A Passage to the Solomons

Overview

This voyage uncovers the pristine wildlife, fascinating cultures, and remote coral atolls and beaches of the idyllic Melanesia region. The expedition will also commemorate the 75th Anniversary of WWII with time to explore the wrecks and remnants of the war in the Pacific theatre, and expert guides on hand to discuss the various battle sites, historical significance and strategies. Travelling aboard the Coral Discoverer, depart from Cairns, Australia and journey to key stops in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

Board the Coral Discoverer at 8am for a 9am departure for your unforgettable experience through the Solomon Islands.

This itinerary is an indication of the destinations you may visit and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition you 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.

Spend the day at leisure as you cross the Coral Sea, and join your Expedition Leader and Guest Lecturers in the lounge for presentations and briefings on Papua New Guinea ahead of your clearance at Samarai.

Today you will say hello to the small island of Samarai, at the southern tip of Milne Bay for clearance. Steam into beautiful Sewa Bay and then visit the remote village of Moadewai with a traditional welcome followed by drinks at the Explorer Bar.

Join the Expedition Staff on a walk to Dei Dei Hot Springs on Fergusson Island, where the people share the 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.

In the afternoon, visit Dobu Island to learn the history of the Kula Ring trade and meet the local primary school children, who will welcome you with a traditional dance performance. Later, enjoy a snorkel over the bubbling Springs Reef.

Prepare for an unforgettable experience as you discover remote Egum Atoll and enjoy opportunities for snorkelling, scuba diving and glass-bottom boat tours over colourful reef systems. Visit a village on one of the atoll’s low islands, where the locals will share their creation legends, and stories of the Kula Ring trading, which creates lasting bonds between the clans throughout the islands.

Laughlan Islanders specialise in canoe building, and in this very remote corner of Papua New Guinea, you will find seagoing canoes under construction. The friendly village of Bodaluna welcomes you and shares their way of life. Also part of the Kula Ring, people from these villages may travel long distance by canoe to take part in the trade of precious shell necklaces and armbands.

Later, you may have the opportunity for swimming or snorkeling.

This morning enter the Solomon Islands at the town of Ghizo. Wander through the open-air markets which showcase a bounty of tropical fruits and fresh fish, as well as crafts by the legendary wood and stone carvers of the region. You may choose to scuba dive over Japanese shipwrecks as an optional extra instead of exploring the town of Ghizo.

In the afternoon, cruise past Kennedy Island before enjoying water activities at Njari Reef. Njari Reef is a merge point for oceanic currents and is said to have one of the highest fish counts in the world.

Today, visit the marine reserve of the Arnavon Islands, home to the largest rookery of endangered Hawksbill Turtles in the South Pacific Region and supporting some of the healthiest and most diverse coral reefs in the world. In 1995 the US-based Nature Conservancy helped three local communities come together to create the Arnavon Community Marine Conservation area – it was the first protected area to be established within the Solomons and covers over 40,000 acres of land and sea. Go ashore at Kerihikapa Island with the chance to see turtle hatchlings emerging from their nests.

Later, cruise up picturesque Dart Sound to the remote village of Kia, and be welcomed with traditional dance and singing. Many of the rangers that work in the Arnavons are from this area.

Marovo Lagoon has been described as one of the world’s natural wonders. One of the world’s largest double barrier enclosed lagoons, this isolated spot in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands has been proposed for World Heritage listing.

Marovo’s is world-famous for its intensive coral reef ecosystems, the waters teem with tropical fish and boast exceptional dive and snorkelling sites. You may sit down with the locals and learn about village life. Expert Marovo carvers are justifiably famous for the intricate pieces they create from king ebony with inlays of rosewood and mother-of-pearl.

This morning, we visit Mangalonga Island to snorkel and dive on the reef. Mangalonga Reef has amazing fish life and it is common to see feather stars and colourful anthias. You may also enjoy a birdwatching walk on the island – some of the often-sighted birds include claret-breasted fruit doves. This afternoon, enjoy a scenic cruise through the island passages to spot shipwrecks.

Located in the eastern tip of Guadalcanal, this is an area of turquoise water and verdant tropical islands. It is also a geographical crossroad, separating Guadalcanal’s calm northern waters from its Tasi Mauri or ‘weather coast’. Most of the Marau people depend on their natural environment, practising subsistence farming and fishing.

Five marine protected reserves have been established in Marau Sound. Here, you will hear the panpipes played and watch the women perform water music.

This morning disembark in Honiara at 8:00am. Post cruise transfers are available in Honiara at additional cost.