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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

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  • 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.

At A Glance

Trip Quick Facts

Prices from: 6995.00
Duration: 14 days
Location: Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands
Start: Madang, Papua New Guinea
Finish: Honiara, Solomon Islands
Availability: October

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Photos on this page copyright: Heritage Expeditions

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.
Day 1: Madang, Papua New Guinea Arrive in the port town of Madang and transfer to the Madang Resort for the first night. This evening meet with your fellow travellers and the expedition team over dinner at the resort. Day 2: Madang Madang is a thriving community renowned for its traditional artists, world class diving opportunities and the richness of its surrounding forests. This morning visit the Lababia Wildlife Management Area with its tall forest and rich diversity of wildlife, before returning to Madang to explore the markets with your Guides. Optional excursions this morning for bird enthusiasts. This afternoon board the Spirit of Enderby, settle into your cabin and join the captain and your expedition team on the bridge as we set sail. Days 3: Sepik River Sure to be one of the highlights of our expedition. The Sepik River is the longest river in Papua New Guinea, it is a rich arterial that has fostered great traditional artists. We plan to explore the river by Zodiac following tributaries and channels in search of local wildlife. We also meet with the villagers and marvel at their artistry. Day 4 to 5: Manus Province Seldom visited and little known, Manus Island is considered a jewel in the crown of Papua New Guinea. Biologically isolated, the islands are home to a high proportion of endemic species including the Superb Pitta which is likely to be one of the birding highlights of the expedition. The waters around Manus offer some of the most spectacular and rich reefs in the region, seldom explored waters promising a myriad of opportunities. Day 6: Mussa Island Mussa Island represents one of the western-most extensions of the Lapita culture. Spend time with the local people to learn about their special culture and life on this remote outpost in the Pacific. Day 7: Kavieng, New Ireland Historic Kavieng has significant evidence from the large Japanese occupation. Birders will leave early for the highlands while the rest of the group will spend the morning exploring the town of Kavieng and its history. Later snorkel in the clear waters of the local reefs. Day 8: Rabaul, New Britain Six beautifully cone-shaped volcanoes ring Rabaul’s dramatic flooded- caldera harbour. Visit the bubbling hot springs and take in magnificent views of the harbour and volcanoes from Observatory Ridge. Day 9: Nissan Island A tropical atoll bathed in rich tropical currents Nissan Island’s waters abound in marine life. Seldom has anybody had the opportunity to discover this world which promises abundant pelagic fish life and pristine coral reefs. Ashore there are still reminders of the brief but intensive World War II activities on this island, meet with the friendly locals and search the dense woods for some of the elusive birds that occur here. Day 10: Bougainville Island We plan to be amongst the first expeditioners to re-discover the treasures of Bougainville, long isolated and in a strange way protected by the conflict which swirled around its shores. A pristine island paradise it is home to some of the greatest biodiversity in the region both above and below the waters. We plan to explore the area around Arawa which offers great opportunities to access the island’s interior and reefs. Day 11: Choiseul Island Today we arrive in the Solomon Islands on the remote northern coast of Choiseul Island. This was once the home of the Choiseul Crested Pigeon and while it no longer walks the forest floor many other species still enliven the forest. We Zodiac cruise deep into the mangrove forest towards the Sui River Falls searching for Dugong and crocodiles. Day 12: New Georgia Islands The volcanic New Georgia Islands are found in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands. Birding enthusiasts will relish landing on Kolombangara Island, where we hope to see the rare Roviana Rail along with other endemic bird species. Day 13: Santa Isabel Island The Arnavon Islands are north-west of Santa Isabel, an area rich in marine biodiversity and one of the most important rookeries in the western Pacific for the endangered Hawksbill Turtle. The islands also support a high diversity of terrestrial fauna, with 41 species of birds, six species of bats, and at least seven species of terrestrial reptiles. Sensational snorkelling can be experienced around the islands. Day 14: Honiara, Solomon Islands Honiara was founded as a military base during World War II and was witness to the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. Tour Honiara, visiting historical sites including Henderson Airfield, war memorials and the open-air war museum while the birders head to the rain-forested slopes of Mount Austen in search of some of the Solomon Islands’ most spectacular birds including the Solomon Sea Eagle. For those disembarking a transfer to your hotel or the airport will conclude your voyage OR join us to discover the Secrets of Melanesia. On this voyage we offer a unique kayaking experience. There is no better way to fit in with the locals, often paddling in their own dugouts, and to experience the stunning coral reefs. These self propelled craft allow you to enjoy exploratory excursions through a tropical paradise, interact with the locals and discover at a different pace, sometimes beyond the reach of our Zodiacs.

Expedition Vessel: M/V Spirit of Enderby

Spirit of Enderby expedition ship

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.

For full information about this vessel click here:

Included
  • 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.
Excluded
  • 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.
Additional charges:
  • Discovery Fund $600 USD pp
Optional extras:
  • Kayaking Supplement: $995 pp
  • Birding Supplement: $500 pp
Deposits - Reservations require a deposit of 25% at the time you receive a booking confirmation from Expeditions Online. A payment link will be sent to you and this may be paid by major credit card. Bookings within 90 days of departure require full payment. Final Payments - Balances are due 90 days prior to departure. Cancellations - All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online. Cancellations received 180 days or more prior to departure, are refunded less a $US750.00 per person administration fee. For cancellations received within 179 and 91 days of the embarkation date the full deposit will be forfeited. If cancellation occurs within 90 days prior to the departure date the total price is forfeited. If cancellation occurs within 90 days and full payment has not yet been received, the total price will still apply and any unpaid monies are due immediately. We strongly recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance. Booking Terms - Please read carefully the General Booking Conditions for Expeditions Online. This voyage is operated by Heritage Expeditions and you additionally travel under their terms and conditions as the operator as well as of the Shipping Company/transport carrier. Details will be forwarded to you at the time of booking.
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Melanesia Discoverer: Spirit of Enderby

October

14 days

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11th October 2021 - 24th October 2021: 14 days

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