35-night Circumnavigate Papua New Guinea Expedition Cruise (Cairns - Darwin Roundtrip)

This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions, and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. Coral Expeditions suggests that you do not arrive on the day of embarkation or depart on the day of disembarkation due to any changes that may occur in scheduling.

Day 1 : Depart Cairns

Guests are welcomed to board Coral Adventurer at 7:30 am and we will then depart Cairns at 9:00 am. Get to know the ship and your fellow travellers as we sail across the Coral Sea.

At Sea - Our guest lecturers will hold several presentations today, on the itinerary, safety procedures and introduce you to Papua New Guinean culture and protocols.  This evening, mingle with the Captain, crew and fellow guests at the Captain’s Welcome Drinks.

Sewa Bay / Samarai

This morning, clear into Papua New Guinea at Samarai, then cruise into beautiful Sewa Bay and be welcomed ashore to the local Pwanapwana Primary school. The locals will show us their traditional war dances and share a morning tea of pineapple, coconut milk, and sugar bananas.

Dobu and Fergusson Islands

We are greeted by a flotilla of canoes as we approach the Dobu anchorage. Join our Expedition Staff on a walk to Dei Dei Hot Springs, where the people share their mythical and spiritual tales of these hot water and mud springs. Learn of the history of the Kula Ring at Dobu Island and meet the local primary school children, who will welcome us with a traditional dance performance. There will also be an opportunity to snorkel the incredible Bubbling Springs Reef.

Kuiawa

Historically known as the ‘Islands of Love’, the Trobriand Islands offer a glimpse of traditional cultures largely unspoiled by outside influence. In the morning, go ashore at the small island of Kuiawa to be greeted by enthusiastic traditional dances performed by colourfully costumed locals. Make some purchases at the market and relax on the pristine island beach in the afternoon.

Tufi Fjord

Today enjoy a true highlight as we discover the scenic beauty of the rarely visited Tufi Fjords. Featuring 25 individual canyons with sheer basalt cliffs, these are the only fjords in Papua New Guinea and offer a wealth of sightseeing opportunities.  Aboard Xplorer, travel to the entrance of one of Tufi’s most scenic fjords where you will be met by local villagers in traditional dress aboard outrigger canoes. Have the opportunity to board one of the outriggers as the locals paddle up the creek under the rainforest canopy. Here, spirits and sorcery remain integral to village life, and we will learn about bush medicines, fire making, mat weaving and traditional tattooing.  Deep in the rainforest, have the chance to witness the tribesmen perform a traditional sing sing in their ceremonial dress. Later, discover white sand beaches, or snorkel or dive over spectacular fringing reefs.

Buna & Sanananda

We land at Buna beach, home to some of the toughest fighting in the WWII Pacific campaign. Enjoy a welcome from the local residents, and then be guided through the jungle by them to visit the areas where Allied forces clashed with Japanese forces. In Sanananda, see the local monuments and pay tribute to fallen Australian soldiers at the war museum, located at the far end of the Kokoda Track. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the lush gardens surrounding the village.

Fly Islands & Morobe

Go ashore for a morning of water activities at Fly Island.  Biangatu Reef is teeming with fish life and coral, and provides a vibrant backdrop for snorkelling, diving or kayaking. Later, visit Morobe Harbour and cruise in the Xplorer to view the stunning forest from the Mou River. Receive an Oro Province welcome and explore the village with local guides. At high tide you may be able to travel into a stunning hidden bay to another village.

Dregerhafen

At the beautiful anchorage of Dregerhafen, you will enjoy a high-spirited traditional welcome in Gingala village, and explore the market which is famous for Tami bowls and timber paddles before the chance to mingle with the locals and stroll through the village. After lunch enjoy snorkelling, diving, glass bottom boat tours and kayaking in the blue waters of the lagoon.

Madang

Explore Madang and its surrounds, which sits on a peninsula surrounded by a number of picturesque islands and is famed for its waterfront setting and colonial history. Discover the surrounding area on our Madang tour – which includes a visit to the Madang Haus Museum, the Coastwatchers Lighthouse, and Bil Bil Village where pottery is made. Certified divers have the opportunity to check out some great dive sites in the area with experienced local operators.

Madang is the disembarking point for guests travelling on the first half of this voyage from Darwin to Madang, and the embarking point for guests travelling on the second half of this voyage from Madang to Darwin.

Sepik River

At first light, the Coral Adventurer enters the mighty Sepik River. Our destination is the remote village of Bien or Kopar, where the locals are known for their arts and crafts. A true Sepik welcome awaits us as we step ashore! Take the opportunity to purchase the unique hand carvings of this region. As we depart from the Sepik River, we will sail past the active volcano at Kadovar Island as we enjoy sunset drinks.

Wewak

Early this morning we arrive into the port town of Wewak. There is much WWII history here, and we will go on a tour with local guides including Wewak Hill Lookout, ANZAC Memorial, Mission Hill, and also see the local craft markets.

Jayapura

Visit Asei Village at Sentani Lake and be greeted by enthusiastic costumed dancers. View and perhaps purchase art painted on bark for which Lake Sentani is famous. This is our clearance stop as we leave Indonesia and depart for Papua New Guinea.

Nirumoar

Today, enjoy an expedition stop at Nirumoar. An unusual location that we have not visited before, we will discover a shipwreck on the beach and enjoy snorkelling and beachcombing, before relaxing on the white sand beach.

Mamberamo River

The Mamberamo River is the largest river in Papua and is regarded as the Amazon of the East.  It is considered as the largest rivers in Indonesia by volume.  Along the huge river valley live many tribes who have little connection to the outside world. There is an amazing biodiversity here in flora and fauna.  Today go ashore at Teba Village, at the mouth of the river. This village is built on the muddy riverbank and presents a unique insight into the way of life of this remote region. Stroll through the village with local guides and make new friends with the enthusiastic locals. Later, explore the river on an Xplorer cruise. This is an Expedition destination.

Kwatisore

This afternoon we visit the Papuan village of Kwatisore, where the locals will perform a ‘bird of paradise’ dance and other traditional performances.  You may also participate and dance with the local people. Market stalls will be set up with interesting items to purchase, such as carved paddles. They are skilled musicians here and will entertain us with their string band.

Cenderwasih Bay & Kwatisore

Today, experience one of the highlights of this cruise – swimming with the whale sharks.  The gentle giants will be swimming around the fishing bagans and guests may enter the water in small groups for a chance to swim with these amazing animals. Visit Kwatisore to shop for local arts and crafts, be entertained by the trsing band and the ‘bird-of-paradise’ dance.

Roon Island

Just below the surface resides a Japanese plane wreck with big black corals, gorgonians, big lionfish, glassfish, shrimps and many more. Snorkellers on the surface can still clearly see the wreck when the weather cooperates and the water is still, or they may dive down for a closer look.

Afterwards, we hope to explore a nearby village to meet the locals.

At Sea - Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as we journey towards a new expedition stop. Tomorrow we will go ashore at the spectacular Ayau Atoll.

Pulau Ayau & Pulau Kanobe

Today, discover the beautiful and incredibly remote Ayau Atoll. We will go ashore at Pulau Ayau to visit Miosbekwan Village with the possibility of a swim with friendly dolphins in the clear turquoise waters of the lagoon. This pristine location offers an extraordinary experience of culture and nature in one of the most isolated parts of the world.

Wayag Islands

The jewel in the crown of Raja Ampat, picturesque gumdrop karsts are the backdrop for this paradise on earth.  Here, the underwater world is rightly famous – we spend time to discover with snorkelling, SCUBA diving, and kayaking opportunities.  For the hikers, a climb up to Mt Pindito is available.  This steep up-hill track rewards with remarkable views over the islands.

Aljui Bay

Kofiau Islands are covered by lush trees and wild plants, they offer a fantastic wealth of nature and beautiful scenery. The tropical rain forest is home to the endemic rare Kofiau Paradise Kingfisher, Kofiau Monarch and Kofiau Green-tree Python.

Here, you will enjoy white and soft sandy beaches, and crystal clear water with stunning corals.  We will enjoy a welcome to the local villages, where you can met the people in their daily lives. Witness traditional foods being prepared, and attend the celebration of Buka Sasi.

In the afternoon, enjoy snorkelling, diving, or birdwatching.

Misool

At Misool you will explore “the stone gardens of Misool” with its misty beauty.
As a hidden and deserted paradise, Misool is unspoiled with waters of aquamarine lined by towering karst cliffs of various shapes and forms.
Misool waters have approximately 200 saltwater lagoons stretching like a green carpet and bustling with unique and beautiful corals.

Here, we will swim, snorkel and explore around the islands by kayak.

Arguni

Arguni is a small island off the west coast of West Papua province of Indonesia.  The island covers less than 5 sq.km. The local language Arguni is spoken by about 150 people. On the south side of the island are pearl farm buoys and cages floating in the warm clear water.  Mangrove swamps, many interesting limestone islets and formations, Papuan rock art (notably hand and foot stencils), burial caves, and villages (some on stilts) line the shore line.  While Arguni is in the Fakfak Regency, it still has a traditional king (a functionless title), Raja Hanaf Pauspaus of Arguni, one of many Kings of Indonesia.

On our arrival, we are greeted by villagers displaying many cultural attractions, including traditional dances, local music, and traditional handcrafts. Enjoy fresh coconut and browse around the village to observe daily life and interact with the local people.  Following this, journey by Xplorer to visit the famous ancient blood paintings at Roefroefoea.  The paintings feature many hands of humans and also animal depictions, with the red colour of the paintings resembling the colour of blood.

Banda Islands

As Coral Adventurer arrives at the entrance (Zonegat channel) to Banda Neira, traditional long canoes known as Kora Kora emerge, rowed thunderously by men in traditional costume. These traditional war canoes provide an impressive escort into the caldera where you will enjoy the first look at Banda Neira. Our visit to the island includes Rumah Budaya, Old Dutch Church Hatta House, Perigi Rante, a Nutmeg plantation and the highlight visit of the beautiful Fort Belgica, where we watch traditional dancing and sample local treats during sunset drinks at the fort.

History has coined these islands as the fabled Spice Islands and is not without sound reason. Today these islands may be almost unheard of, but they’ve played an important role in the European history from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Combining raw natural beauty, a warm local heart, and a palpable and fascinating history, this remote cluster of ten islands were home to some of the most prized and fought-over commodities in the past – nutmeg, cloves, and mace. Underwater, impressive undersea drop-offs are vibrantly plastered with multicoloured coral gardens. The central islands – Pulau Neira and Pulau Banda Besar – curl in picturesque crescents around the pocket-sized volcano Gunung Api.

Today we snorkel over the coral reef that has emerged on the lava flow from Gunung Api’s historic eruption. Others may go ashore in Banda for a ‘tea party’ in the charming local surrounds.

Sebakor Bay

This morning, we discover the beautiful remote coast of Sebakor Bay. The aquarium-like waters are home to exceptional marine life and coral reefs, and snorkellers and divers will have the opportunity to explore. There will be time to kayak, or simply relax and look for Papuan birdlife along the shoreline. Later, enjoy the chance to swim under the Mommon Waterfall, where cool freshwater flows out of the lush jungle and falls into the ocean.

Triton Bay

Triton Bay lies on the south coast of the West Papua province of Indonesia, surrounded by tropical rain forests and rising on one side to a 1060m peak. The waters of the bay nurture abundant marine life –  471 types of coral and 959 types of coral fish. In these waters, Bryde’s whales and whale sharks also find their home. Nearby this region is where Alfred Russel Wallace, contemporary and equal of Charles Darwin, wrote of his explorations in The Malay Archipelago around 1858. With visitors rare to this region, it is indescribably special.

Triton Bay is known for displaying a similarly impressive level of soft coral coverage as places like Misool Island. Epaulette sharks can be seen walking over the reefs as giant groupers lurk in sheltered spots, while schools of jacks and fusiliers dart en masse. Squadrons of bump head parrotfish charge around chomping the coral into fine sand, watched by ever-present turtles. Triton Bay’s black coral forests are awesome in scale and never fail to impress. In one area the high limestone cliffs display extensive pre-historic drawings and carvings, coloured orange, white and black, which are truly breath-taking.

Today we will explore the underwater world and look for whale sharks, which gather here.

Aru Islands

The Aru Islands consist of some 95 low lying islands covered with forest and with swampy coastal surrounds located in the Maluku province of eastern Indonesia in the Arafura Sea. Flora of the area ranges from dense green forests of tree ferns to grassy plains while the fauna has Australian affinities with marsupials being the dominant animals in the area. Here we will cruise along the mangroves to catch sight of the illusive and beautiful Birds of Paradise that call nearby Lorang Village home.

Agats

Experience a memorable welcome by an armada of about 40 or more war-canoes, rowed powerfully towards the ship by the Asmat warriors in traditional costume.
Disembarking by Xplorer we are accompanied by the Asmat tribe’s warrior war-canoes to Syuru village where we are greeted by a welcome dance set and performance by the Asmat women.  After the ceremony we are invited deep into the “Men’s House” to experience wonderful items of traditional wooden arts and sculpture, which are offered for sale.  This afternoon, we will visit Agats Township and the Museums there, with time for guests to purchase artifacts and souvenirs.

At Sea - Relax and spend time reflecting on your epic voyage around New Guinea. You will have encountered many remote tribes and seen a wide array of cultural and natural wonders. As you prepare to return to the modern world, enjoy the hospitality onboard with Captain’s Farewell Drinks.

Day 36 Arrive Darwin

Coral Adventurer will arrive in Darwin at 8:00 am to clear customs and disembark at 10:00 am.

Embark: Board at Cairns 11 January 2024

Disembark: Arrive in Darwin’s Fort Hill Wharf 15 February 2024

• Coral Deck Stateroom - from $25,740 per person twin share
• Promenade Deck Stateroom - from $30,890 per person twin share
• Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom - from $41,190 per person twin share
• Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom - from $45,040 per person twin share only
• Bridge Deck Balcony Suite - from $57,890 per person twin share only

Freecall our local travel team on 1300 414 198 to secure your bookings as cabins are selling fast on this amazing journey around Papua New Guinea.

Please note the following prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice. *Limited sole use occupancy available.

Sail on the recently delivered (April 2019) brand new 120 passenger ship Coral Adventurer, built to take you closer to unspoilt vistas in comfort, style and safety. 

Expedition capabilities:

• Two trademark Xplorer tenders seat all passengers and facilitate comfortable shore excursions
• Six zodiacs for more intrepid exploration
• Lecture lounge for daily expedition briefings and expert presentations
• Small onboard library featuring books on destinations and wildlife
• Shallow draft and advanced navigation and propulsion systems allowing access to locations closed to large cruise ships
• Marine immersion:
• Navigator lounge in the bridge
• Over 1000 square metres of open deck space including a wrap-around promenade deck with panoramic views
• Engine room tours and a high level of crew interaction with guests
• Barralong Room to host research or exhibitions
• Food and wine features:
• Single seating dining with communal table serves buffet breakfast and lunch, and multi-course table d’hote dinners
• Showcase galley with viewing window creating fresh small-batch cuisine featuring Australian and local produce
• Multiple indoor and outdoor bars, including our Explorer bar on the sundeck for sunset drinks
• Curated wine cellar featuring boutique wines and exceptional vintage Australian reds
• Guest comfort: All outside-facing guest cabins with en-suite bathrooms; the majority have a private balcony
• Active stabilisers to dampen sea motion
• Well-equipped gym
• Passenger elevator
• Wi-Fi available in all guest areas

Coral Deck Stateroom:

Coral Deck Staterooms are furnished with a junior King size bed, which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. A compact en-suite has a toilet, shower and ample storage and a porthole window gives you views of the world outside. Coral Deck Staterooms are 17 square metres

Promenade Deck Stateroom:

Promenade Deck Staterooms are identically furnished with a junior King size bed, which can be separated into two singles.A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included and a compact en-suite has a toilet, shower and ample storage.A large picture window gives you wide views of the world outside. Promenade Deck Staterooms are 17 square metres

Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom:

Our Explorer Deck staterooms are comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed, which can be separated into two singles.A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included and a compact en-suite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. Your private balcony has seating for two, from which to view the passing coastal vistas. Explorer Deck Balcony Staterooms are 21.4 square metres

Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom:

Our two Bridge Deck staterooms are comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed, which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included and a compact en-suite has a toilet, shower and ample storage.French windows opening to a balcony with seating for two gives you a private perch to watch the panorama unfold outside.These staterooms are located on the bridge deck with superb views and adjacent to the Cairns and Darwin suites. Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms are 21.4 square metres

Bridge Deck Balcony Suite:

Our two suites are spacious and elegant retreats after a busy day ashore.Suites are equipped with a lounge area, minibar and personal coffee machine. They have special King sized beds which can be separated into two singles.An 8 square metre private balcony has an outdoor daybed and lounge chair for two.A unique outside-facing bathroom with picture windows, bath and separate shower complete the suite experience.A complimentary minibar is replenished daily. Bridge Deck Balcony Suites are 55.8 square metres.

• Embark: Board at Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal at 7am for a 8:30am departure
• Disembark: Arrive in Darwin at 8am for disembarkation by 10am

Coral Expeditions require mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for all guests and crew. To prepare for your voyage, ensure you have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and provided details to the Coral Expeditions team. Medical exemptions are accepted in line with Australian standards. Vaccination for children will follow Federal Health and AHPRA guidelines.

Do I need a visa?

Currently all Australian, American, Western European, New Zealand passport holders can obtain a 30-day tourist visa for Papua New Guinea arriving onboard the vessel or via charter flight as organised by Coral Expeditions in connection with the cruise. There is currently no cost for the visa. Please note: Visa regulations are subject to change, and it is the traveller’s responsibility to stay abreast of any changes.

What is the currency and how much should we bring?

The Currency used in Papua New Guinea is the PNG Kina. Kina should be ordered in advance and can be obtained through your local bank or currency exchange. As the areas we travel in Papua New Guinea are remote, there is often little chance of obtaining Kina in Papua New Guinea. Kina can be used to purchase carvings or souvenirs from villages. Costs of carvings vary greatly, some the equivalent of AUD$10 and more elaborate items could be thousands of dollars. Souvenirs can be anything from bracelets and pottery to carvings and billum bags depending on location. Note: For guests returning to Australia, all items will have to go through customs in Australia – often items containing seeds or unsealed wood will not be allowed in or may go through a period of quarantine.

Do I need vaccinations?

As with all such rural tropical destinations, we recommend all travellers should seek medical/vaccination advice from their GP in the first instance, who will be able to determine what is suitable based on individual medical histories.  It is recommended that you are up to date with all of your routine vaccinations, such as measles-mumps-rubella, tetanus, chicken pox, polio and your yearly flu shot. In addition, it is also recommended to obtain vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Typhoid.  You should also ask your doctor about a Hepatitis B vaccination. Malaria is present in some of the areas we are visiting, so you should discuss malaria preventatives with your doctor. Proof of a yellow fever vaccination is only required if you have travelled within an affected area 6 days prior to your entry into Papua New Guinea. For further information, please refer to the Center for Disease Control website.

What are my flight options to Papua New Guinea?

We provide charter flights for selected itineraries. Other itineraries require you to make your own way, many Papua New Guinea locations do not have international airports and will require guests to fly to Port Moresby and then take internal domestic flights. Popular airlines are Air Niugini, PNG Air and Qantas.

How will I get from my hotel to the wharf?

When a departure port is from an Australian (Domestic) location most passengers will choose to take a taxi to the wharf.

Can I fly in the day of the cruise?

We strongly recommend flying in at least one day prior to cruise departure, due to potential flight delays. If you choose to fly in the day of departure, you could risk missing the cruise departure or charter flight.

Why is the itinerary flexible?

As sea conditions are unpredictable and subject to tidal variation, rainfall, and sediment shift, our crew and expedition leaders may take these conditions into account in order to make decisions on the day’s activities. We also consider local community requirements, such as holidays, funerals and mourning periods.
Coral Expeditions has a great deal of proficiency with flexible itineraries, and we are able to adapt to swiftly to provide the best experience for our guests.

How are you managing security on the cruise?

The villagers along our route are very welcoming and friendly, and happy to have tourists visiting their areas. Coral Expeditions has been operating in Papua New Guinea for over a decade and have strict ship security procedures that we will follow.

What will the weather be like?

Papua New Guinea has a very warm and humid climate with the average maximum temperature in the low 30degrees, often with cloud cover and periods of tropical rainfall (mostly in the afternoon).How many shore excursions will there be and what will they involve?Generally with each itinerary we plan to go ashore or enjoy a selection of water activities (Depending on itinerary) one to two times a day. We visit villages and have opportunities to witness cultural displays such as dancing, sing-sings and traditional musical performances.

What kind of footwear is best? What should I pack?

Comfortable walking shoes, also wet landing shoes such as ‘reef walkers’.  Due to the warm, tropical climate of these coastal regions, guests should pack lightweight clothing which can be layered. Wet-landings are common and pants which can be rolled up, shorts, or a cotton skirt/dress are ideal. A lightweight long-sleeved shirt will help provide protection from the sun and mosquitoes at dawn and dusk. It is also advisable to bring a sun-shirt or ‘rashie’ for beach visits and swimming, as well as a bathing suit and sarong. Knee length skirts/shorts or pants and shirts that cover the shoulders are appropriate attire for towns and villages. Upon booking, you will be provided with more information.

Where is the nearest hospital in case of emergency?

As our itineraries take guests to remote and secluded locations often hospitals will not be in the immediate vicinity. Our senior crew are trained in remote area first aid. If a passenger has injured themselves or is having a medical issue on board, the crew will make contact with doctors on land to determine whether evacuation is necessary. For this reason, It is advisable that passengers obtain a policy with remote area evacuation coverage.

How many interactions do we have with locals?

We tend to have interactions with local villagers each day with the exception of sea days and planned water activities.