Asia Pacific

Raja Ampat and Philippines cruise: the Last Paradise on Earth

13 Days aboard SH Minerva. From AUD $12,729pp.
Small Ship Expeditions
Details

Overview

Embark on a rare and enriching small-ship expedition cruise, sailing from the remote reef-fringed islands of Raja Ampat to the southern Philippines, ending in the vibrant capital of Manila. This unique journey uncovers the cultural and ecological treasures of Southeast Asia, offering a fresh outlook on one of the world’s most biodiverse and captivating regions.

Created for adventurous spirits and sea lovers, this voyage combines quiet luxury and exploration across a diverse tapestry of islands, reefs, and coastal villages. Sail through a stunning mosaic of tropical scenery — from the surreal limestone karsts of Misool to the pristine atolls of Ayu and the coral sanctuaries of the Philippine archipelago. Find secluded white-sand beaches perfect for snorkeling and swimming, explore warm waters where gentle whale sharks swim, and immerse yourself in lively island cultures shaped by centuries of seafaring tradition. Along the way, enjoy expert-led excursions that unveil the region’s hidden gems and connect you with its natural rhythm.

With May marking the end of the dry season, this is the perfect time to experience Southeast Asia’s vibrant beauty — lush, humid, and bursting with color and life. Whether you’re drawn by stunning scenery, rare marine encounters, or authentic cultural experiences, the expedition from Raja Ampat to the Philippines offers a truly unforgettable cruise. Discover the wild spirit of the tropics with the comfort, elegance, and curiosity-driven approach that define every voyage.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Sail past Misool’s karsts, Ayu’s atolls, and Palawan’s white-sand beaches.
  • Encounter gentle whale sharks in Cenderawasih Bay and connect with island communities rooted in centuries of seafaring tradition
  • Snorkel vibrant coral reefs and explore lively coastal villages on expert-led excursions

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Bali (Hotel Night)
  • Day 2: Fly to Sorong, Papua and embark
  • Day 3: Pulau Misool, Balbulal Lagoon,Raja Ampat - Pulau Misool, Yapap, Raja Ampat
  • Day 4: Wayag Island, Raja Ampat
  • Day 5: Ayu Atoll, Raja Ampat, Papua
  • Day 6: Day at sea
  • Day 7: Pulau Miangas
  • Day 8: Daku Island
  • Day 9: Bohol Island, Loay
  • Day 10: Camotes Islands
  • Day 11: Cuatro Islas
  • Day 12: Marinduque Island, Boac
  • Day 13: Manila

Ship Information

For more information on the SH Minerva please view the ship page.

View SH Minerva

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.

Day 1: Bali (Hotel Night)

You will be met by a cruise representative on arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The evening is free for you to explore.

Day 2: Fly to Sorong, Papua and embark

After an early breakfast, you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Sorong, Papua. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the ship for embarkation.

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.

Breakfast and Dinner included.

Day 3: Pulau Misool, Balbulal Lagoon,Raja Ampat - Pulau Misool, Yapap, Raja Ampat

With roughly 1,000 coral and over 1,200 reef fish species, the crystalline waters around jungle-woven Raja Ampat, Indonesia's easternmost islands, comprise the most biodiverse marine habitat unparalleled on the planet. Meaning 'four kings,' Raja Ampat refers to Waigeo, Salawati, Batanta and Misool, yet spreads across 1,000 atolls and islets. Originally joined to Australia, Raja Ampat is home to tree-dwelling marsupials and 500 bird species.

Pulau Misool, a remote island in Raja Ampat, showcases wild beauty with white-sand beaches and lush hills. A highlight is Yapap, a secluded lagoon surrounded by towering limestone karsts. Known for its glassy turquoise waters and white-sand seabed, it's ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and photography. Its serene atmosphere makes it a peaceful escape from more crowded spots.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 4: Wayag Island, Raja Ampat

One of Raja Ampat's most remote islands, Wayag offers spectacular limestone karst formations surrounded by sapphire sea. Steps lead up to the panoramic Wayag Viewpoint overlooking the bullet-shaped stacks erupting from the ocean. Wayag's unusual landscape exists both above and below the surface with deserted white-sand beaches and underwater gardens packed with soft corals, darting tropical fish and black-tipped reef sharks.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 5: Ayu Atoll, Raja Ampat, Papua

Pulau Ayu, the main island in the Ayu Atoll, is a remote jewel of Raja Ampat. Fringed by ivory beaches and lush rainforest, and surrounded by vibrant coral reefs, it’s a sanctuary for nesting leatherback turtles. Beneath its clear waters, tropical marine life flourishes, while the villages of Ayu and Imbik Kuan welcome visitors with warm Papuan hospitality. Once a WWII outpost, its isolation made it a key strategic base for Japanese forces.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 6: Day 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.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 7: Pulau Miangas

Remote Miangas, Indonesia's northernmost island, is known for its white sandy beaches and rich coral reefs, making fishing a way of life for locals. Its remote location keeps marine ecosystems largely untouched. Lush with coconut, nutmeg, and clove trees, the island blends wild and cultivated greenery. Home to over 700 people, Miangas offers a unique mix of Indonesian and Filipino culture and a glimpse into resilient island life.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 8: Daku Island

Daku Island, just off Siargao’s General Luna in the Visayas, offers a peaceful, largely untouched escape. At low tide, a sandbar emerges, revealing a striking contrast of white sand and clear water. Home to a handful of families, the island features crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming, snorkelling and surfing. Beach huts and local eateries offer laid-back spots to unwind with fresh, island-style meals.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 9: Bohol Island, Loay

Having sailed across the Bohol Sea, you’ll arrive today at tiny Balicasag Island, which is located about six kilometres southwest of Panglao. Circled by a reef that has been declared a marine sanctuary, it’s one of the most popular diving spots in the Philippines. The sea here drops away to impressively deep submarine cliffs. Soft and hard corals can be found around the drop-offs, as well as sublime multicoloured shoals. Afterwards, head to the city of Tagbilaran, a gateway to Bohol’s jungly interior. Home of (arguably) the world’s cutest animal, tarsiers – nocturnal primates less than 16 centimetres high that have distinctive bulbous eyes – live in Bohol and can be seen at its conservation centre and sanctuary. Bohol is also famous for its Chocolate Hills, a quirk of geology that must be seen.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 10: Camotes Islands

The Camotes Sea’s tranquil archipelago includes three main islands - Pacijan, Poro and Ponson - and tiny Tulang islet. Pacijan and Poro are linked by a causeway, making key sites easily accessible. Highlights include Pacijan’s Lake Danao, the largest freshwater lake in the Visayas, as well as Timubo and Bukilat caves with crystal-clear pools. On Poro, Santiago Beach offers powdery white sand and calm, inviting waters.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 11: Cuatro Islas

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.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 12: Marinduque Island, Boac

Boac, the historic gateway to Marinduque, charms with colonial-era houses, cobbled streets and the hilltop cathedral overlooking the coast. On the island’s eastern side, Santa Cruz pulses with tradition - lively markets, the melodic Tubong ritual, and the centuries-old church at its heart. Across the island, cacao farms and the age-old Lukad method of coconut oil extraction reflect Marinduque’s deep-rooted culture and island spirit.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 13: Manila

After breakfast, you will disembark and transfer to the airport.

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.

Breakfast included.

Next Departure Date: 27 Apr 2026
DatesCabinFromAdditional
27 Apr 2026 - 09 May 2026 AUD$12729ppExpand to view prices
Triple Oceanview M4AUD$12729ppContact us
Oceanview D4AUD$14550ppContact us
Triple Balcony M5AUD$15166ppContact us
Oceanview M4AUD$15275ppContact us
Balcony D5AUD$17475ppContact us
Balcony M5AUD$18200ppContact us
Balcony D6AUD$18925ppContact us
Quadruple SuiteAUD$19106ppContact us
SuiteAUD$25475ppContact us
Premium SuiteAUD$29100ppContact us
  • Please note that cabins Balcony D6, Premium Suite and some Balcony D5 can also be converted into Triples. The Third person will pay only 50% off fare.
  • Triple Cabins can also be converted into Quads for 2 children.
  • When sharing a cabin, children up to the age of 16 pay only 35% of the fare. Those aged 17 and above will pay 50% of the fare.

Ask us for specific pricing.

**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply

Cabin Details

Oceanview D4

19 m2
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.

Oceanview D4
Oceanview D4
Oceanview M4

19 m2
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.

Oceanview M4
Oceanview M4
Balcony D5

28 m2
Located at the forward and aft of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony

Balcony D5
Balcony D5
Balcony M5

28 m2
Located at the centre of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony

Balcony M5
Balcony M5
Balcony D6

28 m2
Located on deck six, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony

Balcony D6
Balcony D6
Suite

44m2
Our Suites features a superking bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom and a 12 sq.m. private balcony.

Suite
Suite
Premium Suite

49m2
Our grandest suites features a superking bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom, spacious walk in wardrobe and a 12 sq.m private balcony.

Premium Suite
Premium Suite
Triple Oceanview M4

19 m2
Located on Deck 4 at the bow. Light, bright and crafted from natural materials Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds or a double bed, a bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
To make it a Triple room, the third guest will sleep on a Single Sofa bed – Dimensions of the Sofa: 1860 X 1230 mm
This cabin can also be converted into Quad on request.

Triple Oceanview M4
Triple Oceanview M4
Triple Balcony M5

28 m2
Balcony stateroom is a Swan Hellenic guest favorite. Located on Deck 5 at the centre of the ship, staterooms features 2 single beds or a double bed, bedroom, living room, luxurious bathroom and your own 6 m2 balcony.
To make it a Triple room, the third guest will sleep on a Single Sofa bed – Dimensions of the Sofa: 1900 X 1380 mm
This cabin can also be converted into Quad on request.

Triple Balcony M5
Triple Balcony M5
Quadruple Suite

44 m2
Located on Deck 5 and 6 at the centre of the ship, our spacious Suites with a 12 sq.m. private balconies are a favorite with discerning guests, and those that prefer a little more space and comfort.
To make it a Quad room, the third and fourth guests will sleep on a Double Sofa bed – Dimensions of the Sofa: 1900 X 1380 mm

Quadruple Suite
Quadruple Suite

SH Minerva Deckplan

deck plan

Specifications

Passengers: 152

Crew: 122

Decks: 9

Length: 372.3ft (113.5m)

Draft: 17.8ft (5.45m)

Breadth: 79.7ft (24.3m)

Gross Tonnage: 10617

Registered: Liberia

Service speed: 12 knots

Lifeboats: 2 (fully closed)

Propulsion: Hybrid Diesel Electric, Polar Class PC5

Zodiacs: 10 MK5 + 2 MK6

What's included?

  • Group transfer from Bali DPS Airport to Bali hotel
  • Group transfer from hotel to Bali DPS Airport for charter flight to Sorong
  • Group transfer from Sorong Airport to ship
  • Group transfer from ship to Manila airport
  • Charter flight from Bali to Sorong pre cruise
  • One-night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel in Bali
  • All meals onboard
  • 24-hour room service
  • Coffee, tea, soft drinks, and selected alcoholic beverages available 24 hours per day
  • Lecture programs by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
  • Standard Wi-Fi (Free upgrade to Gold)
  • Onboard gratuities and port taxes
  • One selected shore excursion/expedition activity per port of call
  • Backpack and stainless-steel water bottle

What's not?

  • Any items not mentioned as included.

Important notes and additional information

  • Please note that cabins Balcony D6, Premium Suite and some Balcony D5 can also be converted into Triples. The Third person will pay only 50% off fare.
  • Triple Cabins can also be converted into Quads for 2 children.
  • When sharing a cabin, children up to the age of 16 pay only 35% of the fare. Those aged 17 and above will pay 50% of the fare.

Ask us for specific pricing.

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Raja Ampat and Philippines cruise: the Last Paradise on Earth

13 Days aboard SH Minerva. From AUD $12,729pp.