US
Arrive in the port town of Madang and transfer to the Madang Resort for the first night. This evening meet with your fellow travellers and the expedition team over dinner at the resort.
Madang is a thriving community renowned for its traditional artists, world class diving opportunities and the richness of its surrounding forests. This morning visit the Lababia Wildlife Management Area with its tall forest and rich diversity of wildlife, before returning to Madang to explore the markets with your Guides. There will also be optional excursions depending upon your interests with birders leaving early for a morning birding excursion, and divers heading out with the resort boats to explore the spectacular reefs, channels and wrecks. This afternoon board the Spirit of Enderby, settle into your cabin and join the Captain and your expedition team on the Bridge as you set sail.
Sure to be one of the highlights of your expedition, plenty of time is allowed to fully appreciate this remarkable river, its birds, animals and the people that call it home.
The Sepik River is the longest river in Papua New Guinea, flowing from the highlands to the Bismarck Sea. It is a rich arterial that has fostered great traditional artists. Plan to explore the river by Zodiac following tributaries and channels in search of local wildlife.
Meet with the villagers and marvel at their artistry.
Seldom visited and little known, Manus Island is considered a jewel in the crown of Papua New Guinea. Biologically isolated, the islands are home to a high proportion of endemic species including the Superb Pitta which is likely to be one of the birding highlights of the expedition.
Manus province has the lowest population density in all New Guinea with its people still living a very traditional lifestyle. Kayakers will be able to explore the pristine waters around Manus and Bipi, which offer some of the region’s best snorkelling and an excellent introductory outing for the kayakers.
Far to the north of New Ireland and considered a separate bio-region, a full day is allowed to explore Mussa Island and its surrounding waters in true expedition-style.
Mussa Island represents one of the western-most extensions of the Lapita culture. Debate continues as to whether this was caused by reverse migration or possibly represents one of its earliest known sites as people moved out of Asia.
Spend time with the local people to learn about their special culture and life on this remote Pacific outpost.
Today you spend the day in and around historic Kavieng at the northern end of New Ireland. Significant evidence of the large Japanese occupation remains around town but today the area is a developing hub for tourism because of the rich diversity of the surrounding land and sea.
The birders will leave early for the highlands to the south while the rest of the group spends the morning exploring the town of Kavieng, absorbing Malagan culture and enjoying the beautiful islands nearby.
Later kayak and snorkel in the clear waters of the local reefs.
Six beautiful cone-shaped volcanoes ring Rabaul’s dramatic flooded-caldera harbour.
Visit the bubbling hot springs and take in magnificent views of the harbour and volcanoes from Observatory Ridge.
As you explore the island, you will see fascinating reminders of the Japanese occupation. Your tour will take in the site of the enormous volcanic eruption that all but destroyed Rabaul town, and the underground bunker that was the hiding place of Pearl Harbour commander, Yamamoto. In the afternoon you head towards the Duke of York Islands to take advantage of the excellent kayaking and snorkelling opportunities.
A tropical atoll adrift in the azure waters of the Buka Channel, Nissan Island is bathed in rich tropical currents that abound in marine life. Seldom have outsiders had the opportunity to discover this world, which promises abundant pelagic fish-life and pristine coral reefs. Ashore there are still reminders of the brief but intensive World War II activities. During your time ashore you will meet with the friendly locals and search the dense woods for some of the elusive birds that occur here.
Later the kayakers and snorkellers will find plenty to discover in the coral reefs that surround Nissan.
The plan is to be amongst the first expeditioners to re-discover the treasures of Bougainville, long isolated and in a strange way protected by the conflict which swirled around its shores.
Today it is emerging once again as a newly vibrant and remarkably pristine island paradise, home to some of the greatest biodiversity in the region both above and below the waters. Before the conflict Bougainville was renowned for some of the most spectacular diving in the world; these reefs await rediscovery.
Plan to explore the area around Arawa including the Bougainville Copper Mine site – the setting for the movie Mr Pip – with great opportunities to access the island’s interior and reefs.
Today you arrive in the Solomon Islands on the remote northern coast of Choiseul Island.
Here the mountains tumble to the sea, broken only by torrents of fresh water cascading from the highlands. This was once the home of the Choiseul Crested Pigeon and while it no longer walks the forest floor many other species still enliven the forest.
You cruise by Zodiac deep into the mangrove forest towards the Sui River Falls searching for Dugong and crocodiles. Here Kisa shell money was manufactured and used extensively in trade around the neighbouring islands. It is still valued and protected by the village elders to this day.
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 the plan is to visit the reserve which protects the islands central peak and search for the rare Roviana Rail along with other endemic bird species.
For those interested in the marine environment, the nearby waters are renowned for their World War II wrecks and reefs that are home to some of the highest fish counts in the world.
The Arnavon Islands are north-west of Santa Isabel in the midst of an area rich in marine biodiversity and one of the most important rookeries in the western Pacific for the endangered Hawksbill Turtle.
The islands also support a high diversity of terrestrial fauna, with 41 species of birds, six species of bats, and at least seven species of terrestrial reptiles. Sensational snorkelling can be experienced around the islands.
With its protected marine life, the waters around the Arnavon Islands are another great location to explore by kayak.
Located on the northern coast of Guadacanal, by the Mataniko River, Honiara was founded by the British as a military base during World War II. Honiara was witness to the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, where the Allied forces eventually overcame a Japanese invasion.
Today you enjoy the option of touring Honiara, visiting historical sites including Henderson Airfield, war memorials and the open-air war museum.
The birders head to the rain-forested slopes of Mount Austen in search of some of the Solomon Islands’ most spectacular birds including the Solomon Sea Eagle.
For those disembarking a transfer to your hotel or the airport will conclude your voyage OR if you would like longer in this amazing area then join the Secrets of the South Pacific.
Kayaking option: on this voyage you are offered a unique kayaking experience. There is no better way to fit in with the locals, often paddling in their own dugouts, and to experience the stunning coral reefs. These self-propelled craft allow you to enjoy short excursions up small rivers or creeks into tropical jungle, rainforest or mangroves, sometimes beyond the reach of the Zodiacs.
Birding option: while there will be ample opportunity for bird watching from the ship, Zodiacs or on landings, those with a keen interest in birds are recommended to add on the birding supplement. Accompanied by a birding guide, you will access the highlands and other remote areas, usually early in the morning, to see the best of the region’s birdlife.
During the voyage, circumstances may make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. This can include poor weather and opportunities for making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed.
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