Banda Neira is one of the most captivating destinations on a Coral Expeditions’ Spice Islands & Raja Ampat itinerary—a place where history, culture, and natural beauty converge. Once the epicentre of the global nutmeg trade, this small island in Indonesia’s Banda Sea played a key role in shaping the course of world history. In the 17th century, nutmeg was a highly sought-after commodity, and Banda Neira became the focus of intense European interest, particularly from the Dutch East India Company, who built imposing forts like Belgica and Nassau to control the spice trade.
Today, Coral Expeditions guests have the opportunity to step ashore and explore this remarkable legacy firsthand. Guided walks through the island’s historic town reveal colonial architecture, centuries-old nutmeg plantations, and stories of trade, power, and cultural exchange. Visits to Fort Belgica and local museums provide fascinating insights into the island’s past, while warm welcomes from the local community, including traditional kora kora canoe ceremonies, create moments of genuine connection.
In addition to its historical significance, Banda Neira offers outstanding natural beauty. The surrounding reefs are home to some of the region’s best snorkelling, with vibrant coral gardens and rich marine life just beneath the surface. For those joining Coral Expeditions through this region, Banda Neira is more than just a stop—it’s a journey into the heart of Indonesia’s spice history, delivered with the insight and care that define the Coral Expeditions experience.

Snorkelling in Raja Ampat is like stepping into a living kaleidoscope beneath the sea. This Indonesian paradise, nestled off the northwest tip of West Papua, is home to some of the most biodiverse marine life on the planet—and you don’t need to dive deep to experience it. When you sail with Coral Expeditions, snorkelling becomes more than just a swim—it’s a fully immersive, guided experience led by our expert expedition team. You’ll drift over vibrant coral gardens, spot reef fish in every colour imaginable, and may even encounter manta rays or reef sharks gliding by. With all equipment provided and small groups ensuring personal attention, guests of all experience levels can enjoy the magic beneath the surface. From the soft coral gardens of Cape Kri to the friendly waters around Arborek Village, snorkelling is offered most days on our Raja Ampat & Spice Islands voyage—each site carefully selected for its beauty, biodiversity, and accessibility. With Coral Expeditions, you won’t just see Raja Ampat—you’ll experience it, one unforgettable snorkel at a time.

Image taken by @ashkarasphotography

On our Raja Ampat & Spice Islands voyage, a visit to Cenderawasih Bay in West Papua offers one of the most memorable wildlife encounters in the world — the chance to swim alongside whale sharks in their natural habitat. These gentle giants gather beneath traditional fishing platforms known as bagans, where they linger for a free meal of baitfish. The calm, warm waters of the bay create ideal conditions for snorkelling, allowing guests to float eye-to-eye with the world’s largest fish. It’s a rare and humbling experience that captures the magic of Indonesia’s remote waters and the unique connection between people and marine life.

Today marks six months until Coral Adventurer sets sail on our once-in-a-lifetime Australian Circumnavigation. Departing in October 2025, this legendary 60-day expedition will take just 112 guests on a journey around our island continent — a homeland truly “girt by sea.”

Along the way, discover remote coastlines, rich cultural heritage, and unforgettable natural encounters. With 48 days of guided excursion activities, a fascinating onboard program, and three signature special events — including an Island Cultural Festival in the Torres Straits, a Winemakers Lunch at Leeuwin Estate, and a charter flight to an Outback Homestead in Longreach — this is more than a voyage. It’s a rare chance to connect deeply with the people and places that shape Australia.

Interested in joining this voyage? Learn more here: https://www.coralexpeditions.com/au/destinations/cruise-around-australia-circumnavigation-of-australia/

#AustralianCircumnavigation #CoralAdventurer #ExpeditionCruise #SeeAustraliaDifferently #SmallShipAdventure

🐣💗🥚We are celebrating Easter a few days early in the office as we will be closed Friday and Monday! If you need to contact us regarding your upcoming cruise please email us at [email protected] over the weekend.
For any urgent enquiries on your immediate upcoming cruise please contant our duty manager phone number available on your 7 day letter.

We hope everyone has a fun weekend and look forward to seeing you onboard soon!

💙 Introducing “Discover-ray”, a newly named manta ray by guests on the Citizen Science voyage on the Great Barrier Reef. Named after our ship the Coral Discoverer, Discover-ray was first sighted breaching and being inquisitive at Yamacutta Reef in the Whitsundays. He is a juvenile male and showed great curiosity to Guest Lecturer Jodi Salmond who managed to capture it all on video!

Having Project Manta researcher Hannah Moloney as a Guest Lecturer onboard meant guests could submit their manta ray ID photos and learn about the research process, all while diving deep into manta ray ecology, biology and recent research findings.

The @ProjectManta & @ProjectManta_Whitsundays team are happy to receive this sighting as it’s helping their teams learn more about these elusive rays, especially in harder to access remote areas. Citizen science data contributes greatly to these research projects and helps with manta ray conservation. 💙

POV: Your camera roll after pioneering the first trip of the Kimberley 2025 season! Full of iconic destinations, memories and experiences. Who is coming onboard this year?

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Guests have boarded Coral Discoverer on a citizen science expedition to the Great Barrier Reef, sailing from Brisbane back to her home port of Cairns. Over the next few days, they’ll dive into hands-on experiences with leading research experts, exploring remote reefs, islands, and marine habitats. From witnessing turtle conservation at Mon Repos Turtle Centre to snorkeling alongside manta rays at Lady Elliot Island, every moment is a chance to connect with the reef like never before. They’ll contribute to species surveys, help restore coral reefs, and even lend a hand at the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre. With visits to the Museum of Underwater Art and participation in groundbreaking programs like Coral Watch and Eye on the Reef, this journey is all about making a real impact.

Stay tuned as we share highlights from this incredible voyage! #CoralDiscoverer #GreatBarrierReef #CitizenScience #ExpeditionCruise

At Coral Expeditions, we take great pride in our heritage of expert navigation and sustainable exploration. For over 40 years, our small ships have ventured into some of the world’s most remote and pristine destinations, guided by a deep respect for the environment and local communities.

Our voyages are carefully designed to tread lightly, allowing guests to experience nature’s wonders without leaving a lasting footprint. From the rugged coastlines of northern Australia to the vibrant reefs of the Coral Sea, we navigate with precision and care, ensuring safe passage while embracing the spirit of true expedition travel.

Through our commitment to eco-tourism, we partner with conservation initiatives, support Indigenous communities, and provide enriching experiences that foster a deeper connection with the natural world. Whether snorkeling at remote reefs, exploring ancient cultural sites, or learning from our expert guides, guests can be assured that their journey is one of discovery, education, and respect for the environments we explore.
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The Cape York Peninsula coastline is a wild and remote stretch of over 1,200 kilometers, where rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and vast mangrove systems meet the waters of the Torres Strait, the Coral Sea, and the Gulf of Carpentaria. To the east, the Great Barrier Reef fringes the coast, offering vibrant coral formations, turquoise waters, and islands like Lizard Island and Restoration Island. In contrast, the western coastline is marked by mudflats, tidal estuaries, and dense mangrove forests, critical habitats for fish, birdlife, and the region’s iconic saltwater crocodiles. At the northernmost tip, the land narrows into a rocky headland, where strong currents shape the island-dotted seascape of the Torres Strait. From secluded white-sand beaches to thriving marine ecosystems, Cape York’s coastline is one of Australia’s most unspoiled and breathtaking natural frontiers.

The Torres Strait is home to the Torres Strait Islanders, an Indigenous Australian people with a distinct culture, language, and identity separate from mainland Aboriginal groups. The Torres Strait Islands, located between Cape York Peninsula and Papua New Guinea, are home to communities with strong connections to the sea, rich storytelling traditions, and vibrant art, music, and dance. The culture blends influences from Melanesian, Australian Aboriginal, and European heritage.

Thursday Island (Waiben) is the administrative and cultural hub of the Torres Strait, with a population of around 2,500 people. Historically, it was a major pearling center, attracting workers from Japan, the Philippines, and Malaysia. Today, its residents include Torres Strait Islanders, Aboriginal Australians, and people of Asian and European descent.

Torres Strait Islanders are skilled seafarers, relying on fishing, trading, and traditional navigation. Their customs and traditions revolve around the sea, with ceremonies, songs, and dances reflecting their deep connection to their island environment.

Are you ready for waterfall season? We are! As the Kimberley’s rivers swell and cascades roar to life, there’s no better time to explore this untamed wilderness—and no place we’d rather be. Departing from Broome today, Coral Adventurer will be the first of our fleet to sail through this spectacular region, where thundering waterfalls, lush landscapes, and dramatic gorges make this season truly unforgettable. Stay tuned as we venture deep into one of Australia’s most breathtaking natural wonders!

🎥 Video captured by Seb Bang
#KimberleyCruising #WaterfallSeason #CoralAdventurer #ExploreTheKimberley #BroomeToDarwin