Arrive in Papua New Guinea’s sprawling capital, Port Moresby, and transfer to the hotel for the first night of the expedition. This evening, meet fellow travelers and the expedition team over dinner at the resort.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before boarding the flight to Port Moresby, the bustling gateway and capital of Papua New Guinea, where village and urban life exist side by side. Visit the National Museum and Arts Center, exhibiting one of the finest collections of primitive art in the world, before boarding Heritage Adventurer this afternoon. The captain and expedition team will be waiting on arrival to provide a warm welcome and show the way to the cabin. There will be time to settle in and explore the ship, followed by an introduction to the expedition team and an overview of the voyage plans.

After a morning at sea, arrival during the early afternoon in the Louisiade Archipelago reveals a region stretching some 400 kilometres along the northern rim of the Coral Sea. This area, one of the great island arcs of the South Pacific, is rarely visited by outsiders and is a wonderland of hundreds of islands, lagoons, and extensive barrier reefs, home to the seafaring Dobu people. With two days set aside for exploration, opportunities will include snorkeling, encountering Manta Rays at recognized feeding stations, or discovering a Japanese A6M2 Zero fighter plane intact in the shallows. Tagula Island, the largest in the archipelago, is the focus for the second day, where a goldrush in 1889 once brought attention to the island. Today, the rich tropical forest and endemic wildlife are the main attractions, including the Tagula Honeyeater and Butcherbird, as well as endemic frogs and lizards.

Awake this morning in the volcanic island chain of D’Entrecasteaux Islands. A highlight will be exploring the island’s geothermal area with hot springs and bubbling mud pools surrounded by lush vegetation. Nearby, snorkel among thousands of colorful coral and fish attracted by underwater hot springs flowing through small vents in the ocean floor, sending bubbles toward the surface. Described as like “swimming in champagne,” the water is incredibly clear, and the marine life is renowned for its abundance and the spectacular sizes the coral grows to. The plan also includes visiting Dobu Island, a small island that is a critical link in the Kula Ring, famously investigated and described by anthropologist Bronislaw Malinowski.

Positioned in the Solomon Sea and historically known as the ‘Islands of Love,’ the Trobriands offer a glimpse of traditional culture largely unspoiled by outside influence. Enjoy picture-postcard white sand beaches, colorful villages, aquamarine water, and enchanting marine life. Meet the Trobriand islanders and experience energetic, time-honored dances that celebrate fishing and the seasonal yam harvest. Learn about the history of the ‘Kula Ring,’ a circular pattern of ceremonial trade relationships that bind the islands of Milne Bay and eastern Papua New Guinea in a long-established network of friendship. The islanders are also renowned for the exquisite quality of their ebony wood carvings, often decorated with mother-of-pearl shell inlays. Take to the water and snorkel among kaleidoscopic coral reefs populated by Parrotfish, Neon Damsels, and other brilliantly-hued species.


 

Blessed with both biological and mineral treasure troves and more than 2,000 years of human culture, Papua New Guinea’s remote outpost, Woodlark Island, and its people are caught up in the push and pull of conservation versus mining. The local community remains one of the few self-sufficient, subsistence-based populations in the world, while the flora and fauna, left to evolve in seclusion on this unique rainforest island, include more than 40 species found nowhere else on Earth, with scientists predicting many more still awaiting discovery. Recent discoveries include a new species of frog and lizard. At loggerheads with this, Woodlark has also been deemed one of the largest and most profitable gold mine developments of recent years. Village visits and opportunities to look for some of the island’s unique wildlife, including the IUCN Red List endangered Woodlark Cuscus, endemic lizards, plants, amphibians, and insects, are planned, with the chance to discover new species.

Today, the treasures of Bougainville are discovered, long isolated and in a strange way protected due to the conflict that swirled around its shores. High on many travellers’ wish lists, this autonomous region within Papua New Guinea magnificently marries rugged, jungled terrain with amazing coral reefs offshore and is home to some of the greatest biodiversity in the region, both above and below the water. Lying to the east of the country’s mainland and north of the Solomon Islands, it comprises two main islands and several outlying islands and atolls, making it both remote and hard to reach, but perfect for exploration by expedition ship. Bougainville’s strong ties and connections with the Solomon Islands are reflected in its music, culture, and language.

The volcanic New Georgia Islands are located in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands, characterized by extensive reefs and lagoons, rugged terrain, and an abundance of rivers. Nature enthusiasts will relish landing on Kolombangara Island, where a visit to the Imbu Rano Eco Lodge and Conservation Area is planned to protect the island's central peak and search for the rare Roviana Rail along with other endemic bird species. Snorkel the wreck of a US NAVY Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat (carrier version) WWII plane off a nearby tiny island, where the surrounding reefs are home to some of the highest fish counts in the world. Stock up on the local currency to purchase the wood or stone carvings for which the people of the Western Province are so famous.

Uninhabited for 150 years, this rugged island cloaked in rainforest and fringed with coral reefs is home to one of the Solomon Islands’ leading community-driven conservation projects, the Tetepare Descendants’ Association. Receiving international recognition for its conservation and archaeological significance, three species of turtle, including the endangered leatherback, nest on its beaches. Other species inhabiting the island and surrounding waters include dugong, the world’s largest skink, endemic Tetepare White-eye, and many more. A highlight of this voyage, this afternoon features exploration and snorkeling in Marovo Lagoon—the largest saltwater lagoon in the world. Breathtaking both above and below the water, Marovo boasts a unique double-barrier reef surrounding the extinct volcanoes of the main central islands and light-filled cave systems teeming with marine life. Globally outstanding marine biodiversity, coral reefs, estuarine and island complexes, mangrove forests, and seagrass beds await exploration.

Mountainous Malaita is home to one-third of the Solomon Islands' total population and features pristine rivers and unexploited tropical forests. This morning, the plan is to explore the clear and calm waters that surround the island. In the afternoon, an invitation from the world-renowned Kwaio People, led by Chief Esau, offers a chance to discover their traditional way of life, fiercely guarded alongside their ancestral lands. This invitation represents a rare privilege, made possible by an ongoing connection with the community and assistance with the development of innovative community conservation programs. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend time in the company of some of the most authentic yet innovative communities in the region.

Makira is the most easterly of the main islands in the Solomon Islands archipelago. This morning, the calm waters of Star Harbour welcome an anchorage. Join naturalists for a Zodiac exploration of the abundant mangrove forests lining the shores, followed by a short walk to Makira’s south coast, where villagers live much as they have for millennia. Spend time with locals, who share their traditional song and dance. If lucky, the local boys may be surfing on hand-carved palm wood boards.

Nendo, the largest of the Santa Cruz Islands, lies to the southeast of the Solomon Islands. The Spanish navigator Alvaro de Mendaña de Neira unsuccessfully attempted to establish a colony in 1595. Biologically, these islands share more in common with Vanuatu. This location is also home to red feather money, sourced from the Scarlet Honeyeater. Witness the manufacture of red feather money and join the locals in dances that reverberate through the ages.

Today, sail to the rarely visited Pacific paradise and culturally rich Torres Islands, Vanuatu’s northernmost islands. A collection of four main islets fringed with white sand beaches, clear azure waters, volcanic rock, and cliffs topped with lush tangled jungles, the destination is Loh Island. After a warrior escort and welcome from the Chief, experience the thrilling and rarely witnessed cultural wonder of the lēh-temēt – vibrant ritual headdresses known as temēt (primordial spirits) used during special singing and dancing ceremonial rituals. The colorful headdresses are regarded by the villagers as having the highest of supernatural powers and are destroyed immediately at the end of the dance ceremony. Time is available to enjoy tours of the village and surrounding island or snorkel Loh’s incredible underwater world.

Today, explore Vanuatu’s largest island, Santo, the location of James Michener’s Tales of the South Pacific. Indulge in a swim in the crystalline waters of Champagne Beach, known for its famed powdery white sand. This afternoon, enjoy Zodiac cruises to the iconic blue holes of Santo. For those interested in the island's history, a visit to Luganville and Million Dollar Point is available.

Today, visit Ambrym, renowned as the island of volcanoes and magic throughout Vanuatu. Head ashore at Ranon on the northern coast, where the traditional Rom dance is still practiced and custom carving thrives. A walk through the forest leads to the ‘arena’ where masked dancers emerge. The forests of Ambrym offer excellent walks to search for local birds and plants, accompanied by naturalists. This afternoon, enjoy a final snorkel excursion.

Arrive in Port Vila this morning and disembark. Upon disembarking, a transfer to the central city hotel or the airport will conclude the voyage. To allow time for disembarkation procedures, booking flights from Port Vila before midday is not recommended.