Coral Expeditions PNG – 18 Nights Discover Raja Ampat & the Spice Islands

Board Coral Geographer in Darwin or join via charter flight to Sorong. Settle in, meet your Expedition Team and enjoy the captain’s welcome as the ship departs to retrace ancient maritime routes through Indonesia’s remote and culturally rich Spice Islands.

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea crossing the Timor Sea. Attend briefings on Raja Ampat, Indonesian customs and your upcoming destinations. Use this time to unwind, get acquainted with fellow travellers and enjoy Coral Geographer’s facilities.

At Sangliat Dol, visit the village of Tumbur for a cultural welcome. Meet local woodcarvers and Ikat weavers and explore artisan traditions. Purchase authentic Tanimbarese crafts before returning to the ship for an afternoon at sea toward Banda Neira.

Explore historic Banda Neira and its legacy in the nutmeg trade. Snorkel lava flow reefs, admire Maluku paddlers in kora kora canoes, visit Dutch Fort Belgica, and enjoy traditional dance before sunset drinks overlooking the Banda Sea and volcanic Gunung Api.

Snorkel shallow coral reefs at Molana Island. Later, receive a warm welcome at Saparua Island, tour Fort Duurstede and witness local war dances with cultural adornments—a vivid look into Maluku Island traditions and Dutch-Indonesian history.

Visit Saleman Village on Seram Island. One of the oldest villages in the Maluku islands, Saleman is set in the middle of the Banda Sea, with simple stilt homes over the ocean and a spectacular Karst landscape. Take a meandering walk through the village, engage in local life or go snorkelling in the afternoon.

Enter the heart of Raja Ampat with a stop at Misool. Kayak or swim among Christmas Rocks and the limestone karsts of Bulbulol. Dive or snorkel vibrant coral gardens in some of the world’s most pristine marine habitats.

Be greeted by dancers on pontoon boats, then visit Deer Village. Birders may hike to spot the rare Kofiau Paradise Kingfisher. In the afternoon, snorkel or dive the coral gardens of Boo Kecil, where manta sightings are possible.

Early risers may spot Red or Wilson’s Bird-of-Paradise on a pre-dawn jungle walk. After lunch, visit Piaynemo and climb 300 stairs to panoramic karst and reef vistas—one of Raja Ampat’s most iconic photographic sites.

Cruise Wayag’s stunning lagoons, swim from white sand beaches or hike Pindito Peak for sweeping views. This is one of Raja Ampat’s most breathtaking regions, offering time for kayaking, snorkelling, or simply relaxing by the turquoise water.

Spend a full day snorkelling or diving in Ayu Atoll. The remote coral reefs here teem with marine life, including reef fish, turtles, and colourful coral bommies. Your guides will select the best sites based on conditions.

Enjoy a leisurely sea day as the ship crosses toward West Papua. Attend guest lectures, review the journey so far, or relax with a book on deck as we prepare for the final leg of this Indonesian adventure.

Cenderawasih Bay is one of the few places on Earth where whale shark encounters are possible. If conditions allow, snorkel and witness these gentle giants. Later, visit Kwatisore village to learn about West Papuan traditions and daily life.

These weather-dependent locations offer chances to snorkel, dive, or beachcomb along pristine shores. A flexible day focused on relaxed, reef and island experiences in clear tropical waters.

Learn about the arrival of Christianity in West Papua. Visit this culturally significant island, then snorkel coral reefs or dive offshore WWII wrecks. A day of history, reflection and marine exploration.

Enjoy a cultural welcome on Amsterdam Island (seasonal access), part of the Su Islands group. Participate in local traditions, walk the beach and relax or snorkel nearby reefs depending on the tides and schedule.