The azure waters of Melanesia | Aaron Russ
The azure waters of Melanesia  | Aaron Russ
Elaborate festivities in Papua New Guinea  | Aaron Russ
Transfer from your ship to shore aboard reliable zodiacs  | A Russ
The Victoria Crowned pigeon is native to New Guinea  | Aaron Russ
Young villagers on Choiseul Island, Solomon Islands  | Ewen Bell
Exploring the lush waterways of Melanesia  | Aaron Russ
Kayaking is an optional activity on our adventure cruise in the Solomon Islands  | A Russ
Updated

Secrets of Melanesia Explorer

Melanesian culture, traditions and natural landscapes

18 Days from

$14375 USD

Trip Code: HSS1
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Superior Triple
$14765 USD
Superior Deck 4
$16395 USD
Superior Deck 5
$17495 USD
Main Deck Single
$19890 USD
Superior Single
$21435 USD
Worsley Suite
$22735 USD
Heritage Suite
$26500 USD
Birding option
$550 USD
Kayaking option
$1215 USD

Duration

  • 18 Days

Activities

  • 16 days expedition cruising, optional kayaking and birding

Accommodation

  • 1 night hotel
  • 16 nights aboard Heritage Adventurer

Meals

  • 17 Dinners
  • 15 Lunches
  • 17 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

1 / 10

Discovery and Cruising

Trip highlights

  • Discover the beauty of the Solomon Islands archipelago
  • Experience traditional Melanesian culture and unique time honoured traditions and dances
  • Wonder at the flora and fauna and spectacular endemic birdlife
  • Snorkel in the pristine waters and coral reefs
  • Cruise the idyllic islands and explore isolated villages

Overview

Sail into a world that few have experienced; idyllic islands and isolated villages where unique time honoured traditions and elaborately costumed dancers welcome us into their world. Sail from Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea, to discover the beauty of Melanesia. Delve into the culturally rich Trobriand Islands, sometimes called the 'Islands of Love' where indigenous culture continues unchanged for countless generations. Explore the coral-fringed islands of the Louisiade Archipelago and the volcanic wonders of the D'Entrecasteaux Islands. Experience the biological wonderland and rare endemic species on remote Woodlark Island and spend a fascinating day exploring Bougainville Island. Discover one of the conservation jewels of the South Pacific on Tetepare Island and observe the ancient Rom Dance on Ambrym Island. Experience a kaleidoscope of cultures as we explore Vanuatu, where more than 100 indigenous languages are spoken. With over 80 habitable islands, islanders have closely guarded their own cultures and languages.

Itinerary

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Arrive in the urban tropical paradise of Cairns, gateway to natural wonders the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest, and transfer to your hotel where our group will spend the first night of the expedition. This evening meet your fellow voyagers and expedition guides over dinner at the hotel.

Meals: D

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before our flight to Port Moresby, the bustling gateway and capital of Papua New Guinea where village and urban life exist side-by-side. Boarding the ship you will have time to settle into your cabin and familiarise yourself with the ship; we will also take the opportunity to introduce you to your Expedition Team and our voyage plans. You are invited to join the expedition team in the Observation Lounge and up on the Observation Deck as we set sail.

Meals: B,D

Lapped by the tropical waters of Milne Bay off the eastern tip of Papua New Guinea, Doini Island is a little-known island paradise awaiting discovery. Ringed by white sand beaches, crystal blue waters and a lush rainforest interior there is much to explore and experience. With a population estimated at less than 1,000 people and little development, Doini’s untouched beauty is evident both above and below the water. Explore the rainforest with its WWII history and the traditional burial site known as Skull Cave housing around 100 skulls belonging to ancestors who fought fierce battles with neighbouring tribes. Put on your mask and snorkel and explore mesmerising coral reefs and gardens filled with exotic marine life on this beautiful tropical island escape.

Meals: B,L,D

Today we discover the scenic beauty of the rarely visited Tufi Fjords. Featuring 25 individual canyons with sheer basalt cliffs, these are the only fjords in Papua New Guinea. Take in the spectacular views as we cruise close to the towering cliffs before boarding the Zodiacs which will take us ashore for a closer look and to meet the locals where we will learn about the traditions of the Tufi people. Due to the protection of the fiords, the coral reefs are very rich in colour and variety and the waters offer remarkable visibility. We will find a suitable spot to snorkel amongst the Gobie, Mandarin Fish, Pigmy Seahorses and sponge and shelf corals. Later we will take a walk in the surrounding rainforest to look for the world’s largest butterfly, the Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing.

Meals: B,L,D

Wake this morning in the volcanic island chain of D’Entrecasteaux Islands where we plan to visit both Dobu and Fergusson Islands. Explore Fergusson Island’s geothermal area with its hot springs, bubbling mud pools and geysers, before local guides share their stories during a village visit. On Dobu Island, a critical link in the Kula Ring which was famously investigated and described by the anthropologist Bronislaw Malinowski, options may include a local cultural performance with unique costumes and drumming, local crafts, traditional clay pot cooking methods and items associated with Kula ring trading. Those interested in birds will keep an eye out for the White Cockatoo and the Curlcrested Manucode while some of the clearest water of the expedition awaits snorkellers. A steep dropoff provides a vibrant selection of corals and a multitude of fish including tiny Clownfish.

Meals: B,L,D

Positioned in the Solomon Sea and historically known as the ‘Islands of Love’, the Trobriands offer a glimpse of traditional culture largely unspoilt by outside influence. During our visit we will enjoy picture postcard white sand beaches, colourful villages, aquamarine water and enchanting marine life. Meet the Trobriand islanders and experience energetic, time-honoured dances that celebrate fishing and the seasonal yam harvest. Learn about the history of the ‘Kula Ring’, a circular pattern of ceremonial trade relationships that bind the islands of Milne Bay and eastern Papua New Guinea together in a long-established network of friendship. These islanders are also renowned for the exquisite quality of their ebony wood-carvings, often decorated with mother-of-pearl shell inlays. We take to the water and snorkel among kaleidoscopic coral reefs populated by Parrotfish, Neon Damsels and other brilliantly hued species.

Meals: B,L,D

Six beautiful cone-shaped volcanoes ring Rabaul’s dramatic, flooded-caldera harbour. Visit the bubbling hot springs and take in the magnificent views of the harbour and volcanoes from Observatory Ridge. As we explore the island, we will see fascinating reminders of the Japanese occupation, take in the site of the enormous volcanic eruption that all but destroyed Rabaul town, the underground bunker that was the hiding place of Pearl Harbour commander, Yamamoto, and join the locals shopping at the bustling Kokopo markets.

Meals: B,L,D

A tropical atoll adrift in the azure waters of the Buka Channel, Nissan Island is bathed in rich tropical currents that abound in marine life. Seldom have outsiders had the opportunity to discover this world promising abundant pelagic fish-life and pristine coral reefs. Ashore there are still reminders of the brief, but intensive, World War II activities during which the islands were recaptured by Kiwi, Australian and British forces from the Japanese occupiers. During our time ashore we will meet with the friendly locals from all three of the island’s Balil Villages and search the dense woods for some of the elusive birds that occur here. Later the snorkellers will find plenty to discover in the coral reefs that surround Nissan.

Meals: B,L,D

Today we discover the treasures of Bougainville, long isolated and in a strange way protected due to the conflict which swirled around its shores. High on many travellers’ wish lists, this autonomous region within Papua New Guinea magnificently marries rugged, jungled terrain with amazing coral reefs offshore and is home to some of the greatest biodiversity in the region, both above and below the water. Comprising two main islands and several outlying islands and atolls, it is both remote and hard to reach, but perfect for exploration by expedition ship. We plan to explore the area around Arawa, including the Panguna Copper & Gold Mine site – the setting for the movie Mr Pip – with great opportunities to access the island’s interior and its reefs. Spend your last Kina under the thatched roof of the Arawa Markets among the hum and chatter of hundreds of locals.

Meals: B,L,D

The volcanic New Georgia Islands are found in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands and are characterised by extensive reefs and lagoons, rugged terrain and an abundance of rivers. Nature enthusiasts will relish landing on Kolombangara Island, where we plan to visit the Imbu Rano Eco Lodge and Conservation Area which protects the islands central peak and search for the rare Roviana Rail along with other endemic bird species. Snorkel the surrounding reefs, home to some of the highest fish counts in the world and enjoy a zodiac cruise and village visit.Stock up on the local currency to purchase the wood or stone carvings the people of the Western Province are so famous for.

Meals: B,L,D

Uninhabited for 150 years, this rugged island cloaked in rainforest and fringed with coral reefs is home to one of the Solomon Islands’ leading community-driven conservation projects Tetepare Descendants’ Association. Receiving international recognition for its conservation and archaeological significance, three species of turtle, including the endangered leatherback, nest on its beaches while other species inhabiting the island and surrounding waters include dugong, the world’s largest skink, endemic Tetepare White-eye and many more. A highlight of our voyage, this afternoon we plan to explore and and enjoy a drift snorkel of the fringing reef with its outstanding marine biodiversity.

Meals: B,L,D

Today sees us exploring the heart of the Solomon archipelago, the Nggela Islands chain which comprises 50 jungle-capped islands with powdery white sand beaches and stunning gin clear waters, and home to exceptional coral gardens, reefs and marine life. In Roderick Bay on main island Nggela Sule, explore the beach and forest, and enjoy the thrill of snorkelling. Experience a traditional welcome from the local warriors on Tulagi Island. Explore this fascinating island, its town centre once the administrative seat of the British Solomon Islands Protectorate until it was destroyed by the Japanese during World War II. During our visit we plan to visit the historic sites of Blue Beach and the Japanese U-caves where soldiers hid during their battle with US forces.

Meals: B,L,D

Experience a traditional Solomon Island’s welcome on arrival at Port Mary on Santa Ana Island. Also known as Owaraha or Owa Raha, this stunning coral island, first sighted by Europeans in 1568, is ours to explore today. Delight in the local hospitality and culture as we peruse local handicrafts, explore the lush forests with our guides and meet the local children at the village school or bask in tropical waters. Birders will be on the look out for the tiny Sooty Myzomela, Island Imperial Pigeon, Solomons Rufous Fantail and Chestnut-bellied Monarch among others.

Meals: B,L,D

Nendö is the largest of the Santa Cruz Islands, which lie to the south-east of the Solomon Islands. The Spanish navigator Álvaro de Mendaña de Neira unsuccessfully attempted to establish a colony in 1595. Biologically these islands share more in common with Vanuatu. It is also the home of red feather money, sourced from the Scarlet Honeyeater. Watch the manufacture of red feather money, and join the locals in dances which reverberate through the ages.

Meals: B,L,D

Today we explore the archipelago of Vanikoro, with its five islands encapsulated by a dramatic barrier reef offering superb snorkelling. French explorer Jean-François de Galaup, comte de La Pérouse famously disappeared here after both his vessels, La Boussole and Astrolabe, struck the reef in 1788. On the shore we visit a monument to Le Pérouse, erected by fellow explorer Dumont d’Urville in 1827. Join the naturalists on a forest walk in search of the endemic Vanikoro White-eye and Monarch, or marvel at the delicate Vanikoro Orchid. We also have a good chance to see the recently rediscovered Vanikoro Flying Fox, considered extinct until a recent sighting by one of our groups.

Meals: B,L,D

Today we explore Vanuatu’s largest Island, Santo; location of James Michener’s Tales of the South Pacific. Indulge in a swim in the crystalline waters of Champagne Beach with its famed powdery white sand. This afternoon we will enjoy Zodiac cruises to the iconic blue holes of Santo. For those with an interest in the history of the island, there is a visit to Luganville and Million Dollar Point.

Meals: B,L,D

Today we will visit Ambrym, renowned as the island of volcanoes and magic throughout Vanuatu. We plan to head ashore at Ranon on the northern coast where the traditional Rom dance is still practised and custom carving is alive and well. A walk through the forest brings us to the ‘arena’ where masked dancers emerge from the forest. The forests of Ambrym offer some excellent walks to go in search of the local birds and plants, accompanied by our naturalists. This afternoon enjoy a final snorkel excursion on Efate or ‘Sandwich Island’, as it was once known, a tropical island paradise famed for its hidden natural wonders, beaches and historic sites.

Meals: B,L,D

Arrive into Port Vila this morning and disembark. Upon disembarking a transfer to your central city hotel or the airport will conclude your voyage. To allow time for disembarkation procedures we do not recommend booking flights from Port Vila before midday. Note: During our voyage, circumstances may make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. This can include poor weather and opportunities for making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed. This tour offers a variety of activities and excursions. Your personal interests will determine which of these you wish to join. Please note that some activities and excursions will run at similar times, and it will not be possible to participate in both. Accordingly, refunds for excursions and missed landings are not available. Voyages are planned and scheduled pending final regulatory approval.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

View dates to Book

What’s included?

Included

  • 1 night hotel in Cairns, Australia including breakfast
  • Flight from Cairns to Port Moresby on day 2 in economy class
  • All meals onboard the ship
  • Comfortable cabin accommodation on the voyage
  • All shore excursions as outlined in itinerary
  • Services of specialist expedition leaders and staff
  • All activities while on cruise including lectures, slide and film shows, snorkeling equipment
  • Medical services (there is a resident medical officer and infirmary on board)
  • Arrival transfer to ship
  • Departure transfer to the airport or hotel
  • Mandatory Landing Fees

Not included

  • International flights
  • Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc
  • Tips
  • Airport and departure taxes
  • Visa
  • Travel Insurance
  • Optional Kayaking and Birding (additional fees apply)

Responsible travel

Extra trip info

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