Raja Ampat & Spice Islands

Embark Darwin: Board at Darwin’s Fort Hill Wharf at 6:30am for 8:00am departure. Spend the afternoon becoming acquainted with all the facilities onboard as we cruise northwards towards the Spice Islands. 
Embark Sorong: An optional charter flight is available from Darwin to Sorong, via Manado.  
Check in at Darwin International Airport for this flight at 6:00am for a 7:30am departure. On arrival in Sorong, enjoy lunch at a local hotel before embarking Coral Geographer at 4:00pm for a 6:00pm departure. 
As dusk falls, join your fellow travellers at the Captain’s Welcome this afternoon, while your Expedition Team shares the extraordinary things you will encounter on your voyage. 

Spend a relaxing day at sea as we cross the Timor Sea towards Yamdena Island. Join our Expedition Team in the Bridge Deck for an insightful information session on Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands as well as safety procedures and protocols while visiting Indonesia.  
 

The artisan village of Tumbur offers a unique insight into the craftsmanship and heritage skills of the ‘pemahat kayu’ or woodcarvers and the regionalised motif of the expert Ikat weavers. Wander this seaside village amongst the villagers after a welcome ceremony. This location offers the opportunity to purchase Tanimbarese crafts from the makers. 
This afternoon we will spend at sea traveling towards Banda Neira.

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. 
The Banda Islands are lushly vegetated with tropical flora including the Myristica Tree (nutmeg) while the Banda Sea’s underwater lava flow reefs are popular for scuba diving and snorkelling. On our approach to Banda Neira, witness the outline of Gunung Api volcano. Admire the photo-worthy spectacle of Moluku paddlers propelling kora kora canoes with their elaborately carved figureheads. Snorkel and dive over the nearby lava flow reef system or explore ashore and enjoy local tea and snacks on the waterfront. 
Later in the afternoon, there is time to 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 colonization. Join the locals for a traditional dance and music performance before enjoying a glass of sparkling wine as the sun sets over the fort. 

We start the day arriving early at Molana Island whose history stretches back to the Portuguese colonial era. This uninhabited private island is home to 85 species of trees, Pacific monitor lizards, Moluccan scrubfowl and coconut crabs. The island still contains the ruins of a hospital built by the Dutch, whose construction was interrupted by the Japanese occupation in World War II. 
Snorkellers can take advantage of the shallow corals and clear water with easy viewing of unique corals and plentiful fishes. We head East to nearby Saparua Island where we are welcomed by village locals. The area holds an important spot in history books which we learn at Fort Duurstede, a 17th- century Dutch fort with a complicated backstory that spans centuries. Here men and boys give us their war dance with shields, swords, and cultural adornment. This is a location of cultural immersion and learning. 

En route to Sawai Village on Seram Island, stop at Besar Island to snorkel and dive in coral reef-bound lagoons. One of the oldest villages in the Maluku Islands, Sawai is set in the middle of the Banda Sea, with simple stilt homes over the ocean. Stroll along the banks of Asinahu Lake, where brilliant blue ceramic tiles lead to a viewpoint overlooking Sawai Bay.

Our introduction to the beautiful natural playground of Raja Ampat is at Misool, one of the four largest islands. Raja Ampat means ‘Four Kings’ which refers to four main islands: Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati, and Misool, in an archipelago comprising over 1,500 smaller islands. There is time to swim and kayak (weather permitting) amongst the conical islands of Misool. We visit the iconic waterways of Bulbulol featuring Christmas Rocks.  This vast primordial pool is dotted with dramatic limestone formations which look more like chess pieces than rocks. Swimming and diving in these pristine waters is an undisputed highlight of your Raja Ampat adventures. 

At Kofiau Island we are welcomed by village dancers from their traditional pontoon boats before leading us ashore at Deer Village (also known as Kampung Deer) where local villagers escort us through the home. Birders have the opportunity to take a jungle walk to spot the endemic Kofiau Paradise Kingfisher before rejoining the village walk. After lunch, you dive, snorkel and swim in the uniquely featured Boo Kecil – if you’re lucky, you’ll get to see Mantas! 

Early morning birders will disembark the ship to spot either the Wilsons bird-of-paradise or the red bird-of-paradise; amongst other local species in a moderate 30-40 min jungle walk. Bring your headtorches as it will be dark when you disembark the Xplorer. In the afternoon you visit the spectacular Piaynemo. Climb the 300 stairs for incredible views across turquoise waters and limestone karst formations. 

More Raja Ampat treasures await today as we explore the magnificent waterways and lagoons by Xplorer with time to swim in crystal clear waters and walk upon white-sand beaches amongst the many islands. After lunch, there is an opportunity for an energetic hike up to famed Pindito Peak, with hikers rewarded by panoramic views over the island and its spectacular lagoon. Alternatively, you can choose to relax by swimming, snorkelling or kayaking. 

Spend the day in this remote, biodiverse coral atoll teeming with fish. The Expedition team will source the best snorkelling and diving locations depending on the conditions. 

Spend a day relaxing at sea listening to our guest lecturers engaging presentation’s and enjoy our onboard facilities. 

Cenderawasih Bay (translates to Bird-of-Paradise Bay), hosts an incredible array of marine biodiversity. The largest marine park in Indonesia, Teluk Cenderawasih National Park protects a rich marine ecosystem, and covers an area of more than 14,500 square kilometres and is home to whale sharks, dugongs, dolphins as well as over 200 known species of fish and 150 species of coral. Cenderawasih Bay is one of the few places worldwide where it’s possible to swim with the endangered Whale Shark.
There is no guarantee that whale sharks will materialise on cue – if they do, we may have the chance to snorkel amongst them. Eyeballing these enormous fish, which are completely harmless and can grow to the length of a bus, is an experience you won’t forget! Later, we will visit Kwatisore village with local guides and learn about West Papuan customs, cultures and the traditional lifestyles of the people.

One of the highlights of Roon Island is the wreckage of a Japanese Zero fighter plane lying in shallow water and is visible to snorkellers when the weather co-operates. The wreck has become a marine habitat and sports large corals, gorgonian fans as well as large populations of lionfish, surgeonfish, and turtles amongst other marine life. Connect with local villagers and take the time to learn more about their daily lives. 

This is dynamic day as our locations is subject to prevailing weather and tides. Irrespective, you’ll have the opportunity to beachcombe, swim and snorkel in nearby reefs from the Xplorer or Dive the clear, calm waters and add to your lengthy list of species sighted during your voyage.