discover the secrets of melanesia

Day 1

Cairns, Australia: Arrive Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and rainforest. Meet fellow adventurers over dinner at the group hotel.

Day 2

Port Moresby, PNG: Fly to Papua New Guinea’s capital, explore the National Museum and Arts Center. Board the Heritage Adventurer and meet the captain and crew.

Days 3-4

Doini Island & Cape Nelson, Tufi Harbour, PNG: Lapped by the tropical waters of Milne Bay off the eastern tip of Papua New Guinea, Doini is a little-known island paradise awaiting discovery.

Discover the scenic beauty of the rarely visited Tufi Fjords. Featuring 25 individual canyons with sheer basalt cliffs, these are the only fjords in Papua New Guinea.

Day 5

D’Entrecasteaux Islands, PNG: Experience the island’s geothermal wonders, snorkel in vibrant underwater ecosystems likened to “swimming in champagne,” and delve into the cultural significance of Dobu Island.

Day 6

Trobriand Islands, PNG: Dive into the untouched Trobriand culture, witness traditional dances, view renowned ebony carvings and snorkel vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.

Day 7

Rabaul, PNG: Six beautiful cone-shaped volcanoes ring Rabaul’s dramatic, flooded-caldera harbour. Visit the bubbling hot springs and take in the magnificent views of the harbour and volcanoes from Observatory Ridge. As we explore the island, we will see fascinating reminders of the Japanese occupation and view the site of the enormous volcanic eruption that all but destroyed Rabaul town. Enjoy shopping with the locals at the bustling Kokopo markets.

Day 8

Nissan Island, PNG: A tropical atoll adrift in the azure waters of the Buka Channel. Nissan Island is bathed in rich currents that abound in marine life. Ashore there are still reminders of the brief, but intensive, World War II activities during which the islands were recaptured by New Zealand, Australian and British forces from the Japanese occupiers.

Day 9

Bougainville Island, PNG: High on many travellers’ wish lists, this autonomous region within Papua New Guinea magnificently marries rugged, jungled terrain with amazing coral reefs offshore and is home to some of the greatest biodiversity in the region, both above and below the water. Comprising two main islands and several outlying islands and atolls, it is both remote and hard to reach, but perfect for exploration by expedition ship. Spend your last Kina under the thatched roof of the Arawa Markets among the hum and chatter of hundreds of locals.

DayS 10-11

Solomon Islands: The volcanic New Georgia Islands are found in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands and are characterised by extensive reefs and lagoons, rugged terrain and an abundance of rivers. Nature enthusiasts will relish landing on Kolombangara Island, where we plan to visit the Imbu Rano Eco Lodge and Conservation Area. Tetepare Island is home to one of the Solomon Islands’ leading community-driven conservation projects, the Tetepare Descendants’ Association, receiving international recognition for its conservation and archaeological significance

Day 12

Solomon Islands: The Nggela archipelago comprises 50 jungle-capped islands with powdery white sand beaches and stunning gin clear waters that are home to exceptional coral gardens, reefs and marine life. Experience a traditional welcome from the local warriors on Tulagi Island. Explore the town centre, once the administrative seat of the British Solomon Islands Protectorate until it was destroyed by the Japanese during World War II. 

Day 13

Solomon Islands: Experience a traditional Solomon Island’s welcome on arrival at Port Mary on Santa Ana Island. Also known as Owaraha or Owa Raha, this stunning coral island was first sighted by Europeans in 1568. Delight in the local hospitality and culture as we peruse local handicrafts, explore the lush forests with our guides and meet the local children at the village school. Birders will be on the lookout for the tiny Sooty Myzomela, Island Imperial Pigeon, Solomons Rufous Fantail and Chestnut-bellied Monarch, among others.

Day 14

Nendö Island, Temotu Province: Nendö is the largest of the Santa Cruz Islands, which lie to the south-east of the Solomon Islands. The Spanish navigator Álvaro de Mendaña de Neira unsuccessfully attempted to establish a colony here in 1595. The islands are home to the famous red feather money known as Tevau, sourced from the Scarlet Honeyeater. Watch the manufacture of red feather money, and join the locals in dances which reverberate through the ages.

Day 15

Vanikoro Island: Today we explore the archipelago of Vanikoro, with its five islands encapsulated by a dramatic barrier reef offering superb snorkelling. French explorer Jean-François de Galaup, comte de La Pérouse famously disappeared here after both his vessels, La Boussole and Astrolabe, struck the reef in 1788.

Day 16

Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu: Today we explore Vanuatu’s largest Island, Santo, the location of James Michener’s Tales of the South Pacific. Sip champagne on Champagne Beach, indulge in a swim in its crystalline waters and experience the region’s traditional ‘water music’ as performed by the local villagers. This afternoon we will enjoy Zodiac cruises to the iconic blue holes of Santo. For those with an interest in the history of the island, there is a visit to Luganville and Million Dollar Point.

Day 17

Vanuatu: Discover Ambrym’s volcanoes and magic, witness the traditional Rom dance, explore its lush forests, and enjoy a last snorkeling adventure. The forests of Ambrym offer excellent walks to search for local birds and plants, accompanied by our naturalists. This afternoon enjoy a final snorkel excursion on Efate or ‘Sandwich Island’, as it was once known, a tropical island paradise famed for its hidden natural wonders, beaches and historic sites.

Day 18

Conclude the voyage at Port Vila, with transfers to a central city accommodations or the airport.