On this 12-day journey aboard the luxurious L'Austral, you will have the opportunity to experience the best Vanuatu has to offer. This idyllic island-nation in the South Pacific is highlighted by vibrant coral reefs perfect for snorkeling and small boat exploration. And the sun-kissed beaches are great for relaxation. If you feel like an adventure, hike to the rim of the volcanoes from which these islands were born. Or tour some of the most important military installations from when this was a vital part of operations in WWII. You can visit small villages to see the local way of life and meet some of the people lucky enough to live in this laid-back country. Of course, the best activity to enjoy while you're exploring Vanuatu is to simply relax in the South Pacific sun!
Highlights
Visit the last known location of the “lost voyage” of La Pérouse
Swim in the famous and stunning “blue holes” of Espiritu Santo
Discover the incredible ‘Big Nambas’ tribes of Malekula
Walk to the rim of an active volcano and view a fireworks spectacle
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Fly from Brisbane to Honiara on your included flight. Meet and greet your local representative and transfer from the airport. Honiara is the capital city of The Solomon Islands, administered as a provincial town on the north western coast of Guadalcanal Island. Honiara comes from the local Ghari Language “naho-ni-ara” meaning 'facing the ara', the place where the southeast winds meet the land. During your stop, discover this city, its beautiful landscape, and the significant role it played in World War II. Alternatively, you can discover a traditional village, its culture, and way of life.
The French explorer Jean-François de La Pérouse was stranded on Vanikoro after both his vessels, struck the reefs of the island in 1788. The complete disappearance of La Pérouse caught the imagination of the European public. Songs, stories and plays were written about the possible fate of the expedition. It is believed that some of the men were killed by the local inhabitants, while the surviving sailors built a smaller vessel and left the island, but were never seen again. Those that remained on the island died before search parties arrived in 1826. Today guests have the opportunity to head ashore to the infamous location of this historical event. Enjoy a welcome and cultural performance whilst pondering the fate of the expeditioners.
Ureparapara, also known as Parapara for short, is the third largest island in the Banks group of Northern Vanuatu and was formed by an extinct volcano cone that has been breached by the sea on its east coast, forming a spectacular 3km-long harbor. During your voyage, sail into the natural harbor, affording guests spectacular views from the outer decks. Have the opportunity to go ashore for a welcome and custom dances, witnessing life in one of the remotest parts of Vanuatu. Very few vessels visit this part of Vanuatu and the local residents are eager to welcome visitors.
The Reef Islands, also called Rowa, are a cluster of uninhabited coral cays between Mota Lave and Ureparapara, in northern Vanuatu, and enclosed by a large, horseshoe-shaped reef that protects an expansive lagoon with sandy shallows. The five small islands, including Sana, are mostly sand and coral cays built up over reefs. During your stop, you are transferred ashore by Zodiac to a wet landing onto a sand and rubble beach to enjoy swimming and snorkeling from the beach.
The Banks and Torres Islands form Vanuatu's northernmost islands where local culture is still very much alive and unblemished by the modern world. Mota Lava is a stunning island of jungle clad craggy peaks plunging to long white sandy beaches lined with coconut palms. The nearby island of Ra is classically beautiful, an ideal place for travelers looking to leave civilization completely behind. Experience the ancient culture in this rarely visited group of islands.
The majestic beauty of Espiritu Santo is what inspired James A. Michener to write his classic "Tales of the South Pacific." Michener would gaze across the sea and dream of "Bali Hai". Santo, as the island is colloquially known, abounds with natural beauty that remains largely unspoiled, from palm-fringed beaches with powdery white sand, freshwater Blue Holes surrounded by natural rain forest, to idyllic islands surrounded by azure seas. Today guests have the opportunity to take a tour by bus to visit one of the famous blue holes, enjoy a traditional performance, and learn about the important role the island played in WWII. There is also ample time to swim and snorkel in the clear waters of Paradise Lagoon.
Malekula is the second largest island in Vanuatu and the most diverse, culturally and linguistically, with over thirty distinct languages spoken. Some of the best custom dances come from the island. The very friendly villagers share with you their cultural heritage. Be transferred ashore for a welcome and cultural performance. Afterwards, have an opportunity to witness traditional village life in Malekula, with demonstrations of traditional village practices such as weaving and Kava, and purchase genuine arifacts.
The island of Ambrym in Vanuatu is often referred to as the "black" island due to its volcanic ash and because of its 'black magic' steeped in mystery. In the villages, the ancient customs play a significant part in day-to-day living. The "Man blong Majik" are treated with the utmost respect and practice sorcery and magic beyond all imaginings. Ambrym prides itself on some unique characteristics, such as the magnificent tam-tams (or slit gongs) sculpted out of tree trunks, sand-drawing, black-fern masks, and local dances. The most striking custom dance is the Rom (or masked) dance – where 9-foot covertly cloaked and masked 'spirits' stomp out ancient rhythms to the beat of the tam tam.
The remote and seldom-visited Island of Epi has the distinction of having both white and black-sand beaches fringed by coral reefs. The 1.5-km-long beach at Lamen Bay is considered to be Epi's finest and boasts plenty of good quality coral for spectacular snorkeling. The small population of nearby Lamen Island is always delighted to welcome visitors and showcase their culture.
Lopevi is one of Vanuatu's most active and spectacular volcanoes. The volcano has regularly erupted for hundreds of years. Have the opportunity to discover the culture of the Epi Islands, enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the clear warm tropical waters of Lamen Bay, as well as view the active volcano of Lopevi from the comfort of the outside decks.
A visit to Vanuatu cannot be complete without viewing the erupting Mount Yasur Volcano on the Island of Tanna. It is regarded as the world’s most accessible active volcano. Known for its spectacular persistent strombolian activity consisting of regular small to violent explosions, it has been in more-or-less continuous activity since Captain James Cook observed ash eruptions in 1774. Often referred to as “the lighthouse of the Pacific”, the glow of the volcano apparently led Captain Cook to Tanna during the first European journey to the island. Today the volcano is considered a sacred area by members of the John Frum cargo cult, who believe their deity resides in the heart of the volcano.
Lautoka is the second largest city of Fiji, located on the western side of the island of Viti Levu, 24 kilometers north of Nadi. Lying in the heart of Fiji's sugar cane-growing region, it is known as the Sugar City. Lautoka is the gateway to Fiji’s “Sun Coast” a land of abundant sunshine, azure skies, and dramatic grass-covered peaks checkered with sugar cane fields, rural villages, and quaint market towns. Say farewell to your fellow passengers and the crew and start your independent journey back home.
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Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$5,870
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
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Superior Stateroom
8 cabins, 226 sq ft, located on Le Champollion Deck. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area and private bath.
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Deluxe Stateroom
28 cabins, 200 sq ft with private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
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Deluxe Suite
3 suites, 290 sq ft with 54 sq ft private balcony, located on the Le France Deck. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, desk, minibar, private bath.
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Prestige Suite - Deck 5
398 sq ft with 86 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living area, private bath.
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Prestige Suite - Deck 6
398 sq ft with 86 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living area, private bath.
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Owners Suite
484 sq ft with 97 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living, dining areas, private bath with large tub and shower, minibar, 2 flat screen TVs, DVD, CD, and IPOD, Video on demand, Satellite phone
Notes
Please note:
Fares are based on double occupancy and are capacity controlled. Rates may increase at any time as the ship sells out and subject to change without notice.
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 11 Dinners
11 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Port Fees
Unlimited Wifi
Onboard Entertainment
Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
Gratuities to Onboard Crew
“Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request)
24h Room Service (special selection)
English-Speaking Lecturer
Highly experienced and bilingual (French-English) expedition staff
Park Entry Fees into Protected Areas
Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite.
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Visa Fees
Optional Excursions - Ponant allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately six to two months prior to the cruise* departure. Please note that this is subject to change. Please contact us for more details.
Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned
Luggage Handling
Laundry Services, Hair Salon, and à La Carte Spa Treatments
Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions
Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
CDP recommends that every Traveler has full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses
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.
KC Chan
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.
