Paradise Passage: from the Philippines to Raja Ampat

Paradise Passage: from the Philippines to Raja Ampat - Swan Hellenic

Expedition Highlights

A region of vivid contrasts, from coral seas and island cultures to ports shaped by trade and deep-rooted traditions, all brought to life by expert context.

Conferenze condotte da esperti

Scoprite di più su questa isolata regione polare grazie al nostro team di esperti a bordo.

Guided Hikes

Take guided walks on island trails and coastal paths, with time to stop for views, wildlife spotting, and photos.

Echoes of the Pacific War

Trace WWII history across the region, from island shores where rusted aircraft and shipwreck relics still sit in the landscape to places of remembrance, with expert context that brings the story into focus.

Meet the Tribes of the Pacific

Experience captivating indigenous performances, such as ritual traditions and dances, explore tribal villages and shop for handicrafts.

Snorkeling & Diving

Explore clear, warm waters where coral gardens attract reef fish, rays, and, at times, reef sharks.

Itinerario giorno per giorno

From vibrant Manila through the Philippine archipelago and across open ocean to the pristine waters of Raja Ampat

NOTE: Questo itinerario fornisce informazioni generali su ciascuna destinazione. Si prega di notare che alcuni luoghi e alcune attrazioni menzionati potrebbero non essere aperti o accessibili nel giorno della nostra visita. Per ottenere il programma escursioni più accurato, consigliamo di contattare il vostro agente Swan Hellenic o la vostra agenzia di viaggi in prossimità della data di partenza.

Panoramica

Giorno 1

Manila

Arrive in Manila today. The capital of the Philippines is a teeming, sprawling metropolis. Its flaws are no match for its creative, exciting energy, which infused everything from its art to food. There’s so much to see and do here: the city’s museums, Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church and the Chinese Cemetery are some of the highlights. Intramuros – the old Spanish walled town at the heart of the city – is unmissable. Explore if timings allow and be sure to sample some Filipino cuisine in all its bold sour, sweet and tangy glory. Alternatively, head straight to your home for the next several days. After a seamless check-in, settle into your cabin or stateroom and take time to explore your ship’s luxurious facilities

Giorno 2

Marinduque Island, LayLay Port

Marinduque, a peaceful island in the heart of the Philippines, is known for rolling hills, pristine beaches, and vibrant traditions. Small fishing villages welcome visitors and preserve time-honored crafts and festivals, including the famous Moriones Festival. Surrounding waters host rich coral reefs and diverse marine life, ideal for snorkeling and diving. Inland, verdant forests and hidden waterfalls offer quiet exploration, blending natural beauty and cultural heritage in a serene island escape

Giorno 3

Cuatro Islas, Digyo Island

Tucked away in Western Leyte, the Cuatro Islas are a serene tropical escape, offering a distinct charm on each of the four islands. Apid, the most populated, offers a cultural touch with its fishing community and traditional mat weaving. Digyo is the smallest, known for its stunning sandbars and quiet beauty. Mahaba features a long beach, marine sanctuary, and sea turtles, while Himokilan enchants with a curving sandbar and a hidden tidal pool

Giorno 4

Bohol Island, Baclayon

After crossing the Bohol Sea, you arrive at tiny Balicasag Island, about six kilometres southwest of Panglao. The sea drops away into deep submarine cliffs. Soft and hard corals surround the reef, with multicoloured shoals moving through the water. Afterwards, head to Tagbilaran, a gateway to Bohol’s jungly interior. Tarsiers live here, nocturnal primates less than 16 cm tall with disproportionately large eyes. These adorable animals can be seen at the conservation centre and sanctuary. Bohol is also famous for the Chocolate Hills, a striking quirk of geology

Giorno 5

Casulian Island

Casulian Island (or Corregidor Island) lies off Siargao's southern coast. Rolling palm-covered hills lead to a summit with sweeping Pacific Ocean views. Pristine white-sand beaches and secluded turquoise coves ring the shoreline, while vibrant coral reefs thrive in the surrounding waters. Visitors flock here to hike the scenic hilltop trails and snorkel among the colourful marine life, making it one of Siargao's most sought-after destinations

Giorni 6-7

Days at sea

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers

Giorno 8

Sorong, Papua

The bustling port city of Sorong in West Papua is known as the gateway to the crystalline waters of Raja Ampat, the world's most biodiverse marine habitat, home to over 1,500 species of fish and 75 percent of the world's known coral species. In town, the Buddhist pagoda of Sapta Ratna stands tall on a hilltop overlooking the harbour. Local fishing boats come in with their catch at the bustling Pasar Jembutan Puri fish market

Giorno 8

Kabui Bay, Raja Ampat

Kabui Bay is one of Raja Ampat’s most scenic areas, shaped by a narrow waterway between the limestone islands of Gam and Waigeo known as The Passage. Cruise this natural corridor via Zodiac, following in the footsteps of naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace, who travelled this route in 1860 and described its scenery as one of the most picturesque in the region. The mix of calm water, dramatic rock formations, and abundant marine life makes this area outstanding for snorkeling. Nearby, well-known dive sites such as Mioskon, Mayhem, and The Passage offer opportunities for those who want to explore deeper

Giorno 9

Pulau Penemu, Raja Ampat

Pulau Penemu is one of Raja Ampat’s most striking landscapes, with towering limestone pinnacles rising straight from the water. Piaynemo peak is the signature viewpoint here. A short hike takes you up to the top for wide views over lagoons and limestone islets. Just offshore, the Piaynemo Geosite is also one of the area’s best known snorkeling and diving zones, with dense coral diversity in the surrounding reefs and abundant fish life. Two dives are scheduled today, Melissa’s Garden, a coral rich plateau with three pinnacles and frequent macro life, and Batu Rufas, a drift along an island wall with swim throughs, fusilier schools, and regular turtle and shark sightings

Giorno 9

Pulau Fam, Raja Ampat

The Fam Islands form a small cluster of islets in the Raja Ampat Geopark, with Pulau Pam as the inhabited centre. Three villages sit near hidden lakes, one where crocodiles are known to live. The local community produces high quality virgin coconut oil, supporting both livelihoods and cultural traditions. Fascinating and seldom visited, this stop allows time to explore a cultural village, experience the warm hospitality of local communities, and see daily island life up close. Fam’s reefs are among the most pristine in the region, with rich coral gardens and marine life that can include reef sharks, ribbon eels, turtles, schooling fusiliers, and manta cleaning stations

Giorno 10

Pulau Kri, Raja Ampat

Later, you head to Pulau Kri, one of Raja Ampat’s most important hubs of marine biodiversity. At Cape Kri, known for exceptionally high fish diversity, you’ll snorkel with the guidance of the expedition team. In these waters, you may encounter manta rays, sea turtles, mollusks, reef fish, and brilliant corals in every direction

Giorno 10

Pulau Mansuar, Raja Ampat

Pulau Mansuar is a long, narrow island crowned by a high limestone ridge and blanketed in dense tropical jungle. The surrounding reefs link Mansuar to neighboring Kri, and several small villages line the northern coast. In traditional palm-leaf-roof homes, just over a hundred residents live a measured, sea-and-forest rhythm of daily life. A walk across the island can take you to the salt lake Telaga Yenauiyau, a perfect place to enjoy a fresh coconut and listen to the jungle. Keep an eye out for the impressive coconut crab among the palms, and snorkelers will love the underwater world, where hundreds of colorful fish swirl above the corals. Those who wish can also go diving at Yenbuda Jetty

Giorno 11

Pulau Misool, Balbulol Lagoon,Raja Ampat

One of the most remote islands in Raja Ampat, Pulau Misool captivates with its untouched nature. White-sand beaches, emerald hills, and labyrinths of karst limestone cliffs create truly cinematic scenery. The island is surrounded by some of the richest coral reefs on the planet and lies within the protected Misool Marine Reserve, celebrated for extraordinary biodiversity.  One of the region’s great natural treasures is the Yap Islands lagoon, hidden among towering karst formations. With turquoise water and a soft sandy bottom, it is an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling. You can also swim in Lake Lenmakana among rare freshwater jellyfish that have no stinging tentacles, and explore reefs and limestone shorelines where manta rays, reef sharks, vivid mollusks, shrimp, and a wide variety of tropical fish are often seen.   Nearby lies Balbulol Lagoon, home to the famous heart-shaped “Love Lake,” a hidden gem set among the dramatic karst formations of Misool. The surrounding landscape is defined by towering limestone spires rising directly from the turquoise sea, creating a maze of narrow passages and peaceful, sheltered coves

Giorno 12

Sorong, Papua

Arrive in Sorong in the early morning for disembarkation, with the reefs and islands of Raja Ampat still fresh in mind. Take a last look at the water and the jungle edged coastline as you step ashore, then continue onward with the sense of having reached one of the most biodiverse corners of the planet

What guests remember most

Insights from Asia-Pacific guest feedback

Explore more

35 mentions

Service, Staff & Crew

Guest comments repeatedly reflect the care behind each journey, with warmth, attentiveness, and professionalism among the strongest parts of the experience.

22 mentions

Snorkeling, Zodiac Trips, and Wildlife

Across guest comments, the strongest impressions often come from time spent at sea level: close marine encounters, whale shark sightings, and the sense of discovery that comes from exploring by Zodiac.

19 mentions

Excursions, Expeditions & Tours

Guests often described shore experience as a highlight, especially cultural encounters and guided visits.

19 mentions

Culture, Village Life, and Local Encounters

Time spent in remote communities and the warmth of the people met ashore were repeatedly mentioned in the feedback.

18 mentions

Ship, Cabins, and Onboard Comfort

Guests mentioned well-designed spaces and thoughtful amenities as well as the comfort of their private accommodation.

15 mentions

Remote Islands and Unique Destinations

Guests often highlighted the sense of reaching places far beyond the usual cruise routes.

14 mentions

Food, Meals & Beverages

The onboard culinary experience was mentioned as one of the memorable pleasures of the journey.

14 mentions

Lectures, Speakers, and Expertise

Guests often valued the deeper understanding that came from thoughtful interpretation throughout the journey.

Infiniti modi di vivere la tua giornata

Con Swan Hellenic non esiste una giornata tipo. Ti offriamo infinite possibilità per modellare ogni momento sui tuoi interessi e sul tuo umore: a bordo la tua giornata ideale è sempre a portata di mano.

SH Minerva in breve

Crociera boutique

Gli interni su misura di SH Minerva sono spaziosi e di gusto, con arredi avvolgenti e vetrate dal pavimento al soffitto che regalano vedute libere su alcuni dei paesaggi più incredibili del mondo.

Eccellenza gastronomica

Ogni sera lo Swan Restaurant si trasforma in un indirizzo gourmet che serve le creazioni sublimi di chef consulenti premiati con la stella Michelin.

Sauna e spa

La sauna è perfetta per momenti di raccoglimento dopo le attività a terra o dopo la vasta scelta di trattamenti benessere. Tra le tante possibilità ci sono la spa balinese e i trattamenti di bellezza e benessere, dai massaggi con pietre calde e bambù alle coccole per il corpo.

Palestra

Palestra all'avanguardia con macchine cardio, elastici e pesi liberi. Offriamo anche una serie di lezioni guidate da istruttori e personal trainer per ogni esigenza, dall'allenamento con i pesi al Pilates, fino allo yoga e alla meditazione.

Piscina e jacuzzi

Tutto è pensato per sfruttare al meglio panorami senza eguali, dalle nostre vasche idromassaggio all'aperto con vedute spettacolari all'ampio ponte piscina affacciato sul mare che scintilla.

Scoperte a bordo

Immergiti nella natura, nella storia e nella cultura di ogni luogo che tocchi durante la crociera con briefing, conferenze e presentazioni dedicate. Le nostre guide di spedizione esperte renderanno il tempo a bordo tanto affascinante quanto istruttivo.

Servizio personale

Swan Hellenic è servizio personale e ospitalità autentica. Il nostro equipaggio caloroso e accogliente non desidera altro che offrirti la migliore esperienza possibile.

La tua casa lontano da casa

Rilassati nell'eleganza discreta della tua cabina o suite. Un mix raffinato di tonalità tenui, materiali naturali e tecnologia intuitiva: il design di ispirazione scandinava unisce con naturalezza il mondo esterno a un comfort eccezionale.