This 14-day cruise through West Papua explores the crystal-clear waters and colorful coral gardens of the Spice Islands and Raja Ampat. Swim, snorkel and dive surrounded by a vast array of marine wildlife, paddle a kayak through the stunning surround of the Mesemta Channel, and come face to face with villagers who until recently had been shielded from the outside world. Explore the brihgtly coloured Birds of Paradise and the world's most colorful coral reef systems, and take in the aromas and characters of West Papua.
Highlights
Visit Lake Sentani, home to villagers famed for their distinctive art
Cruise on a longboat to see the stilt towns built over the lake Sentani
Enjoy a refreshing swim in the tropical waters of Miosuwundi Island
Snorkel and dive on one of the finest reef sites in the archipelago
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Board the Coral Discoverer in Wewak at 4pm. Be welcomed by the crew and relax on board as you get to know your fellow passengers. Observe the magnificent coastline as you enjoy sunset drinks before your first of many delicious dinners.
Overnight cross into West Papua waters ahead of your arrival in Jayapura, formerly known as ‘Hollandia’ during World War II and now a melting pot of sights and smells. Visit Lake Sentani, home to villagers famed for their distinctive art. Cruise on a longboat to see the stilt towns built over the tranquil lake and be welcomed at Asei Village by the local dancers and their accompanying traditional instruments.
Awake this morning in the peaceful Island of Miosuwundi. Meet the local families in their traditional village to learn about their remote lifestyle, then enjoy a refreshing swim in the tropical waters.
Spend a day at sea enjoying Coral Discoverer’s on board facilities. Join the Expedition Team in the Lounge for an informative introduction to Raja Ampat and learn about the many wonderful experiences that you can undertake over the coming days exploring the archipelago of the ‘Four Kings’.
Cross the equator today and sail into the northern hemisphere as you make your way towards stunning Wayag. As you enter Wayag lagoon experience the breathtaking views and explore the magical maze of limestone karst ‘gumdrop’ islands on the Xplorer and your zodiacs. After lunch enjoy water activities on the nearby beach or for the very fit climb to the top of Mt Pindito for the panoramic view.
Enjoy an early morning visit to the equator monument at Kawe Island. If tides allow step ashore and make your way into beautiful Aljui Bay on Waigeo Island for a morning of snorkelling or diving on one of the finest reef sites in the archipelago. Enjoy a Zodiac cruise in this spectacular channel. Late afternoon visit Penemu in the Fam Island group and climb the lagoon lookout. Afterwards, snorkel in the lagoon area.
This morinng awake in remote Hidden Bay and cruise through the scenic Wallace passage aboard Xplorer and your zodiacs. After lunch there is ample time to kayak, enjoy glass bottom boat tours, snorkel and scuba dive.
Board the Xplorers and cruise into the village of Yensawai on the Island of Batanta. Be greeted by the local people who guide you through their village. Visit the primary school to see the children in full song before visiting the local market on the water front. Afterwards, board zodiacs for a cruise through the mangroves and a short walk to the waterfall. Visit Gam Island and the fun village of Yenwapnour, where locals welcome you with cultural entertainment. Then, sample food cooked traditionally in the underground oven and enjoy a guided walk through the village.
For the fit and able today there is an early 05:30 start on a steep hike in search of the elusive Red Bird of Paradise hidden in the trees. Enter through the stunning channel leading to your late afternoon anchorage. Finish the day with your famous BBQ on the sundeck overlooking beautiful Mesemta.
Today awake at Mesemta and experience a visually spectacular cruise on Xplorer. Afterwrads, enjoy snorkel and glass bottom boat tours in the sheltered lagoon. Enter the Misool archipelago to visit Wagmab. Snorkel or dive the magnificent coral gardens and steep walls, and join the naturalist on board the glass bottom boat.
Today explore the centre of the Spice Islands, where the world’s supply of nutmeg and mace has been traded for over 2,000 years. Observe Gunung Api volcano’s thin plume of smoke drifting from the summit and see Banda’s famous Kora Kora canoes in action. Depart for Banda town where your guides introduce you to the sights and smells of this historic area. Wander past the remnants of mansions constructed during Dutch colonialism on a town tour, see the museum, the old church and enjoy the opportunity to experience the markets. Refresh onboard before joining the locals for a traditional dance and music performance while enjoying a glass of champagne on top of Fort Belgica overlooking the town and harbour.
Today enjoy an early morning option to snorkel or dive over the unique submerged lava flow. For those wishing a leisurely morning, return to Banda and enjoy the traditions of a bygone era with cinnamon tea and local delicacies at the waterfront hotel before you farewell the Spice Islands and set sail towards Darwin.
Spend the day at leisure enjoying the on board facilities as you cross the Timor Sea. Join your Expedition Team in the ship’s lounge for a recap of the expedition. Reminisce with your new found friends at the Captain’s Farewell Drinks before the last of many remarkable dinners.
Day 14: 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.
$7,860
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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 25%, 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
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.
Lindsay Gompf
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
7 hours 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
2 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
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
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