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Frontier Lands of Papua New Guinea

Departs Cairns to Rabual12 nightsAll InclusiveFrom $13,280.00* PP

Discover Papua New Guinea’s frontier lands aboard Coral Adventurer, where over 700 languages flourish amongst 5 million people across this remarkably diverse nation. From the bubbling hot springs of Dei Dei to the master carvers of the mighty Sepik River, each destination reveals ancient cultures that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. Navigate picturesque Tufi fjords, pay tribute at significant WWII battlefields and connect with islanders maintaining traditional subsistence lifestyles. With our small ship’s agility, access remote places difficult to reach by any other means. Learn about the fascinating Kula Ring trading network and witness traditional dances beneath volcanic backdrops. Truly see these frontier lands rather than simply sailing past.

  • Walk to the mythical Dei Dei Hot Springs and snorkel the bubbling springs reef at Fergusson Island
  • Snorkel and dive the world-famous reefs of the picturesque Tufi fjords, transported ashore on outriggers
  • Pay tribute to Australian and Japanese soldiers who lost their lives during the battle of Buna
  • Visit the craft markets of Dregerhafen, famous for their traditional tami bowls and timber paddles
  • Cruise up the mighty Sepik River to meet Papua New Guinea’s most talented artists and carvers
  • Explore Kimbe Bay’s coral crucible, home to over 860 tropical fish species and 400 coral varieties


Itinerary

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Cairns wharf departure port

Arrive at Trinity Wharf (berth to be advised) for boarding at 7:30am for a 9:00am departure. Cruise across the Coral Sea and spend the afternoon relaxing as you are welcomed onboard Coral Adventurer. Join 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.

A couple enjoying time at sea from the Xplorer Deck

Spend today relaxing onboard, listen and learn from our Guest Lecturer presentations, or enjoy an engine room or bridge tour.

Samarai Island & Ebuma Island

Clear into Papua New Guinea at this historic former administrative capital, once the second largest settlement after Port Moresby. Choose to explore colonial Samarai and purchase pearls or snorkel at nearby Ebuma Island.

Dei-Dei-Hot-Springs-with-Coral-Expeditions

Walk to the mythical Dei Dei Hot Springs, where locals share spiritual tales and still cook food in palm frond baskets. Learn about the ancient Kula Ring trading network at Dobu Island and snorkel the bubbling springs reef.

Visit the famous ‘Islands of Love’ where Trobriand Islanders employ traditional magic to grow better produce. Witness cultural performances, browse local markets and swim off pristine beaches in this Polynesian-influenced community.

Explore the spectacular fjords of Cape Nelson, famous for tapa cloth production. Enjoy cultural demonstrations, nature walks, and world-class snorkelling and diving amongst uncharted reefs in this dramatic landscape.

Pay tribute at these significant WWII battlefields where fierce fighting occurred between Australian, American and Japanese forces. Visit the village-built War Museum and experience traditional welcomes honouring all sides.

Experience a high-spirited welcome at Gingala Village and browse the markets, famous for their traditional Tami bowls and timber paddles. Enjoy water activities in pristine lagoons surrounded by the stunning coastline of the Finschhafen district.

Discover this charming German colonial capital through BilBil village clay pot demonstrations and the Coast Watchers monument. Choose afternoon diving adventures or relax at the waterside Madang Resort while exploring vibrant markets.

Navigate Papua New Guinea’s longest river, renowned as one of the world’s most prolific art-producing regions. Visit Bien village to meet master carvers, enjoy traditional performances, and cruise by Xplorer to spot a diverse array of wildlife.

Sail towards New Britain while enjoying presentations about the remarkable coral reef systems ahead. Reflect on the incredible cultural connections you’ve made throughout Papua New Guinea’s diverse frontier regions.

reef-raja-ampat-spice-islands-coral-expeditions

Explore the ‘coral crucible’ with over 860 tropical fish species and 400 coral varieties. Join traditional sing-sings at the Catholic Mission before swimming, snorkelling and diving at the spectacular Witu Islands.

Disembark at 8:00am in this dramatic volcanic harbour town. For those wanting to explore more, considering adjoining our Beyond Frontiers of Papua New Guinea voyage.

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. 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

Last Stateroom

Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 21.4m2

Last Stateroom
Explorer-Deck-Stateroom---Coral-Adventurer

Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 21.4m2

Available

Promenade Deck Stateroom

Picture Window - 17m2

Last Stateroom

Coral Deck Stateroom

Porthole Window - 17m2

Last Stateroom
Book this Departure
Bridge-Deck-Suite---Coral-Adventurer

Bridge Deck Balcony Suite

Private Balcony - 55.8m2

Last Stateroom

Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 21.4m2

Fully Booked
Explorer-Deck-Stateroom---Coral-Adventurer

Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 21.4m2

Available

Promenade Deck Stateroom

Picture Window - 17m2

Last Staterooms

Coral Deck Stateroom

Porthole Window - 17m2

Last Staterooms
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)
  • Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
  • All meals, chef-prepared on board
  • Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
  • Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
  • Post cruise transfers:  local Hotels and Airport ONLY after disembarkation
  • 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
  • Premium wifi package of 10GB card – additional at own expense

Not Included:

  • Pre-cruise transfers
  • Pre- and 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

Coral Adventurer carries a maximum of 120 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

Coral-Adventurer-Deck-Plan

More About Coral Adventurer >

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.

At Coral Expeditions dining is a celebration of great food and good company enjoyed in extraordinary destinations. People and place are key to enjoyable dining experiences, where food becomes the vehicle for conversation and creating memorable occasions.

We now offer two wine selections that guests may purchase in addition to our new house selection of wines. These packages showcase contemporary choices of Australian wines and French Champagne. More About Cuisine & Wine >

  • A Taste of Australia Selection | 6 Bottles | $280.00
  • Connoisseur Selection | 6 Bottles | $400.00

Our Cruise Collection Merchandise including expedition gear is also available for purchase in our onboard gift shop. View our Cruise Collection here >

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.

Walking at least 2km return in strong heat over uneven ground in villages or volcanic landscapes is required pretty much every day. There are no long hikes or walks available in this program.

Dei Dei Hot Springs at Fergusson island: walk is about 4.5km return on a flat well-worn track that could be muddy and slippery just after rain. Near & at the springs the dirt track makes way for a rocky track with many holes at the side of the track. Walk takes approximately 40 minutes each way.

There will be multiple swimming/snorkelling opportunities on this itinerary at Samarai,, Dobu, Tufi, Dregerhafen, Kimbe Bay and diving in Tufi, and Madang region(subject to weather conditions). These opportunities are a guide and not all are guaranteed.

Scuba diving is offered on this itinerary - For more information view our Snorkel & Dive Information page.

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.

The travel advice information below is for Australian guests only. If you are a non-Australian passport holder travelling on these departures, please contact your relevant government department, embassy or your travel agent for applicable information.

Visa processing for entry into Papua New Guinea will take place onboard the ship at our clearance Port of Samarai on Day 3.

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.

Excellent Health is required due to the remoteness of the locations we visit and the lack of equipped medical clinics and hospitals.

Travelling guests are fully responsible for arranging their own health requirements to travel onboard.  It is worthwhile speaking with your doctor or a travel clinic at least 8 weeks before your departure to discuss and plan any vaccinations or preventative measures you may require for your trip, as they will have access to the latest information.

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. 

We do not have currency exchange onboard. Guests are advised to exchange money into local currency prior to departure from their home port. Currency exchange and eftpos style point of sale is increasingly available in the regions we visit. We recommend carrying small denominations.

Papua New Guinea: Kina

  • Throwim Way Leg – Tim Flannery
  • Birds of New Guinea – Bruce M Beehler and Thane K Pratt
  • Australia’s Neighbours Pacific Islands and Papua New Guinea – Jane Hinchey
  • Plumes and Pearlshells – Art of the New Guinea Highlands – Natalie Wilson and Florence Kamel
  • Sailing for Survival – Mary R Mennis
  • Dobu: Ethics of Exchange on a Massim Island, Papua New Guinea – Susanne Kueling
  • Modern Papua New Guinea – Laura Zimmer-Tamakoshi
  • D-Day New Guinea – Phillip Bradley
  • The Last Paradise – Di Morrissey

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.

Articles You Might Be Interested In

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Voyage Log: Cairns to Madang Oct 2019

Best Day On Expedition: Sepik River

Why Explore New Guinea with Coral Expeditions

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A Chat with Expedition Leader Jamie Anderson

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