A Passage to the Solomons (Honiara to Port Vila)

Before embarking the Coral Discoverer, enjoy the optional extra of a battlefields tour to key sites from the 1942 Guadalcanal campaign. Visit sites such as Edson’s Bloody Ridge, the U.S. War Memorial at Skyline Ridge, or the Japanese Peace Park Memorial at Mt. Austin.

Board the Coral Discoverer at 4:00pm for a 5:00pm departure.

Tulagi Island is home to significant World War II history, with fighting occurring here as a prelude to the Battle of the Coral Sea. The original capital of the Solomon Islands, Tulagi, was severely damaged in WWII.

There is excellent scuba diving here, over wrecks of U.S. Navy ships. Sightings of large manta rays are also possible.

Cruise through the scenic Mboli passage, where there is beautiful lush rainforest covering the hills and small villages under the palm trees. The passage itself contains much ship wreckage.

Today, visit the saltwater people of Langa Langa Lagoon. Living on small artificial islands built from sand bars, the residents here are known for shell money making, ‘shark worship’ beliefs, and ship-building skills. Be immersed in the islander’s way of life; witness a warrior welcome, traditional food preparation, fire-making, face tattooing, shell money making, dancing, and panpipe performances. The lagoon also provides opportunities for swimming and snorkeling.

This beautiful passage between Big Malaita and Small Malaita islands has its own unique environment. Legends surround the creation of this passage, and the reefs close by are home to the romo (shells) from which money is made. You may enjoy panpipe and kastom performances, basket weaving demonstrations in the village, snorkeling at Onemaruha and an Xplorer cruise through the Maramasike Passage.

Located in the eastern tip of Gaudalcanal, this geographical crossroad separates Gaudalcanal’s calm northern waters from the Tasi Mauri or "weather coast." Five protected marine reserves have been established in Marau Sound, and you will have opportunities for snorkeling in the exquisite turquoise waters. Enjoy a visit to a village on Marapa Island or visit Conflict Bay.

The locals of Na Mugha, Star Harbour, welcome you ashore this morning. Enjoy a colorful cultural performance before exploring the village. Meet the children at the local school and learn about the harbor’s WWII history as a U.S. Army base. Enjoy a scenic zodiac ride through the surrounding mangrove-lined creeks or hike around the edge of the scenic harbor.

Nendo is the largest of the Santa Cruz group of islands, where Alvaro de Mendana unsuccessfully tried to start a colony in 1595. Your last stop in the Solomon Islands, Nendo is known for its particularly fine artifacts, and this is a good opportunity to purchase from the local makers. At Luowa Village, enjoy a cultural performance and snorkel from the white sandy beach.

Enter Vanuatu at the remarkable Ureparapara, an extinct stratovolcano rising 764 meters from the ocean floor. Cruise into the cone of the extinct volcano, surrounded on three sides by 300-meter cliffs. This spectacular island can only be experienced by sea. Enjoy a warm welcome from the villages and the opportunity to witness the local women perform the "water music" in the sea.

Today, visit Million Dollar Point, where the U.S. Navy’s millions of dollars worth of war equipment was scuttled. The wreckage has turned to reef, and nearby is the wreck of the troopship SS President Coolidge.

Enjoy a day of swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.

Relax on the white sand beaches of Nguna Island, and explore the stunning coral gardens that are perfect for snorkeling or diving.

The two volcanic craters on Nguna, Mount Tapuora and Mount Marow, provide a wonderful opportunity for a volcano walk.

Tanna Island is home to the active volcano Mount Yasur, and the volcanic soil here is very fertile, supporting crops of kava, coffee, coconut, copra and other fruits and vegetables.

Here, learn about the unique Tannese culture and the John Frum Cargo Cult. Visit the local villages at Sulphur Bay and then drive through the forest and up the slopes of Tanna. A short walk brings you to the smoking crater – a rare opportunity to gaze into a live volcano.

This morning, arrive in Port Vila, capital of Vanuatu.