Who did it better? These picture perfect furry friends stole the show during our trip through New Zealand!
Images captured by Expedition Team members Rhett, Mariah & Oscar
@mappleby_ @oscarkokako

Solander Island is a small, uninhabited island located off the southern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, in the Tasman Sea. It lies about 25 kilometers (16 miles) south of the main island, part of the group of islands known as the Solander Islands. These islands are named after the Swedish botanist Daniel Solander, who accompanied Captain James Cook on his voyage to the Pacific in the late 18th century.

Solander Island is known for its rich biodiversity, particularly in terms of seabirds and marine life. It is a protected nature reserve, with restricted access to help conserve its fragile ecosystems.

The island is rugged, with steep cliffs and rocky shores, making it inaccessible for most visitors. However, that’s not the case for Coral Expeditions guests. We are able to get up close and experience the island’s stunning beauty firsthand.

Imagery captured by Expedition Team member Mariah, Rhett, Harry & Oscar.
@mappleby_ @oscarkokako

#CruisingNewZealand #SmallShipCruising
#ExpeditionCruise #DiscoverNZ #NZWildlife
#NZBirds #NZScenery #NatureNZ #NewZealand
#NZMustDo #PureNewZealand #NewZealand
#NZMustDo #PureNewZealand #NZAdventures
#VisitNZ #ExploreNewZealand #NZAdventures

Dusky Sound in New Zealand is nothing short of extraordinary. Guests were immersed in the untouched wilderness of this remote fiord, with its cascading waterfalls, lush rainforests, and incredible wildlife, including seals and rare native birds.

Following in the wake of Captain James Cook, we explored the historic waters he first charted in 1773, experiencing everything from serene moments surrounded by nature’s beauty to the thrill of discovering its rich history. 🦭🚣🗻

Photography📸 captured by expedition team members Mariah and Rhett
@mappleby_

Feel a sense of awe as we navigate through the natural beauty of New Zealand`s Milford Sound, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes that seem otherworldly...

Our Tasmania season is in full swing! Guests kicked off their voyage with the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, watching yachts race out of Sydney Harbor and across the Bass Strait. They then spent five days exploring Tasmania’s east coast, welcoming the new year onboard with a special appearance of aurora australis.🎊💫

Tasmania, a treasure trove of natural wonders, is renowned for its iconic national parks, thriving wildlife, and endless opportunities for hiking adventures. Guests aboard Coral Adventurer enjoyed an unforgettable journey uncovering the wild beauty of this remarkable island.

Add Tasmania to your 2025 travel plans with one of our six exclusive cruises, sailing from January to March, and experience its stunning coastline and pristine wilderness for yourself!

A truly unique and convenient feature of Coral Expeditions is the seamless access to our Xplorer tender vessels. After enjoying a delicious meal in the dining room, guests can simply step out, walk down to the lower deck, and board the Xplorer tender with ease. No need for complicated embarkation processes—just a smooth, effortless transition from ship to shore. Whether you`re heading out for a scenic excursion or a wildlife adventure, the ease of access ensures that you spend more time exploring and less time worrying about logistics. It`s all part of the Coral Expeditions experience, designed for comfort, convenience, and a true sense of adventure.

Can you say YUM? Eight days of sensational culinary delights along our Bounty of the Southern Ocean cruise, brought to life for our guests by guest chef Jamie Carter, along with local producers and distillers. A true feast for the senses!🤤

The Tambling Wildlife Nature Conservation (TWNC), located on the southern tip of Sumatra, Indonesia, is a vital sanctuary dedicated to wildlife rehabilitation and ecosystem restoration. Spanning 45,000 hectares within the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, TWNC focuses on combating poaching and protecting endangered species, including elephants and primates. During our visit, we were wowed by the sight of Sumatran siamang gibbons, the largest gibbon species, as they effortlessly swung between tree branches, their expressions reminding us of their close relation to humans. Through anti-poaching patrols, community engagement, and educational ecotourism, TWNC fosters sustainable conservation while promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife.

Bawomataluo Village, located on the Nias Islands off Sumatra, Indonesia, is a cultural and historical treasure known for its traditional Omo Hada houses, megalithic relics, and rich heritage. Perched on a hill, the village showcases earthquake-resistant wooden architecture, including the King’s House, the largest in the village, said to have been built in the 18th century and still occupied by descendants of the original family. After climbing 80 stone steps— we were warmly welcomed with a war dance performed by elder gentlemen, later joined by women who invited us to share in the merriment. One brave young warrior demonstrated his courage with the traditional fahombo (stone-jumping) ritual, persevering through an apparent ankle injury to clear the top stone on his third leap with a triumphant smile.

On our visit to Leebong Island during our Sumatra Circumnavigation voyage, we took a short 10-minute walk across the island to the peaceful back beach, where we were welcomed by the beautiful sounds of the Belitung Gambus, a traditional harp played by a master musician, accompanied by a guitar, drummer, and singer. The music set the perfect tone as traditional dancers invited our guests to join in, with many taking the opportunity to dance along.

Our visit to the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre was a truly unforgettable highlight of our journey. Arriving early, we eagerly awaited the chance to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

The first to appear was an impressive adult male, followed by the dominant alpha male, who claimed his place at the feeding platform. Not long after, an adult female and her playful infant delighted us as the young one swung effortlessly on a rope high above our heads. The experience became even more special when a 53-year-old female, one of the sanctuary’s most revered residents, made a graceful appearance to close out the morning.

Semenggoh Wildlife Centre plays a vital role in protecting and rehabilitating orangutans, ensuring these endangered “gardeners of the forest” can continue their essential work of sustaining the ecosystem. Their remarkable intelligence and gentle nature left a lasting impression, reminding us of the importance of preserving these incredible animals and their habitats.

This was an extraordinary experience, offering a profound connection to the natural world and a cherished memory of our time in Borneo.

Our visit to the Mari Mari Cultural Village in Borneo was a captivating journey into the heart of the island’s indigenous heritage. Tucked away in the lush jungle, the village offered us a glimpse into the lives and traditions of the Kadazan-Dusun, Rungus, Lundayeh, Bajau, and Murut tribes.

From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed with a traditional ceremony, complete with lively music, dance, and colorful costumes that set the tone for the experience. As we moved through the village, we explored traditional tribal homes and marveled at the ingenuity and artistry that went into daily life. Hands-on demonstrations brought the past to life as we tried our hand at bamboo cooking, fire-starting, and other traditional crafts.

The highlight of our visit was the evening cultural performance, where the vibrant dances and songs celebrated the spirit of the people. Sharing a delicious dinner of local delicacies under the jungle canopy, surrounded by the sounds of nature, added a magical touch to the experience.

This visit was not only educational but also deeply enriching, leaving us with a newfound appreciation for Borneo’s rich cultural tapestry. It was a memorable chapter in our journey, bringing us closer to the heart of this incredible region.

Our welcome ceremony featuring high-energy dancing set the tone for our expedition through Silonay, Philippines. Traveling in colorful Jeepneys, we made our way to the mangrove ecopark, where we learned about an inspiring conservation project making a positive impact on the local community. 🌱

The boardwalk offered close-up views of native beehives and informative signage about local bird and wildlife species. A stroll through the Sinolay fishing village gave us fascinating insights into traditional fishing techniques and water sources. 🎣

Our final stop at the museum featured live music from a talented string band, allowing guests to explore and soak up the cultural history.

Modessa Island: The island’s tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty offered the perfect escape, where we could unwind, snorkel, and enjoy the best of the Philippines’ coast.

Marinduque is a cultural treasure, rich in history and tradition. From its role as the geodetic center of the Philippines to its colonial-era churches like the Boac Cathedral, the island is steeped in heritage.

The Moriones Festival brings the island’s unique traditions to life, with vibrant wooden masks and reenactments of the Passion of Christ. The craftsmanship, festivals, and customs passed down through generations made Marinduque a truly unforgettable destination for our guests.

On our arrival into Culion, Phillippines we were greeted with a wonderful welcome ceremony featuring a lively marching band and presented with a beautiful plaque as a gift—a truly special start to our day.

Our walking tour took us to remarkable highlights, including a historic church with breathtaking sea views, an intriguing museum rich with local history, and a visit to the heritage square, showcasing the charm of the area’s culture and traditions.

Our day in Puerto Princesa Philippines, began aboard local outrigger boats, landing on a serene sandy beach where curious long-tailed macaques greeted us. A short walk brought us to the safety gear station before embarking on a 200m trek through old-growth rainforest, where we spotted an Asian water monitor in the wild!

We then boarded paddle boats for a float through breathtaking limestone caves. The chambers were adorned with stunning stalactites, home to 14 species of bats, all brought to life by our guide’s torch and insightful audio headsets.

Our guests were thrilled by this unique and unforgettable experience—a true highlight of the journey!

In the ultimate game of chase between air and sea, witness the stunning agility of nature. A flying fish takes to the skies to escape predators below, only to meet its match in the sharp beak of a Red-footed booby (Sula sula) above. A spectacular sight to see on a sea day!

Our arrival on Higatangan Island was met with an incredible welcome—locals from the island and even musicians from the mainland greeted us on the beach with warmth and excitement. After a short walk, we enjoyed traditional performances, dancing, and a spread of local breakfast treats, setting the tone for a day of rich cultural connections.

Our next stop took us to the boat-building area, where two newly crafted outrigger boats awaited our guests for painting—one even proudly named the Coral Geographer. Then, we boarded chariots to the weaving village, where guests dove into interactive pandanas weaving, working alongside skilled locals.

Further on, we explored the lush botanical gardens, visited a fishing village, and made our way up to the lighthouse for a group photo and refreshing coconuts. The day’s highlight was our seafood boodle lunch, featuring a feast of local seafood, traditional music, dancing, and even a roasted pig (lechon) to celebrate our visit. The captain joined us for a memorable plaque exchange, marking an unforgettable day filled with joy and camaraderie. #CoralExpeditions #HigatanganIsland #Philippines

Keep calm... Our guests are flying over Lobac Eco Adventure Park.
What a thrilling experience on our Through the Island Trails of the Philippines cruise!

The Philippine tarsier is a small primate, known for its distinctive large eyes and remarkable agility, native to the Philippines. Although often called a "monkey," it`s actually part of the tarsier family and belongs to a separate branch of primates, making it quite unique. Tarsiers are found primarily on the islands of Bohol, Leyte, Mindanao, and Samar.

These tiny primates are nocturnal, relying on their large, expressive eyes to hunt for insects and other small prey in the dark. Weighing less than a human hand, they have an incredibly strong grip and can leap up to ten times their body length between trees, thanks to their elongated ankle bones.

The Philippine tarsier is also known for its shy and solitary nature, and they can be sensitive to human presence. Thanks to the great conservation efforts of the Tarsier Sanctuary in Bohol, our guests were able to see these fascinating and cute creatures.