Raja Ampat & Spice Islands Expedition Cruise 19 Days

Arrive independently to Darwin, Australia and make your way to the port for early morning embarkation. Meet your expedition team and acquaint yourself with the ship as it sets sail northwards towards the Spice Islands.

As embarkation is early in the morning, we recommend arriving in Darwin at least one day before embarkation. Reverse itineraries will depart from Sorong, Indonesia. Please enquire for advice on arrival and departure arrangements.

Today will be spent relaxing at sea sailing across the Timor Sea towards Saumlaki. Spend time on deck searching for seabirds, attend important safety and protocol briefings for your time in Indonesia, join the expedition team in the lounge for an insightful information session on Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands, and in the evening enjoy a delicious dinner followed by a movie or documentary on the big screen.

The first stop on our Indonesia adventure will take us the traditional and picturesquely peaceful village of Sangliat Dol on Yamdena Island in the Tanimbar Islands of Maluku, the centre of the ancient “boat” culture of Maluku. After lunch onboard, in the afternoon we will arrive in the port of Saumlaki and take a scenic coach ride to Sangliat Dol through verdant fields and plantations. Sangliat Dol is one of few villages where the giant stone boat and the culture associated with it remains intact today, and upon arrival we will be warmly welcomed by Village Elders and guided to the heart of the village to see this megalithic structure and learn all about its origins. We will also have the opportunity to learn all about life here and the unique village hierarchy.

At the historic heart of the spice trade, the Banda archipelago holds a rich and fascinating history that we will delve into during our two days here. A beautiful group of 10 lushly vegetated volcanic islands, Banda has attracted merchants and traders for over 2,000 years owing to its highly sought-after goods such as cloves, textiles, batik and rice. Yet its not only its goods that have attracted visitors here over the years. Its tropical flora, enchanting underwater lava flow reefs and beautiful landscapes are equally impressive.

As we approach Banda Neira, the archipelago’s administrative capital, on the morning of day 4, make sure to be on deck to savour the view of the outline of Gunung Api volcano with its thin plume of smoke often rising from the summit, and watch the Moluccan paddlers propelling kora kora canoes with their elaborately carved figureheads.

Your first morning here can be spent exploring ashore enjoying local tea and snacks on the waterfront. Or you may wish to take a snorkel or dive over the fascinating lava flow reef system. In the afternoon, we can explore the famous and extremely well-preserved Fort Belgica whilst gaining an interesting insight into the area’s Dutch colonisation and joining the locals for a traditional dance and music performance. The day will conclude with a refreshing glass of sparkling wine as we watch the sun setting over the fort.

The following day, you can choose to explore the colourful streets of Banda Neira, meet some of the locals and visit a local nutmeg plantation to gain a fascinating insight into the spice that started Banda’s spice trade history on a memorable guided tour. Alternatively, delve into the spectacular underwater world of colourful coral and captivating species such as mobula rays, Dogtooth tuna and one of Indonesia’s largest populations of Napoleon Wrasse on an exciting snorkelling or diving excursion.

Next up, we arrive early morning to the uninhabited private island of Molana to learn about its history which stretches back to the Portuguese colonial era and admire its enchanting fauna and flora including coconut crabs, Pacific monitor lizards, Moluccan scrubfowl and 85 species of trees. We will also visit the ruins of an old pre-WW11 Dutch hospital, and snorkellers may wish to enjoy the shallow corals and clear waters that are home to an abundance of underwater life. For more experienced divers, there is a fascinating underwater cave that connects to a well in the centre of the island.

On nearby Saparua Island, we will be warmly greeted with a song from the local school children as we make our way to land to visit the 17th century Dutch fort of Fort Duurstede to learn about the island’s complicated history and enjoy a war dance performance delivered by the local men and boys. This will be a fully culturally immersive afternoon that is sure to be remembered.

As we make our way to Seram Island in the middle of the Banda Sea, we will make anchor around the picturesque Sawai village. One of the oldest villages in the Maluku Islands, Sawai occupies a beautiful setting, and the homes built on stilts atop the crystal-clear waters of the ocean are a wonderful sight to see. Today can be spent relaxing on the shore or swimming or snorkelling through the colourful reefs of these delightfully still waters.

Today may well be a highlight for many as we arrive at the famous Misool Island in the heart of the natural playground of Raja Ampat, a simply stunning archipelago of over 1,500 smaller islands. During our time here we will visit the beautiful Balbulol Lagoon to enjoy a swim or kayak around the fascinating conical-shaped islets of this striking area. In the equally spectacular waterway of Yapap, we will discover one of the world's best natural pools where the water has such clarity that it simply has to be seen to be believed. Another highlight of the day will be a walk to a cliff summit for a wonderful view of the famous heart-shaped Dafalen Love Lake. Swimming, snorkelling and diving opportunities will be offered throughout the day.

A day of memorable cultural immersion awaits us today. This morning, village dancers sailing on their traditional boats will lead us ashore at Deer Village on Kofiau Island where we will meet our local guides who will take us on a tour through the village. Later that day, we will board a local longboat which will take us to the nearby village of Kampung Awat where we will enjoy a traditional Sasi Opening Ceremony and a barbeque on the beach. In the afternoon, we will visit more local villages and there will be plenty of time for swimming and snorkelling in the clear ocean waters.

A memorable morning will see us exploring through some of Raja Ampat’s magnificent waterways and lagoons on the ship’s Xplorer tenders and Zodiac boats, stopping for swimming, snorkelling and walks along some of the islands’ beautiful white-sand beaches. In the afternoon, you may wish to join an energetic hike to the famous Pindito Peak which will reward in spectacular views, snorkel, swim or kayak through the crystal-clear waters, or take a guided glass bottom boat tour.

We now find ourselves off the northern coast of Western New Guinea where we will make our way to the remote and rarely visited Amsterdam Island, part of the Su Islands group. Enjoy a cultural welcome performance and take a memorable tour of this enchanting West Papuan Village accompanied by local guides.

The following day, the weather conditions will dictate whether we visit Roon Island or Auri Island. Should we choose Roon Island, a highlight here will be the chance to snorkel in search of the wreckage of a Japanese Zero fighter plane that can be found lying in the shallow waters here among a vibrant array of underwater wildlife including large populations of lionfish, surgeonfish, and turtles.

Should Auri Island be our destination, we will navigate through picturesque island scenery to arrive in an awe-inspiring location to enjoy snorkelling, swimming and beach activities.

It may now be time to tick off a bucket list experience as we make our way to Cenderawasih Bay which boasts an incredible diversity of marine life and is one of the few places in the world where it is possible to swim with the magnificent whale shark. These endangered and completely harmless gentle giants can grow to the length of a bus, and swimming alongside them is sure to be a truly unforgettable experience.

We will then take a visit to Kwatisore village to meet with local guides to learn about West Papuan customs, cultures and the traditional lifestyles of the people here.

In the Yapen Islands group in Northeast Indonesia, we will make our way to Palau Num to visit some traditional fishing villages on stilts and enjoy snorkelling, swimming and Zodiac cruising through the picturesque waterways and lagoons.

Our final day of adventure will see us arrive in Manokwari, the capital of West Papua, which is located right on the tip of the island and is surrounded by lush rolling hills and the Arfak Mountains. There are over twenty-four different tribal groups living in Manokwari, each with its own unique language and culture.

In Manokwari, you will be able to choose from three unique excursions to fill your time here. Birding and wildlife enthusiasts may choose to join an exciting excursion into the Pegunungan Arfak Nature Reserve in the Arfak Mountains where trekking through misty tropical rainforests you can hope for sightings of cuscus possum, endemic plants and some of the region’s 320 bird species including lesser birds of paradise, common paradise kingfisher, magnificent riflebird and king bird of paradise.

The other options are a guided city tour of Manokwari with time to explore at your leisure, or a visit to the religious island of Mansinam where you can learn all about the history and significance of the island and participate in snorkelling and diving to WWII wrecks.

We now wake our way to Sorong filled with memories of what will be sure to have been an unforgettable trip. Upon arrival in Sorong, you will disembark and your Indonesia cruise will come to an end. Charter flights to Darwin (or alternative destinations) can be arranged. Please enquire for full details.