Day 4: Ambrym Island – Vanuatu Relax and be entertained by palm leaf
clad dancers with carved headdresses plus experience a traditional
cleansing ceremony. Ambrym is renowned for its fern carvings and offer a
wide selection of local arts and crafts.
Day 5: Luganville, Espiritu Santo Island - Vanuatu In
World War II Luganville served as a large US base. The divers will
explore the USS President Coolidge which sank in 1942 one of the world’s
most famous wreck dives. We visit Million Dollar Point, where Allies
dumped large quantities of surplus war equipment into the sea. Our
naturalist will guide birders and hikers into the nearby forest to
observe many of the 50 species of birds. A visit to the main port of
Vanuatu, Luganville offers an insight into the daily life in a local
village.
Day 6: Tikopia Island – Solomon Islands Tikopia is
legendary for its iconic culture and provides a true once-in-a-lifetime
experience. On this remote tropical paradise, cultures and custom
remains intact. We pay homage to the four paramount chiefs and are
entertained by tapa clad schoolchildren with songs of welcome followed
by enthusiastic dances from the young village men.
Day 7: Utupua Island - Solomons This rarely visited
island rises out of the ocean to a tower above the surrounding lagoon
and barrier reef. We explore the long fiord like channel aboard the
Zodiacs or ‘Xplorer’ and learn about the ecological system. We climb a
forested path to view the magnificent reef that encloses the island.
Day 8: Port Mary, Santa Ana - Solomons Sword-bearing
warriors and the sound of blown conch shells welcomes us to this small
island southeast of San Cristobal. Santa Ana is famed for its bone
fishhooks and imaginative fishing floats. We enjoy dancing before
heading out on a naturalist-guided walk through shady forests where
orchids grow. Maybe join our Dive Master to scuba or snorkel the
surrounding reef.
Day 9: Alite Harbour - Solomons Centuries ago the
people of nearby Malatia built islands in Alite Harbour as protection
from the inland bushman. Known for trading shells as money, the village
still uses this traditional currency for bride price. Here in the
friendly village we view demonstrations of traditional cooking, basket
weaving and palm thatching.
Day 10: Expedition Stop - Solomons As we travel from
Alite Harbour towards Ghizo, explore Iron Bottom Sound, the site of many
intense World War II naval battles. Join our expedition leader as we
explore new territory though the multitude of islands and inlets on
offer.
Day 11: Ghizo and Kennedy Islands - Solomons We board
the zodiacs and Xplorer to head ashore to tiny Kennedy Island, named in
honour of John F Kennedy who swam ashore with his crew after PT-109 was
sunk by a Japanese destroyer. We explore the sandy beaches and snorkel
or dive over the coral reef. Here a magnificent wall dive offers the
chance to commune with large pelagic fish. In the afternoon, we visit
the small provincial capital on Ghizo Island. Wander through the open
air markets, showcasing crafts by the legendary wood carves.
Day 12: Laughlan Islands Laughlan Islanders specialise
in canoe building. In this very remote corner of eastern Papua New
Guinea, we find seagoing canoes under construction. The friendly
villages of Bodaluna welcome us as our lectures and naturalists explain
the islanders’ subsistence gardening, fishing, and participation in the
Kula Ring of trading. Enjoy an afternoon snorkel or an adventurous dive
off the outer reef, where we may se turtles, wrasses, and spinner
dolphins in warm clear waters.
Day 13: Louisiade Archipelago Arrive in Louisiade
Archipelago, a multitude of beautiful tropical islands and spectacular
reefs sites. After anchoring, we will journey ashore to view and explore
tropical island rain forests. Time for spectacular snorkelling, diving
and glass bottom boat viewing. On our return to Oceanic Discoverer we
celebrate with the Captain’s Farewell Cocktails in the evening.
Day 14: Arrive Alotau - PNG 10:00am we arrive at
Alotau and farewell disembarking guests.
Reverse Itinerary: Alotau–Noumea reverse itinerary
boards Alotau at approximately 1.00pm
Optional Extension Alotau – Cairns
Day 14: Alotau Arrive this morning in Alotau at
approximately 10.00am. Our experienced gust lecturers will interpret the
traditional welcome dances before heading out on a tour of this
historical region before returning to the ship for a 1.00pm departure
Day 15: At Sea Enjoy a rest day at sea to relax in the
comfort of your floating home-away-from-home, Oceanic Discoverer. Along
with our onboard lecturer we’ll recap the many enriching experiences as
we cruise towards Cairns
Day 16: Arrive Cairns Arrive this afternoon in Cairns
at approximately 2:00pm
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