Destination & wildlife | The Pacific

Somewhere beyond the usual Pacific cruise routes, the sea changes colour. In Raja Ampat, limestone islands rise from water so clear that the reefs beneath appear almost absurdly close. Farther east are volcanic islands, remote villages and places where the history of the Second World War is still visible along the shore.

The distances are enormous and the journeys take commitment, which helps explain why these islands have escaped the attentions of most cruise itineraries. They're also exceptionally rewarding for travellers interested in wildlife, history and the pleasure of arriving somewhere that doesn't have a souvenir shop waiting at the gangway.

Raja Ampat: the extraordinary reefs of the Coral Triangle

The Coral Triangle spans waters in six countries and contains around 76% of the world's known coral species. Its greatest concentration of diversity is found around Raja Ampat, an Indonesian archipelago off the western tip of New Guinea. The statistics are impressive, but considerably less so than putting your face in the water.

Reefs here support extraordinary numbers of fish, alongside turtles, reef sharks and manta rays. Above the surface, the islands of Penemu, Kabui Bay and Misool form a spectacular maze of forested limestone pinnacles. There are villages and traditional fishing communities too, whose lives are inseparable from the marine environment that visitors have come so far to see.

In 2025, UNESCO designated Raja Ampat a biosphere reserve, recognising its exceptional ecology and the importance of local stewardship. It's a useful reminder that the area's celebrated beauty depends on conservation, not simply its remoteness.

Further reading: UNESCO on Raja Ampat and WWF on the Coral Triangle.

Cenderawasih Bay: an audience with whale sharks

North-east of Raja Ampat, Cenderawasih Bay is known for something even more imposing than its coral gardens. Whale sharks, the world's largest fish, are regularly seen around traditional fishing platforms near Kwatisore, where they sometimes feed on fish associated with the catch.

An encounter with one of these enormous, spotted animals is a powerful incentive to travel here, though sightings and in-water activities must depend on conditions, wildlife guidelines and local arrangements. The animals, reasonably enough, haven't agreed to a timetable.

Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands: a different Pacific

There's another side to Pacific expedition cruising beyond Indonesia. A journey north from New Zealand can take in the Norfolk Island settlement associated with the descendants of the Bounty mutineers, New Caledonia's lagoons and Vanuatu's volcanic landscapes.

Vanuatu is home to dozens of distinct island cultures, with traditional kastom practices remaining central to community life. Farther north, the Solomon Islands carry a much more recent historical legacy. Guadalcanal was the scene of a pivotal Second World War campaign, and wrecks and memorials still speak to the fighting that took place here.

An expedition ship makes these remote calls more feasible, though landings and shore visits remain dependent on local permissions and conditions. It helps to regard an itinerary as a plan rather than a legally binding agreement with the Pacific Ocean.

From the Philippines to Japan: reefs, islands and history

The western Pacific offers an entirely different expedition route. Sail north from the Philippines and the landscape moves from the limestone islets of Hundred Islands and the Spanish-era streets of Vigan to Japan's subtropical Ryukyu islands.

Miyakojima and Zamami are known for beautiful coastal waters, while Okinawa adds the history of the former Ryukyu Kingdom. Farther north, Kagoshima sits beneath the active volcano Sakurajima, before the journey reaches Hiroshima. The shift in culture, scenery and history is considerable, which is precisely the point.

Why see the Pacific by expedition ship?

Small expedition vessels are particularly suited to archipelagos where conventional cruise terminals are scarce. They can use Zodiacs for guided excursions, and onboard naturalists and specialists can help make sense of the wildlife and history encountered along the way.

But it pays to check the details. Not every sailing includes the same islands, diving may be optional rather than included, and some ports require a tender or Zodiac landing. The distances can also mean several days at sea. For travellers who enjoy the journey as much as the destinations, that's hardly a hardship.

In this part of the world, the greatest luxury may be the chance to stay long enough to understand something about the places you're visiting. The Pacific has always rewarded patience. Conveniently, an expedition ship comes with somewhere comfortable to practise it.

Imagery and itinerary information: Swan Hellenic. Destination research: UNESCO, WWF and official Swan Hellenic voyage pages. Images are loaded from Swan Hellenic's public website; please confirm reuse permission and consider uploading approved originals to the Cruise Collective CMS for permanent hosting.