Papua New Guinea, Solomons, and Vanuatu Cruise

Sail into a world where unique time-honored traditions and elaborately costumed dancers welcome visitors into their world. Explore the rich history, iconic WWII sites, cultures, and wildlife of Melanesia on this 18-day Papua New Guinea, Solomons, and Vanuatu cruise. Enter a long-isolated world with turquoise waters to explore, new vistas to behold, and where unexpected cultural encounters await. Discover one of the conservation jewels of the South Pacific on Tetepare Island and observe the ancient Rom Dance on Ambrym Island. Vanuatu is a kaleidoscope of cultures where more than 100 indigenous languages are spoken. Throughout Melanesia there are spectacular reefs, and you’ll have multiple opportunities to appreciate the beauty and excellent marine diversity beneath the waves. For birders, this itinerary offers once-in-a-lifetime species on remote islands where few have been before. Endemic birdlife such as the Solomon Sea Eagle, or the Vanikoro White-eye, are among the most sought-after species. Join Apex as we step aboard the Heritage Adventurer and delve into the vibrant cultures and landscapes of these many storied islands.

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• Day 18

• Thursday, October 22: Arrive Cairns, Australia

  Arrive in the urban tropical paradise of Cairns—gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy a welcome reception with your fellow travelers and expedition leaders. Dinner and overnight at Crystalbrook Bailey.

• Friday, October 23: Cairns / Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea / Embark

  After breakfast, transfer back to the airport for your flight to Port Moresby, the bustling gateway and capital of Papua New Guinea, where village and urban life exist side-by-side. Board Heritage Adventurer and settle into your cabin. Familiarize yourself with the ship, then join the expedition team in the Observation Lounge or on the Observation Deck as you set sail.

• Saturday, October 24: Doini Island

  Lapped by the tropical waters of Milne Bay off the eastern tip of Papua New Guinea, Doini Island is a little-known island paradise awaiting discovery. Ringed by white sand beaches, crystal blue waters, and a lush rainforest interior, there is much to explore and experience. With a population estimated at less than 1,000 people and little development, Doini’s untouched beauty is evident both above and below the water. Explore the rainforest with its WWII history and the traditional burial site known as Skull Cave, housing around 100 skulls belonging to ancestors who fought fierce battles with neighboring tribes. Grab your mask and snorkel and explore mesmerizing coral reefs and gardens filled with exotic marine life.

• Sunday, October 25: Cape Nelson, Tufi Harbor

  Today, 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. Take in spectacular views as you cruise close to the towering cliffs before boarding Zodiacs to take you ashore for a closer look, and to meet the locals where you will learn about the traditions of the Tufi people. Due to the protection of the fjords, the coral reefs are very rich in color and variety and the waters offer remarkable visibility. Snorkel amongst the gobies, Mandarinfish, pygmy seahorses, and sponge and shelf corals. Later, take a walk in the surrounding rainforest to look for the world’s largest butterfly, the Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing.

• Monday, October 26: D’Entrecasteaux Islands

  Wake this morning in the volcanic island chain of D’Entrecasteaux Islands where we plan to visit both Dobu and Fergusson Islands. Explore Fergusson’s geothermal area featuring hot springs, bubbling mud pools, and geysers. Local guides will share their stories and customs during a village visit. On Dobu Island, a critical link in the Kula Ring which was famously investigated and described by the anthropologist Bronislaw Malinowski, options may include a local cultural performance with unique costumes and drumming, local crafts, traditional clay pot cooking methods, and items associated with Kula Ring trading. Those interested in birds will keep an eye out for the White Cockatoo and the Curl-crested Manucode, while some of the clearest water of the expedition awaits snorkelers. A steep drop-off provides a vibrant selection of corals and a multitude of fish.

• Tuesday, October 27: Trobriand Islands

  Positioned in the Solomon Sea and historically known as the ‘Islands of Love’, the Trobriands offer a glimpse of traditional culture largely unspoiled by outside influence. Enjoy picture postcard white sand beaches, colorful villages, aquamarine water, and enchanting marine life. Meet the Trobriand islanders and experience energetic, time-honored dances that celebrate fishing and the seasonal yam harvest. Learn about the history of the ‘Kula Ring’, a circular pattern of ceremonial trade relationships that bind the islands of Milne Bay and eastern Papua New Guinea together in a long-established network of friendship. These islanders are also renowned for the exquisite quality of their ebony woodcarvings, often decorated with mother-of-pearl shell inlays. Take to the water and snorkel among kaleidoscopic coral reefs populated by parrotfish, Neon Damselfish, and other brilliantly hued species.

• Wednesday, October 28: Rabaul, New Britain

  Six beautiful cone-shaped volcanoes ring Rabaul’s dramatic, flooded-caldera harbor. Visit the bubbling hot springs and take in the magnificent views of the harbor and volcanoes from Observatory Ridge. As you explore the island, see fascinating reminders of the Japanese occupation, take in the site of the enormous volcanic eruption that all but destroyed Rabaul town, view the underground bunker that was the hiding place of Pearl Harbor commander, Yamamoto, and join the locals shopping at the bustling Kokopo markets.

• Thursday, October 29: Nissan Island

  A tropical atoll adrift in the azure waters of the Buka Channel, Nissan Island is bathed in rich tropical currents, abundant marine life, and pristine coral reefs. Ashore there are still reminders of the brief, but intensive, World War II action during which the islands were recaptured by New Zealand, Australian, and British forces from the Japanese occupiers. Meet with the friendly locals from all three of the island’s Balil Villages and search the dense woods for some of the elusive birds that occur here. Later, snorkelers will find plenty to discover in the coral reefs that surround Nissan.

• Friday, October 30: Bougainville Island

  Today, discover the treasures of Bougainville, long isolated and in a strange way protected due to the conflict which swirled around its shores. High on many travelers’ wish lists, this autonomous region within Papua New Guinea magnificently marries rugged, jungled terrain with amazing coral reefs offshore. It 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. Explore the area around Arawa, including the Panguna Copper & Gold Mine site—the setting for the movie Mr. Pip—with great opportunities to access the island’s interior and its reefs.

• Saturday, October 31: Kolombangara Island, Solomon Islands

  The volcanic New Georgia Islands are found in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands and are characterized by extensive reefs and lagoons, rugged terrain, and an abundance of rivers. Nature enthusiasts will relish landing on Kolombangara Island, visiting the Imbu Rano Eco Lodge and Conservation Area which protects the islands central peak to search for the rare Roviana Rail along with other endemic bird species. Snorkel the surrounding reefs, home to some of the highest fish counts in the world and enjoy a Zodiac cruise and village visit.

• Sunday, November 1: Tetepare Island

  Uninhabited for 150 years, this rugged island cloaked in rainforest and fringed with coral reefs 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. Three species of turtle, including the critically endangered Leatherback and Hawksbill can be found here. Other species inhabiting the island include Solomon Islands Skink, the world’s largest skink, the endemic Tetepare White-eye, and many more. This afternoon, enjoy a drift snorkel of the fringing reef with its outstanding marine biodiversity, bound to be a highlight of the voyage.

• Monday, November 2: Nggela Sule & Tulagi Islands

  Explore the heart of the Solomon archipelago, the Nggela Islands chain, which comprises 50 jungle-capped islands with powdery, white sand beaches and stunning gin clear waters, and is home to exceptional coral gardens, reefs, and marine life. In Roderick Bay on Nggela Sule, explore the beach and forest, and enjoy time snorkeling. Experience a traditional welcome from the local warriors on Tulagi Island. Explore this fascinating island, its town center once the administrative seat of the British Solomon Islands Protectorate until it was destroyed by the Japanese during World War II. Visit the historic sites of Blue Beach and the Japanese U-caves where soldiers hid during their battle with U.S. forces.

• Tuesday, November 3: Santa Ana Island

  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, first sighted by Europeans in 1568, is yours to explore today. Delight in the local hospitality and culture as you peruse local handicrafts, explore the lush forests, meet the local children at the village school, or bask in tropical waters. Birders will be on the lookout for the tiny Sooty Myzomela, Island Imperial Pigeon, Solomons Rufous Fantail, and Chestnut-bellied Monarch, among others.

• Wednesday, November 4: 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 in 1595. Biologically these islands share more in common with Vanuatu. It is also the home of the region’s famous red feather money known as Tevau, sourced from the Scarlet Honeyeater. Watch the manufacture of red feather money, then join the locals in dances which reverberate through the ages.

• Thursday, November 5: Vanikoro Island

  Today, explore the archipelago of Vanikoro, with its five islands encapsulated by a dramatic barrier reef offering superb snorkeling. 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. On shore we visit a monument to Le Pérouse erected by fellow explorer Dumont d’Urville in 1827. Set off on a forest walk in search of the endemic Vanikoro White-eye and Monarch, or marvel at the delicate Vanikoro Orchid. You also have a good chance to see the recently rediscovered Vanikoro Flying Fox, considered extinct until very recently.

• Friday, November 6: Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu

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

• Saturday, November 7: Ambrym & Efate Islands

  Visit Ambrym Island today, renowned as the island of volcanoes and magic throughout Vanuatu. Head ashore at Ranon on the northern coast where the traditions of the ancient Rom Dance and custom carving are alive and well. A walk through the forest brings you to the ‘arena’ where masked dancers emerge from the trees. The forests of Ambrym offer excellent walks to search for local birds and plants. 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.

• Sunday, November 8: Port Vila

  This morning, arrive into Port Vila with disembarkation after breakfast. Visit the Cultural Center for a private tour and sand drawing demonstration, then pass by the Parliament House on the way to visit the handicraft market and seafront. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to the airport for flights homeward.