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Passage through the Melanesian Arc
Papua New Guinea, The Louisiades, the Solomons and Vanuatu

Port Moresby to Port Vila14 NightsAll InclusiveFrom $14,950.00* PP

Sail through the heart of Melanesia on this remarkable passage connecting Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. Explore remote islands accessible only by small ship, where ancient ‘kastom’ traditions thrive and islanders maintain subsistence lifestyles that have remained essentially unchanged for centuries. From swimming over Japanese wrecks in crystal lagoons to witnessing the iconic Rom dance beneath active volcanoes, each destination reveals the natural and cultural stories that define this extraordinary region. Discover Austronesian and Papuan settlement patterns, explore stunning freshwater sinkholes and pristine reefs, and connect with communities that preserve their traditional ways.

  • Cruise the remote and spectacular Louisiade archipelago of Papua New Guinea
  • Learn about local ‘kastom’ and kula ring trading during authentic village visits
  • Partake in conservation efforts by helping release turtle hatchlings at the Arnarvon Islands.
  • Snorkel and dive in the world’s most significant double barrier, enclosed reef saltwater lagoon at Marovo Lagoon.
  • See the iconic Rom dance at volcanic Ambrym, Vanuatu’s black magic centre
  • Delve into the ancient skills of Lakatoi artisans and their remarkable seafaring history

Itinerary

Meet at the provided hotel (TBA) meeting room from 2:30pm for transfers to Coral Adventurer. Board at 4:00pm, where you will meet our expedition staff as they introduce you to the journey and the many experiences you will enjoy. This evening, join the Captain’s welcome drinks and meet your crew and fellow guests as the sun sets.

Day at Sea - Lectures, Presentations

Enjoy onboard presentations about Melanesian culture and the fascinating anthropological history of how Austronesian and Papuan peoples populated these islands through the centuries.

Louisiade-Archepelago-Coral-Expeditions

Swim over a nearly intact Japanese Zero fighter plane in Deboyne Lagoon and connect with villagers maintaining traditional subsistence lifestyles. In the afternoon, explore limestone karst caves and snorkel at spectacular Panasia Beach.

Laughlan-dive-Coral-Expeditions

Witness the traditional canoe-building mastery in this remote archipelago. Meet the friendly villagers of Bodaluna and learn about their subsistence gardening, fishing and participation in the ancient Kula Ring trading network.

Coral Expeditions Ghizo Island

Enter the Solomons Islands with clearance via Kennedy Island, where former President John F Kennedy swam ashore during WWII. Snorkel the crystal-clear waters of uninhabited Njari Island, teeming with colourful corals and marine life.

Participate in conservation efforts by helping to release turtle hatchlings from this important breeding sanctuary. Learn about loggerhead, green and hawksbill turtle protection in this 40,000-acre marine conservation area.

Marovo Lagoon

Explore one of the world’s largest double barrier enclosed lagoons, a natural wonder proposed for World Heritage listing. Meet expert carvers famous for intricate ebony pieces with rosewood and mother-of-pearl inlays.

Marau-water-dance-Coral-Expeditions

Experience the mesmerising Ëtëtung water dance performed by women in hand-woven costumes. This soothing sonic and visual performance creates hypnotic rhythms through water while singing traditional songs. Here, the Marau people depend on their natural environment, practicing subsistence farming and fishing.

Santa-Ana-welcome-Coral-Expeditions

Discover this small island famous for elaborate bone fishhooks and imaginative fishing floats. Walk through forests filled with colourful orchids and learn about the Austrian anthropologist who studied this community in 1932.

Sail towards Vanuatu while enjoying presentations about the volcanic islands ahead and their unique cultural practices, including cargo cults and traditional dance ceremonies. Enjoy onboard program with lectures and cooking demonstration/

Mako-Espirantu-Santo-blue-holes-Coral-Expeditions

As we enter Vanuatu, for divers, explore Million Dollar Point, where Americans sunk vehicles after WWII rather than sell them. Dive amongst wrecks turned into coral reefs, now home to diverse marine life and swim in the one of Malo Island’s mysterious ‘blue holes’.

Ambrym

Witness the famous Rom dance performed in the shadow of active Benbow and Marum volcanoes. This traditional ceremony connects men to the spirit world on Vanuatu’s ‘black magic’ island with its iconic black sand beaches.

Nguna-Coral-Expeditions

Snorkel or dive in the Nguna-Pele Marine Protected Area amongst stunning coral gardens, sea grass beds and mangrove forests. An optional, challenging hike to extinct volcano craters Mount Tapuora and Mount Marow is recommended for the very fit.

Take a 4WD trip to peer into active Mount Yasur volcano, whose glow attracted Captain Cook in 1774. Learn about the unique John Frum Cargo Cult and Tannese culture on this remarkably fertile island.

Disembark at 7:00am in Vanuatu’s capital. Reflect on the deep cultural connections you’ve made across Melanesia’s sacred islands, carrying with you a deeper understanding of these remarkable Pacific communities.

This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions, and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. We are privileged to be permitted access to communities and respect that local wishes may prevent access under special circumstances. Coral Expeditions suggests that you do not arrive on the day of embarkation or depart on the day of disembarkation due to any changes that may occur in scheduling.



Fares & Availability

Bridge-Deck-Suite---Coral-Adventurer

Bridge Deck Balcony Suite

Private Balcony - 55.8m2

Available

Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 21.4m2

Available
Explorer-Deck-Stateroom---Coral-Adventurer

Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 21.4m2

Available

Promenade Deck Stateroom

Picture Window - 17m2

Available

Coral Deck Stateroom

Porthole Window - 17m2

Available
Book this Departure
Bridge-Deck-Suite---Coral-Adventurer

Bridge Deck Balcony Suite

Private Balcony - 55.8m2

Available

Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 21.4m2

Available
Explorer-Deck-Stateroom---Coral-Adventurer

Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 21.4m2

Available

Promenade Deck Stateroom

Picture Window - 17m2

Available

Coral Deck Stateroom

Porthole Window - 17m2

Available
Book this Departure

Prices are per person twin share, listed in Australian Dollars (AUD).  Booking Terms & Conditions >
For solo traveller rates see our Solo Traveller Program >


Additional Information

Inclusions:

  • All excursions with our Expedition Team
  • Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and Kayaks
  • Snorkelling & SCUBA equipment (SCUBA diving at an additional cost)
  • Pre- and post-cruise transfers
  • Pre-cruise accommodation
  • Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
  • All meals, chef-prepared on board
  • Group transfers from Port to centrally located downtown Port Vila Hotels and local Airport upon disembarkation only
  • Captain’s welcome and open bridge access
  • Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
  • 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
  • All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
  • Expedition diary, along with a photo and video gallery documenting the highlights of your voyage
  • Post-cruise transfers (in most destinations)
  • Basic complimentary Wi-Fi with options of 2GB, 10GB, 20GB Premium internet packages for purchase at own expense

Not Included:

  • Post-cruise accommodation
  • Travel Insurance
  • SCUBA Diving (view Scuba diving rates)
  • Entry visas & travel permits for the country you are travelling to/from
  • Alcoholic & non alcoholic specialty beverages outside of lunch and dinner service
  • Laundry service (available at a cost)
  • Items of a personal nature such souvenir purchases
  • Optional Extras (in some destinations)

 

OTHER INFORMATION

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