Embark on a 15-day cruise aboard Coral Adventurer through Vanuatu and Melanesia. Depart from Port Moresby and sail toward the Louisiade Archipelago to snorkel Panasia Beach and view a WWII Japanese Zero plane in Deboyne Lagoon. Visit Laughlan Atoll to learn canoe-building traditions and the ancient Kula Ring trade. Explore Ghizo and Njari Island in the Solomon Islands, where John F. Kennedy swam ashore during WWII. Release turtle hatchlings at Kerehikapa in the Arnarvon Islands and connect with carvers in Marovo Lagoon. Experience the unique Ëtëtung water dance in Marau Sound, then walk Santa Ana’s orchid-filled forests. In Vanuatu, dive Million Dollar Point in Espiritu Santo, witness the Rom dance at Ambrym, snorkel coral gardens at Nguna, and stand at Mount Yasur’s fiery crater on Tanna. Disembark in Port Vila after a journey combining nature, history, and culture.
Highlights
Explore Panasia Beach caves and snorkel colorful coral reefs
Learn canoe-building traditions at Bodaluna Village in Laughlan Atoll
Snorkel Njari Island’s vibrant reef ecosystems in Solomon Islands
Dive Espiritu Santo’s Million Dollar Point WWII wreck site
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Arrive at the designated hotel meeting room at 2:30 pm for your transfer to Coral Adventurer. Embark at 4:00 pm and receive a briefing from the expedition team about the voyage ahead. In the evening, attend the Captain’s welcome reception and meet the crew and fellow travelers as the day ends.
Attend onboard presentations that explain Melanesian culture and the anthropological history of how Austronesian and Papuan peoples settled these islands over centuries.
Swim over a nearly intact Japanese Zero fighter plane in Deboyne Lagoon and connect with villagers maintaining traditional subsistence lifestyles. In the afternoon, explore limestone karst caves and snorkel at spectacular Panasia Beach.
Witness the traditional canoe-building mastery in this remote archipelago. Meet the friendly villagers of Bodaluna and learn about their subsistence gardening, fishing and participation in the ancient Kula Ring trading network.
Enter the Solomons Islands with clearance via Kennedy Island, where former President John F Kennedy swam ashore during WWII. Snorkel the crystal-clear waters of uninhabited Njari Island, teeming with colorful corals and marine life.
Participate in conservation efforts by helping to release turtle hatchlings from this important breeding sanctuary. Learn about loggerhead, green and hawksbill turtle protection in this 40,000-acre marine conservation area.
Explore one of the world’s largest double barrier enclosed lagoons, a natural wonder proposed for World Heritage listing. Meet expert carvers famous for intricate ebony pieces with rosewood and mother-of-pearl inlays.
Experience the mesmerising Etetung water dance performed by women in hand-woven costumes. This soothing sonic and visual performance creates hypnotic rhythms through water while singing traditional songs. Here, the Marau people depend on their natural environment, practicing subsistence farming and fishing.
Discover this small island famous for elaborate bone fishhooks and imaginative fishing floats. Walk through forests filled with colorful orchids and learn about the Austrian anthropologist who studied this community in 1932.
Sail towards Vanuatu while enjoying presentations about the volcanic islands ahead and their unique cultural practices, including cargo cults and traditional dance ceremonies. Enjoy onboard program with lectures and cooking demonstration.
As you enter Vanuatu, for divers, explore Million Dollar Point, where Americans sank vehicles after WWII rather than sell them. Dive amongst wrecks turned into coral reefs, now home to diverse marine life, and swim in one of Malo Island’s mysterious ‘blue holes’.
Witness the famous Rom dance performed in the shadow of active Benbow and Marum volcanoes. This traditional ceremony connects men to the spirit world on Vanuatu’s ‘black magic’ island with its iconic black sand beaches.
Snorkel or dive in the Nguna-Pele Marine Protected Area amongst stunning coral gardens, sea grass beds and mangrove forests. An optional, challenging hike to extinct volcano craters Mount Tapuora and Mount Marow is recommended for the very fit.
Take a 4WD trip to peer into active Mount Yasur volcano, whose glow attracted Captain Cook in 1774. Learn about the unique John Frum Cargo Cult and Tannese culture on this remarkably fertile island.
Day 15: Port Vila | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Disembark at 7:00am in Vanuatu’s capital. Reflect on the deep cultural connections you’ve made across Melanesia’s sacred islands, carrying with you a deeper understanding of these remarkable Pacific communities.
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.
$10,0052-3 travelers
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 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
We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.
