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Day 1: Rabaul, Duke of York Islands and Captain’s Welcome Boarding Oceanic Discoverer at 2:00pm for a 3:00pm departure we join our Expedition Leader and local guide to visit the nesting ground of the megapodes, a native bird known for their amazing nests. This evening we join the Captain, crew and travelling companions as we enjoy Welcome Cocktails as the sun sets over the Duke of York Island.

Day 2: Lamassa ‘Ogres’ and Lambon Island This morning we board Xplorer and make our way ashore at Lamassa for an unforgettable experience. We are greeted by spear-wielding ogres – an enactment of the greeting of the first Europeans to set foot on this land. Later we explore Lambon Island and its perfect white, sandy jungle clad beach. Keep an eye out for the island’s bright green skinks and beautiful Barringtonia flowers. The island offers fantastic opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and SCUBA diving.

Day 3: Buka Island and Bougainville Travelling in the wake of 18th century French explorer Louis-Antoine de Bougainville we sail the Coast of Bougainville Island and embark on an expedition at the island of Buka.

Day 4: Shortland Islands Join our Expedition Leader and guides on an expedition to the Shortland Islands, the northernmost islands in the Solomon group. The Guest Lecturer will share his expert knowledge of the history of the island and its occupation by the Japanese forces as a seaplane base during World War II.

Day 5: Gizo Markets and Kennedy Island This morning we visit Gizo, the small provincial capital of Ghizo Island. Explore the open air markets, replete with artefacts and wood carvings or join a hike to the lookout for panoramic views across the lagoon and islands. Keen birdwatchers should keep an eye out for the white-bellied graybird, whiskered tree swift or colourful lorikeets native to the remote Solomon Islands. Later, we board the Xplorer and head ashore to tiny Kennedy Island, named in honour of John F Kennedy, who swam ashore to the island with his crew after his boat PT-109 was sunk by a Japanese destroyer during WWII.

Day 6: Russell Island and Snorkelling The Russell Islands are a group of two main volcanic islands and over 70 small islets, partially covered in coconut plantations. Join the Expedition Leader and Guest Lecturer aboard Xplorer and travel ashore to explore the scenic coastline and impressive caverns, some of which are even inhabited by crocodiles. Spectacular sections of coral reef surround the island and we enjoy glass bottom boat cruises, snorkelling and the opportunity to join the Dive Instructor for close up views of this stunning reef.

Day 7: Iron Bottom Sound and Sandfly Passage Enjoy the day cruising through Iron Bottom Sound and the Sandfly Passage - the site of many intense World War II naval battles. We conduct exploratory stops and join the Expedition Leader as we explore the multitude of islands and inlets through this historic passage.

Day 8: Alite Harbour Village Entering Alite Harbour, we board the Xplorer and travel ashore to meet our local hosts in this string of man made islets, constructed centuries ago to protect the people of nearby Malaita from the inland bushman. Known for trading shells as money, the village still uses shells as the traditional currency for bride price and trade. Walking through the friendly village we view demonstrations of traditional Melanesian cooking, basket weaving and palm thatching.

Day 9: Santa Ana Island and Ancient Rainforests Santa Ana is one of the most beautiful islands in the South Pacific. As we carefully make our way through the reef entrance into the stunning lagoon, we prepare for a rousing welcome from the local warriors bearing swords and blowing on conch shell horns. Santa Ana is known for its bone fishhooks and imaginative fishing floats. Following a demonstration of cultural dancing we join our local guides for a pleasant walk through the rainforest, spotting colourful orchids, exotic plants and birds. Alternatively, you may choose to join our Dive Instructor for a SCUBA dive or snorkelling on the surrounding reef.

Day 10: Nendo Island and Snorkelling Nendo Island is our final port of call in the Solomon Islands and an excellent location to view and purchase quality handmade Melanesian artefacts. We enjoy cultural performances and another opportunity to snorkel over the pristine coral reefs.

Day 11: Vanuatu and Ureparapara Island This morning we cruise into tropical Vanuatu and enjoy a once in a lifetime experience. Imagine cruising into the cone of a volcano surrounded on three sides by 300m cliffs. This is Ureparapara Island, one of the most spectacular islands in the archipelago. The only way to discover this unique island is by sea and visits from cruise ships are rare. You will be entertained by the local people with a “kastom” dance, and if time permits you may choose to join the Guest Lecturer for a guided walk to the top of the caldera.

Day 12: Champagne Beach and Espiritu Santo Champagne Beach is located on the largest island in Vanuatu, Espiritu Santo, affectionately know as ‘Santo’. The beach is without doubt the jewel of Vanuatu and is nature and water lover’s playground. Enjoy optional tours to the fabled “Blue Hole”, bush walking, in-water activities or simply relaxing on the white sands of this magnificent beach.

Day 13: Ambrym Island Volcanoes and Black Magic Arriving at Ambrym Island you immediately notice what makes this island so unique. It has two active volcanoes, Mt Marum and Mt Benbow and is sometimes called Black Island because of its black volcanic beach and its “black magic”. Ambrym is one of the country’s sorcery centres and is home of tamtams (vertical slit gongs), fern tree sculptures and sand drawings. It also has some of the best artefacts and carvings in Melanesia. Boarding the Xplorer, we travel ashore and by special invitation meet the locals and view the mystical Rom Spirit Dance.

Day 14: Tanna Island Volcano Today is a very special experience as this is one of the only places in the world where you can safely stand on the rim of an active volcano. As we approach Tanna Island we see our first signs of volcanic activity, with hot springs bubbling beneath the surface - keep an eye out for Dugongs, the rarely seen sea creature that inspired the myth of the mermaid. After anchoring in Port Resolution, named by Captain Cook in 1774 in honour of his ship HMS Resolution, we go ashore to a friendly welcome from the locals. Join our Expedition Leader and naturalists on a scenic drive through the rainforest and up the slopes of Mount Yasur. Following a short walk to the rim admire the fantastic views of this active volcano that still regularly spew sparks, rocks and ash. With a backdrop of the volcanic glow we depart Tanna Island for Port Vila as we enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Cocktails and settle in for our last night discovering Melanesia.

Day 15: Port Vila Farewell 8:00am - This morning we arrive in Port Vila, capital of Vanuatu and farewell our new friends before disembarking Oceanic Discoverer.

This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Whilst every effort will be made to follow this itinerary we do reserve the right to vary this itinerary to make allowances for weather, tidal conditions and any other reason whatsoever.
 

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This page was last updated: Wednesday, 09 July 2008 16:03