Sail into a world few will ever experience where unique time-honoured traditions and elaborately costumed dancers welcome us into their world as we as we explore the rich history, iconic WWII sites, cultures and wildlife of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu on this 17- day authentic expedition cruise.

Delve into the culturally rich Trobriand Islands, sometimes called the ‘Islands of Love’ where indigenous culture continues unchanged for countless generations. Explore the coral-fringed islands of the Louisiade Archipelago and the volcanic wonders of the D’Entrecasteaux Islands, named after the French Explorer Antoine d’Entrecasteaux who discovered them while looking for La Perouse, where sheer mistcovered peaks, wild untamed rivers and rainforest join bubbling mud pools and spouting geysers. Experience the biological wonderland and rare endemic species on remote Woodlark Island and spend a fascinating day exploring Bougainville Island.

Enjoy incredible cultural encounters on Loh Island, join Malaita’s Kwaio people in a sacred dance and observe the ancient Rom Dance on Ambrym Island. Discover one of the conservation jewels of the South Pacific on Tetepare Island and snorkel Marovo Lagoon – the largest saltwater lagoon in the world. Visit villages on culturally-rich Malaita Island traditional Malaitan shell-money is still made, used as a dowry and worn as a status symbol. Experience a kaleidoscope of cultures as we explore Vanuatu, where more than 100 indigenous languages are spoken. With over 80 habitable islands, islanders have closely guarded their own cultures and languages. Our expedition embraces some of these cultures and languages, as we explore one of the happiest places on the planet.

Throughout Melanesia there are spectacular reefs, which are home to masses of fish and coral gardens of every colour. These waters offer some of the greatest marine diversity and snorkelling in the world and everybody will have the opportunity to appreciate the beauty beneath the waves. Whether you are snorkelling or swimming, this ocean aquarium is waiting to be explored and discovered.

For birders, this itinerary offers once-in-a-lifetime species on remote, hard to reach islands where endemic species have evolved in isolation. The birding potential is exceptional; each day we visit a different island group which offers the opportunity of unique species including White-eyes, Monarch’s, Pigeons and Flycatchers.

Highlights

• Experience authentic Melanesian cultures and traditions

• Explore remote islands and WWII sites

• Snorkel in some of the world’s most diverse marine ecosystems

• Birdwatching opportunities for unique and endemic species

• 17-day expedition cruise with incredible cultural encounters and wildlife sightings.

 

Itinerary