Papua New Guinea Exotic Culture Cruise

This tour explores the Gazelle Peninsula of Rabaul, Papua New Guinea. Visit in and around the town of Rabaul, stopping to see the famous Japanese Barge Tunnel, the Rabaul Volcano logical Observatory, a Submarine base, Admiral Yamamoto's Bunker & Historical Center the Tavurvur Hot Springs, and some Japanese Airplane wreckage.  Tour the Kokopo Village, and visit the remains and historical sites of WWII.  Along the way visit some of the other highlights including the Bitapaka Commonwealth War Graves, Kokopo War Relics Museum, Queen Emma Steps, Vunapope Catholic Cathedral, and the Kokopo Market. If time permits visit the Malmaluan Lookout, the Japanese Peace Memorial, and the Toma Lookout.  Interact with the local villagers to catch a glimpse into their daily lives.

This tour explores the volcanic geography of this unique location.  Travel by boat from the Raburua Pier to the island of Matupit.  Tour around the currently active volcano known as Mt. Tavurvur.  Visit the Mega-Pond (wild fowl) Egg grounds, and the twin lava formation created by an eruption in 1994.  Cruise around the outer areas of the island, including Dawapia Rocks and Blanch Bay.  An opportunity to do some snorkelling provides some spectacular underwater wildlife viewing.

A private vehicle with driver will transfer you between hotel and port.

Welcome aboard!
Take some time to get settled in to your stateroom and explore the length of your ship.

Your mid-afternoon departure will set sail through Simpson Harbour, set against a stunning backdrop of six towering volcanoes. Later, join the captain and his crew at the Captain's Welcome Cocktails as the sun spectacularly sets over the Coral Sea.

With the support of local guides, your Expedition Leader will lead you on an exploration of the region. Kimbe Bay has one of the world's richest and most diverse coral reef systems, home to over 860 different species of tropical fish and in excess of 400 different varieties of coral. Experience genuine island friendliness and hospitality as you are welcomed by a flotilla of outrigger canoes. This afternoon you cruise the New Britain coastline and enjoy informative presentations from expert guest lecturers.

Join your Expedition Leader and Guest Lecturers as you board Xplorer and head ashore. Known as a turtle nesting ground and home of the giant lizard you'll explore the beaches of seldom visited Crown Island. Spend time relaxing or snorkelling in the beautiful clear waters.

Sure to be a highlight, this morning you enter the mouth of the mighty Sepik River - one of the world's great river systems. Only with Oceanic Discoverer will you cruise well up into the Sepik region, renowned for its unique artifacts. Visit the remote village of Bien where the local Sepik people are amongst the greatest primitive artists on earth, and the village has its own distinct style. Enjoy the opportunity to purchase unique hand carvings. On farewelling the Sepik, you pass the active volcano on Manam Island and enjoy the sunset.

The historic town of Madang sits on a peninsula surrounded by a number of picturesque islands and is famed for its diving. The waters surrounding Madang offer excellent visibility and many WWII wrecks to explore. Enjoy swimming, snorkelling, diving and a harbour exploration.

Tuam, in the Siassi group of islands, offers a mix of both mainland and Bismark Archipelago cultures. Their prized trinkets and decorations include dog's teeth, spondyllus shells and wonderful balsa wood and sago bark headdresses. Enjoy the welcome dances and village hospitality. In the afternoon you'll visit Tami Islands which are know for their distinctive wooden bowls, carvings and ceremonial masks.

You awaken early and travel ashore to the picturesque village of Lababia, gateway to one of the most important conservation areas in PNG - the Kamiali Wildlife Management Area. In the company of your Guest Lecturers and local guides, walk the David Suzuki trail through the prehistoric rainforest. With luck, you may see some of the prolific birdlife here including hornbills, parrots, palm cockatoos and the iconic Raggiana Bird of Paradise.

Today enjoy a true highlight as you discover the scenic beauty of the rarely visited Tufi Fjords. Similar to Nordic fjords and featuring 25 individual canyons with sheer basalt cliffs, these are the only fjords in Papua New Guinea, and offer a wealth of sightseeing opportunities. Soak up the spectacular views as you cruise close to the towering cliffs before boarding Xplorer to travel ashore to meet the friendly locals. Then, enjoy the opportunity to discover the region's numerous white sandy beaches, take a leisurely swim and snorkel over spectacular fringing reefs.

Today you're greeted by a flotilla of canoes as you approach the Dobu anchorage. A Guest Lecturer will share with you the history of the Kula Ring where Dobu Island was a pivotal link between the north and south Kula trade routes. Meet the local primary school children who will welcome you with a traditional dance performance. Join the Expedition Leader on an expedition to the Dei Dei Hot Springs where the landowner shares the mythical and spiritual tales of these hot water and mud springs.

Historically known as the 'Islands of Love' the Trobriands offer a glimpse of traditional culture largely unspoilt by outside influence. Witness traditional Trobriand dances.

Arrive this morning in Alotau and bid farewell to your new friends before disembarking.

A private vehicle with driver will transfer you between hotel and airport.