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Swim the clear waters of Palau

Islands & Atolls of Micronesia: Palau to Kavieng

Example 19 Day Cruise aboard Coral Geographer
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Share the spirit of local islanders and partake in cultural traditions such as dance, weaving, and carving as it has been done for centuries. Enjoy rare wildlife encounters above and below the surface with diverse bird species and unique marine life on offer throughout the voyage. Search for island endemics and seabirds such as red-footed boobies, Pohnpei lorikeets, Chuuk monarchs, white terns, black noddies, and white-tailed tropicbirds. Snorkel and dive on the famed ‘ghost fleet’ of over 50 WWII coral-encrusted shipwrecks in Chuuk Lagoon, visit the Japanese war memorial and a former WWII command center.
View the wrecks of Japanese Zeros on the island of YapChildren dive from the rocks.A boat on the shoreSwim the clear waters of Palau
Highlights
  • Discover all 4 of the spectacular Federated States of Micronesia
  • Learn about the giant limestone disks used as currency on Yap island
  • Snorkel and dive remote reef and lagoons at Ulithi Atoll, Chuuk and Pohnpei
  • Visit the sacred lagoon waters of Lamotrek on a traditional carved canoe
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Palau | Embark

Included in your cruise fare is one-night accommodation and welcome event to meet your crew and fellow guests before your departure the following morning. Board the Coral Geographer in Palau at 7:30 am for a 9:00 am departure. Settle into your cabin and relax as we set sail across the North Pacific. This evening, join the Captain’s welcome drinks and meet your crew and fellow guests as the sunsets.

Day 2-18: Exploring

  • Ship
  • 17 Breakfasts, 17 Lunches, 17 Dinners
em>These are expedition itineraries covering remote regions. Your Captain and Expedition Team may make changes to the daily schedule when necessary to maximise guest experience. Below are the highlight destinations of your voyage.

Yap state is one of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia. The main island of Yap is famous for its stone money – limestone discs, known as Rai,  that are used as currency and may be as large as 4m or as small as 4cm in diameter. These discs do not lose value and many still carry the wealth of their owners. Discs can be seen embedded in the earth or standing in rows near villages. The Yapese are skilled builders, which can be seen in elegant tribal buildings. They are also very skilled navigators, and we will learn about their canoe building culture and ability to navigate through the many islands of Micronesia. Be welcomed and entertained with traditional dancing, and we may be here in time for their Homecoming Summer Festival.

ULITHI ATOLL
Ulithi’s Lagoon is the fourth largest in the world, and the ocean currents surrounding the island provide the perfect environment for diverse species to thrive. It is common to see manta rays, dolphins, turtles, sharks and barracuda around the atoll.
The Ulithi people practice long-held cultural traditions, which they will introduce through performances and village tours. We have to opportunity to relax and enjoy the company of the locals, before entering the warm waters of the lagoon on snorkeling or diving expeditions to enjoy the marvelous marine environment.

SOROL ATOLL
Enjoy a rare opportunity to visit a tiny uninhabited island.  Some time ago, a large cyclone caused the inhabitants to relocate to a different island, and the atoll has since thrived.  Enjoy nature walks to spot flocks of seabirds and endemic birds of this region of Micronesia and beach-comb along the white sand beaches. Snorkeling or diving reveals a thriving population of fish – be surrounded by snapper, batfish, angelfish, and trevally as well as many others. This is an expedition stop which provides a relaxing and peaceful day surrounded by nature in one of the most remote regions of the world.

IFALIK ATOLL
One of the most traditional villages in Micronesia, Ifalik is determined to maintain cultural integrity that we are privileged to experience.  Witness traditional dances and demonstrations of skills integral to the local lifestyle such as rope making, pandanus fiber making, basket weaving, and carving. After a wonderful morning learning about the people who make this remote atoll their home, there are opportunities to enjoy another dive or snorkel.
The locals may provide the opportunity to sail the lagoon in an outrigger canoe which incurs a small fee to the canoe owner (at your own expense).

LAMOTREK ATOLL
Visit the villages of Lamotrek Atoll (subject to permission), where the local people are known for their navigation skills and construction of elegant long canoes constructed from breadfruit wood. Here, we may see demonstrations of weaving and the creation of traditional foods, as well as exploring the beaches and snorkeling over the fringing reef. Enjoy conversations with the residents to learn about life in this remote atoll and relax on the beach together. Making these connections provides such a wonderful experience of shared culture that it is difficult for us to depart.

At Pulap Atoll, enjoy traditional dancing in a unique style, and later enjoy a drift snorkel through the aquarium-like lagoon. At Puluwat Atoll, we may visit an abandoned lighthouse or see WWII wreckage at Alei Island.

Continuing on to Chuuk, the main atoll of Chuuk State, we explore the spectacular coral-fringed lagoon, which shelters the mountainous volcanic islands.  The sweeping views of lush rainforest and cascading waterfalls contrast with deserted beaches, small thatched villages and tiny islets swarming with bird life.

Once a major military site for the Japanese, many of the Imperial Navy vessels sheltered here until 1944, when American bombers sunk 60 vessels and aircraft in the lagoon.  Known as the ‘ghost fleet’, the lagoon contains a vast museum-like collection of unparalleled mystery – ship after ship leaning into the ocean floor, and aircraft with wings tilted are revealed on an otherworldly dive.
Snorkellers may explore more shallow dives, while nature walks reveal endemic birdlife such as the Caroline ground-dove and Micronesian myzomela. There is also the opportunity to explore a multitude of WWII sites, particularly the Japanese command centers and the ruins of the colonial hospital built-in 1930.

We may have the opportunity to go ashore at Ant Atoll, a stunning coral reef atoll that is recognized as a World Biosphere Reserve. Home to some of the largest colonies of terns, boobies, black noddies and frigatebirds in the Pacific, the lagoon also has a thriving population of grey reef sharks. There is only one small settlement on this island, so we may snorkel, dive, or spend the afternoon strolling in search of endemic bird species.
On Pohnpei, the largest and tallest island in Micronesia, we visit the archaeological site of Nan Madol, a stone city with many ocean-filled canals and channels. Known as the Venice of the Pacific, the ancient city was a thriving civilization in the 12th century. Tour the ancient site and have the opportunity with longer walks to visit Kepirohi Waterfall and learn about the endemic flora and fauna.

The mountainous island of Kosrae is known as the ‘island of the sleeping lady’ and is the easternmost state in the Federated States of Micronesia.  Verdant forests and tumbling waterfalls give way to mysterious archaeological sites from a civilization that peaked around the 14th century.
We explore the enigmatic Lelu Ruins site, once an impressive city covering 20 hectares with an extensive canal system, social structure and pyramidal tombs. Corals were used extensively in the building of Lelu, and local myth implies that the city was constructed using magic. An investigative visit here will satisfy your desire to understand more of the ancient civilizations of Micronesia.

In the afternoon, enjoy snorkeling and diving at the Blue Hole, enjoy bushwalking and hiking, or spend time conversing with the local people.
After time at sea, we will go ashore at Nukuoro, one of the most stunning atolls in Micronesia. This atoll provides a fantastic opportunity to snorkel or swim over the wreck of a Japanese zero in shallow, crystal-clear water. We will also spend time in the village, meeting the locals and strolling through gardens of taro, and orchards of banana and breadfruit trees.

We celebrate our journey through the fascinating small islands and atolls of Micronesia with a final cultural performance at Kapingamarangi, where the locals farewell us. Say goodbye to an idyllic journey, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the warmth and welcome of the Micronesian people.

Day 19: Kavieng | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Arrive in Kavieng at 7:30 am to disembark Coral Geographer at 8:00 am. Enjoy a post-cruise tour of the city before being transferred to the Kavieng Airport for your charter flight to Cairns.

Ship/Hotel

Coral Geographer

Coral Geographer
Coral Geographer Deck

Dates & Prices

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Per person starting at
$9,185
Coral Deck Stateroom
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Coral Deck Stateroom
Located on the Coral Deck, these 17 Sq m staterooms are furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. A compact en-suite bathroom has a toilet, shower and ample storage. Twin porthole windows give you views of the world outside.
Promenade Deck Stateroom
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Promenade Deck Stateroom
Located on the Promenade Deck, these 17 Sq m staterooms are furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. A compact en-suite bathroom has a toilet, shower and ample storage. A large picture window gives you wide views of the world outside.
Coral Geographer
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Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom
These 21.4 Sq m staterooms are comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. A compact en-suite bathroom 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.
Bridge Deck Balcony Suite
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Bridge Deck Balcony Suite
Bridge Deck Balcony Suites are equipped with a lounge area, minibar and personal coffee machine. Along with special King sized beds which can be separated into two singles. An 3.5 sq m private balcony has an outdoor daybed and lounge chair for two.

Notes

Important Fare Information:
Rates are posted based off of the current exchange rates from Australian Dollars. Please contact us for current exchange rates
Included
  • 18 Breakfasts, 17 Lunches, 18 Dinners
  • 18 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
  • Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
  • Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and kayaks
  • All excursions with our Expedition Team
  • Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
  • Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
  • Your expedition photos captured during the voyage
  • Post-cruise transfers (in most destinations)
  • Snorkelling & SCUBA equipment (SCUBA diving at an additional cost)
  • 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Laundry Service
  • Entry visas/Travel permits
  • Alcoholic drinks including beer and wine outside of lunch and dinner service
  • Internet 
  • Pre-cruise transfers
  • Pre and post cruise flights/charter flights
  • Pre and post cruise accommodation
  • Items of a personal nature such souvenir purchases
  • Optional Extras (in some destinations)
  • Scuba Diving 

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This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
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