Remote Indonesia & Islands Of The Pacific Theatre

Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory (NT), has an estimated population of around 150,000 and contains the majority of the territory’s residents. The region experiences a tropical climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The local community includes Indigenous groups alongside various international populations. Darwin has a history dating back to September 9, 1839, when HMS Beagle entered the harbor during a survey. The area was named “Port Darwin” by John Clements Wickham in honor of Charles Darwin, a former shipmate. The city has been rebuilt nearly four times due to damage from cyclones and Japanese air raids during World War II.

Relax and spend the day at sea.

See the Tiahahu Monument, a tribute to a young female Maluku freedom fighter, the Siwalima Museum’s ethnic arts and crafts, visit Soya Atas village, or the “Sacred Eels” of Waai.

Relax and spend the day at sea.

Kokas is a sanctuary of peace and natural splendor, providing a perfect backdrop for a luxurious escape. Here, you can immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of an untouched tropical haven, or explore coastal villages offering a peak into a world unchanged by time. Yet, Kokas is not just about natural allure, still offering glimpses of its past. Ancient rock art etched into the landscape provides a window into the lives of the early inhabitants, while evidence of Japanese occupation during WWII remains on its otherwise idyllic beaches.

Misool, nestled within the Yapap Lagoon in the Raja Ampat region of Indonesia, is a mesmerizing and remote island paradise. Characterized by its karst limestone formations, pristine coral reefs, and lush mangrove forests, Misool is a sanctuary for biodiversity both above and below the waterline. Beneath its turquoise waters, snorkelers are treated to a kaleidoscope of marine life, including vibrant coral gardens, reef sharks, manta rays, and an abundance of colorful fish species. The island's terrestrial beauty is equally captivating, with hidden lagoons, sea caves, and secluded beaches awaiting exploration.

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES ON EXPEDITION VOYAGES
-Snorkeling
Yapap Lagoon, alongside the island of Misoo, is a snorkeler's dream, offering exquisite experiences that you look forward to sharing with you throughout the day.

-Zodiac Cruises
Zodiac cruises allow you to marvel at the dramatic limestone karst formations unique to this region. These natural wonders present a stark contrast to those found at the Wayag Islands, offering their own brand of captivating beauty.

Yenwaupnor is a coastal village located on the island of Gam in the Raja Ampat archipelago of Indonesia. Known for its proximity to coral reef ecosystems, the area supports a wide range of marine biodiversity. Local waters are commonly used for snorkeling and diving, with frequent sightings of reef fish, hard and soft corals, and occasional larger species such as manta rays. The village is home to a small population and reflects traditional Papuan culture. Wooden walkways connect the shoreline to nearby homestays and community areas, offering access to both marine and terrestrial environments. Nearby forests and mangroves provide habitat for birdlife, including the Wilson’s bird-of-paradise, which is sometimes observed on guided early morning treks.

Mansuar Island is part of Indonesia’s Raja Ampat archipelago in West Papua, known for its vibrant marine biodiversity and coral reefs. Located between the islands of Waigeo and Batanta, Mansuar is a popular base for diving and snorkeling, offering easy access to renowned sites like Cape Kri. The island features small villages, white-sand beaches, and lush tropical forest, making it a tranquil destination for nature lovers and underwater explorers.

Capital of West Papua Province, the quiet coastal town of Manokwari is also a "gateway" of sorts to Cenderawasih Bay. With a friendly and laid-back local atmosphere, the gem of the region truly is the impressive wildlife and WWII history that surrounds it. The Arfak Mountains to the south of the town are especially striking and boast a phenomenal amount of bird and mammal life, some of which is found nowhere else on Earth.

Cenderawasih is a word that means "bird of paradise" in Indonesian; likely a reference to the shape of the island of New Guinea as well as the numerous species of bird of paradise in the regions surrounding the bay. The incredible marine biodiversity of these waters offers discovery after discovery to those looking for the ultimate in snorkeling. Consisting of 1.5 million hectares of protected land and water and filled with healthy and thriving coral reefs, Indonesia’s largest National Park is also well known as a home to the whale sharks that live year-round in its waters. These gentle giants come to visit the local floating fishing platforms. Although they themselves are filter feeders, the fishermen and the whale sharks have a unique relationship that has been cultivated over generations of both species.

The name Jayapura translates to “city of victory” in Sanskrit. It is the capital city of Papua, and the gateway to inner Papua’s natural wonders and wildlife. Jayapura's rich history is shaped by centuries of indigenous Papuan traditions and more recent colonial influences. The Museum Loka Budaya offers visitors the opportunity to explore artifacts and stories that illuminate the region's past, from ancient tribal customs to the impact of Dutch colonization. The local market offer a colorful assortment of local produce, handicrafts, and traditional delicacies.

Immerse yourself in the lush, green natural beauty that surrounds this small capital of the West Sepik Province of Papua New Guinea. Vanimo’s beach town atmosphere, verdant jungles, and plentiful water sports offer abundant ways to connect with nature, and history enthusiasts can also step back in time to explore the Japanese WWII history of this secluded harbor.

Relax and spend the day at sea.

Garove, although a tiny island with 26 square miles, is one of the biggest islands in the Vitu Island group. Also known as the Witu Islands, these lush green islands produce cocoa and copra by the inhabitants thanks to the rich volcanic soil. Volcanic peaks protrude above the surface of the water from great oceanic depths. These are not atolls, but rather submerged volcanoes. Eruptions in the late 1800s resulted in seismic activity and tsunamis that impacted local villages. These islands were visited often in the German colonial times, by the American-Samoan Queen Emma.

INCLUDED EXPEDITIONS:
-Snorkeling​
-Visit to local village and cultural exchange

Duke of York Island, nestled in Papua New Guinea's azure waters, boasts unspoiled beaches, thriving coral reefs, and verdant rainforests. Crystal-clear waters offer vibrant marine life encounters, while its lush trails lead to panoramic vistas of its picturesque coast and surrounding volcanic islands.

Rabaul is a township in East New Britain province and the largest of Papua New Guinea’s beautiful offshore islands. The town lies in the shadow of three volcanoes and is one of the most outstanding in Papua New Guinea. ​​
​ The still active Mt Tavurvur volcano also frequently puts on a display for spectators and a camera is a must to record the occasional plume of smoke rising from its peak, as well as the town’s wartime history.​
Just outside Rabaul is the only observatory in this region that monitors volcanic activity. Situated on a hilltop, it offers superb views over the ocean, town and the surrounding volcanoes.​

INCLUDED AND OPTIONAL SHORE EXCURSIONS AVAILABLE

Relax and spend the day at sea.

Infamous for being the former dwelling of a fierce tribe of head-hunters, Ghizo Island today is a warm and friendly place in the western province of the Solomon islands.​ It is the capital of the Western Province and is the second largest town in the Solomon Islands, after the capital Honiara. The people of the Western Province are considered as some of the most skilled carvers in the world. They utilize various woods including ebony and rosewood to make magnificent and intricate carvings that can take months to produce.​ Explore the open-air market, dive in its crystalline waters or go on nature hikes around the surrounding hills.​

INCLUDED EXPEDITIONS:
-Snorkeling

Honiara is the capital of the Solomon Islands, and a large city with a population of over 92,000 people. As the capital, government buildings and institutions, as well as businesses, shops, schools, hospitals and churches, a port and international airport, make the city a busy and bustling place.  Trade and economy are mainly based on coconuts, timber, cacao, palm oil, fruits and fish. The history of violence in this city dates back to WWII and the Guadalcanal campaign fought both on land and at sea between Allied forces and Japanese. The Battle of Henderson Field, the last offensive in this campaign took place just 7 miles to the east of the center of the city. Ethnic tension and land disputes increased after the battle and eventually led to a paramilitary coup in 2000. Rival faction are the ethnic Malaitans and the Guadalcanal natives. Today the city is a wonderful jumping-off place to explore the sparkling Solomon Islands from. With various WWII battlefield sites around the city, colorful markets, war memorials, museums and an atmospheric wharf, Honiara can be a fascinating place to explore.

Relax and spend the day at sea.

Comprised of two high volcanic islands, Vanikoro is bordered by a fringing reef and a pristine lagoon. The southernmost of the Santa Cruz Island group, Vanikoro is a remote island paradise seldom visited by tourists. There are approximately 1,300 people living on the islands in several different villages. The population here is quite unique, however, because it is made up of two distinctly different cultural groups: both Melanesian and Polynesian people.The friendly locals are happy to share their different cultures through traditional dances and musical celebrations. The islands are incredibly important for several endemic bird species and even a species of flying fox, which make their home here due to the lush vegetation on the islands. The Vanikoro flycatcher and the Vanikoro monarch are two of the numerous endemic bird species found here.

The volcanic island of Ambrym, one of Vanuatu’s outer islands, is spectacular. With the twin volcanoes of Benbow and Marum rising steeply from the azure waters, and a 12 km caldera to explore, the eruption in year AD50 that formed this caldera was one of the biggest in recent geological history. The black volcanic soils on this island make for a wonderful backdrop on which to view the Rom dances. Ambrym is considered to be the country’s center of sorcery, as active volcanoes mean stronger magic. A ceremonial ritual, the Rom dance is a sacred masked dance with origins that go back centuries. Involving only men, the dance delves into the age-old struggle between good and evil and is also believed to play a big role in influencing harvests. Full of secrecy and symbolism, the ability to witness such a dance is a special and profound experience.

INCLUDED EXPEDITION:
-Visit ashore to see a performance of the incredible Rom Dance.

Relax and spend the day at sea.

A major seaport, Fiji's second-largest city, Lautoka is the main center of the sugar and timber industries. Towering royal palms march in a long, orderly row from the main street to the harbor and into the heart of the city. Although Lautoka grew up around the Fijan village of Namoli, it is a very Indian town today.