Settle into your stateroom and relax as we set sail across the Pacific Ocean. This evening, join the Captain’s welcome drinks and meet your crew and fellow guests as the sun sets.
Quick Email
888 308 4904
Quick Email
888 308 4904
Venture north through the Western Pacific from the rarely seen Federated States of Micronesia towards the unique islands of Tokyo Bay. Set sail from Yap and explore remote coral atolls and small villages of Ulithi, Sorol and Fais that will welcome expeditioners for the first time. Enjoy relaxing days at sea with our crew leading wellness activities along with Japanese whiskey and tea tastings and cooking presentations. Partake in a special ceremony onboard as we pause above the “Challenger Deep”, the ocean’s deepest point on earth at the Mariana Trench. Cruise past on a circumnavigation of Iwo Jima and learn of the historic World War II battles.
Upon our arrival in Japan, explore one of Japan’s most scenic ports at Shimuzu, with unparalleled views of Mt. Fuji and take a cable car to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine. Walk to the top of Mount Mihara, an active volcano with several moderate nature routes to the crater. Be immersed in local culture by witnessing the traditional kashitate dance and hachijo taiko drum performance at Hachijojima. In Yokohama, discover the Great Budha of Kamakura and the gilded wooden statue of Kannon before enjoying a traditional lunch and free time to explore. Join us on an adventure that will combine the striking biodiversity of Micronesia’s remote coral atolls and Japan’s ancient culture and traditions.
Expedition Highlights
• Snorkel on coral reef gardens and stroll the idyllic beaches of a truly deserted islet in a remote part of the world at Ulithi Atoll
• Cross over Challenger Deep – the oceans deepest trench on Earth and participate in a special event
• Enjoy relaxing days at sea with onboard wellness activities, lectures, workshops and tastings
• Visit Shimizu, one of Japan’s most scenic ports with unparalleled views of Mt. Fuji and explore the Taisha Shrine in the foothills of Mt. Fuji
• Walk to the top of Mount Mihara, an active volcano with several moderate nature walk routes to the crater
• Be immersed in local culture with a Kashitate dance and Hachijo Taiko drum performance at Hachijojima
• Visit the colossal copper statue of Amida-butsu (the Great Buddha) constructed over 750 years ago, has been designated a National Treasure by the Japanese government.
Day 1 - Depart Guam, Micronesia
Settle into your stateroom and relax as we set sail across the Pacific Ocean. This evening, join the Captain’s welcome drinks and meet your crew and fellow guests as the sun sets.
Day 2 - Ulithi Atoll, Federated States Of Micronesia
Snorkel on coral reef gardens off a truly deserted islet in a remote part of the world. Enjoy the tropical vista of white sand beaches, colourful coral reefs home to sea turtles, coconut crabs and sea birds. There is also opportunity to visit the Ulithi Turtle Project and the vibrant community village.
Gather in front of the Men’s Meeting house where the captain will meet with the High Chief to thank him and the village community for welcoming us on Mogmog Island. Adhering to all customary traditions, walk about the village to visit and photograph the traditional buildings and sites. Local guides will give informative talks on the Men’s House and the Women’s house and their traditional functions, the traditional Mogmog Turtle Platform, as well the traditions and customs and social structures of Mogmog Island. Stroll through the village market with demonstrations of traditional woven baskets and purses, as well handwoven lava-lava, loom weaving demonstrations and other wooden handicrafts.
Day 3 - Sorol Atoll, Federated States Of Micronesia
Sorol is a remote and rarely visited coral atoll, located 122 nautical miles south of Ulithi. Our visit to the atoll’s small community will be a first for expedition cruising.
Day 4 - Fais Island, Federated States Of Micronesia
Our last coral atoll exploration in Micronesia before our Journey to Japan beings. Learn of the World War II history.
Day 5 - Challenger Deep, Federated States Of Micronesia
A special event at the ocean’s deepest trench on Earth will be experienced by all guests. We will each sign a commemorative scroll, which is then placed into a steel pipe, sealed, and drop to the bottom of the ocean. If conditions permit, enjoy an ocean swim.
Day 6 - Iwo Jima, Japan
Today we circumnavigate the volcanic island of Iwo Jima where the World War II Battle of Iwo Jima took place along with the site of Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal’s famous photo Raising the Flag which was photographed on Mt. Suribachi. The famous photograph won the 1945 Pulitzer Prize – the only time an image has won the prize the year it was captured. Your onboard team will share the story of WWII devastation and battles in this area in 1945.
Day 7 - Shimizu, Japan
Shimizu, translating to ‘pure water’ in Japanese is one of Japan’s most scenic ports with unparalleled views of Mt. Fuji. This is our entry port into Japan. From here we will visit the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre, constructed to commemorate the mountain’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The centre boasts a viewing deck and a variety of exhibitions pertaining to the volcano’s seismology, history, and cultural significance. The building has an inverted conical form that reflects in the pond outside to reveal the shape of the iconic mountain.
We will also enjoy a scenic view as we take a cable car ride to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine. The shrine has a history of over 400 years, and enshrines Lord Tokugawa Leyasu, who founded the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1603 that brought peace to Japan for 265 years. The beautifully decorated shrine buildings were designated as a National Treasure in 2010.
Day 8 - Oshima, Japan
Today we walk to the top of Mount Mihara, an active volcano with major eruptions occurring at intervals of 100–150 years. Mount Mihara has featured in several Japanese pop culture movies including The Return of Godzilla. This nature walk is moderate with several routes to the crater, where you can spot small fumes coming out. Tables and seats are along the way and amenities at the top. Enjoy the views to and from the volcano, including Mount Fuji which can be seen in the distance.
Day 9 - Hahajima, Japan
On Hachijojima Island see the landscape changed by volcanic eruptions and enjoy hot springs and waterfalls within moss draped forests with blooming hydrangeas, aloe, and freesia. Hikes with unbeatable views are on offer here where you can observe the unique nature and grazing cows. At the Hattori Residence be immersed in local culture with a Kashitate dance and Hachijo Taiko drum performance, learn about kimono traditions and wander the ancient stone-walled laneways of this historical site.
Day 10 - Miyakejima, Japan
The coast of Miyakejima is largely formed by lava cooling which has created interesting geo-spots over time. Megane Rock (spectacle rock) is one such result, formed by two enormous arches lined together which have eroded over time to create a formation resembling a pair of spectacles. This unique volcanic landscape is home to flora and fauna that thrive in this challenging terrain. The island is famous for its bird watching opportunities with sightings of the Izu Island thrush – a designated natural treasure. Walk along the volcanic trails and explore the landscape while encountering wildlife at this extraordinary destination.
Day 11 - Arrive Tokyo, Japan
Our voyage ends in the Japanese capital of Tokyo. Disembark at 8:30 am and bid farewell to new-found friends, the Master and crew.
On the Great Barrier Reef, Islands of East Indies, New Guinea and Micronesia, and many other regions that we explore, you will enjoy opportunities to snorkel and scuba dive over some of the most diverse ecosystems of colourful and pristine coral reefs. On expedition, we are able to snorkel from many places such as beaches, sand cays and from our Xplorer tenders. Additionally, our Expedition Team will offer drift snorkels where suitable, and guided snorkel tours. At each site the Expedition Team will provide you with a site briefing, which will cover rest stations, points of interest and water entry and exit practices.
Launched in March 2021, Coral Geographer is the newest addition to our fleet, purpose-designed to access remote wilderness shores around the world that are often inaccessible to large cruise vessels.
Coral Geographer is as comfortable as she is capable – her design draws on the latest technical advances as well as Coral Expeditions’ 37 years of experience building and operating expedition ships. The ship’s lightweight dual Xplorer tenders, a trademark feature of all our vessels, extend the capabilities of the ship by allowing deeper exploration on shore excursions. These ‘safari jeeps’ of the sea are fast, sturdy, and comfortable and developed to allow easy boarding from the ship and walk-off disembarkation onto remote shores.
Able to navigate into shallow bays, disembark onto remote islands, and visit small villages without overwhelming the environment or community, Coral Geographer explores the hidden nooks and crannies of Australia’s Kimberley Coast, Australia’s West and South coastlines and international voyages including to New Zealand, Sulawesi, Mauritius, and Zanzibar.
| Luxury star rating: | |
| Guests #: | 120 |
| Crew #: | 45 |
| Ice Class: | |
| Speed: | 13 |
| Refurbished: |
| Year built: | |
| Length: | 93m |
| Width: | 17 |
| Draft: | 4 |
| Tonnage: | 5516 |
| Registry: | |
| Elec Outlets: |
We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.
