What's Included
EXPLORE PAPUA NEW GUINEAON THIS 12-NIGHT SMALL-SHIP EXPEDITION VOYAGE.
Departing from either Cairns or Madang, this voyage is an opportunity to immerse into the wild and rugged scenery of Papua New Guinea that is rarely seen and mostly inaccessible by land. Papua New Guinea is home to the largest area of intact rainforest outside of the Amazon. This voyage uncovers little-visited islands, volcanic mountains and pristine rainforest wilderness areas forged by mighty rivers. Sail past spectacular Kadovar Islands, known for its volcanic activity. Venture up the mighty Sepik River to see riverfront village life little changed in hundreds of years. Buy traditional crafts such as masks and carvings at the village market of Bien. Snorkel, swim or dive on vibrant reefs at the Fly Islands and visit the unique Bubbling Springs Reef at Dobu.
Enjoy spectacular views while passing Kadovar whose volcano is known to erupt stunning pyroclastic clouds for our guests while we admire from the vista deck with sunset drinks in hand
Ride on hand-carved outrigger canoes paddled by locals guides adorned in ceremonial costumes to Maclaren Harbour
Enjoy the tropical warm waters with activities such as kayaking through the rainforest-clad fjords, and snorkelling or diving on vibrant reefs including at the Fly Islands, Tufi and the unique Bubbling Springs Reef at Dobu
Throughout the voyage, enjoy high-spirited cultural welcomes, dances and sing sings as we are invited into rarely visited villages to share stories with the locals
Visit WWII battle sites at Buna and Sanananda
Learn of the mythical and spiritual tales of Dei Dei Hot Springs, and witness the boiling geyser erupt
Cruise the mighty Sepik River to Bien village, home to some of Papua New Guinea’s most skilled woodcarvers and renowned artefact markets
Discover how the Trobriand Islands became known as the ‘Islands of Love’
YOUR PACKAGE INLCUDES:
⚓ 12-Night small-ship expedition voyage from Cairns to Madang on board Coral Adventurer
⚓ All excursions with the Expedition Team
⚓ Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and Kayaks
⚓ Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
⚓ All meals, chef-prepared on board
⚓ Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
⚓ Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
⚓ 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
⚓ All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities, Tips & Gratuities
⚓ Expedition diary, along with a photo and video gallery documenting the highlights of your voyage
⚓ Post-cruise transfers
Cruiseabout also offers this package on the below dates, where the itinerary operates in reverse:
⚓ 30 December 2025
Adventure Made Easy – We offer an optional 2 hours and 15 minutes direct charter flight connecting guests with ease between Madang to Cairns / Cairns to Madang
Seasonal surcharges may apply and ships may vary. Please contact your Cruiseabout consultant for more details.
YOUR ITINERARY
Arrive at Trinity Wharf (berth to be advised) for boardin ...
Arrive at Trinity Wharf (berth to be advised) for boarding at 7:30am for a 9:00am departure. Cruise across the Coral Sea and spend the afternoon relaxing as you are welcomed onboard Coral Adventurer. Join our expedition staff as they introduce you to the journey and the many experiences you will enjoy. This evening, join the Captain’s welcome drinks and meet your crew and fellow guests as the sun sets.
Spend today relaxing onboard, listen and learn from ou ...
Spend today relaxing onboard, listen and learn from our Guest Lecturer presentations, or enjoy an engine room or bridge tour.
Located off the south-eastern tip of New Guinea in the Chin ...
Located off the south-eastern tip of New Guinea in the China Strait, choose to explore the colonial settlement of Samarai, with a chance to purchase pearls from a local pearl farmer, or go for a snorkel at nearby Ebuma Island.
Join our Expedition Staff on a walk to Dei Dei Hot S ...
Join our Expedition Staff on a walk to Dei Dei Hot Springs on Fergusson Island, where the people share their mythical and spiritual tales of these hot water and mud springs located at the base of an extinct volcano. Locals still use the hot springs to cook food in palm frond baskets. 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 song, and spend some time snorkeling in the Bubbling Springs Reef.
Historically known as the ‘Islands of Love’, the Trobriand Isl ...
Historically known as the ‘Islands of Love’, the Trobriand Islands offer a glimpse of traditional cultures largely unspoiled by outside influence. Be greeted at the small island of Kuiawa with an enthusiastic Trobriand’s welcome.
Today enjoy a true highlight as we discover the scenic beauty of ...
Today enjoy a true highlight as we discover the scenic beauty of the 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 song in their ceremonial dress. Later, discover white sand beaches, or snorkel or dive over spectacular fringing reefs.
We land at Buna beach, home to some of the toughest fighting i ...
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 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.
We arrive at Morobe Harbour early in the morning a ...
We arrive at Morobe Harbour early in the morning and cruise in the Xplorer to view the stunning forest from the Mou River. We receive a warm Oro Province welcome and enjoy exploring the village with local guides. At high tide, we may be able to cruise further into a picturesque hidden bay.
In the morning, during a relaxing visit to the vil ...
In the morning, during a relaxing visit to the village, we are entertained with singing and dancing performances and join a local guide around the village. Board an outrigger canoe to explore further up the river with a guide and experience snorkelling and diving at the Biangatu Island reef in the Fly Islands.
At the beautiful anchorage of Dregerhafen, you wi ...
At the beautiful anchorage of Dregerhafen, you will enjoy a high-spirited Papua New Guinea welcome and explore the market which is famous for Tami bowls and timber paddles. There are many WWII artefacts in this area. After lunch, enjoy snorkelling, diving, and kayaking in the blue waters of the lagoon.
Visit Busen or Maringis Villages at Karkar Island and ...
Visit Busen or Maringis Villages at Karkar Island and enjoy welcome sing sings before touring the copra and cocoa processing areas. In the afternoon there is opportunity to snorkel off the fringing reef and bommies close to shore.
As we arrive at the mouth of the famed Sepik River we are gree ...
As we arrive at the mouth of the famed Sepik River we are greeted with stunning views of the landscape and this mammoth river which cuts a swathe through lush forest. Our first stop on the Sepik River is at the village of Bien, where local villagers greet us on their canoes and follow with dance performances. There is an opportunity to purchase highly sought-after hand-crafted artefacts, masks and carvings at the Sepik market.
Disembark Madang: Arrive in Madang to disembark Coral Adventu ...
Disembark Madang: Arrive in Madang to disembark Coral Adventurer at 8:00am. Enjoy an included tour of Madang with a member of our expedition team until midday. For those joining our post-cruise charter flight back to Cairns, this will be a direct flight to Cairns, with Coral Expeditions staff member to accompany you.
Important Notice
The following product terms and conditions apply in addition to our Booking Terms and Conditions (available on our website) and terms and conditions of the relevant travel service provider. Prices quoted are valid for sale until 30 November 2024 for travel during the period specified (if applicable) unless otherwise stated or sold out prior. All prices are per person, twin share (unless otherwise stated), subject to availability and may be withdrawn or varied without notice. Airfare (including internal flights) is not included unless otherwise stated and, if included, is economy class unless otherwise stated. Airfares require full payment in order to ticket. Air credit (if applicable) will be added as a discount to the balance remaining on the package after airfares are booked and paid in full. Components of the total price including local payments, “resort fees”, “national park fees”, “trip kitties” and food funds (if applicable) may be payable direct to the supplier on arrival or to your travel consultant prior to your departure. Where applicable, these payments are included in the total price quoted. Gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated. Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes, levies and government charges current at the time of publication. Additional supplier conditions and travel restrictions may apply. Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store or by BPAY. Payments made in store by credit card will incur a surcharge (see Booking Terms and Conditions for further details). Prices quoted are accurate as of 30 October 2024 and may be higher depending on date of purchase and date of travel. Cruiseabout cannot guarantee that any particular product will still be available at the following prices, or for your exact dates of travel. At the time of making your booking, prices may differ to the price displayed on the website. Please contact your Cruiseabout Travel Advisor to obtain the latest up to date information regarding applicable prices, fees and charges, taxes, availability, blackout dates (such as school holidays), seasonal surcharges and other terms and conditions which may apply. Subject to availability. View our full Terms and Conditions.