At a Glance
Embark on an exhilarating 16-night voyage, tracing a magnificent path from the vibrant shores of Darwin, Australia to the legendary Spice Islands, the fabled Raja Ampat, the majestic Republic of Palau, and the remote islands of Micronesia. Let this extraordinary journey culminate in the captivating beauty of Guam, where the Pacific National Battlefield Park awaits, ready to unveil its rich history and captivating landscapes.
As your adventure unfolds, be greeted by the awe-inspiring sight of traditional kora kora canoes, guiding you to the storied township of Banda Neira. Explore untouched landscapes and discover hidden lagoons in the enchanting Mommon Peninsula, where the calls of hornbills echo through the air and the vibrant dances of birds of paradise fill the sky. Ascend to the summit of Pindito Peak, and be spellbound by ...
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
Start off your adventure by boarding the Coral Adventurer at Darwin's Fort Hill Wharf at 8 am, with a departure scheduled for 9:30 am. Once on board, settle into your comfortable cabin as we set sail across the Arafura Sea. As the day comes to a close, join the Captain's welcome drinks, where you can mingle with your fellow guests and meet the friendly crew while enjoying the breathtaking sunset. |
Delve into the historical heart of the spice trade as we uncover the captivating Banda Neira archipelago. These ten volcanic islands have attracted traders and merchants for over 2,000 years, serving as a vital hub for highly sought-after goods like nutmeg, cloves, textiles, batik, and rice. Immerse yourself in the local culture by witnessing the enchanting nutmeg dance performed by the talented local school students before embarking on a tour of the historic township. Dive into the nearby lava flow reef system and treat your taste buds to the delightful flavors of local cuisine along the waterfront. Don't miss the chance to explore Fort Belgica, a fascinating historical landmark built by the first Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies. Marvel at the mesmerizing Kiti-kiti waterfall, where cascading water flows from the lush jungle directly into the ocean. Take a refreshing swim beneath this idyllic waterfall, allowing the cool freshwater to mix with the warm ocean waves. Explore the nearby coves through exciting activities like kayaking and snorkeling. Delve deeper into this pristine landscape by embarking on an Xplorer cruise to discover hidden coves or take a rainforest walk to spot exotic bird species such as hornbills and birds of paradise.
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Prepare to be awestruck by Misool, one of the largest islands in Raja Ampat and a true gem within this stunning archipelago. With its incredible biodiversity, including numerous endemic species, Misool offers a paradise for swimming, kayaking, hiking, and a breathtaking view of the awe-inspiring rock island formations. Your exploration of Raja Ampat continues as you visit the scattered karst "beehives" of Wayag Island. Cruise through magnificent waterways and lagoons aboard the Xplorer and Zodiac, taking time to swim in crystal-clear waters and stroll along the white-sand beaches that dot the many islands. Don't miss the opportunity to hike up to the renowned Pindito peak for a panoramic vista of this extraordinary region. As we bid farewell to the Indonesian region, our next destination is Sorong in West Papua. Marvel at the lush mountains that surround this town, covered in dense forests. Visit the Sorong Nature Conservation park, where you can witness demonstrations of traditional Papuan handwork bag-making and explore a dragon fruit plantation. |
Arriving in Tobi (Helen Reef) in Micronesia, weather permitting, you'll have the chance to meet the local people and indulge in activities such as snorkeling, swimming, and beachcombing. This island is renowned as a nesting site for lesser-crested terns and green sea turtles. Unearth the isolated Sonsorol Island, one of the sixteen States of Palau, and gain insight into the unique lifestyles of its inhabitants, who live disconnected from the modern world. Delight in a dive and snorkel adventure around the fringing reef and coral gardens, discovering the vibrant underwater ecosystem. Discover the wonders of Jellyfish Lake, a truly extraordinary experience. Immerse yourself in the turquoise waters and have an unforgettable swim among harmless golden jellyfish. Later, explore Koror and visit either the Belau National Museum or the Etpison Museum, both of which celebrate and educate visitors about Palauan culture. Continue your voyage to Micronesian Yap Island, where you'll learn about the rich customs and culture of the Micronesian people. Take the opportunity to snorkel and dive in the lagoon, immersing yourself in the vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. Conclude your island-hopping journey with a visit to a secluded islet, where you can snorkel among stunning coral reef gardens. Enjoy the tropical vista of white sandy beaches, and keep an eye out for sea turtles, coconut crabs, and an array of fascinating sea birds. As your cruise comes to an end, you'll carry memories of these remarkable experiences, cultural encounters, and breathtaking natural wonders that can only be fully appreciated through an immersive journey aboard the Coral Adventurer. |
We spend a day at sea with onboard presentations from guest lecturers, workshops and demonstrations. This voyage includes five full sea days and eight half sea days. 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 Darwin, Australia
The finish point is Guam, Micronesia
West Papua: Average maximum daytime temperature of 29 degrees Celsius, rainy season
Your cruise price does not include:
- Pre and post flights, transfers and hotels
- Scuba Diving charges
- Entry visas/travel permits
- Travel Insurance
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.