Coral Geographer, Island Empires & Ancient Mariners ex Makassar to Darwin

This itinerary also operates in reverse from Darwin to Makassar.

Day 1: Depart Makassar
Arrive at Makassar Port for a 4:00pm embarkation.

Day 2: Tana Beru, Indonesia
Traditionally, wooden Phinisi ships have been crafted by Bugis boat builders on the beach at Tana Beru since the 14th century. Hear the seafaring tales of the boat builders and climb into a Phinisi ship to admire its size and the craftsmanship of the boat builders.

Day 3: Sagori, Indonesia
The small island of Sagori is home to the Bajau and Bugis people where they will welcome us to explore their village and daily life. The surrounding white sandy beaches, as well as several shipwrecks, make it perfect for beach walking, swimming, snorkelling or scuba diving.

Day 4-5: Tana Toraja, Indonesia (Two Days)
Travel overland for 3.5 hours into Sulawesi’s highlands to Tana Toraja, renowned for its striking limestone landscapes and rich Torajan culture. Visit the traditional Tongkonan houses in Marante, the stone graves and Tau-tau effigies at Lemo, and the hanging burial sites of Bori Parinding. Explore the bustling Torajan market and the 400-year-old mountain village of Kete Kesu, then stay overnight in a local hotel, savouring traditional cuisine accompanied by local music and dance.

Day 6: At Sea
Enjoy a peaceful day at sea as we make our way to Palopo Port, the gateway to Tana Toraja. Participate in onboard activities, including workshops and lectures led by our special guests and Expedition Team.

Day 7: Jailamu Island, Indonesia
An ideal spot for beachcombing, kayaking, swimming, snorkelling, and diving, where turtles often come ashore, offering the chance to see nests and hear from expert Guest Lecturers about their lifecycle.

Day 8: Komodo Island & Pink Beach, Indonesia
Take a walk with local rangers to see the Komodo dragon and visit the local village. You will learn of the legends of the Komodo dragons and their mythological significance to the peoples of these islands. Later, enjoy a stroll along the dusky pink sands of Pink Beach and swim or snorkel/dive in the clear water.

Day 9: Padar Island, Indonesia
This morning, take on a 4km return climb to Padar Island’s peak for sweeping views of rugged mountains, pristine beaches, and the surrounding blue seas, with plenty of scenic stops along the way. Alternatively, explore the island by Xplorer cruise or enjoy snorkelling and diving.

Day 10: Ende, Indonesia
From the coastal town of Ende, travel a scenic road up to Kelimutu. On the way, meet the Sisters of the Saint Francis Order over morning tea to learn about their social work within the local community. Arrive at the spectacular tri-coloured Crater Lakes, where we may throw stones into the lakes for good luck. Later, enjoy lunch at Kelimutu Eco Lodge accompanied by the traditional music of Flores.

Day 11: Lamalera Village, Indonesia
Be welcomed by villagers with a traditional dance and share their way of life, which is rooted in ancient beliefs and utilises traditional tools and methods. Observe hunting and Ikat weaving demonstrations, with opportunities to purchase the exquisite hand-woven cloth directly from the weavers.

Day 12: Alor Island, Indonesia
Small, rugged Alor Island is home to approximately 140,000 people who speak 50 different languages. Visit the open-air Kadelang Market, the 1000 Moko Drums Museum and a traditional village, where you will be warmly welcomed. Witness the ceremonial Lego Lego dance in the traditional Abui tribe village, and dance rhythmically to the sound of gongs and Moko drums.

Day 13: Tablolong Bay, West Timor
Arrive at Tablolong Bay, and listen to the bright, harp like sounds produced by the traditional Sasando instrument with a beachside performance. Later, there is an opportunity to swim.

Day 14: Sea Day
Spend today relaxing onboard, listen and learn from our Guest Lecturer presentations, or enjoy an engine room or bridge tour.

Day 15: DAY 15: Arrive Darwin
Arrive at Darwin, Fort Hill Wharf at 8:00am.

Launched in March 2021, Coral Geographer is the newest addition to our fleet, purpose-designed to access remote wilderness shores around the world that are often inaccessible to large cruise vessels. Sister ship to Coral Adventurer (launched in 2019), she has over 1000 square metres of open deck space, multiple bars, majority balcony staterooms and suites, and public areas featuring a collection of Australian Indigenous art.

Coral Geographer is as comfortable as she is capable – her design draws on the latest technical advances as well as Coral Expeditions’ 37 years of experience building and operating expedition ships. The ship’s lightweight dual Xplorer tenders, a trademark feature of all our vessels, extend the capabilities of the ship by allowing deeper exploration on shore excursions. These ‘safari jeeps’ of the sea are fast, sturdy, and comfortable and developed to allow easy boarding from the ship and walk-off disembarkation onto remote shores.

Able to navigate into shallow bays, disembark onto remote islands, and visit small villages without overwhelming the environment or community, Coral Geographer explores the hidden nooks and crannies of Australia’s Kimberley Coast, Australia’s West and South coastlines and international voyages including to New Zealand, Sulawesi, Mauritius, and Zanzibar.

Coral Geographer carries a maximum of 120 guests, delivering Coral Expeditions’ renowned warm Australian hospitality, intimate onboard atmosphere, and world-class expedition experience.

Started in 1983, our company’s original vessel, Coral Princess, a converted World War II submarine chaser, pioneered and set the standard for small ship expedition cruising in northern Australia with 5-night cruises on the Great Barrier Reef.

Today, the Coral Expeditions’ fleet includes three purpose-built small ships that can be found anywhere from the tropical waters of Australia’s north to the rugged shores of Tasmania, from the coastal villages of Papua New Guinea and the Spice Islands, to sheltered sounds and glacial fiords of New Zealand.

While our range of cruise itineraries has expanded into new regions, we have maintained our home in Cairns and continue to be the only major operator of extended small ship cruises on the Great Barrier Reef.

There are many reasons why our guests return to Coral Expeditions for a truly authentic expedition.

A TRUE EXPEDITION ETHOS At Coral Expeditions, we pride ourselves on getting our guests up close and personal with stunning landscapes, fascinating history and vibrant cultures. We have deep respect and a strong connection with the places we visit. We maintain flexibility in our planning to make impromptu stops if extraordinary opportunities in nature present. Our expeditions focus on truly experiencing the regions we visit.

OUR HOME TURF When it comes to expedition cruising, there is no replicating experience. For 40 years, we have steadily accumulated a wealth of local knowledge and contacts in the coastal regions surrounding Australia. Our crew know the charts, the tides and the winds like no other to ensure you are in the right place at the right time. Whether you travel with us in the ancient Kimberley, Tasmania’s wilderness, the frontier lands of Papua New Guinea, or New Zealand’s majestic fiordlands, you will be assured a local perspective, with local guides, authentic interactions, and a true taste of local culture and cuisine.

OUR SMALL SHIPS At the heart of the Coral Expeditions experience are our purpose-built small expedition ships and unique tenders. In an age of glitzy mega-vessels, our ships are truly intimate, carrying no more than 120 guests. This means that we can navigate into shallow bays, step ashore onto remote beaches and jetties, and visit small villages to make connections without overwhelming a community. We have designed the fleet to explore tropical waters with comfort and ease and to allow you to connect with the landscape we explore.

OUR CREW Our crew live and breathe our destinations and the opportunity to show you a true expedition experience. We are the modern day seafaring pioneers of Australia, and we are proud to share our knowledge on coastal explorations with guests from around the globe. On our ships, we have no ‘back office’ roles. From our chefs to our engineers, our crew are here because they love to interact with people and show you their world. Join our engine room tours, view our chefs in our galley or chat with our officers on the bridge – they will be delighted to share company with you.

OUR RESPECT FOR COMMUNITIES We have always made a determined effort to support the communities we visit. Our guests join in enthusiastically. We visit remote villages, participate in art and cultural traditions, and interact in local schools. We initiate and contribute to regional projects to support conservation, provide training and employment, and distribute economic benefit and relief supplies, all with guest support and involvement. It is an enriching and rewarding part of our expedition experience that leaves a lasting joy for us all.

THE FUTURE As Coral Expeditions enters its fifth decade in existence, we remain true to our pioneering foundations. We have a new fleet of technologically advanced ships that provide many of the comforts of a large vessel, but without the crowds. We have embarked on a series of new adventures exploring the small islands of the world and broadening our footprint around our home shores of Australia. Yet, our purpose remains the same – taking small groups of like-minded explorers to beautiful parts of the world in our uniquely Australian style!

Select the Deck to view detail.

Coral Geographer - Coral Deck

Coral Geographer - Promenade Deck

Coral Geographer - Explorer Deck

Coral Geographer - Bridge Deck

Coral Geographer - Vista Deck

Select the Cabin to view detail.

Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom

There will be 6 spacious and elegant suites featured on the Coral Geographer. They will be equipped with a lounge area, minibar and personal coffee machine. Along with special King sized beds which can be separated into two singles. An 3.5 square metre private balcony has an outdoor daybed and lounge chair for two. The unique outside-facing bathroom with floor to ceiling windows will be the feature of the suites, with an infinity bathtub with sky views. A complimentary minibar is replenished daily.

Bridge Deck Balcony Suites are 37.5 square metres.

Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom

Our Explorer Deck staterooms are comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. A compact en-suite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. Your private balcony has seating for two from which to view the passing coastal vistas. These staterooms are located on the Explorer deck.

Explorer Deck Balcony Staterooms are 21.4 square metres

Promenade Deck Stateroom

Promenade Deck Staterooms are located below the Explorer deck and furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. A compact en-suite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. A large picture window gives you wide views of the world outside.

Promenade Deck Staterooms are 17 square metres

Coral Deck Stateroom

Coral Deck Staterooms are located below the Promenade Deck and are identically furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. A compact en-suite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. Twin porthole windows give you views of the world outside.

Coral Deck Staterooms are 17 square metres