Uncover the hidden gems of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. From the culturally rich arterial of the Sepik River, sail north across the Bismarck Sea to the remote shores of Manus and Mussau Islands. Manus has the lowest density of people in all New Guinea with its people still living a very traditional lifestyle. Delve into the history, culture, and wildlife of New Ireland and New Britain. Cross the Buka Channel and at Nissan Island view reminders of the brief but intensive World War II activities. Then enter a long isolated world as you are amongst the first travelers to return to Bougainville in over two decades. These waters offer some of the greatest marine diversity in the world and everybody has the opportunity to snorkel, kayak, and appreciate the beauty beneath the waves. For birders this itinerary offers once-in-a-lifetime species on remote islands where few have been before.
Highlights
Uncover the hidden gems of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands
Snorkel waters with some of the greatest marine diversity in the world
Kayak along coral reefs, marine life, and locals in their dugout canoes
See once-in-a-lifetime bird species on remote islands where few have been
Delve into the history and culture of remote Melanesian communities
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in the port town of Madang and transfer to the Madang Resort for the first night. This evening meet with your fellow travelers 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 leave Madang for the highlands close to the township; here the tall forests contain a richly diverse wildlife. Arrive back in Madang with time to explore the colorful markets with your guides. Optional excursions are offered this morning for bird enthusiasts. 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, the Sepik River is the longest river in Papua New Guinea. 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. Also 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. The waters around Manus offer some of the most spectacular and rich diving in the region - seldom explored waters promising a myriad of ‘first’ diving opportunities.
Mussa Island represents one of the western-most extensions of the Lapita culture. Spend time with the local people to learn about their special culture and life on this remote outpost in the Pacific.
Historic Kavieng has significant evidence from the large Japanese occupation. Birders leave early for the highlands while the rest of the group spends the morning exploring the town of Kavieng and its history. Later snorkel in the clear waters of the local reefs.
Six beautifully cone-shaped volcanoes ring Rabaul’s dramatic flooded-caldera harbor. Visit the bubbling hot springs and take in magnificent views of the harbor and volcanoes from Observatory Ridge.
A tropical atoll bathed in rich tropical currents, Nissan Island’s waters abound in marine life. Seldom has anybody 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 on this island. Meet with the friendly locals and search the dense woods for some of the elusive birds that occur here.
Plan 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. A pristine island paradise, it is home to some of the greatest biodiversity in the region both above and below the waters. With some of the most spectacular diving in the world, these reefs await rediscovery. Plan to explore the area around Arawa which offers great opportunities to access the island’s interior and reefs.
Today arrive in the Solomon Islands on the remote northern coast of Choiseul Island. 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. Zodiac cruise deep into the mangrove forest towards the Sui River Falls searching for dugong and crocodiles.
The volcanic New Georgia Islands are found in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands. Birding enthusiasts relish landing on Kolombangara Island, where you can hope to see the rare Roviana rail along with other endemic bird species. Nearby Ghizo Island has some of the best and most exciting diving in the world with World War II wrecks.
The Arnavon Islands are northwest of Santa Isabel, 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 diving and snorkeling can be experienced around the islands.
Day 14: Disembark in Honiara, Solomon Islands
1 Breakfast
Honiara was founded by the British as a military base during World War II and was witness to the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. Tour Honiara, visiting historical sites including Henderson Airfield, war memorials, and the open-air war museum or alternatively 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 concludes your voyage or continue on with the Secrets of Melanesia voyage.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$6,995
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Main Deck Triple
One cabin located on the Main Deck, with two lower bunk beds, one upper bunk bed, outside porthole, wash basin, desk and chair, wardrobe with hanging space, and shared bathrooms on same deck.
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Main deck
Thirteen cabins located on the Main Deck, with two lower bunk beds, outside porthole, wash basin, desk and chair, wardrobe with hanging space, and shared bathrooms on same deck.
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Superior
Four cabins located on the Middle Deck,with one lower and one upper bunk, side-facing windows, desk and chair, wardrobe with hanging space, and private bath facilities.
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Superior Plus
Eight cabins located on the Upper and Middle Decks,with two lower bunk beds, side-facing windows, desk and chair, wardrobe with hanging space. and private bath facilities.
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Mini Suite
Two cabins located on the Upper Deck, with one double bed in separate room, side-facing windows, separate lounge area with a single bed, desk and chair, wardrobe with hanging space, and private bath facilities.
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Heritage Suite
One cabin located on the Upper Deck, with one double bed in separate room, forward- and side-facing windows, separate lounge area with a single pull-out bed, desk and table area, wardrobe with hanging space, and private bath facilities.
Notes
- Travel Insurance is mandatory for all passengers aboard the Spirit of Enderby.
- Single clients are matched with a sharer of the same sex in a twin-share cabin. Payment of a single supplement guarantees a single cabin. The single supplement is 1.8 times the price of the voyage with the exception of the suites which are double the single rate.
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.