The rich history and diverse marine life of Raja Ampat and Spice Islands are brought to life on this 18-night voyage. Aboard Coral Geographer retrace the ancient trade routes of spice merchants trading Chinese silks for cloves, Indian cotton for nutmeg and Arabian coffee for pepper. Explore some of the hundreds of rarely visited islands of Raja Ampat whose waters harbour over 75% of the world`s coral and fish species. At Cenderawasih Bay, swim with the gentle whale sharks – the largest living non-mammalian vertebrate – in what guests describe as a `once in a lifetime experience.` Walk through vibrant village markets. Experience a traditional welcome at Banda Neira where the ship is serenaded by kora kora canoes. Enjoy the view over sunset drinks at 17th century Dutch Fort Belgica. Climb atop Mount Pindito to marvel at one of the world`s most photographed marine scenes: the jagged green limestone cliffs and crystal clear water of Wayag.
Highlights:
– Indulge with three days in spectacular Raja Ampat, the famed `Four Kings` archipelago
– Swim in the turquoise waters of Yapap natural pool
– Discover Wayag`s `gumdrop` islands and be rewarded by the view from Pindito Peak
– Swim with the gentle and majestic whale sharks at Cenderawasih Bay, the world’s largest fish
– Be welcomed to Banda Neira by the exciting spectacle of the traditional Kora Kora canoes
– Explore the ancient kingdoms fought over by English, Dutch, and Portuguese explorers
– Learn the customs & cultures of West Papua and Indonesia, and experience local culture, including traditional dances, handicrafts and fresh local food
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DISCOUNTS, AVAILABILITY & SOLO OFFERS:
These fares are based on full brochure fare. Please note that the prices shown here are not shown in real time availability or pricing. Please check with your consultant at time of enquiry if your preferred cabin type is available and for your best offer!
Single Occupancy Fares: Coral Expeditions have allocated several staterooms for solo travellers. Coral Adventurer and Coral Geographer have two staterooms allocated in each of the Explorer Deck, Promenade Deck and Coral Deck categories. Coral Discoverer has two staterooms allocated in the Promenade Deck Category B. These fares are subject to a sole-supplement.
No Sole Supplement Offers: Occasionally Coral Expeditions run special offers on select voyages so you can enjoy a room to yourself at the twin share rate. For these offers they open additional staterooms beyond the ones allocated for solo travellers. These offers are subject to availability.
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Raja Ampat and Spice Islands – Cruise only package includes:
– 18 night cruise aboard Coral Geographer from Darwin to Sorong
– All meals onboard, chef-prepared
– Captain`s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
– Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
– 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
– All excursions with our Expedition Team
– Use of Xplorer and Zodiacs
– Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
– All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
– Tips and gratuities
– Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
– Your expedition photos captured during the voyage
– Wifi Access – Standard speed connectivity enabling email, social image sharing, web browsing and messaging
NOT INCLUDED:
– Charter flight from Sorong to Darwin post cruise at an additional indicative cost of $1500pp (to be advised by coral expeditions once prices are confirmed)
– Pre-cruise transfers
– Alcoholic drinks outside of lunch and dinner service
– Premium Internet services
– Laundry service (available at a cost)
– Items of a personal nature such souvenir purchases
– Optional extras in some destinations
Note: This itinerary is an indication of the destinations visited and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition changes may be made to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions, and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. Coral Expeditions suggests that you do not arrive on the day of embarkation or depart on the day of disembarkation due to any changes that may occur in scheduling.
Special Conditions
Special Validity Dates
Cruise Itinerary
| Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 Jan 2025 | Darwin, NT, Australia |
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| 25 Jan 2025 | At sea | ||
| 26 Jan 2025 | At sea | ||
| 27 Jan 2025 | Yamdena Island, Indonesia |
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| 28 Jan 2025 | At sea | ||
| 29 Jan 2025 | Banda Neira, Indonesia |
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| 30 Jan 2025 | Banda Neira, Indonesia |
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| 31 Jan 2025 | Molana Island, Indonesia |
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| 31 Jan 2025 | Saparua, Indonesia |
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| 01 Feb 2025 | Seram Island, Indonesia |
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| 02 Feb 2025 | Pulau Misool, Raja Ampat |
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| 03 Feb 2025 | Kofiau Island, Raja Ampat |
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| 04 Feb 2025 | Wayag Island, Indonesia |
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| 05 Feb 2025 | Amsterdam Island, PNG |
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| 06 Feb 2025 | At sea | ||
| 07 Feb 2025 | Pulau Roon, Papua New Guinea |
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| 08 Feb 2025 | Cenderawasih Bay, Indonesia |
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| 08 Feb 2025 | Kwatisore, Papua New Guinea |
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| 09 Feb 2025 | Pulau Num, Indonesia |
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| 10 Feb 2025 | Manokwari, Papua New Guinea |
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| 11 Feb 2025 | Sorong, Papua New Guinea |
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.
18 Night Cruise sailing from Darwin to Sorong aboard Coral Geographer.
The rich history and diverse marine life of Raja Ampat and Spice Islands are brought to life on this 18-night voyage. Aboard Coral Geographer retrace the ancient trade routes of spice merchants trading Chinese silks for cloves, Indian cotton for nutmeg and Arabian coffee for pepper. Explore some of the hundreds of rarely visited islands of Raja Ampat whose waters harbour over 75% of the world’s coral and fish species. At Cenderawasih Bay, swim with the gentle whale sharks – the largest living non-mammalian vertebrate – in what guests describe as a ‘once in a lifetime experience.’ Walk through vibrant village markets. Experience a traditional welcome at Banda Neira where our ship is serenaded by kora kora canoes. Enjoy the view over sunset drinks at 17th century Dutch Fort Belgica. Climb atop Mount Pindito to marvel at one of the world’s most photographed marine scenes: the jagged green limestone cliffs and crystal clear water of Wayag.
Note: This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions, and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. Coral Expeditions suggests that you do not arrive on the day of embarkation or depart on the day of disembarkation due to any changes that may occur in scheduling.
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.
Ship Profile & Stats
- Length: 93.4 metres
- Maiden Voyage: January 2021
- Passenger Capacity (dbl): 120
- Crew Nationality: Australian
- Dining Staff Nationality: Australian
- Ship Registration: Australia
Ship Amenities
- Voltage is 220/250Hz, 50 cycles AC (standard Australian 3 pin plug)
- Bathrooms are equipped with both 110V and 200/240V outllets for electric shavers only
- Individual Climate Control
Ship Facilities
- Xplorer Bar
- Observation Lounge
- Bridge Deck Bar
- Lounge
- Lift
- Gift Shop
- Dining Room
- Xplorer Boarding
- Gym
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.
Select the Cabin to view detail.
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 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 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
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.
* Unless otherwise noted all pricing is on a per person twin share basis. All prices based on cash payment - credit card fees may apply. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Special conditions may apply - please ask for full details at time of enquiry. All passports, vaccinations and visas are the responsibility of the travelling guest to secure prior to departure from Australia. Any pricing not in Australian Dollars will be converted on the day of payment into the relevant currency based on our daily rate of exchange. Please note that many of the prices shown on this website are not shown in real time. Whilst we endeavour to keep our pricing as up-to-date as possible, the advertised prices shown here may differ slightly from the live prices in our booking system. All pricing and offers are subject to availability at time of booking. Whilst all information is correct at the time of publication, offers are subject to change. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty. Please submit any data errors/omissions you may notice on this site.
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