to fire.
The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is the biggest fish in the sea! They feed predominately on plankton (although in Cenderawasih they’ve taken a liking to small baitfish!) and can grow to more than 12 metres in length. There are several places in the world where snorkelers can seek out a close encounter with these gentle giants – however we are pretty sure that nothing compares to a whale shark encounter in Cenderawasih Bay! Most encounters with whale sharks are fleeting – although they mostly swim slowly, mouths open and gulping buckets of microscopic plankton – they don’t have any trouble cruising past even the most determined snorkeler. But not in Cenderawasih Bay – here whale sharks linger close to the surface for extended periods and the reason for this unusual behaviour is not difficult to appreciate – they have long become accustomed to taking advantage of small fish that spill from the nets of local fishermen. This ‘learnt behaviour’ provides even the most inexperienced snorkeler with a unique opportunity to truly interact with these mammoth fish. Join the crew for many ‘once in a lifetime’ experiences! Two days will also afford ample opportunity to explore further afield. The Cenderawasih Marine Park features over 15,000km2 of relatively undisturbed marine and coastal habitat and the extensive coral reefs rank amongst the finest in the world. Cenderawasih is renowned for its diversity of coral reef fish species. Over 1040 species inhabit the park including numerous species of colourful butterfly fish, angelfish, damselfish, parrotfish, rabbitfish and anemone fish. Renowned Australian ichthyologist Dr. Gerald Allen has called Cenderawasih the “Galapagos of the East” in reference to the numerous endemic species of fish and coral and also because local evolution seems to be heading very much on its own trajectory! Species of mollusc are also particularly diverse and four species of turtle are often seen – the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys Imbricata), the green turtle (Chelonia mydas), the Pacific ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), and the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys corlacea). Dugong (Dugong dugon), coconut crab (Birgus latro), dolphin and various shark species are often frequently sighted inhabitants.
Roon Island is known for its excellent and varied dive sites, beautiful shallow snorkelling reefs, friendly villagers and stunning aerial scenery. Begin the day with either an energising snorkel on the lovely reefs of the Numamuran Strait or a dive at the southern end of Roon – where a Zero fighter lies on a hard coral slope in just 12 metres of water and green turtle, barracuda and surgeonfish are known to swim alongside equally curious divers. After morning tea have another go at snorkelling or diving on the unique underwater geological formations. In the afternoon join a walk around the village at Yende and discover the local culture – the village church contains a bible that dates back to 1898! Then all too soon we’ll steam east into the Auri Islands for one last reflective moment with your fellow-adventurers – celebrate an adventure-packed Cenderawasih sojourn with farewell sunset drinks on the beach!
Enjoy breakfast on-board before a private car transfer to Biak Airport and your chartered flight back to Darwin.
This itinerary is provided as example only – prevailing conditions, local arrangements and indeed, what we discover on the day, may cause variation.

Ocean Class - Twin

$25,995 AUD pp
Ocean Class - Twin
Located on the lower deck – Ocean Class cabins feature roomy singles and en-suite. Cabin size is approximately 12 square metres. Other features include 2 portholes, in-cabin entertainment and satellite telephone.

Ocean Premium Cabin

$27,995 AUD pp
Ocean Premium Cabin
Located on the lower deck - Ocean Premium Cabin feature a king size double and en suite. Cabin size is approximately 14 square metres. Other features include 2 portholes, in-cabin entertainment and satellite telephone.

River Class - Double

$30,595 AUD pp
River Class - Double
Located on the middle deck – River Class cabins feature a king size double (that can be converted to singles) and en-suite. Cabin size is similar to Explorer Class. Other features include large panoramic windows, in-cabin entertainment and satellite telephone.

Explorer Class - Stateroom

$33,595 AUD pp
Explorer Class - Stateroom
Located on the upper deck – Explorer Class cabins feature a king size double (that can be converted to singles) and a twin basin en-suite. Cabin size is 15 square metres. Other features include large panoramic windows, amenities fridge, in-cabin entertainment and satellite telephone.

Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition

Length: True North - 50 metres/True North II - 35 meters

Passenger Capacity: 36/22

Built/Refurbished: 2005/2023

TRUE NORTH

The TRUE NORTH allows discerning adventurers to experience wilderness in surroundings more akin to one of the world’s most exclusive hotels. Guests are able to take advantage of a number of lavish vantage points including a sundeck, a forward observation lounge, a ship’s lounge and an alfresco bar. The ship’s naturalist presents interpretative information on plasma screens and, an internet café enables convenient communication with the outside world.

A popular venue on any North Star cruise, the lower deck dining room offers the ultimate in comfort and uninterrupted vista – large panoramic windows ensure that guests never miss any of the action, even when they are enjoying the ‘finest in fine dining’. All cabins feature stylish décor, en-suite facilities, in-house entertainment and satellite telephones. The Explorer Class staterooms and the River Class cabins offer king size beds that can be converted to singles and the Ocean Class twins feature roomy single beds.

Multiple expedition boats provide guests with greater opportunity to do “what they want, when they want” and, to add yet another dimension to adventure, most cruise options feature an onboard helicopter!The purpose built TRUE NORTH is able to explore the upper reaches of shallow river systems – guests need only step out of their cabins to experience wilderness and, the latest in computer controlled motion stabilizers ensures a comfortable ride.

TRUE NORTH II

TRUE NORTH II features a more intimate experience with just 22 guests and a combined saloon/lounge. The dining salon features a stunning ‘boardroom’ setting and the revered True North dining experience. There is also a sundeck, outdoor bar deck and a dedicated sports deck.

All cabins feature ensuite or private facilities with in-house entertainment and satellite telephones. The Explorer Class staterooms and River Class cabins offer queen-size bedsand the Ocean Class cabins feature roomy bunk-configured singles.

Just like the TRUE NORTH – TRUE NORTH II is purpose-built to explore coastal areas including the upper reaches of shallow river systems – guests need only step out of their cabins to experience wilderness. But the adventure doesn't stop there! Multiple adventure boats provide guests with greater opportunity to do “what they want, when they want” and, to add yet another dimension to adventure, most itineraries feature an onboard helicopter!

And again, just like they are on TRUE NORTH, the crew of the TRUE NORTH II are generally young Australians who create a truly authentic onboard experience. Our crew are always very much part of onboard life - you may even feel as though they are having just as much fun as you are! That’s because they are – every day is an adventure for the crew as well and you will not be able to resist their enthusiasm and passion!

Unlike more conventional cruise experiences – True North crew are encouraged to interact with our guests. They will uniquely chaperone your every experience providing assistance, interpretation and genuine company. They will bait your hook and carry your SCUBA tank but they will also join you for dinner and entertain in the ship’s lounge. And not forgetting that they will also prepare fine meals of distinction, maintain your cabins with our renowned degree of attention and safely navigate ship, boat and helicopter to each destination. Guests on a True North adventure cruise never fail to recognize the outstanding involvement of the crew - they are one of the reasons that an adventure on the TRUE NORTH is not just another expedition cruise!

Cabin layout for True North & True North II

Inclusions


• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• All meals while on board with destination themed dining
• All adventure boat outings and excursions
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• Fishing and snorkelling equipment for use throughout the voyage where applicable
• Cafe style coffees and tea on board
• Transfers as per the itinerary
• Return charter flights ex Darwin ARE INCLUDED in the tariff

Exclusions


• International and domestic flights
• Passport and visa costs where applicable
• Travel Insurance
• Alcoholic beverages
• Scenic helicopter flights
• Visitors fee
• Transfers not listed in the itinerary
True North & True North II
Indonesia Luxury ExpeditionLuxury Expedition
8 Days from
$3,250 AUD per day

or call us on

NZ Freephone
0800 945 3327

AUS Freephone
1800 107 715

to help you make your reservation

Get Our Latest Brochure

Featuring the latest small ship cruises to a number of destinations, our Small Ship Cruising brochure is carefully curated to include small ship cruises from expeditions to luxury cruises to the world's most fascinating destinations including Alaska, Croatia, the Galapagos and the Antarctic and Arctic.

Our Associates Include

Adventure Canada
Heritage Expeditions New Zealand
UnCruise Adventures
Hurtugruten
Ponant
Pandaw