Come aboard the Coral Discoverer to experience one of the world’s most diverse and exciting regions as they emerge into the 21st Century and see how real contact with the outside world has only started to take place in the last few decades. From the fragrant Spice Islands of Indonesia and the ‘Four Kings’ of Raja Ampat, this 13-night South Pacific expedition from Wewak to Darwin is sure to leave you spellbound.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Cross into West Papua Waters ahead of arriving in Jayapura. Formerly known as 'Hollandia' during World War II, Jayapura is today a bustling town of some 200,000 residents and a melting pot of sights and smells. Visit Lake Sentani, the location of General Douglas MacArthur's main base during WWII and home of villagers famed for their distinctive art, traditional motifs, sago bowls, drums and bark paintings.
Travel ashore to Pulau Insamfursi, a small island in the Biak Island group ringed by a beautiful white sand beach and colorful coral reefs. Enjoy an afternoon of in-water activities including snorkeling, glass bottom boat tours, kayaking and optional SCUBA diving. The island is covered in lush rainforest and is home to many endemic mammals and brightly colored birdlife including the small tree-climbing Geelvink pygmy parrot and Biak scrubfowl. Join the Expedition Leader for a walk across the island through prehistoric rainforest.
Ahead of arriving in Raja Ampat, spend a day at sea enjoying Coral Discoverer's onboard facilities and views of the New Guinea northern coastline. Join the Expedition Leader and Guest Lecturers in the Lounge for an informative introduction to Raja Ampat and an overview of activities planned for the coming days which are sure to be a highlight of the voyage.
Savor a day of exploration on Wayag Island, one of the famed 'Four Kings' of the Raja Ampat region. Start the day with a discovery of the lagoon's white sand beaches and a magical maze of limestone karst 'gumdrop' islands. There is ample opportunity for a full range of in-water activities. The islands are adorned with thousands of pitcher plants and colorful orchids. Spend the remainder of the day exploring. For the more energetic, climb Pindito Peak where the reward is breathtaking views over the island and its spectacular lagoon. This evening remain at the scenic Wayag Island anchorage and enjoy sunset drinks and a tropical BBQ on the Sun Deck. With the bright stars of the Milky Way shining brightly overhead, it is sure to be a fantastic end to another magical day.
Cruise the Dampier Straits, named in honor of famed explorer William Dampier. Traveling ashore to Pulau Gam, a local Papuan guide leads a walk through the shady forests around Sawingrai village. Here one of nature's finest creations may be glimpsed, the ethereal red bird of paradise. Join a guided tour of the South Seas Pearl Farm, where a local host explains the entire propagation and cultivation process. The farm produces pearls of the finest quality; an incredible souvenir produced in these very waters may be purchased.
Explore uninhabited Penemu Island and discover one of Raja Ampat's best kept secrets 'Hidden Bay'. Call in at the rarely-visited island of Fam, which is home to a large, traditional fishing village. Later, enjoy the natural beauty of Raja Ampat. On the aptly-named Paradise Island a profusion of plankton attracts giant manta rays, which you may swim alongside.
The Misool Islands are a gem-studded bracelet of islands that are a mecca for snorkelers and divers. The islands boast dramatic scenery, with towering limestone pinnacles jutting out of the water and white sand beaches adorned with palm trees. Travel ashore and explore on a nature walk with the Expedition Staff. Experience the waters surrounding the island, which are home to at least three species of the pygmy seahorse, no larger than a fingernail, and the most splendid soft coral jungles, with their vibrant shades of orange, red, purple and pink.
Just off the western tip of Ceram lies the pristine island of Pulau Gorong. Spend the day exploring the enchanting saltwater lagoon, which is also home to a myriad of native birdlife. Enjoy a range of in-water activities including guided snorkeling, SCUBA diving and glass bottom-boat tours.
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 2000 years ago. In the 16th century, European explorers discovered entire continents in their quest for these islands. Upon approaching Banda Island, the outline of Gunung Api volcano, with its thin plume of smoke drifting from the summit, is clearly visible. Enjoy the colors and aromas of the Spice Islands. Stroll through the wide, tree-lined streets, past the remnants of mansions constructed during Dutch colonialism. Visit the fascinating museum, the former VOC Governor's Mansion, the old church and Fort Belgica. Conclude exploration of Banda Neira with a visit to the town's nutmeg gardens, shaded by wild almond trees.
The Banda Sea is home to many active volcanoes. Enjoy a true expedition to investigate two of the most imposing calderas in the region. At Pulau Serua, one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, cruise around the island and admire views of the permanent plume of volcanic gases escaping from the crater and at least two lava streams formed during earlier eruptions, the last of which occurred in 1921. Later, visit Pulau Nila, where the most recent eruption in 1968 caused the locals of Rumadai village to flee. Nila rises some 781 meters above sea level and if conditions permit, travel ashore for a close up inspection of the caldera.
Awaken the ship approaches the Tanimbar Islands. The islands are surrounded by pristine white sand beaches fringed with palm trees. Travel ashore to the small village of Sangliat Dol and climb an antique stone staircase to view the well preserved stone boat which is used by the locals in ancestor worship ceremonies. Later, in Saumlaki, the main town in the Tanimbar Islands, explore and witness master carvers producing magnificent queen ebony wood carvings which are considered to be the finest in the entire Indonesian archipelago. View the community's traditional ritual ceremony and learn how headhunting was practiced here until well into the 20th century.
Spend the day at leisure enjoying the on-board facilities while crossing the Timor Sea. Join Expedition Staff in the ship's lounge for a recap of the many enriching experiences on this once-in-a-lifetime journey. Enjoy a final night on-board and join fellow travelers, the Captain and his crew at the Captain's Farewell Drinks while sailing toward Darwin, gateway to Australia's 'Top End'.
Day 14: Arrive Darwin
1 Breakfast
This unforgettable Raja Ampat and Spice Islands expedition concludes in Darwin this morning.
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 4.8 | 177 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 177 reviews on
10 hours ago
First class all the way. Enjoyed our Guide, Karla, Driver Mark so much. Personalized tour of Antigua during Easter was like a National Geographic in person. Trip of the Lifetime. Such a spiritual and magical tour. Many Thanks.
Ben Shaver
Ben Shaver, Jr.
2 days ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
4 days 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
6 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
1 week ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
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