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A day ashore remote islands

Islands of the South Pacific - Noumea to Alotau

Example 14 Day Cruise aboard Coral Discoverer
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Come aboard the Coral Discoverer on a 13-night South Pacific expeditionary adventure combining New Caledonia, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea and discover for yourself the most diverse traditional cultures and stunning natural scenery found in today’s Oceania.
Colourful children of Papua New GuineaDiving in Papua New GuineaLocal children taking a swimAn intricate headdress of MelanesiaA day ashore remote islands
Highlights
  • Witness the famous land diving, the forerunner to today's 'bungee jump'
  • Take the plunge with a Dive Instructor on a guided SCUBA dive.
  • Relax at Champagne Beach is the jewel of Vanuatu.
  • Snorkel in some of the most pristine waters in the South Pacific
Places Visited
  • Papua New Guinea
  • South Pacific
  • Solomon Islands
  • Alotau
  • Arnavon Islands
  • Champagne
  • Ghizo Island
  • Kennedy Island
  • Laughlin Islands
  • Lifou Island
  • Malekula
  • Mangalonga Island
  • Melanesia
  • Nendo Island
  • New Caledonia
  • Noumea
  • Oceania
  • Santa Ana Island
  • Tanna Island
  • Ureparapara Island
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Noumea and Casey Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Board the ship this morning and meet you fellow travelers for lunch while cruising towards New Caledonia’s Casey Island. Travel ashore and relax on the spectacular beach, or venture into the shallows just meters from the beach for a first Melanesian snorkeling experience. Tonight, join the Captain and his crew for the Captain’s Welcome Aboard Cocktails.

Day 2: Lifou Island Tour

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Lifou Island’s impressive beaches are among the best in the world, backed by sparkling lagoons and pine tree covered landscapes. Join the Expedition Leader on a walk across the island, stopping to take in the views of beautiful bays and old churches. Lifou offers sensational snorkeling with a panorama of sealife unsullied by man.

Day 3: Vanuatu and Tanna Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Crossing into Vanuatu approach Tanna Island and see hot springs bubbling beneath the surface, the first signs of volcanic activity. After landing at Port Resolution, named by Captain Cook in 1774 in honor of his ship HMS Resolution, go ashore to a friendly welcome from the locals. Join the Expedition Leader and naturalists on a scenic drive through the rainforest and up the slopes of Mount Yasur. Admire the fantastic views of this active volcano which still regularly spews sparks, rocks and ash.

Day 4: Pentecost Island and Ancient Rituals

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Witness the famous land diving ceremony, the traditional forerunner to the modern day 'bungee jump' which local people believe will ensure a bountiful yam harvest the following year. You may have the opportunity to see sand drawing, a traditional form of art on the island.

Day 5: Champagne Beach and Rainforest

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Welcome to the tropical archipelago of Vanuatu, fondly known as the 'Happy Islands'. Champagne Beach is the jewel of Vanuatu. Enjoy the splendor of this magnificent beach and a relaxing day with fantastic swimming and kayaking opportunities with our guides and Expedition Leader. Or take an optional tour with the locals.

Day 6: Ureparapara Island and Kastom Dancing

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Ureparapara is one of the most spectacular islands in the South Pacific. Imagine cruising into the cone of a volcano surrounded on three sides by 300 meter cliffs. The only way to experience this island is by sea, and visits from cruise ships are rare. After traveling ashore to the village, be entertained by the local people with dancing, before joining a guided walk to the top of the caldera for fantastic views across the island and great photography opportunities.

Day 7: Solomon Islands and Nendo Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Nendo Island is the final port of call in the Solomon Islands and an excellent location to view and purchase quality handmade Melanesian artifacts. Enjoy cultural performances and another opportunity to snorkel over the pristine coral reefs.

Day 8: Santa Ana Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The locals of Santa Ana, a small island southeast of San Cristobal, welcome the ship ashore with village warriors bearing swords and blowing on conch shell horns. Santa Ana is known for its bone fishhooks and imaginative fishing floats. Enjoy a cultural performance and join the naturalist for a guided walk across the island, through shady forests where a myriad of colorful orchids grow. Alternatively, join the Dive Instructor to dive or snorkel the surrounding reef.

Day 9: Mangalonga Island and Resort

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Anchor off picturesque Mangalonga Island and savor a full day of in-water activities. Join a snorkel, SCUBA diving or glass bottom boat tour before traveling ashore to Maravagi Resort where there is time to explore on a guided nature walk.

Day 10: Arnavon Islands and Dart Sound

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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. The islands are home to endangered wildlife including the beautiful Hawksbill Turtle. Travel ashore to see how the conservation efforts are helping rejuvenate the island before enjoying snorkeling and glass bottom boat tours. This afternoon board Xplorer for a cruise up Dart Sound to the remote village of Kia.

Day 11: Ghizo and Kennedy Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning pass the tiny Kennedy Island, named in honour of former US president John F. Kennedy. Kennedy swam ashore with his crew after his boat PT-109 was sunk by a Japanese destroyer during World War II. Later, visit the exotic provincial capital on Ghizo Island. Wander through the open air markets, showcasing crafts by the legendary wood carvers of the region. In the afternoon enjoy in-water activities on Njari Island.

Day 12: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy the Coral Discoverer's onboard facilities and views of the coastline while you have a day at sea prior ro the arrival into Papua New Guinea waters. Join the Expedition Leader and Guest Lecturers in the Lounge for an informative introduction to Papua New Guinea and an overview of our activities planned for the final days of our journey.

Day 13: Alotau and Sewa Bay

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Wake up to the scenery of Milne Bay as the Coral Discoverer approaches the first Papua New Guinea landfall in Alotau. After a quick stop in Alotau, continue on your adventure with an exploration of Sewa Bay. The bay, which is virtually enclosed with only a narrow entrance suitable for a small ship such as Coral Discoverer, is incredibly picturesque and pristine. Upon arrival the locals will greet you with a traditional welcome ceremony before there is time to explore the community and enjoy swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and glass bottom boat tours over the reefs found in the protected bay.

Day 14: Alotau - Return to Cairns

  • 1 Breakfast
Return to historic Alotau this morning and farewell new-found friends before disembarking this morning. Enjoy a tour of Alotau Township and markets before making your way back to Cairns. An option charter flight on a private jet is available for an additional cost.

Ship/Hotel

Coral Discoverer

Coral Discoverer
Bridge Deck Bar aboard the Coral Discoverer

Dates & Prices

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Main Deck B
Averaging 195 sq. ft. Three cabins located on the Main Deck, equipped with twin portholes, desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
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Main Deck A
Averaging 195 sq. ft. Six cabins located on the Main Deck, equipped with twin porthole windows, desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
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Promenade Deck B
Averaging 160 sq. ft. Four cabins located on the Promenade Deck, equipped with picture windows, desk, telephone and Junior King bedding.
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Promenade Deck A
Averaging 195 sq. ft. Eighteen cabins located on the Promenade Deck, equipped with picture windows, sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
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Bridge Deck
Averaging 195 sq. ft. Five cabins located on the Bridge Deck, equipped with picture windows, sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.

Notes

Solo Travelers:
Solo cabin occupancy is limited and based on availability in Promenade Deck B cabins only. Single supplement is an additional 50%.

Important Fare Information:
Rates are posted based off of the current exchange rates from Australian or New Zealand Dollars. Please contact us for current exchange rates.
Included
  • 13 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 13 Dinners

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Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
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