2009 Departures: 10 - 20 April.
This tour begins in Alotau and cruises through the D’Entrecasteaux, Marshall Bennett and Trobiand Islands before striking out for New Britain and Duke Of York Islands and finishing at Rabaul. Primitive jungle, volcanoes, pristine coral reefs, exotic birds and one of the most culturally diverse areas on the planet. This is remote tropical paddling at its best, matched with underwater views overflowing with marine life! Guest lecturer’s on board help open our eyes to the “Wilds of New Guinea” so don’t miss out on these new and amazing adventures!
Tour Highlights:
- Visits to traditional villages where welcoming locals offer a glimpse of their traditional lifestyle
- Experiencing the visual richness of the contrasting cultures of each region
- Swimming and snorkeling crystal clear waters on coral reefs alive with marine life
- An electrifying welcome dance on the ‘Islands of Love’, the Trobriands
- Visits to remote volcanic islands ripe for exploration
- A number of days exploring the seldom visited south coast of New Britain
- Wildlife opportunities – prolific bird life (horn bills, parrots, cockatoos, birds of paradise), dolphins, whales, dugongs and the rich marine life of the coral reefs
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Embark Alotau
This afternoon you will be met at your hotel and taken to our trusty ship, Marina Svetaeva. Your luggage will be transferred to your cabin. Marina Svetaev is not a luxury ship, she is homely and strong, built to be a working vessel and refitted to a comfortable passenger standard. The mood on board is definitely casual. At sea we are totally self-sufficient. The days flow by while we travel snugly in our cocoon. A favorite pastime on board is to stand on deck or on the bridge, watching for seabirds, absorbing the dramatic scenery. Flanked by mountain ranges on each side, we steam out of picturesque Milne Bay and soon reach our first expedition stop, Samarai Island. Once a busy trading port and provincial capital, we stroll amongst the faded glory of its old colonial buildings and walk up a small hill for a superb view of China Strait and its myriad of islands. We also hope to visit nearby Kwato Island, home to an impressive stone church that is the last remnant of a mission established in 1891 to ‘save’ the nearby cannibal tribes.
Day 2: D’Entrecasteaux Islands
Named after the French navigator Antoine D’Entrecasteaux, who sailed through these waters in 1793, this mountainous group of islands are home to small communities of subsistence farmers, whose stilted huts dot the narrow coastal fringes. Today we leisurely explore the islands and look for interesting places to land. We may visit the largest of the group, Fergusson Island, notable for its primordial landscape of hot springs, boiling mud pools and impressive geysers. It is said the locals can cause the geysers to shoot up by raising the spirit of the hot springs with ancient magic. The exceptionally thick rain forest of this island is one of only two places in the world where the rare Goldies bird of paradise can be seen. The waters surrounding these dramatic islands are frequented by bottle nose dolphins and their fringing coral reefs offer excellent snorkeling opportunities
Day 3: Egum Atoll
Egum is a classic atoll, with a circular lagoon 33km across. We have opportunities for kayak excursions around the lagoon and hope to explore several of the islands that dot the rim. The residents of this sparsely inhabited paradise are part of the unique cultural phenomenon of the Kula Ring. Our lecturers will introduce us to this circular pattern of ceremonial trade relationships, a custom that binds the southeastern islands of PNG together in a traditional network of friendship. We hope to see some of the Kula trade canoes that ply these waters, elaborately decorated with shells and intricate carvings.
Day 4: Woodlark Island
Outsiders rarely visit the scenic beauty of remote Woodlark Island. We hope to meet the welcoming inhabitants who take us on a stroll through the thatched-roof houses of their villages, offering a rare glimpse into the daily lives of a fascinating culture still very much alive today. Our naturalist leads a hike into the forest to learn about the islands outstanding botanical diversity, where we also hope to see channel-billed cuckoos, loris and flying foxes.
Days 5: Marshall Bennett Islands
This enchanting island chain is home to a rich array of aquatic life and spectacular tropical scenery. Our captain navigates the reefs and waterways that separate the islands of this exotic landscape as we look out for some great spots for kayak cruising, nature walks, birding and snorkeling. A casual stroll along a warm sandy beach backed by swaying coconut palms or swimming in warm waters teeming with colorful fish…you decide!
Day 6: Trobriand Islands
We are welcomed by the paramount chief of the famed "Islands of Love", a group of tranquil coral islands where a unique traditional culture has survived. We may have the privilege to see the energetic yam harvest dances performed by smiling locals in traditional costumes alive with color. Trobriand Islanders are renowned for their finely carved wooden artifacts, many made of ebony with delicate inlays of mother-of-pearl. This evening we continue north across the Solomon Sea toward the remarkable island of New Britain.
Day 7: Lindenhafen
We hope to awake to the idyllic scene of Marina Svetaeva safely anchored within the protected bounds of Linden Harbour. Its island-studded lagoon is nestled serenely among an 800-hectare coconut plantation framed by lofty mountains. During WWII, this part of New Britain was a Japanese stronghold, attracting air raids by allied forces and leaving a multitude of war wrecks. We can snorkel or paddle to some of these wrecks. We also aim to explore more of the multitude of natural wonders that Lindenhafen has to offer, from short walks to stunning waterfalls to swimming in natural limestone spring pools.
Day 8: East New Britain Coast
More than 250 miles in length, New Britain is the largest of PNG’s islands. Over the coming days you will experience expedition cruising at its best as we sail eastwards along this magical coastline in search of adventure. The seas of this region are alive with marine life. The Solomon Trench provides an upwelling of cooler nutrient rich waters able to support a staggering array of species. We hope to snorkel the exceptionally clear water of some of New Britain’s best coral reefs, teeming with angelfish, parrot fish and a kaleidoscope of brilliantly coloured tropical fish.
Day 9: East New Britain Coast
Sprinkled with waterfalls and crystal clear rivers flowing from the dense jungle, our ongoing explorations of the New Britain coastline are sure to throw up some delightful surprises. Most of the 184,000 people in this region are Tolai, a distinct cultural group that settled here several hundred years ago from neighboring New Ireland. Our on board lectures and interactions with the coastal Tolai communities will give us a deeper understanding of these charming people.
Day 10: Duke of York Islands
Venturing among this exotic chain of islands should make for a fitting final day to our expedition. The picture postcard setting of azure blue water and gleaming white beaches belies the sacred nature of the islands. Local tribes place special spiritual significance to the Duke of York’s, with ritual costumes painstakingly made at various locations throughout the islands.
Day 11: Rabaul
We wake to the surrounds of Simpson Harbour in Rabaul. Ringed by six volcanic peaks, some of which are still active, Rabaul has one of the most beautiful natural harbors in the Pacific. As our journey draws to an end, we will have time to reflect on the amazing experiences we have shared, before we bid each other farewell.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Transfers to the ship from the group hotel.
- Ship’s accommodation.
- All meals on board ship.
- The use of Zodiacs for shore excursions, but excludes entry fees and other optional expenses at historic sites, towns and villages.
- Lectures, videos, slide and film shows and guide services.
- Medical services.
- Port taxes, port charges and landing fees imposed by government authorities.
- Kayak guide, kayaks, paddling and rescue equipment.
Price Excludes:
- Air transport to and from the ship.
- Excess baggage on any air flights.
- Visa, passport and vaccination charges and airport departure taxes.
- Hotels and meals not included in ship cruise itinerary.
- Tips on board for crew and service personnel.
- Optional excursions not included in ship cruise itinerary.
- Laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses, personal travel insurance and items of a personal nature such as bar charges, wine and phone calls.
- Emergency evacuation charges.
Also see tour packages in:
Australia and Oceania
Papua New Guinea
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
Cultural Journey
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