Papua New Guinea

Itinerary

Cairns to Rabaul - 13 Days

Day 1

Cairns

After boarding at 2:00pm for a departure at 5:00pm we leave Cairns on the start of our great adventure. Take the opportunity to explore your new 'home' for the next few days and in the evening join the Captain and meet his crew at the Captain’s Welcome Cocktail party before sitting down to the first of many delicious dinners our chefs will prepare for you.

Day 2

At sea

Having passed through the Great Barrier Reef we cruise north east towards the China Strait, the southern entrance into Milne Bay. Today is for relaxation and making new friends with your fellow passengers. In the evening our on board lecturer will give a presentation on Papua New Guinea and give you an insight into this fascinating country.

Day 3

Alotau

Alotau is the capital of Milne Bay Province an up and coming Eco Tourism area. This afternoon other sailling companions board for our 3.00pm departure. Time to unwind and get to know your new travelling companions.

Day 4

D’sEntrecasteaux Group - Dobu and Fergusson Island

We are greeted by a flotilla of canoes as we approach the Dobu anchorage. Our Guest Lecturer will share with you the history of the Kula Ring where Dobu Island was a pivotal link between the north and south Kula trade routes. Meet the local primary school children who will welcome us with a traditional dance performance. After lunch we join our Expedition Leader on an expedition to the Dei Dei hot-springs where the landowner shares the mythical and spiritual tales of these hot water and mud springs. Keep an eye out for the Blue Eyed Cockatoos, Eclectus Parrots and Blyth’s Hornbills.

Day 5

Trobriands - Kaibola

Historically known as the 'Islands of Love' the Trobriands offer a glimpse of traditional culture largely unspoilt by outside influence. You will see the traditional yam harvest dances for which the Trobrianders are famous and have the opportunity to purchase exquisite wood-carvings and handicrafts that are without parallel in the region.

Day 6

Tuam

Tuam, in the Sassi group of islands, offers a mix of both mainland and Bismark Archipelago cultures. Their prized trinkets and decorations include dog’s teeth, spondyllus shells and wonderful balsa wood and sago bark headdresses. We enjoy the welcome dances and village hospitality.

Day 7

Madang

Madang sits on a peninsular surrounded by a number of picturesque islands. Madang is famed for its diving, with excellent visibility and many WWII wrecks to explore. Discover the town and enjoy the opportunity to purchase a large selection of artefacts from the Sepik region. Enjoy diving, snorkelling, swimming and a harbour exploration.

Day 8

Sepik River

Sure to be a highlight, this morning we enter the mouth of the Sepik River. One of the world’s great river systems, the Sepik flows for 1126 kilometres from the Central Highlands to the sea. The river is one of the least developed regions of PNG and is the lifeblood of 430,000 people who depend almost entirely on products from the river and surrounding rainforests for their livelihoods. Oceanic Discoverer will cruise upriver to the middle Sepik region renowned for its unique artefacts. Sepik people are amongst the greatest primitive artists on earth and each village has its own distinctive style. We anchor this evening in this mighty river whilst overhead hundreds of flying foxes stream through the sky.

Day 9

Sepik River and Boisa Island

An early morning start offers a great opportunity for bird watching. Join the Guest Lecturers to identify Spotted Blue-eyed Cockatoos, Wagtails, Great Egret, Little Egret, Great Billed Heron, the enormous Blyth’s Hornbill and others as we cruise back up river. On farewelling the great Sepik we arrive at Boisa island where villagers were evacuated following volcanic eruptions from the neighbouring Manam Island in 2004. An abundance of children, outrigger canoes and genuine friendliness ensure an unforgettable experience.

Day 10

Crown Island

Join our Expedition Leader and Guest Lecturers as we board the 'Xplorer' and head ashore on this uninhabited island. Known as a turtle nesting ground and home of the giant lizard we explore the beaches of this seldom visited island. Spend time relaxing or snorkelling in the beautiful clear waters.

Day 11

Witu Islands

Enjoy a full day to discover the stunning Witu Islands - the day offers fantastic swimming, snorkelling and diving opportunities. Join the Expedition Leader and Guest Lecturers on a guided glass bottom boat tour.

Day 12

Kimbe Bay

With the support of local guides, our Expedition Leader will lead us on an exploration of the region. Kimbe Bay has one of the world’s richest and most diverse coral reefs systems, home to over 860 different species or tropical fish and in excess of 400 different varieties of coral. Experience real island friendliness and hospitality as we are welcomed by a flotilla of outrigger canoes.

Day 13

Rabaul

We enter magnificent Simpson Harbour early in the morning, passing the striking islands known as the Beehives. Our arrival in Rabaul at 8:00am marks the end of our voyage of exploration and adventure. If time permits, you may wish to take the opportunity to explore the 'ghost town' of Rabaul that lies under volcanic ash deposited when Mt Tuvurvur exploded in 1994.