Have questions? We're here.
Tropical Island and Underwater Paradise for Divers

New Guinea Circumnavigation: Cairns to Darwin

Cairns to Darwin - Example 36 Day Cruise aboard Coral Adventurer
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Papua New Guinea trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Be one of a special few to join the Coral Adventurer on a full circumnavigation voyage around New Guinea. This one-off voyage is packed with highlights. Sailing in comfort aboard the brand-new Coral Adventurer, experience many diverse cultures from the Spice Islands to the Sepik River, marvel at untouched landscapes, explore the wonders of Raja Ampat, and be immersed in one of the world’s last frontiers. Learn about the incredible diversity of cultures in this beautiful region of the world. 
Dive among amazing corals in IndonesiaParrots in Papua New GuineaWayag Islands, New GuineaBeautiful sunset in Papua New GuineaExplore the coral reefs in IndonesiaNightcliff Jetty, Darwin, AustraliaSunrise in Papua New Guinea HighlandsTropical Island and Underwater Paradise for Divers
Highlights
  • Indulge in a Bandanese feast on the historic Fort Belgica, Banda Neira
  • Climb Mt Pindito for a stunning view of the gum-drop Wayag Islands
  • Swim with the majestic whale sharks of Cenderawasih Bay
  • Encounter the Asmat warriors at Agats and purchase their famous carvings
Places Visited
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.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Cairns | Embark

Guests are welcomed to board Coral Adventurer at 7:30 am and then depart Cairns at 9:00 am. Get to know the ship and your fellow travelers as they sail across the Coral Sea.

Day 2: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The guest lecturers hold several presentations today, on the itinerary, safety procedures and introduce you to Papua New Guinean culture and protocols.  This evening, mingle with the Captain, crew, and fellow guests at the Captain’s Welcome Drinks.

 

Day 3-34: Explore islands

  • Ship
  • 32 Breakfasts, 32 Lunches, 32 Dinners
Throughout this expedition, your Expedition Team may make changes to the itinerary in order to maximize your expeditionary experience. Visiting these remote communities is subject to the approval of the local landowners. Below are the key destinations we visit.

SEWA BAY
Cruise into beautiful Sewa Bay and be welcomed by Pwanapwana Primary school. See traditional war dances and share a morning tea of pineapple, coconut milk, and sugar bananas.

DOBU & FERGUSSON ISLANDS
Join a walk to Dei Dei Hot Springs, and share the mythical and spiritual tales of the springs. At Dobu Island, learn about the Kula Ring before a snorkel over the incredible Bubbling Springs Reef.

KUIAWA
Historically known as the ‘Islands of Love’, the Trobriand Islands offer a glimpse of traditional cultures largely unspoiled by outside influence. Be greeted by enthusiastic traditional dances.

TUFI FJORD
Local guides will paddle us on outrigger canoes to their village in the rainforest. Be welcomed to rarely-visited Maclaren Harbour with dances, demonstrations and traditional crafts.

BUNA & SANANANDA
Walkthrough the jungle to discover fascinating WWII history - see relics and visit the war museum at Sanananda.

FLY ISLANDS & MOROBE
Water activities on the vibrant Biangatu Reef start our day, then we cruise the Mou River to explore the local village and lagoon.

DREGERHAFEN
Dregerhafen is known for Tami bowls and timber paddles. Visit Gingala for a high-spirited welcome, before touring the village. Enjoy snorkelling, diving, and kayaking in the peaceful lagoon.

MADANG
Explore Madang on a tour of the Madang Haus Museum, the Coastwatchers monument, and Bil Bil Village - famous for it’s pottery. Divers may visit the great dive sites close by.

SEPIK RIVER
At first light we enter the mighty Sepik River to visit the remote villages of Bien or Kopar, known for their arts and crafts. This evening, cruise past the active Manam Motu volcano at sunset.

WEWAK
Enjoy a WWII history tour with local guides, which takes us to Wewak Hill Lookout, the ANZAC Memorial, Mission Hill, and also to see the local craft markets.

JAYAPURA
Visit Asei Village at Sentani Lake and be greeted by enthusiastic costumed dancers. View and perhaps purchase art painted on bark for which Lake Sentani is famous.

NIRUMOAR
Today, enjoy an expedition stop at Nirumoar. Discover a shipwreck on the beach and enjoy snorkeling and beachcombing.

MAMBERAMO RIVER
The Mamberamo River is regarded as the Amazon of the East, home to remote tribes. This is an Expedition destination.

CENDERAWASIH BAY & KWATISORE
We spend two mornings searching for and swimming with the gentle whale sharks. Visit Kwatisore to shop for local arts and crafts, be entertained by the string band and the ‘bird-of-paradise dance.

ROON ISLAND
A Japanese Zero plane wreck provides a target for snorkellers and divers. Afterward, visit Yende for music and dancing.

PULAU AYAU & PULAU KANOBE
Today, discover the beautiful and incredibly remote Ayau Atoll. We will go ashore at Pulau Ayau to visit Miosbekwan Village with the possibility of a swim with friendly dolphins in the clear turquoise waters of the lagoon.

WAYAG ISLAND
Here, the underwater world is rightly famous - we spend time discovering, snorkeling, SCUBA diving, and kayaking opportunities. For the hikers, a climb up to Mt Pindito is available.

ALJUI BAY
Here, you will enjoy white and soft sandy beaches and crystal clear water with stunning corals. A stand-out snorkelling location, enjoy taking to the water this afternoon.

MISOOL
Misool is an unspoiled paradise with aquamarine waters fringed by towering karst cliffs and flourishing with coral and marine life. Swim in exquisite lagoons and explore the coast by kayak.

ARGUNI
Friendly locals greet us and display cultural attractions including dances, music, and handcrafts. With refreshments of fresh coconut in hand, tour the village with local guides. Then journey by Xplorer to see the ancient ‘blood paintings’ at Roefroefoea.

BANDA ISLANDS
Traditional long canoes known as kora kora provide an impressive escort into Banda. Explore the town, and later the ramparts of Fort Belgica provide the setting for our Bandanese Feast under the stars. The following day, snorkel over the reef that flourishes on Gunung Api’s historic lava flow.

CAPE MOMMON
Visit this remarkable bay, where waterfalls tumble directly into the ocean, and explore with diving, snorkeling, and kayaking.

TRITON BAY
Triton Bay is a rarely visited paradise, with karst formations to rival Raja Ampat’s beauty. Multitudes of fish and coral reefs flourish in tropical waters. Here, enjoy water activities or explore along the coast to sight pre-historic cliff carvings.

ARU ISLANDS
The Aru Islands consist of some 95 low-lying islands covered with forest. Here we will cruise along the mangroves to catch sight of the elusive Birds of Paradise.

AGATS
As we arrive, an armada of war-canoes surrounds us, rowed powerfully by Asmat warriors. The Asmat women greet us at Syuru village, then we are invited into the ‘Men’s House’ to experience sculptures in the renowned Asmat tradition.

SANGLIAT DOL, SAUMLAKI
Known for its monoliths that echo a maritime heritage, we will visit the striking ancient stone boat in the centre of the village.

Day 35: At Sea

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Relax and spend time reflecting on your epic voyage around New Guinea. You will have encountered many remote tribes and seen a wide array of cultural and natural wonders. As you prepare to return to the modern world, enjoy the hospitality onboard with Captain’s Farewell Drinks.

Day 36: Darwin | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Coral Adventurer arrives into Darwin at 10:30 am to clear customs and disembark at 12:00 pm.

Ship/Hotel

Coral Adventurer

Coral Adventurer
Coral Adventurer
Coral Adventurer

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$17,435
Coral Adventurer
Select a Date
Coral Deck Stateroom
Identical to the Promenade Deck Staterooms except for their location one deck below. These staterooms have twin portholes rather than picture windows.
Coral Adventurer
Select a Date
Promenade Deck Stateroom
Located below the Explorer deck and furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk, and armchair are included.
Coral Adventurer
Select a Date
Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom
Comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk, and armchair are included.
Coral Adventurer
Select a Date
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
Comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk, and armchair are included.
Coral Adventurer
Select a Date
Bridge Deck Balcony Suite
Suites are equipped with a lounge area, minibar, and personal coffee machine. They have special King sized beds which can be separated into two singles.

Notes

Important Fare Information:
Rates are posted based off of the current exchange rates from Australian Dollars. Please contact us for current exchange rates
Included
  • 35 Breakfasts, 34 Lunches, 35 Dinners
  • 35 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
  • Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
  • Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and kayaks
  • All excursions with our Expedition Team
  • Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
  • Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
  • Your expedition photos captured during the voyage
  • Post-cruise transfers (in most destinations)
  • Snorkelling & SCUBA equipment (SCUBA diving at an additional cost)
  • 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Laundry Service
  • Entry visas/Travel permits
  • Alcoholic drinks including beer and wine outside of lunch and dinner service
  • Internet 
  • Pre-cruise transfers
  • Pre and post cruise flights/charter flights
  • Pre and post cruise accommodation
  • Items of a personal nature such souvenir purchases
  • Optional Extras (in some destinations)
  • Scuba Diving 

Map

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

Papua New Guinea Travel Guide

Favorite Papua New Guinea Cruises

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By