Embark in Cairns, a popular spot for travelers looking to explore the Great Barrier Reef and Far North Queensland. Its tropical climate and location make it a great base for marine adventures, with easy access to the coral reefs and diverse marine life of the Great Barrier Reef.

Reflect on the great moments shared with others during your days at sea. Enjoy the quiet of the open ocean and talk with your expedition team about the adventures ahead.

The Samarai Islands are located in the China Strait off the south-eastern tip of New Guinea. In its colonial heyday, it was said to be one of the most beautiful places in the Pacific. The island was declared a National Historical Heritage Island by the government of Papua New Guinea in 2006. Just 3 km west of Samarai, Kwato Island was once an educational center and home to a thriving boat building industry. Following the old tree-lined road to the top of the island reveals a stonewalled church that was built in 1937 and remains a testimony to the missionaries of a bygone era. Join your expedition team for a guided walk on Samarai Island.

Located on the northwestern side of the Louisiade Archipelago bordering the Coral Sea, the Deboyne Islands are located inside the Deboyne Lagoon and are known for their stunning beaches, natural beauty, coral reefs, and the wreck of an A6M2 Zero that sits in 3 meters of water, only 50 meters from the beach. The friendly villagers lead a subsistence lifestyle with minimal influence from the outside world and warmly welcome guests.

The Trobriand Islands remain one of the most culturally intact places in the Pacific. Their unique social system is dominated by hereditary chieftains who continue to wield tremendous power and influence, although inheritances and lines of power are passed through the female side of the family. Despite the influence of external forces such as missionaries, the traditional dancing in the Trobriand Islands has retained its original sensuality. The dances are a significant aspect of their cultural expression and identity.

Often described as the “Scandinavia of the Tropics." The spectacular Tufi fiords are located along the coast of Cape Nelson at the base of the Owen Stanley Range. They plunge over 90 meters deep and rise over 150 meters vertically above the water, making for a spectacular backdrop. The traditional way of life plays a very important role amongst the villagers, with many living in isolated areas along the coast. The area is known for its production of tapa cloth, made from the bark of the paper mulberry tree and skillfully decorated.

Located at the southern end of the picturesque Huon Gulf lies Morobe Harbour. Here, in one of the remotest parts of the Papua New Guinea mainland, culture and tradition remain strong. Several villages are spread along the foreshore amid lush forests where locals can be seen fishing or tending to their communal crops.

The Tami Islands (Kalal, Wanam, and Idjan) are a small group of uplifted coral atolls, with two main villages on the two larger islands and many smaller reefs and cays. In the center is a beautiful, crystal clear blue lagoon with abundant marine life and stunning coral formations. The seldom-visited islands are located off the coast not far from the town of Finschaffen. Tami Islanders are renowned artisans and are most famous for their intricately decorated bowls.

Located between the mainland of Papua New Guinea and the island of New Britain. The Siassi archipelago comprises a total of 18 islands, of which only seven are inhabited. The Island of Tuam is a raised coral outcrop and home to a remote community far from the regular tourist routes.

Madang Township was once known as the “prettiest town in the South Pacific." Its peninsula setting is a showplace of parks, waterways, luxuriant shade trees, and sparkling tropical islands. The diverse geographical nature of Madang province is reflected in the 170 different languages that are spoken. This diversity is showcased in the Madang festival with its colorful displays of “sing sings” performed by numerous cultural groups from across the Madang Province.

Paspaley Pearl is alongside Madang, and disembarkation commence after breakfast.