Papua New Guinea Expedition Cruises

Expedition Cruise into frontier New Guinea & Micronesia

Our long history of operating in New Guinea and Micronesia allows us to showcase thriving marine ecosystems and rare bird species in some of the most isolated environments on the planet. Discover rich tribal cultures, intriguing ancestral traditions and warm local welcomes. Admire the intricate craftwork and artefacts which celebrate and preserve local cultures. You will be accompanied by our expert guides who will offer interpretation and share knowledge along the way.

REQUEST A PRINTED BROCHURE

Track northward from Australia to explore the Spice Islands of the renowned Coral Triangle, through the Republic of Palau and the remote small islands of Micronesia before concluding in Guam. This journey offers a spectacular combination of island cultures, marine life and World War II history.

Departs August 2023 & 2024

Explore the remote islands and atolls of Micronesia and track eastwards from Manila through The Philippines and the islands of Micronesia. Share in the spirit of local islanders and partake in centuries-old cultural traditions such as dancing, weaving and carving while visiting more recent historical artefacts from World War II.

Departs 9 November 2023

This expedition weaves through remote islands that have witnessed history through millennia, from villages untouched by time to more recent World War 2 battlegrounds. At Ataliklikun Bay, be the first cruise ship visitors ever to watch the mesmerising Fire Dance of the Baining people. Charter flights from Australia offer a convenient option for guests to join the ship.

Departs 4 December 2023

Immerse yourself in the wild and rugged scenery of Papua New Guinea which is rarely seen and mostly inaccessible by land. Papua New Guinea is home to the largest area of intact rainforest outside of the Amazon.

Departs 17 & 29 December 2023

Join this one-off circumnavigation voyage around New Guinea. Sailing in comfort aboard Coral Adventurer, you will experience the diversity of New Guinea – including the Spice Islands, the Sepik River and Raja Ampat. This is one of the world’s last frontier lands.

Departs 11 January 2024

West Papua, Raja Ampat & Spice Islands 2021-TH

The rich history and diverse marine life of Raja Ampat and Spice Islands are brought to life as Coral Geographer retraces the ancient routes of spice merchants trading Chinese silks for cloves, Indian cotton for nutmeg and Arabian coffee for pepper.

Departs 24 Jan, 11 Feb, 2 & 20 Mar 2025

Papua New Guinea Voyage Logs

Frontier Lands Of Papua New Guinea, Cairns to Madang

30 October 2019, Coral Adventurer

“We reached the mouth of the mighty Sepik River at 0545, and began our ascent of the river admiring distant ridges and mountains above the palms and trees. Long thin dugout canoes shot out from the banks as we passed camps of scattered thatch houses, which people occupy while they fish, process sago and collect bananas, prior to converging on their main villages.” – Expedition Leader Jamie Anderson

Scouting The Sepik River

February 2018, Coral Expeditions I

“Everyone was up early and eager as we headed across to Pelambei Village. Hundreds of egrets flooded the rain trees and beautiful pink lilies lined the waterways. On arrival, we were shown through to one of three Haus Tambaran and sat inside whilst Arron (the community head for 35 years) spoke to us about what happens in the village and the traditions.”

Lababia, Papua New Guinea

29 February 2016, Coral Discoverer

“The Xplorer gave us an easy afternoon landing amid calm seas and we were greeted by customary dancing and a sing sing performed to the beating rhythm of the drums. There was a welcome and presentation of gifts from Jamie. The children were let out of the primary school here, most of them speaking English comfortably. Again, as at all villages we have visited, there were tidy, nicely laid out paths that had been swept clean, with lots of fruit trees. Most the guests chose a canoe paddle up the creek.”

Cruise New Guinea & Micronesia Onboard Coral Adventurer

Coral Adventurer is perfectly designed to navigate the remote, tropical waters of New Guinea and Micronesia. Her shallow draught, dual Xplorer tenders and complement of zodiacs make her the ideal choice for an expedition to these frontier lands. With more than 1000 square metres of open deck space, large picture windows and balconies, you can take in the environment in comfort.

New Guinea & Micronesia for True Explorers

Enjoy ancient warrior traditions and cruise pristine landscapes in search of hidden lagoons and exotic birds. Discover the limestone karst islands of Raja Ampat and hike to the summit of Pindito Peak. Snorkel and dive the coral reefs, lava flows and WWII wrecks of the Coral Triangle and the marine playground of Raja Ampat. Join in traditional performances and experience ancient Austranesian and Micronesian traditions. Learn about Yap’s customs and culture and visit the isolated islet of Ulithi home to sea turtles, coconut crabs and sea birds. Meet the people of Sonsorol island who are linguistically and culturally different from their Caroline Islands neighbours. Discover the breathtaking landscape of Palau and swim with harmless golden jellyfish in Jellyfish Lake.

Best Day On Expedition | Misool, Raja Ampat

1^st May 2020

It is so hard to pick just one best day as the entire journey was filled with memorable days, but it was the experiences in Misool

Best Day On Expedition | Snorkelling Banda Neira

1^st May 2020

In January 2020, Cliff and I went to Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands. We had many “best days”, but the best day snorkelling was the last day. We snorkeled in the rain off Banda Neira, at the 1981 Gunang Api lava flow.

Banjarmasin Floating Markets - Casimah March 2020 (5)

Best Day on Expedition | Banjarmasin

24^th April 2020

It’s always an adventure when doing something that is especially different like waking up at 4:30 in the morning to board a local boat to see a sunrise floating market. The air was crisp and peaceful and the only noise we heard was the hum of our Xplorer moving in the dark like a crocodile, barely creating…