Start your 11-day trip in Madang, once known as the “prettiest town in the South Pacific,” rich in culture and natural beauty. Board the Paspaley Pearl and cruise the Sepik River, one of the world's most biodiverse river systems, visiting villages like Watam and Kopar to experience local art and culture. Marvel at the WWII wrecks scattered around Hansa Bay and immerse yourself in the pristine waters of Crown Island’s coral reefs, perfect for snorkeling and swimming. Discover the remote Witu Islands with their volcanic landscapes and rich history before arriving at Cape Gloucester. Here, the backdrop of Mount Talawe and the active Langila Volcano provide a stunning finale to your trip. Along the way, soak in the sights of unspoiled tropical landscapes, traditional customs, and unique experiences of Papua New Guinea.
Highlights
Wander through Madang’s parks, waterways, and tropical islands
Sail the biodiverse Sepik River, rich in culture and history
Experience local traditions at Watam and Kopar Villages
Dive into history at Hansa Bay’s scattered WWII wrecks
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Hop on in Madang. Once called the "prettiest town in the South Pacific," it sits on a peninsula with parks, waterways, plenty of shady trees, and beautiful tropical islands. The province is super diverse, with 170 languages spoken, and you can catch this diversity in action at the Madang festival, where cultural groups perform colorful "sing sings."
Explore the Sepik River, one of the world’s major river systems. It winds for 1100 km from the Owen Stanley ranges to New Guinea’s North Coast, where it flows into the Bismarck Sea. The river is known for its rich biodiversity, with thick, challenging terrain all around it. Since there are very few roads, the river has been the main route for trade, communication, and daily life for thousands of years.
The Sepik region is also famous for its traditional art. Indigenous tribes make detailed carvings and masks that have deep cultural and spiritual meaning, often inspired by the river and its surroundings.
Watam village is situated at the northwestern end of Broken Water Bay, making it the easternmost village in the East Sepik Province. The Watam people, along with the people of Kopar village at the mouth of the Sepik River, trace their origins to the lower sections of the Ramu River, located further east. While the Watam people have adopted Catholicism, many aspects of their traditional rituals and beliefs continue to coexist within the religious framework. As a result, Watam village provides a fascinating example of the intersection between traditional practices, migration history, and the influence of external factors on the cultural landscape of Papua New Guinea.
During World War II, Hansa Bay was a major Japanese naval base and transit station between the Wewak region and south eastern bases. Today, there are several WWII wrecks scattered along the coastline and in shallow waters. The traditional villages of Awar and Nubia seldom receive visitors from the outside world. Their culture and traditions remain strong, despite the influence of missionaries.
Crown Island is located between the Vitiaz Strait and the southern Bismarck Sea off the north coast of the Papua New Guinea mainland, about 25 kilometers from Long Island. William Dampier charted the passage now named Dampier Strait to the east in 1700, also naming several islands, including Crown Island. This eroded ancient volcanic island is home to a collection of lush valleys, steep ridges, lowlands, and sand beaches surrounded by coral reefs. The island inhabitants have only recently relocated from the nearby Long and Umboi Islands.
The Witu or Vitu Islands are volcanic ocean peaks fringed by coral reefs located in the Bismarck Sea off the north coast of New Britain Island. They were once the chief copra center of Papua New Guinea, today, cocoa is now the main crop harvested. The largest island, Garove, or Big Witu, is a volcanic caldera where the southern rim has collapsed, creating a spectacular entrance. The main village of Garove is nestled inside this scenic natural harbor.
Lying on the northern peninsula at the west end of the island of New Britain is the seldom visited location of Cape Gloucester. The Peninsula is densely vegetated with thick rainforest, and the extinct Mount Talawe volcano creates a spectacular backdrop to the south. On the eastern flank of Talawe lie the four overlapping volcanic cones of the active Langila Volcano. Langila is one of the most active volcanoes in the Bismark archipelago. Several uninhabited picture postcard islands lie just offshore, providing the ideal location for swimming and snorkeling in the warm tropical waters of the Bismarck Sea.
Day 11: Madang | Disembarkation
1 Breakfast
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.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$13,8702-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Ocean Twin Stateroom
The Ocean Twin Stateroom combines style and functionality with a large wardrobe and the choice of twin or king beds. It features a spacious bathroom with a shower, heated floors, high-quality amenities, and a hairdryer. The stateroom has adjustable air conditioning, international 240V sockets, USB charging ports, and wall-mounted reading lamps. Entertainment is provided by a flat-screen TV with an on-demand system, and guests have access to free, unlimited Wi-Fi, though connectivity may vary depending on location.
Ocean Stateroom
The Ocean Stateroom offers practical and stylish design with a large wardrobe and the choice of twin or king-sized beds. It has a roomy bathroom with a shower, heated floors, high-quality amenities, and a hairdryer. The stateroom also features adjustable air conditioning, international 240V sockets, USB charging ports, and wall-mounted reading lights. Guests can use the flat-screen TV with an on-demand entertainment system and enjoy free, unlimited Wi-Fi, though connectivity may vary depending on location.
Horizon Suite
The Horizon Suite features a well-designed layout with a large wardrobe and the option of twin or king beds. Its standout element is the floor-to-ceiling glass doors that lead to a private balcony with a panoramic view. The suite has a spacious bathroom equipped with a shower, heated floors, toiletries, and a hairdryer. It includes individually controlled air conditioning, international 240V sockets, USB charging ports, and wall-mounted reading lamps. For entertainment, there is a flat-screen TV with an on-demand system. Guests receive complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi, although connectivity may vary based on location and navigation.
Pearl Suite
The Pearl Suite features elegant design and practical layout, including ample wardrobe space. It has floor-to-ceiling glass doors that lead to a private balcony. Guests can select between twin or king beds. The large bathroom is equipped with a shower, heated floors, toiletries, and a hairdryer. The air conditioning is individually controlled for comfort. Additional conveniences include international 240V sockets, USB charging ports, and wall-mounted reading lamps. Entertainment is provided by a flat-screen TV with an on-demand system. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available, though the connection may vary based on location and navigation.
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
10 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Port Fees
Unlimited Wifi
Onboard Entertainment
Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
“Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request)
24h Room Service (special selection)
English-Speaking Lecturer
Highly experienced and bilingual (French-English) expedition staff
Park Entry Fees into Protected Areas
Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite.
Shore landings and exploration vessel outings guided by a team of expert Expedition guides.
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Visa Fees
Optional Excursions - Ponant allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately six to two months prior to the cruise* departure. Please note that this is subject to change. Please contact us for more details.
Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned
Luggage Handling
Laundry Services, Hair Salon, and à La Carte Spa Treatments
Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions
Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
CDP recommends that every Traveler has full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses
Premium wines
Tips for the onboard crew are appreciated but not compulsory.
We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.
KC Chan
TrustScore 4.9 | 334 reviews
TrustScore 4.9 of 5
Based on 334 reviews on
1 day ago
Super smooth with questions answered & booking in just 2 days with Mary Curry. AND, the price was great!
Roger Allen
3 days ago
Erin is such a fabulous resource! She helped us bring our target destinations to life by suggesting activities that match our interests, fabulous lodging and excursion options, and patiently coordinating a seamless experience.
Debra D - RI USA
4 days ago
I don’t have the words to describe it but the last week has been one of the best I can remember. 6 days of adventure in South East Alaska including trekking through lush rain forest, sitting in silence listening to glaciers calving, up early to see the northern lights, kayaking and stupidly swimming in iceberg frozen waters ! (That actually hurt).
Animal sightings including black and brown bears, Minke and hundreds of Humpack Whales, porpoises, sea lions, mountain goats, harbour seals, bald eagles, salmon and more birds than I can count. Wonderful friends and connections made. A huge shout out to Trevor and his totally amazing crew on the Admiralty Dream whose energy and enthusiasm made this most incredible experience.
DAVID JAMES
5 days ago
Excellent safari trip with Adventure Life and Albatross Travel. Special shout out to our guides Eric Turasha (Kenya), and Blasi Shirima (Tanzania) from Albatross Travel. Both were world class!!! The trip went off without a hitch; all the camps were amazing…worth mentioning...one of the camps we were going to stay in on the Tanzanian side was damaged by high winds so we ended up in a different camp (Mara under Canvas Camp). Can't say enough good things! A great experience and superb service!!
Brenda Cox
6 days ago
very easy to deal with kassandra. she listened to what our interests were and planned a great trip for us. nothing to worry about!
