This 24-day extraordinary adventure on board the Coral Discoverer takes you to some of the most remote and hardly visited areas in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia, with the highlights being the rare chance to experience a total solar eclipse in northern Indonesia on 9 March 2016. Adventurers and nature lovers certainly enjoy getting close to some of the most incredible wilderness on the planet: observe the colorful Bird of Paradise, snorkel in the Raja Ampat region and see some of the world’s most pristine and wildlife-rich coral reefs, discover traditional markets on Indonesia’s Spice Islands, and visit villages that have only become exposed to the modern world recently. An amazing, genuine and moving experience!
Highlights
Visit some of the most remote areas in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia
Experience a total solar eclipse in Northern Indonesia
Commemorate the most important battles of WWII
Discover rich culture and amazing wildlife diversity
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
You are invited to join a short flight from Cairns to Alotau on board a private jet (additional cost - see below). Board the Coral Discoverer early in the afternoon followed by the Captain’s Welcome Drinks.
Today approach the Dobu anchorage where your guest lecturers share the history of Dobu Island, a strategic connection between the north and south parts of the Kula trade routes. Be greeted by children at the local school and enjoy traditional dance performances. Continue on to the Dei Dei Hot Springs and learn the myths and legends of the area.
One of the highlights of your expedition, today spend time exploring the rarely visited Tufi Fjord, the only fjord system in Papua New Guinea featuring 25 cliff-surrounded canyons and offering some amazing photography opportunities. Board the Explorer for a shore excursion and enjoy some time at leisure: meet the local community, relax on one of the white-sand beaches, or snorkel in the nearby breathtaking coral reefs.
Day 5 is organized around the commemoration of the most important battles of WWII in the Pacific Ocean. Visit the history-rich village of Buna, located on the coast: it is in Buna that the Japanese forces established their main base during the Kokoda Track during the war. Visit Buna’s old Government Station and the American and Australian war memorial.
Get up early to head ashore to visit the picturesque village of Lababia. From there embark on the walk along the David Suzuki trail through the prehistoric rainforest leading to the Kamiali Wildlife Management Area. Bird watchers delight themselves in observing the many bird species of the area, including the Raggiana Bird of Paradise. In the afternoon, enjoy some of Papua New Guinea’s best coral reefs as you head to Fly Island: a variety of water-based activities including scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and glass-bottom boat tours are available for you to discover this breathtaking area.
Today spend time on Tuam and Tami, two islands that are part of the Siassi group and home to mainland and Bismark Archipelago cultural heritage. The local communities welcome you with traditional dances and typical village hospitality.
Visit Madang, a historic town located on the peninsula near several picturesque islands. The area is famous for its extraordinary diving spots offering excellent visibility and various WWII shipwrecks to explore. Explore the area through swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or scuba diving.
Reach the entrance of the powerful Sepik River on which you travel for the next two days. On board the Coral Discoverer cruise a distance of about 100 kilometers and visit the remote, typical villages of Angoram and Bien, home to the greatest primitive artist on the planet.
Early this morning, birding enthusiasts join the expedition team to spot and talk about blue-eyed cockatoos, wagtails, great egret, Blyth’s hornbills, and many other bird species as you cruise down the Sepik River. As you leave the Sepik region at sunset, also sail pass the active volcano on Manam Island.
Wewak is your destination this morning. Say farewell to some passengers and welcome new ones who are joining you for the second leg of your adventure. Capital of the West Sepik province, Wewak is a picturesque port city that used to be Japan’s major airbase during WWII. Have a chance to take a guided tour of the area, including Japanese bunkers and a war hospital, and enjoy some free time to explore the town at your own pace.
Your ship crosses into West Papua waters overnight to reach the busy town of Jayapura. Visit Lake Sentani, the location of General Douglas MacArthur’s main base during WWII and home to villagers renowned for their unique artifacts and bark paintings.
Today explore the Padaido Islands located in the south-east of Biak and famous for their gorgeous white-sand beaches and colorful coral reefs. This afternoon enjoy some water-based activities including scuba diving, snorkeling and kayaking and explore the islands’ wildlife-rich rainforests.
Board the Explorer and head to the island of Mansinan for more opportunities to snorkel and scuba dive near spectacular WWII wrecks just off the island’s shores. Enjoy an informative afternoon talk about Raja Ampat on board the vessel, one of your destinations in the next few days.
Your destination today is the island of Fam and its traditional fishing village. Later in the day, reach the archipelago of Raja Ampat, also known as the Paradise Islands: the abundance of plankton in the area makes it feeding grounds for the giant manta rays. Have the opportunity to swim with these magnificent marine creatures.
This morning, wake up near Pulau Jiew which is the eclipse center line. Be prepared for an unforgettable experience as you join an expert Guest astronomer on the sun deck and watch this magical natural phenomenon. Later in the day continue on to Wayag Island, part of the Raja Ampat archipelago.
Explore Wayag Island, known as one of the Raja Ampat region’s ‘Four Kings’. Head for the white sand beach and breathtaking maze of limestone karst islands for some water-based activities. The most adventurous have the option to climb Pindito Peak for some amazing vistas of the island’s lagoon.
Today cruise the Dampier Straits, named after the famous explorer William Dampier. Join a local Papuan guide before embarking on a walk through rainforest to reach the Sawingrai village. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the South Seas Pearl Farm.
Onboard the Explorer, travel along the narrow channel that leads to Hidden Bay on Gam Island. Enjoy some free time to kayak, take a glass-bottom boat tour of the coral reefs, or follow your expedition team on a nature guided walk. Later in the afternoon sail towards your viewing spot for tomorrow morning's total eclipse and join the guest astronomer for an informative talk.
Today reach the Misool Islands, another one of the ‘Four Kings’ of the Raja Ampat region. The islands feature breathtaking scenery, stunning diving and snorkeling sites, and palm-fringed white sand beaches. Take a nature-guided walk on Wagmab Island and also take a tour of the surrounding waters, home to the pygmy seahorse and the most gorgeous and colorful coral gardens. In the evening join the Captain on the sun deck for a sunset barbecue.
Board the Explorer and travel to the island of Mesemta for more exploration and exciting bird-watching. Continue on to the island of Pelee for great snorkeling and scuba diving excursions.
Reach the Banda Sea, ready to explore the Spice Islands. These small islands were at the center of the Spice Island trade network, attracting traders from almost 2,000 years ago. As the ship sails closer to the shores of Banda Island, spot the Gunung Api Volcano in the distance and witness oarsmen in the famous Kora Kora canoes gliding through the waters. In the afternoon explore Fort Belgica, built in 1611 during Dutch colonization. At sunset, you are joined by the locals and their traditional dance and music performances as you enjoy a glass of champagne at the fort.
Today have a chance to take in the colors and aromas of the islands. Spend some free time to explore the towns, rich with Dutch colonialism heritage. Visit the museum, the Governor’s Mansion, and stroll through the spice markets. In the afternoon, depart the Spice Islands and start sailing toward Darwin.
As your ship crosses the Timor Sea, enjoy your day at leisure on board. In the evening you are invited to join the Captain and his crew for farewell drinks and dinner.
Day 25: Disembark in Darwin
1 Breakfast
Arrive in Darwin in the morning and dock at Darwin’s Fort Hill wharf for the end of your adventure.
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.
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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 variable, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 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
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.5 | 102 reviews
TrustScore 4.5 of 5
Based on 102 reviews on
3 hours ago
Love Adventure Life, Mary is very experienced in the cruise department. Their post follow up after booking is great too.
Rita Shiver
3 hours ago
Responsiveness and follow through along with staff being very personable.
Douglas Wilson
6 hours ago
Hannah Gulgren and her assistant Nur are both delightfully helpful and extremely efficient. A pleasure to deal with.
ALWYNNE DEMETRIOU
10 hours ago
Kassandra was knowledgeable and attentive
Chesley Crosbie
17 hours ago
Attention to details. Flexible and always responsive. Great relationships and local partners.