The Louisiades, Solomons & Vanuatu

Arrive at Trinity Wharf (berth to be advised) at 7:30am, where there is time to settle into your stateroom before our 9:00am departure. 

Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard Coral Adventurer. There will be morning tea available upon boarding before we cruise out to the Coral Sea towards Papua New Guinea. Your crew will gather you in the Bridge Deck lounge for a safety briefing, snorkelling briefings, and presentations by lecturers and expedition staff. As dusk falls, mingle with your fellow travellers, the Captain and crew for the Captain’s Welcome Drinks.  

Today we spend a relaxing day traversing the Coral Sea with presentations by our expert Guest Lecturers. Explore our extensive onboard library and spend the day with a selection of games or simply gaze over the seas. 

The Coral Sea has historical significance due to the Battle of the Coral Sea during World War II where Allied forces successfully halted the Japanese advance in the Pacific. It was a pivotal moment in naval warfare.   

Samarai Island is the former administrative capital of Milne Bay Province. Once a bustling trading port, Samarai boasts a storied past as the second-largest town in the Territory of Papua, thriving until the devastation of World War II. Guests will be welcomed with a Sing Sing, and there will be a chance to purchase handicrafts and pearls from locals or go for a snorkel at nearby Ebuma Island. As a National Historical Heritage Island, guests can stroll through remnants of its vibrant history, offering a poignant glimpse into a bygone era amidst its landscapes and shores.

Visit Panapompom Island and learn about the lifestyle on these far-flung islands, before venturing into Deboyne Lagoon to snorkel over the World War II wreck of a Japanese ‘Zero’ fighter plane. Learn about the local culture before snorkelling or diving at remote reefs.

Discover the rugged beauty of the Calvados Islands, a chain of atolls characterised by their limestone karsts. These “Jurassic-like” formations stand, guarding the secrets of the archipelago’s ancient past. In the evenings, relax with beachside drinks on idyllic islands, explore sea caves, and unwind at Panasia Island, home to one of Papua New Guinea’s most stunning beaches.

Laughlan Islanders specialise in canoe building and in this remote corner of the world we find seagoing canoes under construction. Interact with the friendly villagers of Budiduna who share their lifestyle of gardening, fishing, and Kula ring trading. Later, snorkel or dive on the outer reef, where we may see turtles, wrasse, and spinner dolphins in the warm, clear waters.

This morning our first Solomons landfall is the town of Gizo. Wander through Gizo’s open-air markets, which showcase a bounty of tropical fruits and fresh fish, as well as crafts by the region’s legendary wood and stone carvers. In the afternoon, we cruise past Kennedy Island before enjoying water activities at Njari Reef. Njari Reef is a merge point for oceanic currents and is said to have one of the highest fish counts in the world. Experience the remarkable snorkelling opportunities offering an unforgettable experience.

After clearing into the Solomon Islands, we head to Vonavona Lagoon, a large lagoon located in the New Georgia Islands of the Western Province. Teeming with colourful fish and hundreds of islets, the lagoon offers opportunities for snorkelling and scenic cruising. Guests will have a chance to visit Skull Island – a small island that is home to a shrine of some 50 male “trophy” skulls. The skulls found on this island span from 300 to 1,000 years old. Later in the day, enjoy guided jungle walks on Lola Island.

We visit Tetepare, a rugged and mysterious island abandoned 150 years ago, now protected by a unique conservation project run by the Tetepare Descendants Association. Tetepare has received international recognition for its conservation and archaeological significance. A vast array of plants and animals make their home on the island – it supports nesting populations of three species of turtle, the world’s largest skink, hornbills, and tiny pygmy parrots. Stroll through the forest while you learn more about how the island’s traditional landowners rejected logging offers and came together to save this island’s biodiversity for themselves and their future generations.

Guided walks will be the highlight of your day, allowing you to witness the diversity of flora and fauna. You will also have an opportunity to see the turtle tagging process, and finish with snorkeling over the island’s flourishing reefs.

Marovo Lagoon is the world’s largest double barrier enclosed saltwater lagoon. Today, you will be welcomed to this natural wonder by the locals with traditional dancing. Learn about village life and observe the work of expert woodcarvers, who are justifiably famous for the intricate pieces they create from ebony with inlays of mother-of-pearl. Spend the afternoon exploring Marovo Lagoon’s coral reef ecosystems, where the waters teem with tropical fish and boast exceptional diving and snorkelling sites.

The Nggela Islands, also called the Florida Islands, are nestled in the Central Province of the Solomon Islands. On August 7, the US 1st Battalion landed on Florida Island to support the attack on nearby Tulagi, which was once the capital of the Solomons before it was moved to Honiara after WWII. The Florida Islands became a secondary base for the US, Australian, and New Zealand forces throughout World War II in the Pacific. Visit Tulagi town to understand more about the history of Florida islands. There will be plenty of opportunities for snorkelling and diving, with time to view the MS World Discoverer shipwreck at Roderick Bay.

Formerly known as San Cristobal Island, this designation was bestowed by the Spanish explorer Alvaro de Mendaña in 1568. Dive into the history of Star Harbour which is at the southern end of Makira and is a sub-provincial headquarters for the Makira-Ulawa Province. Beginning with a colourful welcome in the morning, you will enjoy a cultural performance before exploring the village. Our expert guides will share the harbour’s World War II history before we spend the afternoon snorkelling and birdwatching off Nafinua (frigate bird) Island.

Our last stop in the Solomon Islands, Nendö Island is the largest of the Santa Cruz Group. In 1595, Spanish explorer Alvaro de Mendaña became the first European to sight Nendö Island, naming it Santa Cruz. This island is the location of an unsuccessful colonisation attempt by the Spanish explorer. Here, you can view, and purchase quality artefacts created by the skilled craftsmen of the region. Later, head to Luowa village where you can enjoy a cultural performance by the locals and an opportunity to snorkel over the fringing reef.

This morning, we make our way to the Torres group, Vanuatu’s northernmost islands. Learn about the volcanic origin of these scenic islands, comprised of four islets: Hiu, Tegua, Loh and Toga. Immerse yourself in the culture of the lēh-temēt on Loh Island, where vibrant ritual headdresses called temēt are utilised during special singing and dancing ceremonies to honor primordial spirits. There will also be an opportunity to dive and snorkel from the white sandy beaches.

Espiritu Santo, or simply ‘Santo’ to the locals, is the largest island in Vanuatu. In the aftermath of World War II, the island’s southeastern point earned the name, ‘Million Dollar Point’ after American soldiers sunk the vehicles of their retired task force after being unable to sell them.

Santo and its surrounding islands are known for their world class beaches and ‘blue holes’ – natural swimming pools located deep within the jungle.

Here we will avoid the well-trodden locations, in favour of less touristed destinations with opportunities for snorkelling, diving and ‘blue hole’ swims.

Home to majestic Benbow and Marum volcanoes, Ambrym is the fifth largest island in Vanuatu and home to one of the most active volcanoes in the New Hebrides Arc. Despite the volcanic activity, Ambrym is home to around 7,000 inhabitants, most of which live in the ‘safe zone’ corners of the island that is known as the ‘black magic’ centre of Vanuatu. Today, witness the Rom Dance, one of the most iconic traditional dances of Vanuatu. Discover the island’s astonishing topography covered by jungle and hear the stories of villagers living in the shadow of a volcano.

Disembark at 8:00 am and enjoy complimentary transfers to Port Vila hotels and the airport.