Raja Ampat & Spice Islands

The rich history and diverse marine life of Raja Ampat and Spice Islands are brought to life on this 18-night voyage. Aboard Coral Geographer retrace the ancient trade routes of spice merchants trading Chinese silks for cloves, Indian cotton for nutmeg and Arabian coffee for pepper. Explore some of the hundreds of rarely visited islands of Raja Ampat whose waters harbour over 75% of the world’s coral and fish species.

At Cenderawasih Bay, swim with the gentle whale sharks – the largest living non-mammalian vertebrate – in what guests describe as a ‘once in a lifetime experience.’ Walk through vibrant village markets. Experience a traditional welcome at Banda Neira where our ship is serenaded by kora kora canoes.

Enjoy the view over sunset drinks at 17th century Dutch Fort Belgica. Climb atop Mount Pindito to marvel at one of the world’s most photographed marine scenes: the jagged green limestone cliffs and crystal clear water of Wayag.

Highlights

• Indulge with three days in spectacular Raja Ampat, the famed ‘Four Kings’ archipelago
• Swim in the turquoise waters of Yapap natural pool
• Discover Wayag’s ‘gumdrop’ islands and be rewarded by the view from Pindito Peak
• Swim with the gentle and majestic whale sharks at Cenderawasih Bay, the world’s largest fish
• Be welcomed to Banda Neira by the exciting spectacle of the traditional Kora Kora canoes
• Explore the ancient kingdoms fought over by English, Dutch, and Portuguese explorers
• Learn the customs & cultures of West Papua and Indonesia, and experience local culture, including traditional dances, handicrafts and fresh local food

Inclusions

• Pre or post cruise charter flights ie Darwin to Sorong v.v.
• All excursions with our Expedition Team
• Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and Kayaks
• Snorkelling & SCUBA equipment (SCUBA diving at an additional cost)
• Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
• All meals, chef-prepared on board
• Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
• Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
• 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
• All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
• Tips and gratuities
• Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
• Expedition diary, along with a photo and video gallery documenting the highlights of your voyage
• Post-cruise transfers (in most destinations)
• Wifi Access – Standard speed connectivity enabling email, social image sharing, web browsing and messaging

Australian Geographic Society:

Darwin to Sorong 24 Jan 2025: Your Guest Lecturers will be Ray Andrews and Howard Gray. This voyage is in partnership with Australian Geographic hosted by Dr Brad Norman who will be sharing his knowledge with onboard lectures and workshops along the way. Bookings on this voyage go towards the Australian Geographic Society’s conservation projects and scientific endeavours.

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart Darwin / Sorong

• Crossing the Timor Sea
• Yamdena Island – Spice Islands, Indonesia
• Banda Neira – Spice Islands, Indonesia
• Banda Neira – Spice Islands, Indonesia
• Molana Island & Saparua Island – Spice Islands, Indonesia
• Sawai – Spice Islands, Indonesia
• Misool & The Stone Gardens Of Misool – Raja Ampat, Indonesia
• Kofiau Island – Raja Ampat, Indonesia
• Wayag Island – Raja Ampat, Indonesia
• Amsterdam Island, Indonesia
• Roon or Auri Island, Indonesia
• Cenderawasih Bay & Kwatisore Village, Indonesia
• Swande Island, Indonesia
• Manokwari, Indonesia

Day 19: Arrive in Sorong / Darwin

Not included

• Pre-cruise transfers
• Pre and post cruise accommodation
• Travel Insurance
• SCUBA Diving (view Scuba diving rates)
• Entry visas & travel permits for the country you are travelling to/from
• Alcoholic drinks (including beer and wine) outside of lunch and dinner service
• Laundry service (available at a cost)
• Items of a personal nature such souvenir purchases
• Optional Extras (in some destinations)

18 Nights / 19 Days

• From $19,390 per person double/twin share

Other cabin options available

Embark : Darwin / Sorong for select departure date

Ask about Special Travel Credit $2,000pp