Travel With Us: Raja Ampat & Spice Islands
Aboard Coral Geographer, retrace the historic trade routes of spice merchants who once exchanged Chinese silks for cloves, Indian cotton for nutmeg, and Arabic coffee for pepper. Explore some of the hundreds of rarely visited islands of Raja Ampat, whose waters harbour more than 75 per cent of the world’s coral and fish species. At Cenderawasih Bay, swim with gentle whale sharks – the largest living non-mammalian vertebrate – in what guests describe as a “once-in-a-lifetime experience”.
Departures & Fares
Partner Voyage: 24 January 2025 (Darwin to Sorong), from $19,390pp twin share
Other departures:
11 February 2025 (Sorong to Darwin)
20 March 2025 (Sorong to Darwin)
Save $1000pp with promo code AUSGEO
Cruise and Fly Fare: Fare includes charter flight Sorong–Darwin/Darwin–Sorong. Connect with ease to the ship on this hosted 2.5-hour direct charter flight transfer from Australia.
Cruise Only: You can easily opt out of the
charter flight and we will adjust the fare. Please contactreservations.
Highlights
- Spend three days on spectacular Raja Ampat, the famous ‘Four Kings’ archipelago.
- Swim in the turquoise waters of the lagoon at Yapap, on Misool Island.
- Discover Wayag’s ‘gumdrop’ islands and climb to the top of Mt Pindito for incredible views.
- Snorkel with gentle and majestic whale sharks, the world’s largest fish, at Cenderawasih Bay.
- Experience a traditional welcome at Banda Neira, and see the famous kora kora war canoes
in action. - Explore the ancient islands fought over by the English, Dutch and Portuguese.
- Learn the customs and cultures of West Papua, and experience local culture, including traditional dances, handicrafts and fresh local food.
Your expert guide
Dr Brad Norman has dedicated his life to research, education and conservation programs focused on the world’s biggest fish – the endangered whale shark.
He currently leads a major whale shark program at Murdoch University; heads ECOCEAN Inc., Australia’s leading non-government whale shark research organisation; was the first Australian to receive the Rolex Award for Enterprise for his groundbreaking whale shark citizen-science project; and in 2019, was awarded Member of the Order of Australia (AM).
For more information head to Coral Expeditions or call 1800 079 545.
