Through the Islands & Atolls of Micronesia

Guests are required to make their own way to the pre-cruise check-in location Admiral Hotel Manila at 3:00pm. From the check-in venue there will be a transfer to the ship to board at 5:00pm for a 6:00pm departure. (Check-in Location Address: 2138 Roxas Boulevard, 1004 Malate, Manila).

Spend some time meeting your crew and fellow guests as you familiarise yourself with the vessel and settle into your stateroom.

Apo Reef, the largest atoll reef in the Philippines and second in size only to the Great Barrier Reef, is made up of two isolated coral reefs connected by a deep channel. This channel is one of the best dive sites in the world, with aquarium-like waters teeming with 285 species of fish. 63 of the 119 recorded genera species of coral exist in this area.

Three islands emerge from the reef, Apo Island, Apo Menor and Cayos del Bajo. Explore some of Apo Island and look for turtles, for which Apo Reef is well-known. On our visit here, enjoy water activities, beachcombing and possibly a hike exploring the island. Tonight, join the Captain’s welcome drinks and mingle with fellow passengers.

Today we will go ashore to explore the Jurassic-like environment of the island, and visit the Lambingan waterfalls, deep in the lush forest. Meet the Mayor of Magdiwang, Arthur R. Tansiongco, and share his passion for conservation as you engage in a tree planting experience.

In the afternoon, we will be welcomed by Sibuyan dancers at beautiful Cresta de Gallo where we have exclusive sole use to explore. Enjoy a late afternoon snorkel in the beautiful warm water before relaxing on the beach as the sun sets for champagne and canapes.

Famous for clear blue waters, soft white sands, and long stretching sandbars along both sides of the island, enjoy the relaxing surrounds of uninhabited Kalanggaman Island that stretches only 753m across. We will have this perfect location to snorkel, dive, and kayak on the calm waters all to ourselves.

Limasawa harbours a significant religious history and abounds with fascinating marine life. The island is located south of Leyte in the east-central region of the Philippines, where Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan made contact with the people of the Philippines in 1521. Today’s program is a varied interaction of culture and history. There is an approximate 100m walk from disembarkation to the commencement of activities and, excluding the visit to Magellan’s cross, the entire walk is approximately 500m. The expedition will run for around 3 hours (food and water will be provided) and will include:

• A 500m walking tour to the National Shrine of the First Mass
• Visit the Balai Masawa – a replica 15th C Pintado Longhouse
• Enjoy a performance of a historical Limasawa dance drama, an adaptation of Dr. Virgilio Fuentes operetta that tells the story of a powerful but aging King, named Kulambo who, along with his five wives rules Limasawa.
• Henna body painting using Pintados design
• Learn to write Baybayin (pre-colonial writing system) on bamboo
• Community interaction and optional visit to the replica of 6m high Magellan’s Cross (450 concrete steps each way)

Here we will visit Sohoton Cove, a diverse natural landscape with valleys, hilltops, soft-sandy beaches, lush forests, and mountains. This location is best explored by pump boat, which will allow you to discover limestone pool caves within the cove and the forest that envelops it. Float through famed azure blue lagoons which is an intricate channel of limestone atolls. Swim with harmless jellyfish in Tojoman Lagoon and snorkel or dive at a quintessential tropical island beach destination at Dako Island. Relax under a shady hut among the palm trees and powdery pristine sands.

Koror is the main state and island of the Republic of Palau. The Rock Islands are a UNESCO world heritage site and are one of the most coveted destinations of Koror. The land mass of Koror is not large, with hundreds of islands and islets of volcanic and limestone reef construction that present a stunning vista of craggy forested islands surrounded by emerald seas.

Snorkelling and diving at Neco or Carp Island will reveal the underwater wonders to be discovered here and a visit to the Belau National Museum or Etpison Museum with uncover fascinating historical insights. There may be an opportunity to visit Milky Way, a channel known for its therapeutic clay, for a swim and natural spa experience.

Yap state is one of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia. The main island of Yap is famous for its stone currency – limestone discs (Rai) spanning in size from 4m to 4cm in diameter and can be seen embedded in the earth or standing in rows near villages. The Yapese are skilled builders, which can be seen in the elegant tribal buildings on the island. We will also learn about their canoe building culture and ability to navigate through the many islands of Micronesia. Be welcomed with traditional dancing, visit one of the villages to learn about their stone currency and stroll through Colonia’s Yap Living Museum.

One of the most traditional villages in Micronesia, Ifalik is determined to maintain a cultural integrity that we are privileged to experience. Witness traditional dances and demonstrations of skills integral to the local lifestyle such as rope making, pandanus fibre making, basket weaving and carving. After a wonderful morning learning about the people who make this remote atoll their home, there are opportunities to enjoy another spectacular dive or snorkel as well as bird watching.

Subject permission of the locals, visit the villages of Lamotrek Atoll where the residents are known for their navigation skills and construction of elegant long canoes constructed from breadfruit wood. Here, we may see demonstrations of weaving and the creation of traditional foods, as well as exploring the beaches and snorkelling over the fringing reef. Enjoy conversations with the residents to learn about life in this remote atoll and relax on the beach together. Making these connections provides such a wonderful experience of shared culture that it is difficult for us to depart.

At Puluwat Atoll, we may visit an abandoned lighthouse or see World War II wreckage at Alei Island.

Continuing to Chuuk, the main atoll of Chuuk State, we explore the spectacular coral-fringed lagoon, which shelters the mountainous volcanic islands. The sweeping views of lush rainforest and cascading waterfalls contrast with deserted beaches, small, thatched villages and tiny islets swarming with bird life.

Once a major military site for the Japanese, many of the Imperial Navy vessels sheltered here until 1944, when American bombers sunk 60 vessels and aircraft in the lagoon. Known as the ‘ghost fleet’, the lagoon contains a vast museum-like collection of unparalleled mystery – ship after ship leaning into the ocean floor, and aircraft with wings tilted are revealed on an otherworldly dive.

This spectacular and vast coral fringed lagoon shelters 15 high reaching volcanic islands. The dramatic scenery ranges from lush rainforests and waterfalls to deserted beaches and small villages laced in World War II history. Divers can explore the eerie underwater ‘ghost fleet’ and birders can search the islets for plentiful seabirds. Enjoy a nature walk and visit historical sites.

We may have the opportunity to go ashore at Ant Atoll, a stunning coral reef atoll that is recognised as a World Biosphere Reserve. Home to some of the largest colonies of terns, boobies, black noddies and frigatebirds in the Pacific, the lagoon also has a thriving population of grey reef sharks. There is only one small settlement on this island, so we may snorkel, dive, or spend the afternoon strolling in search of endemic bird species.

On Pohnpei, the largest and tallest island in Micronesia, we visit the archaeological site of Nan Madol, a stone city with many ocean-filled canals and channels. Known as the Venice of the Pacific, the ancient city was a royal civilisation in the 12th century. Tour the ancient site and have the opportunity to explore with nature walks to view native flora and fauna as well as waterfalls such as Kepirohi, Liduhduniap or Lehnpaiphon.

The mountainous island of Kosrae is known as the ‘island of the sleeping lady’ and is the easternmost state in the Federated States of Micronesia. We explore the enigmatic Lelu Ruins site, once an impressive city covering 20 hectares with an extensive canal system, social structure, and pyramidal tombs. Enjoy snorkelling and diving, explore the island by bushwalking and hiking, visit the Giant Clam Farm or spend time conversing with the local people including a traditional performance.

Kapingamarangi is the most southerly point of Micronesia and a Polynesian outlier, located some 740km from the main island, the state of Pohnpei. Here we will visit the charming village where islanders are well-known for their wooden carvings. The population of the village is about 500 and main industry is fishing and farming of coconuts, breadfruit, pandanus fruit and taro. There is an opportunity to purchase handmade souvenirs and snorkel in the pristine azure waters on our visit.

Your expedition includes eight full sea days and five half sea days. Relax on deck to enjoy the vast wide-open skies and blue waters surrounding you. Join in meaningful conversation with on board experts and likeminded explorers. Participate in on board activities and engage with informative presentations from Guest Lecturers.

Arrive in Kavieng at 7:00am to disembark Coral Adventurer at 8:00am. Those who are booked on the charter flight will also enjoy a post-cruise tour of Kavieng upon disembarkation.

Optional Post-Cruise Charter flight: A direct flight from Kavieng departing at 3:45pm (PNGT) and arriving Cairns International Airport at 6:15pm (AEST), with a Coral Expeditions staff member to accompany guests, is available at $1,500 per person. This also includes a post-cruise tour of Kavieng and transfers to Kavieng Airport to join the flight. Limited seats are available, call our reservations team to book.