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.
This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Papua New Guinea Cruises.
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 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
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
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