Join the Oceanic Discoverer over 14 unforgettable nights to experience some of the world’s most exotic and untouched regions as they emerge into the 21st century.
This remarkable expedition will take you where other travellers have seldom visited, into the most remote corners of West Papua and Indonesia. The undoubted highlight of our expedition will be the rare opportunity to witness a total solar eclipse in northern Indonesia.
This will be a truly unforgettable experience as the moon passes infront of the sun, obscuring the sun’s light and turning day to night.
- During the eclipse, which occurs on the morning March 9, we’ll be anchored of Pulau Jiew, ideally located on the centreline of the eclipse, where we will experience three minutes and fifteen seconds of totality.
- Discover the very best that nature has to offer, from the brilliantly coloured Bird of Paradise to the world’s most colourful and diverse coral reefs.
- The centrepiece of this expedition is a 5-day exploration through the spectacular Raja Ampat region, made up of about 1,500 islands.
- David Reneke, one of Australia’s most well-known and respected amateur astronomers and presenters, will be our Special Guest Lecturer on this unforgettable expedition.
There are no future departures for this trip at this stage.
Board Oceanic this discoverer this afternoon in Wewak at the start of our expedition through the Islands of western Indonesia, including the Raja Ampat region and the Spice Islands. This evening settle in and get to know your fellow travellers over a sumptuous dinner.
Overnight we cross into West Papua waters ahead of our arrival in Jayapura. Formerly known as ‘Hollandia’ during World War II, Jayapura is today a bustling town of some 200,000 residents and a melting pot of sights and smells. Visit Lake Sentani, the location of General Douglas MacArthur’s main base during WWII and home of villagers famed for their distinctive art, traditional motifs, sago bowls, drums and bark paintings.
Explore the Padaidori Islands, a small chain of islands to the south-east of Biak. These beautiful islands are ringed by beautiful white sand beaches and colourful coral reefs. Enjoy an afternoon of in-water activities including snorkelling, glass bottom boat tours, kayaking and optional SCUBA diving. The islands are covered in lush rainforest and are home to many endemic mammals and brightly coloured birdlife including flying foxes, the small tree-climbing Geelvink Pygmy Parrot and Biak Scrubfowl. Join the Expedition Leader for a nature walk through prehistoric rainforest.
Travel ashore aboard Xplorer to the island of Mansinan, where enjoy the opportunity to snorkel and SCUBA dive over the World War II wrecks that lie in the shallow waters just off the island. Enjoy glass bottom boat tours in the clear waters over the wrecks, snorkelling and diving over the Cross Wreck and the famed Shinwa Maru, a Japanese freighter sunk by Allied forces in 1943. This afternoon join the Expedition Leader and Guest Lecturers in the Lounge for an informative introduction to Raja Ampat and an overview of our activities planned for the coming days which are sure to be a highlight of the voyage.
We call in at the rarely-visited island of Fam, which is home to a large, traditional fishing village. Later, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Raja Ampat. On the aptly-named Paradise Island a profusion of plankton attracts giant manta rays and you have the opportunity to swim with these majestic creatures. This afternoon we set sail for our viewing position for tomorrow morning’s total solar eclipse. Ahead of the eclipse, join our Guest Astronomer in the lounge for an informative presentation.
We awaken anchored near Pulau Jiew, close to the centreline of the eclipse, for what is sure to be an unforgettable morning. Join our expert Guest Astronomer and your travelling companions on the sun deck and watch as the moon passes in front of the sun, resulting in a total solar eclipse lasting some three and a half minutes. Later today, amid the excitement of this morning’s eclipse, we will make an expedition stop at an uninhabited island as we make our way towards Raja Ampat’s Wayag Island.
Savour a day of exploration on Wayag Island, one of the famed ‘Four Kings’ of the Raja Ampat region. Our day starts with a discovery of the lagoon’s white sand beaches and a magical maze of limestone karst ‘gumdrop’ islands. There will also be ample opportunity for a full range of in-water activities. The islands are adorned with thousands of pitcher plants and colourful orchids and we’ll spend the remainder of the day exploring. For the more energetic there may be an opportunity to climb Pindito Peak where the reward is breathtaking views over the island and its spectacular lagoon.
Awaken as we cruise the Dampier Straits, named in honour of famed explorer William Dampier. Travelling ashore to Pulau Gam, a local Papuan guide will join us on a walk through the shady forests around Sawingrai village. Our guide’s local knowledge will hopefully allow us to catch a glimpse of one of nature’s finest creations, the ethereal Red Bird of Paradise. This afternoon join a guided tour of the South Seas Pearl Farm, our local host taking us through the entire propagation and cultivation process. The farm produces pearls of the finest quality, and you may even wish to purchase an incredible souvenir produced in these very waters.
The narrow entrance to Hidden Bay, which is located on Gam Island, is easy to overlook and visits from cruise ships are rare. Aboard Xplorer we’ll travel through the long, narrow channel which splits into two picturesque bays featuring a maze of small rock islands. An extremely scenic and atmospheric place to explore, there will be ample time to kayak, enjoy glass bottom boat tours over the coral reefs, snorkel and SCUBA dive and join our expedition staff on a guided nature walk.
The Misool Islands, one of the famed ‘Four Kings’ of the Raja Ampat region, are a gem-studded bracelet of islands that are a mecca for snorkellers and divers. The islands boast dramatic scenery, with towering limestone pinnacles jutting out of the water and white sand beaches adorned with palm trees. This evening join the Captain and his crew on the sun deck for a gourmet barbeque at sunset.
The morning dawns at our anchorage off Mesemta. Travel ashore aboard Xplorer for exploration and birdwatching and join our expedition staff on a nature walk. Later there is time for kayaking amongst the karst islands, and snorkelling over some of the finest coral gardens in Raja Ampat. At Wagmab enjoy your final opportunities to snorkel, SCUBA dive and join glass bottom boat tours over the crystal clear waters of Raja Ampat. The waters surrounding the island are home to at least three species of the pygmy seahorse, no larger than a fingernail, and the most splendid soft coral jungles, with their vibrant shades of orange, red, purple and pink.
In the middle of the Banda Sea lies an enchanted fragment of history, the centre of the Spice Island trade. Originally the world’s sole source of nutmeg and mace, these nine tiny islands have attracted traders since at least 2,000 years ago. In the 16th century, European explorers discovered entire continents in their quest for these islands. On our approach to Banda Island the outline of Gunung Api volcano, with its thin plume of smoke drifting from the summit, will be clearly visible. See Banda’s famous Kora Kora canoes in action, with up to 38 oarsmen aboard they are a sight to behold as they glide across the water. Later in the afternoon there is time to explore Fort Belgica, built by the first Governor General of the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) in 1611, the fort is extremely well preserved and provides an interesting insight into Dutch colonisation. Join the locals for a traditional dance and music performance before enjoying a glass of champagne as the sun sets over the fort.
This morning enjoy the opportunity to immerse yourself in the colours and aromas of the Spice Islands. Stroll through the wide, tree-lined streets, past the remnants of mansions constructed during Dutch colonialism. See the museum, the former VOC Governor’s Mansion, the old church and enjoy the opportunity to experience the spice markets. This afternoon we farewell the Spice Islands and set sail towards Darwin
Spend the day at leisure enjoying the onboard facilities as we cross the Timor Sea. Join our Expedition Staff in the ship’s lounge for a recap of the expedition. This evening, join your fellow travellers, the Captain and his crew at the Captain’s Farewell Drinks before the last of many spectacular dinners.
This morning at 8:00am we arrive at Darwin’s Fort Hill wharf, marking the end of our great adventure discovering Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands.
Oceanic Discoverer
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition
Length: 63 metres
Passenger Capacity: 72 (in 36 rooms)
Built: 2005
Onboard Accommodation
Onboard accommodation comprises 36 spacious modern staterooms. You can select from Bridge, Promenade or Main Deck staterooms offering a choice of twin through to junior king-size doubles. All staterooms have an ocean view, en-suite facilities, settee, large wardrobe, desk, luggage storage, individual air-conditioning control, and are serviced daily.
Onboard Facilities
What you would expect of a much larger cruise ship:
- Large sundeck
- Spa Pool
- Guest computer
- Comprehensive reference library
- Phone and fax facilities
- Lecture lounge with large plasma screen
- Limited laundry facilities
- Two fully stocked cocktail bars
- Boutique and dive shop
- Air-conditioned public areas
Oceanic Discoverer is equipped with the latest technology active stabilizers and is fitted with state-of-the-art safety and navigational equipment and is the only Australian passenger ship registered with full SOLAS compliance allowing opportunities to explore a multitude of international voyages.
Dining
All meals during the cruise are included. Breakfast and lunch are served in the Dining Room located on the Main Deck and are buffet-style while dinner is table d’hote. Coffee and tea is available 24 hours. Standard hours are breakfast from 7:00-8:30am, lunch at 12:30pm and dinner at 7:30pm however meal times may vary according to the day's activities. Meal times will be advised in the onboard daily bulletins.
Excursion Boats And Zodiacs
The "Xplorer" is a specially designed aluminium excursion vessel used for the majority of our excursions. This vessel has high horsepower engines and will accommodate all passengers at one time. The "Xplorer" will be used for landings and for extensive exploration of rivers and tributaries. For your added convenience and comfort, the "Xplorer" is equipped with an awning and toilet.
We also carry two inflatable landing craft (Zodiacs). Designed for expedition work, these large and heavy-duty inflatables are extremely safe. Separate air compartments retain a large reserve of buoyancy even if the boats damaged. The flat bottom design permits these crafts to land directly onto the beaches. Expect nonetheless to wade through shallow water to reach the shore. See photo below (right)
