West Papua, Raja Ampat & Micronesia

Board Coral Adventurer at Darwin’s Fort Hill Wharf at 8:00am for a 9:30 am departure. Settle into your cabin and relax as we set sail across the Arafura Sea. This evening, join the Captain’s welcome drinks and meet your crew and fellow guests as the sun sets.

The Banda archipelago is the historic heart of the spice trade and was once the world’s only source of nutmeg until the mid-19th century as Portuguese, Dutch and English fought for control over the spice trade. The ten volcanic islands have attracted traders and merchants for at least 2,000 years as highly sought-after goods such as cloves, textiles, batik and rice were moved through Banda.

As we approach and enter the Zonnegat channel, witness a thrilling spectacle as Moluccan rowers in traditional kora kora canoes greet the ship and escort you into the harbour. Kora kora canoes are a traditional war vessel, with elaborately carved figureheads stretching up to 4 metres. The canoes are propelled by up to 20 rowers and measure up to 20 metres long.

Go ashore to be welcomed by the nutmeg dance of the local school students, before touring the historic township. Spend time snorkelling and diving over the nearby lava flow reef system and trying local foods along on the waterfront. Explore Fort Belgica, built by the first Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) in 1611. The pentagonal shaped fort is extremely well preserved and provides an interesting insight into Dutch colonisation and the dramatic history of these islands. Join the locals for a traditional dance and music performance before enjoying a glass of champagne as the sun sets over the fort.

This afternoon, visit the mesmerising Kitikiti Waterfall, which flows out of the lush jungle and falls directly into the ocean. Enjoy the chance to swim under this truly memorable waterfall, feeling the chilled fresh water meeting the warm ocean water and explore the surrounding crystal clear lagoons by snorkelling or kayaking. Delve deeper into this pristine landscape by Xplorer cruise in search of hidden lagoons or on a Rainforest Walk and spot exotic birds such as hornbills and birds of paradise along the way.

Today, we arrive at Misool, one of the four largest islands of Raja Ampat. Here we visit Balbulol Lagoon, an almost landlocked inlet populated with conical-shaped islets undercut at sea level that rise from turquoise waters like Christmas Trees. There is time to swim and kayak amongst the islands in this beautiful lagoon, as well as exploring the island by Xplorer and beachcombing. Embarking on a hike here will lead to a higher viewpoint to experience the amazing rock island formations. We will also enjoy a traditional Sasi Laut ceremony, a traditional custom of Raja Ampat communities to preserve the ecosystem and effectively protect marine species by limiting fishing during a designated period.

More Raja Ampat treasures await today as we explore the scattered karst ‘beehives’ of the Wayag Islands. This natural treasure is nature at its most vibrant both above and below the water, with emerald karst islands rising from the brilliant turquoise water. Explore the magnificent waterways and lagoons by Xplorer and Zodiac with time to swim in crystal clear waters and walk on white-sand beaches amongst the many islands. The coral reefs here provide exceptional diving and snorkelling, with many vibrant corals and tropical fish species to discover. After lunch, there is an opportunity for an energetic hike up to famed Pindito Peak, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over the island and its spectacular lagoon.

Sorong is our departure point from the Indonesian region. Lush mountains covered with forest surround the town and fishing a is major part of the local economy. Here, we will go ashore to visit the Sorong Nature Conservation Park to see the big old trees planted by the Dutch many years ago. We will also be welcomed by the Moi Tribe, the owners of the land, who are culturally unique from other peoples in the surrounding regions. Enjoy demonstrations such as the making of the traditional Papuan handwork bag and a tour of a dragonfruit plantation, an initiative by the Moi tribe.  Later, enjoy a relaxing guided walk through the forest to look for birds.

Today, conditions allowing, we enjoy a true expedition stop at the small island of Tobi, home to around 30 people who live a traditional lifestyle. Meet the local people, who speak their own language of Tobian as well as some English, and enjoy snorkelling, swimming and beachcombing from the beach at Helen Reef. The island is known as a nesting site for lesser-crested terns and green sea turtles.

Isolated Sonsorol Island is one of the 16 States of Pulau and is home to a population of between 25 and 65 people who are culturally and linguistically related to the Yap and Caroline Islands. Learn about their subsistence lifestyle disconnected from the modern world as we hope to visit the village and dive and snorkel the fringing reef and coral gardens.

Koror is the main state of the Republic of Palau, as well as the main island. Koror City is home to about half of the country’s population. The land mass of Koror is not large, with hundreds of islands and islets of volcanic and limestone reef construction that present a stunning vista of craggy forested islands surrounded by emerald seas.

Here, we will hike to Jellyfish Lake, where there is the opportunity for an unforgettable swim with harmless golden jellyfish, which migrate horizontally across the lake each day. Snorkelling and diving at Neco or Carp Island will reveal the underwater wonders to be discovered here. There may be an opportunity to visit Milky Way, a channel known for its therapeutic clay, for a swim and natural spa experience.

Later, go ashore in Koror. There may be options to visit the Belau National Museum or Etpison Museum, which celebrates and educates about Palauan culture.

Learn about Micronesian Yap Island’s ancient monetary system of stone money, where limestone discs were quarried and carved into ‘coins’ known as Rai, which can be as large as 4m or as small as 4cm in diameter. There is an opportunity to visit the Yap Living History Museum to learn about Micronesian people and their time-honoured customs and culture, as well as snorkel and dive the lagoon with its coral reefs and abundant marine life.

Snorkel and dive from some of Koror’s palm-fringed beaches on a truly deserted islet in a remote part of the world. Enjoy the tropical vista of white sand beaches, colourful coral reefs home to sea turtles, coconut crabs and sea birds. There is also opportunity to visit the Ulithi Turtle Project and the vibrant community village.

Relax on deck as we spend a day at sea, with onboard presentations from our Guest Lecturers, workshops, and demonstrations. This voyage includes three full sea days and eight half sea days.

Our voyage ends in the US island territory of Guam with its significant WWII sites, cultural traditions of Indigenous Chamorro people that blend with the island’s Spanish colonial heritage.

Disembark Coral Adventurer at 8:00 am and bid farewell to new-found friends, the Master and crew