Departure 2009: 20 - 30 April.
The tour begins in Rabaul and cruises along the coast of New Britain before heading to the Sepik River and then SE past Tami Islands, Tufi and finishing at Alotau.
Tour Highlight:
- Visits to traditional villages where welcoming locals offer a glimpse of their traditional lifestyle
- Experiencing the visual richness and contrasting cultures of each region
- Snorkeling crystal clear waters on coral reefs alive with marine life
- Exploring the unique fjords of Tufi
- Visits to remote volcanic islands ripe for exploration
- The chance to visit the legendary Sepik River, home to some of the most famous artists in the Pacific
- Wildlife opportunities – prolific bird life (horn bills, parrots, cockatoos, birds of paradise), dolphins, whales, dugongs and the rich marine life of the coral reefs
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Embark Rabaul
This afternoon you will be met at your hotel and taken to our trusty ship, Marina Svetaeva. Your luggage will be transferred to your cabin. Surrounded by six volcanic peaks, we cruise out of stunning Simpson Harbour and into the Bismarck Sea as we head west along the New Britain coast. Marina Svetaeva is not a luxury ship, she is homely and strong, built to be a working vessel and refitted to a comfortable passenger standard. The mood on board is definitely casual. At sea we are totally self sufficient. The days flow by while we travel snugly in our cocoon. A favorite pastime on board is to stand on deck or on the bridge, watching for seabirds, absorbing the dramatic scenery.
Day 2: Kimbe Bay
With over 70% of all coral species in the Indo/ Pacific region found here, Kimbe Bay is recognized as one of the world’s most diverse marine environments. We will snorkel the exceptionally clear water of the bay’s pristine reefs and hope to visit some of its idyllic islands, including the thermal geysers of Pangula Island.
Day 3: Witu Islands
Today we hope to explore this enchanting island chain, home to a rich array of aquatic life and spectacular rugged scenery. We visit remarkable Garove Island. Once an active volcano, the cone is now flooded with water 300 meters deep. Entering through the narrow jungle covered walls of the caldera promises to be an unforgettable experience. We also hope to visit some of the villages on this remote island group and gain an insight into their traditional way of life.
Day 4: Karkar Island
This morning we rest up and enjoy life on board Marina Svetaeva as she steams across the Bismarck Sea toward Karkar Island. From the comfort of the bridge or on the outer decks, join our naturalist in identifying seabirds. Our little team of expert lecturers will host entertaining talks on Papua New Guinea’s unique natural history and vibrant mix of cultures. After lunch, we plan to visit Karkar Island. Dominated by an active volcano that rises over 1,800 meters, Karkar is one of the most fertile places in PNG and has a thriving copra industry. We will kayak along the myriad of superb beaches that surround the island and hope to land and spend time with the Karkar Island people.
Days 5: Sepik River
The Sepik is one of the world’s great river systems and culturally one of the most fascinating parts of PNG. Village life remains virtually unchanged from when first contact was made by German explorers in the late 1800’s. Today we will travel upstream from the mouth of this mighty river to explore the lower Sepik region. Visiting some of the small villages that line the riverbank, we may have the chance to appreciate and purchase some artworks of the famed master carvers of the Sepik. Reputed to be among the finest artists in the Pacific, these skilled craftsman base their work on a complex web of spiritual beliefs and totems.
Day 6: Bagabag Island
If all goes well we awake to the dramatic scenery of delightful Bagabag Island, home to small communities surrounded by magnificent steep hills covered in dense forest and coconut trees. The islands rich blue waters and sheltered bays are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. We will take our kayaks and explore this little visited island.
Day 7: Tami Islands
The stunning tropical setting of these pristine coral atolls will make for some exciting explorations. The islands inhabitants are famous for their intricately carved wooden bowls and we hope to visit their peaceful fishing villages, beautifully located by a well-protected lagoon between the two main islands.
Day 8: Lababia
We visit the picturesque village of Lababia, whose inhabitants are custodians to one of the most important conservation areas in PNG - the 47,000 hectare Kamiali wildlife management area. Led by local guides, we hope to take a rain forest walk along the David Suzuki Trail. With luck we may see some of the prolific bird life resident here including horn bills, parrots, palm cockatoos and the striking Raggiana bird of paradise.
Day 9: Tufi
The dramatic fjords of Tufi and Cape Nelson are a breathtaking sight. Often rising to more than 100 meters, the sheer walls of these natural wonders are covered in dense forest alive with birds and numerous waterfalls cascading directly into the sea. This morning we have the opportunity to visit some of the small communities in this area. Maybe greeted by outrigger canoes and a welcome dance, the local people will share with us some of their ancient tribal customs. We hope to take a walk through the rain forest, home to the world’s largest butterfly, and explore the clear
waters of Tufi’s famed outer reefs, looking out for dolphins on the way.
Day 10: Goodenough Island
The lofty mountains of the D’Entrecasteaux archipelago should come into view early this morning as we enter into Milne Bay Province. We will endeavor to explore rarely visited Goodenough Island, one of the most steeply sided islands on the planet. Steep volcanic slopes rise sharply up from the fertile coastal planes culminating in a summit that sits at over 2,500 meters. Perhaps more than anywhere in Papua New Guinea, the power of the occult is feared and respected in the D’Entrecasteaux group. Mysterious legends and sorcery form a part of every day life. On Goodenough, the yield of the numerous yam crops are said to be under the power of a large painted stone in the middle of the island.
Day 11: Alotau
This morning we will arrive at the laid-back coastal town of Alotau, capital of Milne Bay province. As our journey draws to an end, we will have time to reflect on the amazing experiences we have shared, before we bid each other farewell.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Transfers to the ship from the group hotel.
- Ship’s accommodation. All public areas are open to all passengers.
- All meals on board ship.
- The use of Zodiacs for shore excursions, but excludes entry fees and other optional expenses at historic sites, towns and villages.
Also see tour packages in:
Australia and Oceania
Papua New Guinea
Boating and Sailing
Cultural Journey
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