Embark the Coral Discoverer in Biak, West Papua, for a 12-day small ship cruise visiting the rarely-visited Spice Islands and Raja Ampat. The centerpiece of the expedition is a four-day exploration through the nature lover’s paradise that is Raja Ampat. Harboring over 75% of the world’s total coral and fish species, Raja Ampat’s pristine and brightly-colored reef systems offer perhaps the very best snorkeling and diving in the world today.
Highlights
Visit Cenderawasih Bay and look for an encounter with whale sharks
Explore Wayag Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Be welcomed by a local Papuan band in Yenwanpnour Village
Snorkel, paddle, and kayak through Wagmab's coral gardens
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
This morning board a chartered private jet for your flight from Darwin to Biak (additional expense). Enjoy a short tour of the town before boarding Coral Discoverer, where there is time to settle in and enjoy the onboard facilities before your departure. In the evening, join your fellow travelers, the Captain, and his crew at the Captain’s Welcome Drinks in anticipation of what promises to be a remarkable journey discovering Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands.
Enter the marine life haven that is Cenderawasih Marine Park and go in search of an encounter with the biggest fish in the sea, the beautiful whale shark. This region is one of the few places in the world where it is possible to swim with these majestic animals, and with luck, you may have a chance to snorkel amongst them. Spend the afternoon with the local West Papuans at Kwatisore Village, being welcomed into their community and learning about their traditional lifestyle and culture. Enjoy a walk through their village garden, with time to shop at the vibrant market stalls.
Spend the day at leisure as the ship makes its crossing towards Wayag Island. Join the Expedition Staff in the ship’s lounge for an interesting introduction to your journey, and the many wonderful experiences undertaken over the coming days in Raja Ampat.
This morning cruise to Wayag Island, which is currently being considered for UNESCO World Heritage listing. Discover the lagoon’s white-sand beaches and maze of limestone karst ‘gumdrop’ islands. Explore the lagoons in Zodiacs and aboard Xplorer with time for a swim in the aqua-blue water. For those keen on an energetic climb, after lunch you can trek up famous Pindito Peak, where the reward is breathtaking views over the surrounding islands and spectacular lagoon. You may choose to relax with a swim, snorkel, enjoy a kayak paddle, or cruise in the glass bottom boat.
Crossing the equator, enjoy the morning at beautiful Aljui Bay for a high-quality snorkel and dive on one of the best reef sites in the area. Others may enjoy a cruise in this spectacular channel in a Zodiac. Set sail for Yenwapnour Village for a friendly welcome by the local Papuan band, with cultural dances. A variety of traditionally cooked food is on offer for tasting. Meet the locals on a guided stroll through the village area before returning to the ship for pre-dinner drinks.
Day 6: Raja Ampat | Gam Island Hidden Bay & The Wallace Passage
Enjoy an early morning adventure seeking out the elusive red bird of paradise at an exclusive local vantage point (40 min uphill hike, good fitness required). If conditions are favorable, take part on an early morning snorkel. At the mid-morning navigate the narrow entrance to discover Hidden Bay. The narrow entrance to the bay is easy to overlook and visits from cruise ships are rare. Pass through the famous Wallace passage, aboard Xplorer and Zodiacs, where history abounds and the stunning surroundings keeps your cameras in action.
After lunch, enjoy snorkeling and diving on the nearby reef. The glass bottom boat is available to view the reef with a naturalist on board, or you can head off on a relaxing kayak tour around the nearby limestone karst rocks.
Awaken and enjoy the scenery as the ship cruises to a beautiful anchorage near the secret mangrove entrance for a Zodiac cruise. Meander through the mangrove system, which takes you to a jetty landing and an easy 300m walk through the tropical rainforest to a cascading waterfall known to the locals as “The Widows Water”. Local guides join the expedition as you enjoy the rainforest. Board Xplorer and cruise into the village of Yensawah and be greeted by the locals and then guided through the village. Visit the local school and see the children in full song before visiting the local market on the water front. Experience the friendliness of the locals. This afternoon, arrive at the Fam group of islands. Enjoy the opportunity for a climb up a boardwalk for spectacular views of Penemu. Otherwise, choose to relax with a swim and a snorkel in the clear waters before a well-deserved pre-dinner drink.
Today the ship enters the Misool Archipelago and anchors at beautiful Wagmab, where excellent coral gardens and steep walls allow you to snorkel and dive to your heart's content. If conditions allow, a naturalist has the glass bottom boat in action over the reef systems, before you depart for your afternoon destination.
Cruise up a stunning passage and arrive into Mesemta Bay. Enjoy snorkeling and viewing from the glass bottom boat, or paddle at your leisure through these amazing karst islands on kayaks. Finish the day with the famous BBQ on the top deck and take in the sunset looking over this spectacular backdrop.
In the middle of the Banda Sea lies an enchanted fragment of history, the center of the Spice Island trade. Originally the world’s sole source of nutmeg and mace, these nine tiny islands have attracted traders since at least 2,000 years ago. In the 16th century, European explorers discovered entire continents in their quest for these islands. On the approach to Banda Island the outline of Gunung Api Volcano, with its thin plume of smoke drifting from the summit, is clearly visible. See Banda’s famous Kora Kora canoes in action - with up to 38 oarsmen aboard they are a sight to behold as they glide across the water. Later in the afternoon there is time to explore Fort Belgica. Built by the first Governor General of the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) in 1611, the fort is extremely well preserved and provides an interesting insight into Dutch colonization. Join the locals for a traditional dance and music performance before enjoying a glass of champagne as the sun sets over the fort.
This morning enjoy the opportunity to immerse yourself in the colors and aromas of the Spice Islands. Travel through the wide, tree-lined streets and past the remnants of mansions constructed during Dutch colonialism on a town tour. See the museum, the former VOC Governor’s Mansion, the old church, and a cultural presentation. Explore a nutmeg plantation and learn of its importance in Banda’s historical past. Sample local treats and watch a cultural performance on the waterfront before leaving your new-found friends.
Today say farewell to the Spice Islands and cruise towards Darwin. Spend the day on board to relax and enjoy, reminiscing over the highlights of Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands as the ship sets sail for your return journey to Australia.
Day 13: Darwin | Disembark
1 Breakfast
This morning at 8:00am, arrive at Darwin’s Fort Hill Wharf, marking the end of your great adventure discovering Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$6,155
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Main Deck B
Averaging 195 sq. ft. Three cabins located on the Main Deck, equipped with twin portholes, desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
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Main Deck A
Averaging 195 sq. ft. Six cabins located on the Main Deck, equipped with twin porthole windows, desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
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Promenade Deck B
Averaging 160 sq. ft. Four cabins located on the Promenade Deck, equipped with picture windows, desk, telephone and Junior King bedding.
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Promenade Deck A
Averaging 195 sq. ft. Eighteen cabins located on the Promenade Deck, equipped with picture windows, sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
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Bridge Deck
Averaging 195 sq. ft. Five cabins located on the Bridge Deck, equipped with picture windows, sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Notes
Solo Travelers:
Solo cabin occupancy is limited and based on availability in Promenade Deck B cabins only. Single supplement is an additional 50%.
Important Fare Information:
Rates are posted based off of the current exchange rates from Australian or New Zealand Dollars. Please contact us for current exchange rates.
Initial deposit is 15%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.
KC Chan
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
1 day ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.