Raja Ampat & Spice Islands

Throughout this expedition, the expedition team may make changes to the itinerary in order to maximize the experience. Visiting these remote communities is subject to approval of the local landowners. Below are the key destinations the ship aims to visit.

Manokwari

Manokwari, the capital of West Papua, is located right on the bird’s head on the island of Papua, surrounded by lush rolling hills and nearby to the Arfak Mountains. There are over24 different tribal groups here, each with its own unique language and culture. Choose from three expeditions:

Those interested in birding and wildlife may choose to travel into the Arfak Mountains to the Pegunungan Arfak Nature Reserve, to explore misty tropical rainforests. Hope to see many endemic plants, animals and birds including cuscus possum, lesser birds of paradise, common paradise kingfisher, magnificent riflebird as well as king bird of paradise among the region’s 320 bird species.

Alternatively, choose to join a guided city tour of Manokwari and free time to explore this coastal town, the capital of the Indonesian provide of West Papua. Or visit Mansinam island–a religious island where guests can learn of the history and significance of the island and participate in snorkeling and diving WWII wrecks.

Num Island

An expeditionary stop for your ship, Palau Num is an island of the Yapen Islands group, in northeastern Indonesia. Here, have more time to visit traditional fishing villages on stilts and explore the waterways and lagoons, with time to swim, snorkel and a dive.

Cenderawasih Bay & Kwatisore

The biodiversity hotpot of Cenderawasih Marine Park attracts a significant population of whale sharks, the biggest fish in the sea. This is one of the few places where it’s possible to swim with this endangered species, as they are drawn to the fisherman’s bagans. If nature allows, snorkel beside the whale sharks. This is a true once-in-a-lifetime experience. Later, visit Kwatisore village to meet the local people and learn about West Papuan culture, music and lifestyle.

Roon or Auri Island

Depending on the weather and conditions, today enjoy either Roon Island or Auri Island. Located in the Teluk Cenderawasih National Park, these islands are picturesque and remote. At Roon Island, have the chance to snorkel or dive on the wreck of a Japanese Zero fighter plane. The wreck has become a marine habitat for corals and many species of fish. At Auri Island, enjoy beach activities.

Amsterdam Island

Today visit the little-known Amsterdam Island, part of the Su Islands (Mios Su) group, a cluster of small islands off the northern coast of Western New Guinea. Enjoy the opportunity to explore your very first West Papuan Village with local guides and a cultural welcome performance. There is also an opportunity to enjoy beachcombing and a swim.

Wayag Island, Raja Ampat

More Raja Ampat treasures await today while exploring the magnificent waterways and lagoons of Wayag Island by Xplorer tender vessel and Zodiac. Take in the otherworldly natural beauty of many karst islands topped with emerald foliage surrounded by sparkling blue sea and white-sand beaches. Enjoy time to swim in the clear water, kayak around the gumdrop islands and stroll the white-sand beaches. After lunch, an energetic hike up to famed Pindito Peak rewards with panoramic views over the island. Alternatively, continue swimming, snorkeling, kayaking or enjoying a glass-bottom boat tour.

Kofiau Island, Raja Ampat

At Kofiau Island be welcomed by dancers on traditional boats who lead all ashore to Deer village to board longboats to Awat village and attend the traditional Sasi Opening Ceremony. Sasi is a traditional ceremony to preserve the ecosystem and is a very important way the local people protect their environment. After lunch, snorkel and swim, with the potential to go ashore to visit other villages.

Misool Island, Raja Ampat

The first stop in Raja Ampat is at Misool. Raja Ampat’s name means Four Kings for the four main islands: Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati and Misool, in an archipelago of over 1,500 islands known for spectacular turquoise lagoons and magnificent rock formations. Today, explore Balbulol Lagoon, peppered with conical-shaped islets that rise from the peaceful waters. Swim and kayak amongst the islands in this beautiful lagoon, before spending time at Yapap, considered one of the best natural pools in the world. At Yapap, the sea has such clarity that grains of sand and coral reefs on the seabed are visible from the surface. Later, visit heart-shaped Dafalen Love Lake; climb to the summit to view the lake from above, or enjoy swimming and diving in the lake’s pristine waters.

Sawai Village, Seram Island, Spice Islands

Sawai Village on Seram Island is one of the oldest villages in the Maluku Islands. Simple homes built on stilts line the shore. Spend the day swimming in the crystal-clear waters. This is the final stop before journeying to Raja Ampat.

Molana Island & Saparua Island, Spice Islands

Start today at uninhabited Molana Island. This historic island is home to unique vegetation and wildlife, including Pacific monitor lizards, Moluccan scrubfowl and coconut crabs. Here, possibly snorkel and dive over the beautiful corals surrounding the island. After a refreshing morning, be welcomed at nearby Saparua by singing school children. Experience a day of rewarding cultural connection meeting the local people and visiting the 17th century Fort Duurstede to witness a thrilling war dance.

Hatta Island, Spice Islands

This morning, continue to explore Banda Neira on a guided tour, before visiting a local nutmeg plantation to gain a fascinating insight into the spice that started it all. Alternatively, snorkeling over the nearby lava flow system will reward with spectacular colorful coral and fish species. After lunch, cruise to nearby Hatta Island within the Banda Archipelago to enjoy exceptional snorkeling and diving just 16 feet from shore with turtles, dolphins and plenty of fish. Stroll through the village, and visit a pepper and nutmeg plantation.

Banda Neira, Spice Islands

The Banda archipelago was once the world’s only source of nutmeg and has attracted merchants for at least 2,000 years as highly sought-after goods such as cloves, textiles, batik and rice were moved through Banda. On the approach to Banda Neira, admire the photo-worthy spectacle of Moluccan paddlers propelling kora kora canoes. Snorkel and dive over the nearby lava flow reef system or explore ashore and enjoy local tea and snacks on the waterfront. Later, explore Fort Belgica, built in 1611. Join the locals for a traditional dance and music performance before enjoying a glass of bubbles as the sun sets over the fort.

Yamdena Island

Sangliat Dol is a peaceful traditional village in the Tanimbar Islands of Maluku, the center of the ancient boat culture of Maluku. Here boats were built to symbolize the arrival from sea of the original inhabitants of Maluku. Sangliat Dol village is one of few villages where the giant stone boat, and the culture associated with it, remains intact today.

This afternoon after lunch on board, take a coach ride from the port of Saumlaki towards Sangliat Dol, passing verdant fields and plantations. Be greeted by village elders and taken into the heart of the village where the megalithic structure is located. Here the village structure still follows the organization of the original inhabitants. The village head is seen as the Captain or Master “steering” the direction of the village. Many other positions of the village basically translate as “helmsman,” “harpooner,” “bailer boy” and other boat-related titles.

A day on board to relax and enjoy reminiscing over the highlights of West Papua, Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands, as the ship sets sail for the return journey to Australia.

Today arrive into Darwin at Fort Hill Wharf at 7:00am, and upon clearing customs and immigration, disembark at 10:00am to begin travel home or onward to other adventures.

This is an expedition itinerary covering remote regions. The captain and expedition team may make changes to the daily schedule when necessary to maximize guest experience. Below are the highlight destinations of the voyage. Below are the key destinations the ship aims to visit.

This voyage includes 3 full sea days and 5 half sea days. During this time, relax on deck and enjoy onboard presentations from guest lecturers, plus workshops and demonstrations.

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. While approaching and entering the Zonnegat channel, witness a thrilling spectacle as Moluccan rowers in traditional kora kora canoes greet the ship and escort her into the harbor. Go ashore to be welcomed by the nutmeg dance of the local school students, before touring the historic township. Spend time snorkeling 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. Join the locals for a traditional dance and music performance before enjoying a glass of champagne as the sun sets over the fort.

Kitikiti Waterfalls, Mommon Peninsula

Visit the mesmerizing 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 snorkeling 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.

Misool, Raja Ampat

Arrive at Misool, one of the four largest islands of Raja Ampat. 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 to explore the island by Xplorer tender vessel and beachcombing. Embarking on a hike here will lead to a higher viewpoint to experience the amazing rock island formations. Also enjoy a 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.

Wayag, Raja Ampat

More Raja Ampat treasures await today. 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 snorkeling, 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, which rewards with panoramic views over the island and its spectacular lagoon.

Sorong, Raja Ampat

Sorong is the ship’s departure point from the Indonesia region. Lush mountains covered with forest surround the town and fishing a is major part of the local economy. Here, go ashore to visit the Sorong Nature Conservation Park to see the big old trees planted by the Dutch many years ago. 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. Later, enjoy a relaxing guided walk through the forest to look for birds.

Tobi (Helen Reef), Palau

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 snorkeling, 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.

Sonsorol, Palau

Isolated Sonsorol Island is one of the 16 States of Palau 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 while visiting the village, and dive and snorkel the fringing reef and coral gardens.

Koror, Palau

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. Snorkeling and diving at Neco or Carp Island will reveal the underwater wonders to be discovered here. Later, go ashore in Koror, where there may be options to visit the Belau National Museum or Etpison Museum, which celebrates and educates about Palauan culture.

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. Snorkelling and diving at Neco or Carp Island will reveal the underwater wonders to be discovered here. Later, go ashore in Koror, where there may be options to visit the Belau National Museum or Etpison Museum, which celebrates and educates about Palauan culture.

Yap, Micronesia

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 13 feet or as small as 4 centimeters in diameter. There is an opportunity to visit the Yap Living History Museum to learn about Micronesian people and their time-honored customs and culture, as well as snorkel and dive the lagoon with its coral reefs and abundant marine life.

Ulithi, Micronesia

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, colorful coral reefs home to sea turtles, coconut crabs and sea birds. There is also an opportunity to visit the Ulithi Turtle Project and the vibrant community village.

Sorol Atoll, Micronesia

Sorol is a remote and rarely visited coral atoll, located 122 nautical miles south of Ulithi. Land on the largest of the three islands accompanied by a local ranger. Here, enjoy water activities and relaxing on an uninhabited atoll.

Disembark the ship at Tomil Harbor, Yap this morning at 8:00am. Bid farewell to new-found friends, the Master and crew. A charter flight from Yap to Cairns will be available (added cost).