Explore the Small Islands of Japan & The Philippines
Join us as we set sail from Darwin on our expeditions to the Small Islands of Japan and the Philippines.
Charting northwards from Australia through West Papua and Raja Ampat, we trace history as we explore frontier lands that lie in the wake of war. Sail to the small islands of the Japanese Ogasawara and Ryukyu archipelagos, most of which remain untouched by Western travellers. Discover remote island life at traditional fishing villages and experience authentic encounters with local people, culture and nature.
This is Japan and the Philippines that most visitors have not seen. With only 120 like-minded passengers, an expert expedition team and warm Australian hospitality, there is no better way to experience these far reaches than by small ship.
Travel with ease on our optional charter flights providing a direct connection between destinations
Sail The Series – Enjoy our Xplorers Club Benefits and an additional 10% savings on adjoining voyages.
Coral Expedition Explores Japan
With fewer than 120 guests, Coral Adventurer and Coral Geographer are perfectly positioned for expedition cruising around the Small Islands of Japan & The Philippines, designed to venture where few other cruise ships can go. The ship’s lightweight dual Xplorer expedition tenders allow for deeper exploration, on shore excursions and an easy, step-on embarkation from the ship’s main deck making it ideal for remote seaside villages and beaches in Japan and the Philippines.
History and Natural Beauty
This is Japan and The Philippines but not as you know it. Enjoy the ancient warrior traditional welcome of the kora kora canoes in Banda Niera and cruise the pristine landscape of Kitikita Waterfalls. Swim, snorkel and dive the aquamarine waters of the Northern Mariana Islands and visit UNESCO World Heritage sites. Experience Awa or “fool’s dance” which dates back 400 years at Tokujima and visit Osaka, the food capital of Japan. Be among the first overseas tourists to set foot on the remote Ryukyu Island and view a 25m tall giant cedar tree estimated to be up to 7,200 years old. Witness the natural beauty of Palaui Island National Park and its historic Cabo Engano lighthouse and cruise the Loboc River with traditional song and dance entertainment.

Voyage Log: Through Japan’s Ryukyu Islands – Fukuoka to Keelung

Voyage Log: Through the Heart of Japan – Tokyo to Fukuoka

Follow the Voyage: Journey to Japan – Yap to Tokyo – September 2024
Coral Expeditions on Social Media
Our Journey Through Japan & The Philippines
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.
Nov 30

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.
Nov 29

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.
Nov 27

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!
Nov 25

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!
Nov 14

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.
Nov 13

What a wonderful time we had on Maripipi Island in the Philippines! The whole island turned out to welcome us, lining the streets with waves and cheers. At Agutay village, we enjoyed local beverages, snacks, and a vibrant display of traditional weaving under a canopy of colorful umbrellas. Folk dancers added even more magic to the experience. Later, we made our way to a secluded bay for a swim, where locals picked fresh coconuts from the trees for us to enjoy in the warm, clear waters. Meanwhile, guests visiting the pottery village had an incredible cultural immersion, diving into hands-on pottery demonstrations and learning about local traditions. This was truly an unforgettable experience with the warmest welcome.
Nov 12

After exploring the local area of Bohol, Coral Geographers guests made their way to the Loboc River for a wonderful lunch cruise. A big buffet of local Filipino dishes awaited, and with everyone on board, no one missed out on the feast! As they cruised the peaceful, palm-lined river, guests enjoyed both the flavors of the region and the lively traditional music and dance performances from local artists. It was a memorable way to connect with the culture and beauty of the Philippines.
Nov 11

A unique guest experience onboard Coral Geographer... Can anyone guess what is happening in these expedition photos in Su`ao, Philippines?
Nov 11

Sailing with Coral Expeditions is a surefire way to explore the world’s most remote and lesser-visited islands and atolls.
Photos from our Journey to Japan: Yap to Tokyo voyage
Nov 4

Share your favourite 2023 memories with us! As we prepare for the new year, we reflect on the significant achievements and memorable experiences we`ve shared with all of you. From celebrating our 40th anniversary and 30 years in the Kimberley to exploring Japan`s remote islands for the first time and connecting with like-minded explorers during our adventures. We look forward to seeing you all next year as we expand our expeditions to new horizons.
#cruise #expeditioncruise #SeeAustralia
Dec 30

As we navigate the untamed wilderness of remote coastlines around the world, our Coral Expeditions uniforms offer steadfast durability thanks to @qualitymarineclothing Whether we`re enjoying a Kimberley shower beneath a waterfall, hiking along the coastal treks of Tasmania, or immersing ourselves in the temples of Japan.
#cruise #expeditioncruise #CruiseMonth #CruiseMonth2023 #SeeAustralia
Nov 9
