Papua New Guinea Discoverer

Charter Flights: We offer an optional 2 hours and 15 minutes direct charter flight connecting guests with ease between Cairns and Madang, inclusive in the fare. Limited seats are available, contact our reservations team to book.

Coral Discoverer carries a maximum of 72 guests, inspired by the company’s Australian ethos and the wide-open spaces the ship visits, is purpose-built to take you closer to unspoiled vistas in comfort, style, and safety

Deck Discoverer ship lay out deck by deck.

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Travel Insurance is not included in your cruise fare. We highly recommend all guests to obtain comprehensive travel insurance with remote area evacuation coverage. Please refer to our Pre-Cruise Checklist page for facts that should be considered and shared when speaking with Travel Insurance suppliers regarding travel insurance.

When it comes time for the exciting time of packing for your cruise, our packing lists are available to assist you. More specific information regarding weather conditions in your destination will be included in your Cruise Documentation which you will receive prior to your cruise.

Find your New Guinea & Micronesia expedition packing list here.

This expedition explores remote and natural areas where walking on uneven terrain, sandy beaches, and jungle paths is an integral part of the experience.

Guests must be physically able to walk on sandy, uneven, or inclined surfaces. Please note that transportation is not available for those unable to participate in these walks.

Here’s what to expect at key locations:

• Umboi Island
  Enjoy a village visit, with an optional 1km (each way) walk up a steep path (approx. 45° incline) to the local high school. All other walking is on flatter terrain.

• Tuam Island
  Walking will be on sandy beaches.

• Kumbun Island
  An expedition-style stop, with activities planned based on local conditions and guest abilities.

• Sewa Bay
  A moderate jungle walk may be offered for fit and mobile guests only. Other guests will have a cultural experience at Pwanapwana Village.

• Tawali
  Early morning walk to spot Birds of Paradise. This is a moderate hike through uneven jungle trails, with hot and humid conditions expected.

• Nuakata Island
  A 1km return walk to the Skull Cave via natural woodland paths with exposed roots and uneven footing.

This itinerary includes multiple opportunities to swim and snorkel in some of Papua New Guinea’s most pristine and remote waters. Planned locations include:

• Biangatu Island

• Wagifa Island

• Boia Boia Waga Island

• Deboyne Islands and Lagoons

• Calvados Island Chain

Please note that these experiences are weather-dependent and not all stops are guaranteed. Flexibility is key as we adapt to local conditions to ensure guest safety and the best possible experience.

Scuba diving is also available on this voyage for certified divers. For details on equipment, dive sites, and requirements, please refer to our Snorkelling & Scuba Diving Page.

Travelling guests are fully responsible for arranging and carrying their own travel documents.  This includes but is not limited to visas and a passport valid for six (6) months after your return home from your travels abroad. Please be aware that security requirements set by the governments of countries on your voyage can change without notice. It is your sole responsibility to ensure you have all the correct and necessary documentation for your trip.

Failure to have these required documents may result in denied boarding or disembarkation. We may ask you to provide this documentation to us before boarding our vessel.

Please ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity from the time the expedition commences, and two blank pages. Please email a scanned colour copy of your passport identification page to our team at [email protected] no later than 45 days prior to your departure.

Important: Please bring your physical passport with you on all international departures.

Papua New Guinea
The Papua New Guinea Customs and Excise Service (C&ES) is responsible for enforcing the customs and quarantine laws and regulations of Papua New Guinea. The C&ES works to protect the health and safety of the people of Papua New Guinea from harmful pests and diseases, and to ensure the fair and efficient trade of goods. 

When arriving in Papua New Guinea, all passengers are required to complete a customs declaration form and submit to a customs inspection. The customs declaration form asks for information about the items that you are bringing into Papua New Guinea, including their value and quantity. The customs inspector may ask you to open your bags and suitcases for inspection. 

Australia
For guests returning to Australia, all items go through customs  on arriving in Australia. Items containing seeds or unsealed wood may not be allowed in or may go through a period of quarantine. 

Coral Expeditions journeys to remote regions where the travel experience occurs on open seas and where shore excursions involve rugged terrain, small boat transfers, and limited infrastructure and facilities. Guests must have a moderate level of mobility and fitness to safely participate. This includes the ability to:

• Embark and disembark tenders with minimal assistance.
• Walk on uneven terrain such as rocky shorelines, nature tracks, and beaches.
• Navigate stairs and decks on a moving vessel safely.

Guests with mobility or medical limitations should carefully consider travel and consult us before booking. For safety reasons, crew may deny boarding or restrict participation in certain activities at their sole discretion.

While we aim to accommodate guests, expedition cruising requires a level of physical capability to fully enjoy and safely undertake the experience. Your safety, and that of fellow guests and crew, is our top priority.