island expeditions

2018 VOYAGES

SPICE ISLANDS > 11 NIGHTS > SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2018

ISLANDS OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC> 16 NIGHTS > DECEMBER 2018

SMALL SHIP VOYAGES TO INDONESIA AND MELANESIA

Voyages with Coral ExpeditionsSPOTLIGHT ON NATURE AND CULTURES

We believe many remarkable parts of the Australasian region are best experienced from sea. Our ships, marine staff and expedition teams are dedicated to getting you up close and personal with nature’s wonders and the cultural diversity of our world. In contrast to traditional cruising, we avoid long sea days and try to maximise time off the ship. Our ships are owned by us and designed specifically to enhance the expedition experience. We do not charter third-party vessels or outsource any part of our marine operations. Our trips are bespoke and result in unique guest experiences.

AN AUSTRALIAN ETHOS

Coral Expeditions is unique in operating a fleet of Australian- flagged and crewed vessels. We are the longest standing operator of Australia-based passenger ships. Our on-board atmosphere respects our heritage – we are proud of our professional service and produce-driven, modern Australian cuisine. We maintain the highest standards of marine and passenger safety; we follow Australian regulatory requirements in our staffing and operations.

NO QUEUES, NO WAITING

Our ships are small enough to allow us to board and disembark much quicker than larger vessels. There is minimal waiting. Their shallow draughts allow them to get to locations larger ships cannot.

RESPECT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

We believe that tourism doesn’t have to come at a cost to the environment. We were one of the early pioneers of environmentally sensitive cruising, starting out on the Great Barrier Reef. We remain firmly committed to promoting sustainability and minimising environmental impact while sharing some of the world’s most incredible places with travellers from around the world.

INCLUSIONS › All excursions and sightseeing

› Use of Xplorer and Zodiac tender vessels

› Daily lectures and briefings

› All meals, chef-prepared on board

› Showcase wines, selected beers, juices, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner service

› 24 hour coffee and selection of teas

› All entrance fees to National and Marine Parks and Ports

› Port taxes and government charges imposed by government authorities

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED › Pre and post flights, accommodation & travel insurance

› Any entry visas

› Alcoholic beverages outside of lunch and dinner service

› Telephone and internet services

› Laundry

› Charter flights

› Scuba diving costs

PLEASE NOTEThese are expedition itineraries covering remote regions. Your Captain and Expedition team will make changes to the daily schedule when necessary to maximise guest experience. These itineraries are indicative - some variation may occur due to weather conditions, safety, or local community requirements.

"We expect tropical islands to be mountainous, perfumed, and fertile, and to have smoking volcanoes and reefs teeming with rainbow fish, because that is what European explorers found in the Bandas and other islands in the Moluccas, and described in their diaries and depicted in their sketches and buried in our dreams". — Thurston Clarke, Islomania

Islands hold a particular fascination for Coral Expeditions. Perhaps it is their role in maritime history, perhaps it is their beauty, perhaps it is their inaccessibility — we love taking our guests on island expeditions. On our annual voyages to the Spice Islands and Melanesia, you can absorb the wild beauty and varied traditions of these regions, all in the comfort of our Australian flagged and crewed Coral Discoverer.

SPICE ISLANDS The legendary Spice Islands of the Moluccas drew the first European explorers — Columbus and Magellan — westwards six centuries ago. This spice legacy has bestowed the region with a colourful history as local, Arabic and European trade rivalries competed over the centuries. In addition, these islands are spectacularly beautiful. Volcanic activity millennia ago has created steep islands and underwater ridges where coral reefs and marine life flourish.

Our 11 night expedition follows the legendary spice trail around Banda, takes in the rich heritage of the Sultanate of Ternate, and (if nature allows) culminates in a once in a lifetime experience with the gentle giants of the sea – the Whale Sharks of Cenderawasih Bay, West Papua. With a special one-way charter flight for our guests, you will arrive and depart from Australia.

YOUR DESTINATIONS:

ISLANDS OF THE SOUTH PACIFICThe Melanesian region from Papua New Guinea down to the Solomons, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia is a region of startling diversity. With over 1,000 languages, these islands have been inhabited for millennia but were not encountered by Western explorers till the 15th century when Spanish explorer Álvaro de Mendaña arrived in his search for the ‘great South Land’.

Departing from Cairns, this 16 night voyage takes you through this string of island civilisations following the trail of Mendaña. Encounter ancient tribal cultures, magnificent volcanic islands, idyllic white beaches and World War II artefacts. Guest lecturer Captain Peter Martin will provide a historical and maritime perspective. End your voyage by sampling the French flavours of Nouméa, capital of New Caledonia.

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YOUR ship: coral discovererThe Coral Discoverer is the flagship of Coral Expeditions fleet at 63 metres long and accommodating 72 guests. Though she is a small ship, Coral Discoverer sports active stabilisers to ensure comfortable cruising in open waters. Her shallow draught and manoeuverability allow her to go where larger vessels cannot. Her tender vessel, Xplorer, can seat all passengers for excursions to beaches and rivers.

Fresh from a complete interior refurbishment, Coral Discoverer has spacious rooms and decks for dining, lectures, and lounging, The Explorer Bar on the sundeck offers panoramic views, and our welcoming open bridge policy allows you to observe the Captain navigate around the islands.

FEATURES & SERVICES › Wireless internet available (costs apply).

› Three fully stocked cocktail bars

› Sun deck

› Indoor & outdoor lounge areas

› Outdoor communal workout area

› Reference library

› Gift shop

› Open Bridge

› All staterooms serviced daily

› Limited laundry services available (costs apply)

1. Woman in Ureparapara, Vanuatu

SPICE ISLANDs

expedition highlights > See Banda’s Kora Kora canoes welcome you to Banda Neira

> Learn the history of the colourful and vibrant Spice Islands and see the locals preparing spices

> Snorkel and dive on pristine coral reefs at Molana Island or dive the Japanese Zero wreck at Roon Island

> See traditional ceremonies and dances of Indonesia and West Papua

> Take in the spectacular lava flow at Mount Gamalama, Ternate

> Snorkel and swim with the magnificent whale sharks at Cenderawasih Bay

Itinerary 11 nights between Darwin & biak

Banda Neira

Darwin

Molana Island

Ternate

Pulau Roon

BiakCenderawasih Bay

WEST PAPUA

SPICE ISLANDS

TIMOR SEA ARAFURA SEA

Run IslandPulau Saparua

Pulau Kasiruta

Tobelo

Kwatisore

DAY 1: DEPART DARWIN

Board at 4:00pm for a 5:00pm departure. In the evening, join your fellow travellers at the Captain’s Welcome Drinks in anticipation of a remarkable journey discovering the Spice Islands.

DAY 2: AT SEASpend the day at leisure as we cross the Timor Sea towards Banda Neira. Join our Expedition Staff in the lounge for an informative introduction.

DAY 3: BANDA NEIRA & SPICE ISLANDS

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. See Banda’s famous Kora Kora canoes in action and enjoy lunch on board before exploring Fort Belgica, built in 1611. Join the locals for a traditional dance and music performance before enjoying a glass of champagne as the sun sets over the fort.

DAY 4: BANDA NEIRA & RUN ISLAND

This morning, choose to either wander through the streets of Banda Neira, past the remnants of mansions constructed during Dutch colonialism and enjoy morning tea along the water front, or spend the morning snorkelling or diving on the nearby lava flow reef system. Visit Run Island and learn about its strange connection to Manhattan, as forged on the Treaty of Breda between the English and Dutch.

DAY 5: MOLANA ISLAND & SAPARUA

Awake at Molana Island, with time for a morning snorkel over the pristine reef environment. Visit the historic town of Saparua; a crowd will lead us to 17th century Duurstede Fort, where a war party will dance for us.

DAY 6: BACAN ISLANDS: PULAU KASIRUTA

Today we visit the historic Bacan Islands. Go ashore at Pulau Kasiruta, the second largest island in the Bacan archipelago, with dense rainforest and a mountainous terrain. Visit a local fishing village before spending the afternoon enjoying water activities off white sand beaches.

DAY 7: TERNATE

Visit the Sultan’s Palace and Fort Tolukko, taking in the panoramic views of volcanic Mount Gamalama. A scenic drive will take us to a spectacular lava flow off the volcano, which has been active in recent years. Enjoy some free time to explore the local markets, or visit the Cengke Afo Clove Plantation. This afternoon there is time for a snorkel at a nearby reef system.

DAY 8: TOBELO

Round the northern tip of Halmahera and visit the humble town of Tobelo. The bay here is surrounded by lush green islands and a jigsaw of coral atolls. Visit the communal House or Hibualamo, where we will be entertained with traditional dancing, music and singing. If time permits we may enjoy water activities at nearby Karkara Island.

AN EXPLORATION OF THE CULTURES AND MARINE LIFE OF INDONESIA AND WEST PAPUA

fares & sailing schedule

Prices are listed in Australian Dollars (AUD) and include GST. *Limited sole use occupancy available. Charter flights are optional extra between Darwin and Biak

DAY 9: AT SEA

Spend a relaxing day at sea. Attend presentations by our Guest Lecturer and Expedition Team.

DAY 10: ROON ISLAND

Roon Island is renowned for its nearby dive and snorkelling spots, including a Japanese Zero underwater wreck. Conditions permitting, take a glass bottom boat tour.

DAY 11: CENDERAWASIH BAY & KWATISORE

We enter Cenderawasih Marine Park and go in search of the biggest fish in the sea, the beautiful Whale Shark. This region is one of the few places in the world where it is possible to swim with these majestic animals and we may have a chance to snorkel amongst them. Visit Kwatisore Village to learn about the local culture through traditional dances and games and listen to their talented string band. You may view and purchase local handicraft.

DAY 12: BIAK

Disembark at 8am and tour the town of Biak, with a visit to the Binsari Cave and other local attractions before boarding a charter flight back to Darwin.

BIAK TO DARWIN: REVERSE ITINERARY

CORAL DISCOVERER

DATE DEPARTS

20 September 2018 Darwin

01 October Biak

DEPARTURE TIMES

DARWIN: Boarding at 4:00pm for 5:00pm departure. Disembarks in Biak at 8.00am.

BIAK: Boarding at 2:00pm for 3:00pm departure. Disembarks in Darwin at 8:00am.

CORAL DISCOVERER TWIN SHARE SOLE USEBridge Deck Balcony 12,150 n/a

Promenade Deck Cat A 10,950 n/a

Promenade Deck Cat B 10,680 16,020

Main Deck Cat A 10,040 n/a

Main Deck Cat B 9,790 n/a

Steve CoxExpedition Leader

Steve has been with Coral Expeditions for over 10 years, and is also a qualified Dive Instructor. Highly skilled at interpretation and an avid photographer, his favourite animal is the Whale Shark. Steve is a strong advocate for the conservation of the world’s oceans.

Charter flights are optional extra between Darwin and BiakCharter flights are optional extra between Darwin and BiakCharter flights are optional extra between Darwin and BiakCharter flights are optional extra between Darwin and Biak

1. Swimming with Whale Sharks (Rhincodon typus), Cenderawasih Bay 2. Fort Tolukko, Ternate, 3. Indonesian dancers

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Jamie AndersonExpedition Leader

Jamie has been with Coral Expeditions since 2003. With a long career as a naturalist, guide, and teacher in environmental science, Jamie has travelled and worked all over the world. He has extensive experience in diving and photography, and is excited to return to the spectacular Spice Islands and South Pacific.

islands of the south pacific

Itinerary 16 nights from cairns to noumea

NoumeaAUSTRALIA

Malekula Is

Tanna Is

Ureparapara IsChampagne Bay

Cairns

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Samarai Is Nendo Is

Santa Isabel IsMangalonga

Guadalcanal

Bodaluna Is

Egum Is

Ghizo

MalaitaSan Cristobal

SOLOMON ISLANDS

VANUATU

NEW CALEDONIA

DAY 1: DEPART CAIRNS Embark Coral Discoverer at 8:00am for a 9:00am departure. In the evening, join your fellow travellers at the Captain’s Welcome Drinks.

DAY 2 : AT SEASpend the day at leisure as we cross the Coral Sea and join our Expedition team in the lounge for presentations on Papua New Guinea ahead of our arrival at Samarai Island.

DAY 3: SAMARAI ISLAND & SEWA BAY After clearing into Papua New Guinea, we will steam to Normanby Island to spend the afternoon at beautiful Sewa Bay. Visit a traditional village and be welcomed with song and dance at the local school.

DAY 4: EGUM ATOLL & ISLETPrepare for an unforgettable experience as we discover spectacular Egum Atoll and Islet. Enjoy our first opportunities for snorkelling over the reef, scuba diving and glass bottom boat tours in the clear tropical waters.

DAY 5: LAUGHLIN ISLANDS & BODALUNA ISLANDLaughlin Islanders specialise in canoe building and in this very remote corner of Papua New Guinea we find seagoing canoes under construction. The friendly villagers of Bodaluna welcome us as our Guest Lecturer and naturalists explain the islander’s subsistence gardening, fishing, and participation in the Kula Ring of trading.

DAY 6: GIZO - SOLOMON ISLANDSThis morning we will go ashore in the provincial town of Gizo. Wander through the open-air markets, which show crafts by the legendary wood & stone carvers of the region. We make our way past tiny Kennedy Island, named in honour of former US president John F Kennedy who swam ashore with his crew after his boat PT-109 was sunk by a Japanese destroyer during World War II.

DAY 7: ESTRELLA BAY & SANTA ISABEL ISLANDToday we explore the coastline of remote Santa Isabel Island, which Mendaña’s expedition first sighted in February, 1568. Mendaña landed at Estrella Bay and built a small brigantine for exploring the rest of the Solomons.

DAY 8: MANGALONGASavour a full day of in-water activities at picturesque Mangalonga. Join a snorkel tour, SCUBA dive or glass bottom boat tour before travelling ashore to Maravagi Resort for a nature walk.

DAY 9: MALAITA ISLAND Malaita is another island of primordial beauty. We will visit the Langa Langa Lagoon; the ‘salt water people’ here live on small sand bar islands, where they were forced to flee from the headhunters of mainland Malaita. They are known for their ship-building and shell-money making.

expedition highlights > Discover spectacular underwater worlds at remote snorkelling and diving locations at Egum Atoll and Mangalonga

> Visit the open-air markets at Gizo and see the legendary wood and stone carvings

> Learn about historical 15th century voyages that charted the Solomon Islands

> Be welcomed by the ‘saltwater people’ of Langa Langa Lagoon

> Experience magnificent cultural performances throughout the Solomons and Vanuatu

> Swim in the sparkling waters of Champagne Beach and walk through the surrounding rainforest

AN EXPEDITION TO THE REMOTE ISLANDS OF PAPUA, THE SOLOMONS, VANUATU, AND NEW CALEDONIA

fares & sailing schedule

Prices are listed in Australian Dollars (AUD) and include GST. *Limited sole use occupancy available.

CORAL DISCOVERER

DATE DEPARTS

03 December 2018 Cairns

DEPARTURE TIMES

CAIRNS: Boarding at 8:00am for 9:00am departure. Disembarks in Nouméa at 3:00pm.

CORAL DISCOVERER TWIN SHARE SOLE USE

Bridge Deck Balcony 16,490 n/a

Promenade Deck A 14,890 n/a

Promenade Deck B 14,390 21,585*

Main Deck A 13,690 n/a

Main Deck B 13,190 n/a

DAY 10: MARAU SOUND & GUADALCANAL ISLANDAs we cruise to Guadalcanal Island, learn about the fierce fighting that took place here during World War II. Follow in Mendaña’s footsteps as we enter the picturesque Marau Sound, an area of unspoiled beauty and turquoise waters teeming with colourful fish and coral. Snorkel, SCUBA and kayak in this remote marine haven.

DAY 11: SAN CRISTOBAL & SANTA ANABe welcomed by the locals of Star Harbour this morning. Enjoy a colourful cultural performance before exploring the village, meet the children at the local school and learn about the harbour’s WWII history. We visit the island of Santa Ana, which is known for its bone fish hooks and imaginative fishing floats.

DAY 12: NENDO ISLAND Our last stop in the Solomon Islands, Nendo Island is an excellent location to view and purchase quality artefacts. Enjoy a cultural performance and an opportunity to snorkel from the beach.

DAY 13: UREPARAPARA, VANUATUUreparapara is one of the most spectacular islands in the South Pacific; the cone of a volcano surrounded by 300 metre cliffs. The only way to experience this island is by sea and visits from cruise ships are rare. After travelling ashore to the village we will be entertained by the local people with dancing and music before joining a guided walk around the volcano.

DAY 14: CHAMPAGNE BEACH, ESPIRITU SANTO ISLAND Enjoy the splendour of magnificent Champagne Beach with a day full of fantastic swimming, snorkelling, diving, and glass bottom boat tours. You may also wish to participate in a guided walk through the rainforest to the popular swimming spot ‘Blue Hole’.

DAY 15: MALEKULA ISLAND As the second largest island in Vanuatu, Malekula art and ritual objects are among the finest in the country. The island is famous for the complex ceremonies and rituals preserved by two of its remarkable tribes, the Big Nambas and the Small Nambas.

DAY 16: TANNA ISLAND VOLCANOThis morning we approach Tanna Island and see our first signs of volcanic activity, hot springs bubbling beneath the surface. We are in for a real once-in-a-lifetime experience. We are met by the villagers, who drive us local style in the back of their trucks up through the forest of the lower reaches of Mt Yasur’s active volcano. Continue on foot to the rim of the caldera, and peer into the heart of the volcano and its lava pools. Return to the village to spend time with the locals and learn about their interesting customs.

DAY 17: NOUMÉA, NEW CALEDONIA Disembark at 3pm in Nouméa, the capital of New Caledonia.

1. Bamboo Mouth Harp player, Solomon Islands 2. The beach at Egum Islet

“Leis were given out as we entered...The whole village was there to meet us and after short speeches and presentations the school sang a welcome song to us in magnificent harmony. After food we were treated to two wonderful mimes which had the locals and the guests in stitches.”

- Expedition Leader Steve Cox

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Captain Peter MartinGuest Lecturer

Captain Peter Martin is a practicing mariner, historian, and navigation expert. With many qualifications in maritime trade and foreign affairs, and an extensive career as a navigation specialist and commander, he is prominent on maritime councils and industry associations. He is a well-recognised and respected lecturer on maritime and historical subjects.

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other expeditions:> THE KIMBERLEY

> TASMANIA

> SYDNEY TO HOBART

> PAPUA NEW GUINEA

> CAPE YORK & ARNHEM LAND

> GREAT BARRIER REEF

Black Tipped Reef Shark, Uepi Island

Online www.coralexpeditions.com

Email reservations@coralexpeditions.com

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Head office PO Box 2093 Cairns 4870 QLD AustraliaABN 51 010 809 417 Issued October 2017

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