Arrive in the urban tropical paradise of Cairns, gateway to natural wonders the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest, and transfer to your hotel where the group will spend the first night of the expedition. This evening meet your fellow voyagers and expedition guides over dinner at the hotel.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before the flight to Madang, a picturesque peninsula surrounded by islands and waterways. This thriving community is renowned for its traditional artists and the richness of its surrounding forests. Upon arrival, enjoy a Madang and Environs tour, which includes a visit to the Coastwatchers’ Memorial Light at Kalibobo, Madang Museum, and Bilbil Village before returning to Madang to explore the markets. Boarding the ship allows time to settle into the cabin and familiarize with the vessel; take the opportunity to meet the Expedition Team and learn about the voyage plans. An invitation to join the expedition team in the Observation Lounge and on the Observation Deck is extended as the journey begins toward the Sepik River.

Sure to be one of the highlights of this expedition, plenty of time has been allowed to fully appreciate this remarkable river, its birds, animals, and the people that call it home. The Sepik River, the longest in Papua New Guinea, flows from the highlands to the Bismarck Sea. This rich arterial river has fostered great traditional artists. Exploration of the river by Zodiac is planned, following tributaries and channels in search of local wildlife. A warm welcome awaits at Kopar Village, where village life and a traditional Dragon Dance unique to this region can be experienced. Bring along plenty of local currency (kina) to purchase unique carvings directly from the artists.

Seldom visited and little known, Manus Island is considered a jewel in the crown of Papua New Guinea. Biologically isolated, Manus Province is home to a high proportion of endemic species, making this stop a likely birding highlight. Once the location of a detention center as part of Australia’s ‘Pacific Solution,’ life on Manus Island continues according to traditional customs. Comprised of 10 villages and a population of fewer than 1,000, a visit to Derimbat Village includes participating in an elaborate welcoming ceremony before exploring the village and its unique way of life with a local guide.

Today, the plan involves exploring the remote beauty of Tsoilik Island, nestled within the New Ireland archipelago in the New Hanover District of Papua New Guinea. This secret South Pacific paradise features coconut tree-studded spectacular white sand beaches surrounded by stunning turquoise waters and wildlife-filled jungles. Options include enjoying warm hospitality and an authentic slice of village life with locals who embrace a subsistence, traditional lifestyle, exploring dense rainforests in search of birdlife, trying paddling in a traditional outrigger canoe, and practicing basket weaving, or simply discovering this unspoiled tropical paradise. A highlight includes exploring the vibrant underwater world of colorful corals and marine life while snorkeling along the outer reef edge alongside Pipefish, Nudibranchs, and Anemone Fish. Make sure to be out on deck to experience the thrilling passage through the narrow channel separating New Hanover from New Ireland as the adventure continues.

Six beautiful cone-shaped volcanoes ring Rabaul’s dramatic, flooded-caldera harbor. Visit the bubbling hot springs and take in the magnificent views of the harbor and volcanoes from Observatory Ridge. Explore the island to see fascinating reminders of the Japanese occupation, including the site of the enormous volcanic eruption that nearly destroyed Rabaul town, the underground bunker that served as the hiding place of Pearl Harbor commander Yamamoto, and join locals shopping at the bustling Kokopo markets.

A tropical atoll adrift in the azure waters of the Buka Channel, Nissan Island is bathed in rich tropical currents that abound in marine life. Seldom have outsiders had the opportunity to discover this world, which promises abundant pelagic fish life and pristine coral reefs. Ashore, reminders of the brief but intense World War II activities remain, during which the islands were recaptured by Kiwi, Australian, and British forces from the Japanese occupiers. While on the island, friendly locals from all three of the island’s Balil Villages can be met, and the dense woods may reveal some of the elusive birds that occur here. Later, snorkelers will find plenty to discover in the coral reefs surrounding Nissan.

Today, discover the treasures of Bougainville, long isolated and in a strange way protected due to the conflict which swirled around its shores. High on many travelers’ 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. Discover Bougainville’s strong ties and connections with the Solomon Islands, which is reflected in their music, culture and language.

The volcanic New Georgia Islands, located in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands, are distinguished by extensive reefs, lagoons, rugged terrain, and numerous rivers. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to Kolombangara Island, where a stop at the Imbu Rano Lodge and Conservation Area, which protects the island’s central peak, is planned. Here, visitors can search for the rare Roviana Rail and other endemic bird species. Stocking up on the local currency is recommended to purchase the wood or stone carvings for which the people of the Western Province are renowned.

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. Internationally recognized for its conservation and archaeological significance, the island's beaches serve as nesting grounds for three species of turtles, including the endangered leatherback. The island and its surrounding waters are also home to dugongs, the world’s largest skink, the endemic Tetepare White-eye, and many other species. A highlight of the voyage, the afternoon promises exploration and a drift snorkel of the fringing reef, renowned for its outstanding marine biodiversity.

Mountainous Malaita is home to one-third of Solomon’s total population and features pristine rivers and unexploited tropical forests. This morning, plan to explore the clear and calm waters that surround the island. In the afternoon you have been invited by the world-renowned Kwaio People, led by Chief Esau, to discover their traditional way of life which the community has fiercely guarded alongside their ancestral lands. This invitation represents a rare privilege and is made possible by the ongoing connection with the community and the 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’s archipelago. This morning, anchor in the calm waters of Star Harbour. Join the naturalists for a Zodiac exploration of the abundant mangrove forests that line the shores, and take a short walk to Makira’s south coast where the villagers live much as they have for millennia. Spend time with the locals, who share with the travelers their traditional songs and dances. If you are lucky, the local boys might be surfing on their hand-carved palm wood boards.

Nendo is the largest of the Santa Cruz Islands, which lie to the south-east of the Solomon Islands. The Spanish navigator Álvaro de Mendaña de Neira unsuccessfully attempted to establish a colony in 1595. Biologically these islands share more in common with Vanuatu. It is also the home of red feather money, sourced from the Scarlet Honeyeater. Watch the manufacture of red feather money, and join the locals in dances that reverberate through the ages.

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. Have time 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 with its famed powdery white sand. This afternoon, enjoy Zodiac cruises to the iconic blue holes of Santo. For those with an interest in the history of the island, there is a visit to Lugainville and Million Dollar Point.

Today, visit Ambrym, renowned as the island of volcanoes and magic throughout Vanuatu. Plan to head ashore at a secret location on the northern coast where the traditional Rom dance is still practiced and custom carving is alive and well. A walk through the forest brings us to the ‘arena’ where masked dancers emerge from the forest. The forests of Ambrym offer some excellent walks to go in search of the local birds and plants, accompanied by the naturalists. This afternoon enjoy a final snorkel excursion.

Arrive in Port Vila and disembark after breakfast. Upon disembarking a transfer to the central city hotel or the airport will conclude your voyage. To allow sufficient time for disembarkation procedures, flights from Port Vila should not be scheduled before midday.