Melanesia Discoverer: Spirit of Enderby
Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands
Explore the hidden gems of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. From the culturally rich arterial of the Sepik River to the remote shores of Manus and Mussau Islands with people still living a very traditional lifestyle. For birders this itinerary offers once in a lifetime species on remote islands where few have been before. These waters also offer some of the greatest marine diversity in the world with the opportunity to snorkel and appreciate the beauty beneath the waves. Kayaking provides the perfect way to explore the islands of Melanesia and meet the locals
- Hidden gems of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.
- Remote islands with people still living a traditional lifestyle.
- Remnants of World War II activities
- Rare bird species including the Manus Friarbird, Mussau Monarch and the Paradise drango.
- Optional specialised birding programme with customised excursions.
- Incredible marine diversity with opportunity to snorkel and kayaking
- Freindly local children who often come out to join us in their dugout canoes.
Exploring Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands
Uncover the hidden gems of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. From the culturally rich arterial of the Sepik River we sail north across the Bismarck Sea to the remote shores of Manus and Mussau Islands. Manus has the lowest density of people in all New Guinea with its people still living a very traditional lifestyle. Next delve into the history, culture and wildlife of New Ireland and New Britain.
We cross the Buka Channel and at Nissan Island can view reminders of the brief but intensive World War II activities during which the islands were recaptured by Kiwi and British forces from the Japanese occupiers. Then enter a long isolated world as we are amongst the first travellers to return to Bougainville in over two decades. Sailing through the turquoise waters of the Solomon Islands, new vistas and unexpected encounters await.
For birders this itinerary offers once in a lifetime species on remote islands where few have been before. The birding potential is exceptional with many highlights including the Manus Friarbird, Mussau Monarch and the Paradise drango. Endemic to the Solomon Islands we will be on the lookout for the Roviana Rail and Solomon Sea Eagle. Allowing birders to maximise the opportunities available to them there will be an optional specialised birding programme with customised excursions.
These waters also offer some of the greatest marine diversity in the world and everybody will have the opportunity to snorkel and appreciate the beauty beneath the waves. Whether you are snorkelling or kayaking this ocean aquarium is waiting to be discovered. Kayaking provides the perfect way to explore the islands of Melanesia, discover the marine life that swims below and meet the locals. The kayaks are a source of endless fascination for the local children who will often come out to join us in their dugout canoes. Travel at your own pace, with plenty of opportunities for landings, village visits and snorkelling, all while accompanied by our experienced kayaking guide.
Stewart's Take
A rare and special journey to remote, beautiful and culturally-rich islands
Overview
Explore the hidden gems of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. From the culturally rich arterial of the Sepik River to the remote shores of Manus and Mussau Islands with people still living a very traditional lifestyle. For birders this itinerary offers once in a lifetime species on remote islands where few have been before. These waters also offer some of the greatest marine diversity in the world with the opportunity to snorkel and appreciate the beauty beneath the waves. Kayaking provides the perfect way to explore the islands of Melanesia and meet the locals.Expedition Vessel: M/V Spirit of Enderby
The Spirit of Enderby is a fully ice-strengthened expedition vessel, built in 1984 for polar and oceanographic research and is perfect for Expedition cruising. She carries just 50 passengers and was refurbished in March 2012 to provide comfortable accommodation in twin share cabins, approximately half of which have private facilities. All cabins have outside windows or portholes and ample storage space. On board there is a combined bar/library lounge area and a dedicated lecture room. The cuisine is excellent and is prepared by top New Zealand and Australian chefs. The real focus and emphasis of every expedition is getting you ashore as often as possible for as long as possible with maximum safety and comfort. Expeditions are accompanied by some of the most experienced naturalists and guides, who have devoted a lifetime to field research in the areas that we visit. The ship is crewed by a very enthusiastic and most experienced Russian Captain and crew.
- All meals and 24 hour tea and coffee station aboard the ship.
- Use of snorkel equipment where available.
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac excluding optional specialised birding and kayaking programmes.
- Programme of lectures by noted naturalists.
- All onshore tips, service taxes and port charges.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material.
- Airport transfers at the beginning and end of your voyage.
- Extensions,
- passport, visa, immigration fees,
- baggage/accident/travel protection plan,
- items of a personal nature such as bar, email, and laundry.
- Gratuities to ship's crew at your discretion.
- Airfares are an additional cost.
- Discovery Fund $600 USD pp
- Kayaking Supplement: $995 pp
- Birding Supplement: $500 pp
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