Wewak to Darwin - Total Solar Eclipse

Today board the Coral Discoverer in the city port of Wewak and commence your adventure in the afternoon. Capital of the West Sepik province, Wewak is a picturesque port city that used to be Japan’s major airbase during WWII.

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.

Arrive in Darwin in the morning and dock at Darwin’s Fort Hill wharf for the end of your adventure.