At a Glance
Embark on an extraordinary adventure aboard the Coral Geographer ship to explore Japan's captivating Ryukyu Islands. This immersive journey promises a wealth of insights into the region's nature, culture, and vibrant communities, offering a rare opportunity to discover these unexplored sites.
Your voyage begins in the bustling city of Fukuoka before setting sail on the Coral Geographer for Nagasaki, a city steeped in history. Here, you'll delve into the wartime past, admire internationally influenced architecture, and explore traditional shrines and temples. As you venture deeper into the remote Okinawan Islands, you'll encounter the unique lifestyles of those who rely on the sea for their livelihood, immersing yourself in the fascinating fishing village of Suwanosejima.
The Ryukyu Islands are brimming with ancient mythical legends, and you'll have the chance to uncover ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 16 nights' accommodation aboard Coral Geographer on a twin share basis
- Indulge in delectable meals prepared by our skilled chefs onboard
- Guided excursions led by our knowledgeable Expedition Team
- Snorkeling and Kayaking equipment (SCUBA diving available at an additional cost)
- Engage in daily lectures and briefings by Guest Lecturers, expanding your knowledge
- Showcase wines and beer, as well as soft drinks, with lunch and dinner service
- Access a 24-hour coffee and tea station with barista-style beverages
- All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees, and government charges are included
- Enjoy the use of all onboard facilities, including a reference library
- Benefit from post-cruise transfers in most destinations
Itinerary
Embark on Coral Adventurer at the vibrant city of Fukuoka at 4:00pm. Settle into your cabin and enjoy Captain's welcome drinks as the sun sets, mingling with your fellow guests and friendly crew. |
Explore Nagasaki, a city with a rich and colorful history. Visit the peace memorial for the atomic bomb and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of numerous shrines and temples. Marvel at the fascinating blend of old and new architecture influenced by various cultures. |
Discover the geological wonders of Shimokoshikijima, where scenic cliffs and dinosaur fossils await. Stand in awe of the magnificent Napoleon Rock towering at 127 meters. Explore the Satsumasendai Fossil Exhibition, witness the beauty of the three-tiered waterfall, and delight in the melodies of the traditional Gottan instrument. |
Uncover the natural beauty of Kagoshima, known for its abundant birdlife, including Japanese wood pigeons and Ryukyu robins. Indulge in the pristine white sands and sea turtles on the west coast, explore intriguing caves during low tide, and witness the captivating operations of the space center. |
Immerse yourself in the enchanting UNESCO-listed cedar forests of Yakushima. Encounter a 7,200-year-old giant cedar tree at Yakusugi Land and discover the island's numerous waterfalls. Gain insights into the ecology, history, and industry of Yakushima's forests at the Yakusugi Museum. |
Witness the unique and remote destination of Suwanosejima, home to a population engaged in agriculture, fishing, and seasonal tourism. Cruise around the island to observe its volcanic activity and enjoy the tranquility of this picturesque destination. |
Encounter rare endemic wildlife on Amami Oshima, such as the Lidth's Jay bird and the Amami black rabbit. Delight in the tropical beaches and engage in activities like swimming, kayaking, and diving. Explore the Kuroshio Forest by kayak and learn about the island's captivating history at Amani Park. |
Discover the serene "island of flowers and limestone caves." Venture into the Shoryudo Cave, surrounded by twinkling stalactites and stalagmites. Dive into the pristine waters and marvel at abundant marine life and stunning coral reefs. |
Experience the charm of Yoronjima, the northernmost island in Japan where the Southern Cross constellation can be observed. Enjoy a range of water sports, including diving, swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, in the crystal-clear waters of the Amami Gunto National Park. |
Immerse yourself in Okinawa's unique culture in Naha. Try your hand at traditional Ryukyu Glassmaking, witness the ancient art of Hanhaui textile weaving, and visit a historic distillery. Indulge in the local sake, Awamori, and delve into the fascinating history of the region. |
Explore Zamami Island, part of the Kerama Islands known for its protected Kerama deer and breathtaking underwater scenery. Dive into the world-renowned "Kerama blue" waters, snorkel among vibrant coral reefs, and visit observatories offering magnificent views. |
Discover the tranquil beauty of Kumejima, known for its unique rock formations and unspoiled natural coastline. Enjoy water activities in the warm waters and cruise along the rocky shoreline, appreciating the untouched beauty of the island. |
Experience the stunning limestone caves, canyons, and rock formations of Miyakojima. Engage in water activities like swimming through tunnels and passageways, surrounded by mesmerizing natural formations. Explore the island's botanical garden and walking trails, showcasing its diverse flora. < /p> |
Immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of Ishigaki, known as the "country of poets, the island of songs, and the land of dance." Witness the majestic manta rays, dive into vibrant coral reefs, and snorkel in crystal-clear waters. Experience the captivating entertainment culture unique to Okinawa. |
Kayak through the mangroves of Iriomote Island, surrounded by lush jungles and untouched landscapes. At Hateruma Island, enjoy the star-filled night sky from an astronomical observation tower, away from light pollution. |
Uncover the mysteries of Yonaguni Island, known for its submerged stone structures and diverse marine life. Cruise along the coastline, marvel at unique rock formations, and explore the island's history, culture, and language. Capture panoramic views from the Tindabana outlook and visit the westernmost point of Japan. |
We reach the captivating city of Keelung, Taiwan, marking the culmination of our voyage. At 9:30 am, we gracefully disembark from the Coral Adventurer, bidding farewell to the remarkable friendships forged and the incredible crew who accompanied us throughout this adventure. we reach the captivating city of Keelung, Taiwan, marking the culmination of our voyage. At 9:30 am, we gracefully disembark from the Coral Adventurer, bidding farewell to the remarkable friendships forged and the incredible crew who accompanied us throughout this adventure. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Accommodation
Dates & Prices
Please contact us for the available Cabins & Prices. Limited single cabins are available for solo travellers. Please contact us for more information.
More Info
- The start point is Fukoaka, Japan
- The finish point is Keelung, Taiwan
Ryukyu passage has a humid, subtropical climate. The sea temp ranges from 21°C in Feb to 30°C in Aug, making it ideal for marine activities year-round. The wet season (mid-May to late June) brings a higher risk of typhoons from June to September.
- Pre and post flights, transfers and hotels
- Entry visas/travel permits
- Travel Insurance
- Items of a personal nature including but not limited to phone and internet communications and bar charges (outside of the included drinks package as highlighted), laundry charges and souvenir purchases
- Tipping is not required. Other cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your account and service charges to your bar invoices. On Coral Geographer the crew has no other agenda than your delight.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 90 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 90 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.