Melanesia
Itinerary
Day 1
Papua New Guinea - Alotau
Boarding commences at 2:00pm for a 3:00pm departure. Time to relax, settle in and explore Oceanic Discoverer before joining the Captain and his crew at the Captain's Welcome Cocktails.
Day 2
Egum Atoll and Yanaba Island
Prepare for an unforgettable experience as we discover spectacular Egum Atoll and Yanaba Island and enjoy our first opportunities for snorkelling over the reef, SCUBA diving and glass bottom boat tours.
Day 3
Laughlan Islands and Bodaluna
Laughlan Islanders specialise in canoe building, and in this very remote corner of Papua New Guinea we find seagoing canoes under construction. The friendly villagers of Bodaluna welcome us as our Guest Lecturer and naturalists explain the islander’s participation in the Kula Ring of trading.
Day 4
Solomon Islands - Kennedy Island - Christmas Day
This morning we cross in to the exotic Solomon Islands before heading ashore to tiny Kennedy Island, named in honour of John F Kennedy who swam ashore with his crew after his boat PT-109 was sunk by a Japanese destroyer during WWII. Returning to Oceanic Discoverer we sit down to a traditional Christmas lunch and festivities. Later, we board the Xplorer for a relaxing cruise to explore the nearby islands.
Day 5
Arnavon Islands and Dart Sound
The Arnavon Islands are the only marine reserve in the Solomon Islands where, except for subsistence gathering, all marine life is protected and fishing is banned. Travel ashore to see how the conservation efforts are helping to rejuvenate the island. This afternoon board the Xplorer for a cruise up Dart Sound to the remote village of Kia.
Day 6
Mangalonga Island and Resort
This morning we anchor off picturesque Mangalonga. Join a snorkel tour, SCUBA dive or glass bottom boat tour before travelling ashore to Maravagi Resort where there is time to explore on a nature walk.
Day 7
Santa Ana Island and Ancient Rainforests
The locals of Santa Ana, a small island southeast of San Cristobal, welcome us ashore. Santa Ana is known for its bone fishhooks and imaginative fishing floats. We enjoy a guided walk across the island, through shady rainforests where a myriad of colourful orchids grow.
Day 8
Nendo Island and Snorkelling
Nendo Island is our final port of call in the Solomon Islands. This afternoon we enjoy cultural performances and another opportunity to snorkel over the pristine coral reefs.
Day 9
Vanuatu - Ureparapara Island
Welcome to the tropical archipelago of Vanuatu. Enjoy an unforgettable highlight of the expedition as we cruise into the cone of a volcano surrounded on three sides by 300 metre cliffs. This is Ureparapara, one of the most spectacular islands in Vanuatu. The only way to experience this island is by sea, and visits from cruise ships are rare. You will be entertained by the locals with a 'kastom' dance and you may join a guided walk to the top of the caldera.
Day 10
Champagne Beach and Espiritu Santo
Champagne Beach is without doubt the jewel of Vanuatu and is a nature and water lover's playground. Enjoy optional tours to the fabled 'Blue Hole', in-water activities or relaxing on the white sands of this magnificent beach. This evening, enjoy our New Year's Eve festivities as we celebrate the dawn of 2011 in style.
Day 11
Malakula Island and South West Bay
We land at South West Bay on Malakula Island, famous for the complex ceremonies and rituals preserved by two of its remarkable tribes, the Big Nambas and the Small Nambas. At the Maskelyne Islands enjoy snorkelling and glass bottom boat tours.
Day 12
Tanna Island Volcano
Today is a very special experience as Tanna Island is one of the only places in the world where you can safely stand on the rim of an active volcano. Join our Expedition Leader on a scenic drive through the rainforest and up the slopes of Mount Yasur, admiring the fantastic views of this active volcano.
Day 13
New Caledonia - Lifou Island Tour
At Lifou Island join the Expedition Leader on a walk to the churches and beautiful bays. Lifou is sensational for snorkelling with a panorama of sea-life unsullied by man. This evening enjoy the Captain's Farewell Cocktails.
Day 14
Arrive Noumea
This morning we arrive in Noumea, the French-inspired capital of New Caledonia at 8:00am.
