Join a unique cruise to discover the hidden gems of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu aboard a cruise vessel.
This 14-day expedition cruise visits the remote and relatively undiscovered islands of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, where once-in-a-lifetime birdwatching and fascinating culture awaits. In Papua New Guinea, delve into the culturally rich Trobriand Islands, explore the coral-fringed coast of the Louisiade archipelago and encounter endemic species and a biological wonderland on remote Woodlark Island. Sailing on to the Solomon Islands, discover one of the conservation jewels of the South Pacific on Tetepare Island and experience a kaleidoscope of cultures as you explore Vanuatu, where more than 100 indigenous languages are spoken.
Throughout Melanesia there are spectacular reefs, offering some of the greatest marine diversity and snorkelling in the world, and you can appreciate the beauty beneath the waves, whether you are snorkelling or swimming. For birders, this itinerary offers rare species on remote, hard-to-reach islands where endemic species have evolved in isolation. The birding potential is exceptional; each day you visit a different island group which offers the opportunity to witness unique species, including white-eyes, monarchs, pigeons and flycatchers.
Typical Itinerary
Day1: Cairns
Arrive in Cairns and stay overnight.
Accommodation: Hotel, 1-night
Day2: Port Moresby
Today you fly to Port Moresby and in the afternoon, board your cruise vessel, settle into your cabin, and join your captain and the expedition team on the bridge as you set sail.
Spend the next two days exploring a wonderland of islands, lagoons and extensive barrier reefs. Tagula Island, the largest in the archipelago, is home to rich tropical forest and endemic wildlife, including the Tagula honeyeater and butcherbird, plus endemic frogs and lizards.
Day5: D’Entrecasteaux Islands
Awake this morning in the volcanic island chain of D’Entrecasteaux. Discover geothermal activity, with hot springs and bubbling mud pools, surrounded by lush vegetation. Here you snorkel amongst abundant marine life and spectacular coral reefs.
Day6: Trobriand Islands
Positioned in the Solomon Sea and historically known as the ‘Islands of Love’, the Trobriands offer a glimpse of traditional culture largely unspoilt by outside influence. During your visit, you can enjoy white sand beaches, colourful villages, and enchanting marine life.
Day7: Woodlark Island
Blessed with both biological and mineral treasure troves, and more than 2,000 years of human culture, Papua New Guinea’s remote outpost of Woodlark Island is home to more than 40 species found nowhere else on Earth. Enjoy village visits and look for some of the island’s unique wildlife, including endangered woodlark cuscus, endemic lizards, plants, amphibians and insects.
Day8: Bougainville Island
Bougainville is the largest island in the Solomon Islands archipelago, and is known as the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, which is part of Papua New Guinea. Bougainville is a long-isolated and protected island due to past conflict, and forms a single landmass with the nearby island of Buka, separated by a deep 300-metre strait. There are several active, dormant and inactive volcanoes which rise to 2,400 metres, including Mount Bagana in the north-central part of the island which often throws out smoke visible for many kilometres.
Today you discover its treasures, marrying rugged, jungle terrain with incredible coral reefs and some of the region’s greatest biodiversity.
Day9: New Georgia Islands
In the western province of the Solomon Islands, visit the New Georgia volcanic islands where there are an array of fascinating reefs and lagoons to discover, along with rugged terrain and an abundance of rivers. Land on Kolombangara Island to visit a reserve protecting the island's central peak, and search for the rare Roviana Rail, and other endemics.
Day10: Nissan Island
Nissan Island is the largest of the Green Islands, which lie approximately 200 kilometres east of Rabaul in the tropical waters of the Buka Channel. Uninhabited for 150 years, this rugged island cloaked in rainforest and fringed with coral reefs has received international recognition for its conservation and archaeological significance. Three species of turtle, including the endangered leatherback, nest on its beaches, while other species inhabiting the island and surrounding waters include dugong and the world’s largest skink. This afternoon, explore and snorkel in Marovo Lagoon – the largest saltwater lagoon in the world.
Day11: Malaita
Featuring pristine rivers and unexploited tropical forests, today you explore the clear and calm waters that surround Malaita. This afternoon, you have an exclusive invitation to visit the world-renowned Kwaio People to learn more about their traditions and culture.
Day12: Makira
This morning, anchor in Star Harbour and explore the abundant mangrove forests by Zodiac. After, take a short walk to Makira’s south coast, where the villagers live much as they have for millennia. Spend time with the locals and watch as they perform their traditional song and dance.
Day13: Nendö, Temotu Province
Today, watch the manufacture of red feather money, sourced from the scarlet honeyeater, and join the locals in dances reverberating through the ages on Nendö, the largest of the Santa Cruz Islands to the south-east of the Solomon Islands.
Day14: Torres Islands
Today you reach Vanuatu and visit Loh Island, where you can witness a thrilling and rarely-seen cultural display. Explore the village and surrounding island or snorkel Loh’s incredible underwater world.
Day15: Espiritu Santo
Today, indulge in a swim in the crystalline waters of Champagne Beach with its famed powdery white sand. This afternoon, enjoy a Zodiac cruise to the iconic blue holes of Santo. If you're interested in history, visits to Luganville and Million Dollar Point can be arranged.
Day16: Ambrym
Today you visit Ambrym, renowned as the island of volcanoes and magic throughout Vanuatu. Offering excellent walks, you can search for the local birds and plants, accompanied by your naturalists. This afternoon, enjoy a final snorkel excursion.
Day17: Disembark Port Vila
Arrive in Port Vila this morning and disembark.
Please note: Exact itinerary and duration will depend on your chosen vessel, departure date and local conditions.
Key info
Duration and price excluding international flights: 17 daysfrom £10,750 pp
Port Moresby, the capital and largest city of Papua New Guinea, stands on the shores of the Gulf of Papua. The city offers a choice of centrally located hotels for an overnight stay, or you may choose to head out to nearby Varirata National Park, one of the best places to see the Raggiana bird of paradise.
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Where: Central Province
Excellent for: City stopover
Just an hour’s flight from Port Moresby, Tufi and Milne Bay are blessed with stunning terrestrial and marine biodiversity, a pristine underwater environment and a wide range of diverse habitats. Each has its own unique flora and fauna, with birds, butterflies and orchids of particular importance.
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Where: Oro Province
Ideal for viewing: eclectus parrot, New Guinea harpy eagle, channel-billed cuckoo, Papuan harrier, variable goshawk
This itinerary is available on the following
cruise vessel:
The Heritage Adventurer was purpose-built in Finland in 1991 for polar & Pacific voyages. Her impressive pedigree includes having navigated the most northern and southern regions, as well as crossing both the North-west and the North-east Passages, and we are delighted to include her to our fleet of vessels.
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