Day 1: Alotau
Boarding commences at 2:00pm for a 3:00pm departure. Time to settle in and explore Oceanic Discoverer before joining the Captain and his crew at the Captain's Welcome Cocktails.

Day 2: Trobriands and Kitava
Historically known as the 'Islands of Love' the Trobriands offer a glimpse of traditional culture largely unspoilt by outside influence. Witness traditional Trobriand dances.

Day 3: Dobu and Fergusson Islands
We are greeted by a flotilla of canoes as we approach the Dobu anchorage. Our Guest Lecturer will share with you the history of the Kula Ring where Dobu Island was a pivotal link between the Kula trade routes. The local primary school children welcome us with a traditional dance. After lunch, join our Expedition Leader on an excursion to the Dei Dei Hot Springs where the landowner shares the mythical and spiritual tales of these hot water and mud springs.

Day 4: Tufi Fjords
Today we discover the scenic beauty of the rarely visited Tufi Fjords. Similar to Nordic fjords and featuring 25 individual canyons with sheer basalt cliffs, these are the only fjords in Papua New Guinea and offer a wealth of sightseeing opportunities. Soak up the spectacular views as we cruise close to the towering cliffs before boarding Xplorer to travel ashore to meet the friendly locals. Then, enjoy a leisurely swim and snorkel over spectacular fringing reefs.

Day 5: Lababia - Wildlife Management Area
We awaken early and travel ashore to the picturesque village of Lababia, gateway to one of the most important conservation areas in PNG - the Kamiali Wildlife Management Area. In the company of our Guest Lecturers and local guides, walk the David Suzuki trail through the prehistoric rainforest. With luck, we may see some of the prolific birdlife here including hornbills, parrots, palm cockatoos and the iconic Raggiana Bird of Paradise.

Day 6: The Idyllic Islands of Tuam and Tami
In the morning we visit Tami Islands, which are known for their distinctive carvings and ceremonial masks. The afternoon brings us to Tuam offering a mix of both mainland and Bismark Archipelago cultures. Their prized trinkets and decorations include dog's teeth, spondyllus shells and wonderful balsa wood and sago bark headdresses. We enjoy the welcome dances and village hospitality.

Day 7: Historic Madang
Madang sits on a peninsula surrounded by a number of picturesque islands and is famed for its diving, with excellent visibility and many WWII wrecks to explore. Discover the town and enjoy the opportunity to purchase a large selection of artefacts from the Sepik region. Enjoy diving, snorkelling, swimming and a harbour exploration.

Day 8: Sepik River and Volcanic Manam Island
Sure to be a highlight, this morning we enter the mouth of the mighty Sepik River - one of the world's great river systems. Only with Oceanic Discoverer will you cruise well p into the Sepik region, renowned for its unique artefacts. Visit the remote village of Bien where the locals are amongst the greatest primitive artists on earth. Enjoy the opportunity to purchase unique hand carvings. On farewelling the Sepik, we pass the active volcano on Manam Island and enjoy the sunset.

Day 9: Crown Island
Join our Expedition Leader and Guest Lecturers aboard Xplorer and head ashore on this uninhabited island. Known as a turtle nesting ground and home of the giant lizard we explore the beaches of this seldom visited island. Spend time relaxing or snorkelling in the beautiful clear waters.

Day 10: Witu Islands - Kimbe Bay
With the support of local guides, our Expedition Leader will lead us on an exploration of the region. Kimbe Bay has one of the world's richest and most diverse coral reef systems, home to over 860 different species of tropical fish and in excess of 400 different varieties of coral. Here we experience genuine island friendliness and hospitality.

Day 11: Rabaul
We enter magnificent Simpson Harbour early in the morning, passing the striking islands known as the Beehives. Our arrival in Rabaul at 8:00am marks the end of our voyage of exploration and adventure. If time permits, you may wish to explore the 'ghost town' of Rabaul that lies under volcanic ash deposited when Mt Tuvurvur erupted in 1994.

Optional 2 Night Cairns to Alotau Extension

Join Oceanic Discoverer in Cairns two days earlier and cruise the Coral Sea, China Strait and Milne Bay before arriving in Alotau.

Day 1: Depart Cairns
After boarding Oceanic Discoverer at 12:00 noon for a departure at 1:30pm, we leave Cairns on the start of our great adventure. Take the opportunity to explore your new 'home' for the next thirteen days. Enjoy an evening sunset drink before sitting down to the first of many delicious meals.

Day 2: At Sea
Having passed through the Great Barrier Reef, we cruise northeast towards the China Strait. Enjoy the facilities and get to know your travelling companions. This evening, join our Guest Lecturer for a presentation on Papua New Guinea.

Day 3: Alotau
Enjoy waking up to the scenery of the China Strait as we approach our first Papua New Guinea landfall - Alotau. Our experienced Guest Lecturers will interpret the traditional welcome dances prior to leading us on a tour of historical Alotau.

Rates

Prices start from $8450 per person twin share. Click here for full rate and departure information.

This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Whilst every effort will be made to follow this itinerary we do reserve the right to vary this itinerary to make allowances for weather, tidal conditions and any other reason whatsoever.

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