Intense South Sea expedition
From Cairns (Australia) or Madang (Papua New Guinea) / to Port Vila (Vanuatu)
17 days (16 nights)
MS Heritage Adventurer
17 days (16 nights) on a small ship (max. 140 passengers) from Madang (Papua New Guinea) through the Solomon Islands to Port Vila (Vanuatu), cruising through the islands of Melanesia | Includes a connecting flight from Cairns (Australia) to Madang
+++ Up to 20% early-bird discount on select trips and cabins for new bookings made by January 8, 2027 +++
On this authentic expedition into the heart of Melanesia, a richly woven tapestry of experiences awaits you, revealing the beauty of this remote South Pacific region and its cultural and historical secrets. Centuries-old traditions and expressive ritual dances offer inspiring insights into fascinating cultures. At significant World War II sites, you’ll experience moving history firsthand. Along the way, both on land and at sea, you’ll be accompanied by the extraordinarily diverse wildlife of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.
From the culturally diverse landscape along the Sepik River, the route leads across the Bismarck Sea to remote coastlines and villages where traditional ways of life persist to this day. Discover the history, culture, and wildlife of New Ireland and New Britain.
As you cross the Buka Channel to Nissan Island, you’ll encounter striking reminders of violent wartime events. Then, upon arriving in Bougainville, you’ll enter an area that has long been isolated from the outside world. In fact, you’ll be among the first tour groups to visit this island in decades. As you navigate the turquoise waters of the Solomon Islands, you’ll be surprised daily by new panoramic views and unexpected encounters. On the island of Tetepare, one of the most important nature reserves in the South Pacific, you’ll experience active conservation efforts up close. On the culturally rich island of Malaita, villagers still produce traditional shell money, which serves as a dowry and is worn as a status symbol. A cultural highlight is the mysterious Rom dance ceremony on the island of Ambrym.
Experience a true kaleidoscope of cultures in Vanuatu, where over 100 indigenous languages are spoken. The more than 80 inhabited islands cultivate their own unique traditions, preserved over generations. This expedition opens doors to these unique worlds in one of the happiest countries on earth.
The entire Melanesia region also delights visitors with spectacular reefs, colorful coral gardens, and an extraordinary underwater world. Snorkeling or swimming here reveals a marine diversity that is among the most species-rich in the world. It is certainly no exaggeration to call this a true underwater paradise. You can dive with clownfish, parrotfish, and mandarin fish. On Tetepare Island, with a little luck, you may encounter peaceful dugongs and sea turtles such as the endangered leatherback turtle.
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Renowned natural scientists will be on board throughout your entire expedition through Melanesia. With a sophisticated lecture program and interesting presentations, the naturalists will give you a glimpse behind the paradisiacal backdrop of the tropical island worlds and provide you with deep insights into the flora and fauna of Melanesia above and below the water.
Another way to experience Melanesia even more intensely is through guided sea kayaking tours (optional, extra cost). As you glide silently through tropical coastal waters, you will often encounter curious locals. It is quite possible that these hospitable people will paddle over to you and invite you to their village.
Stephanie Gräf
Owner & Founder
Since 2002, I have been personally advising clients on unique expeditions and private trips, small-ship cruises, and journeys to remote regions of the world.
We'd be happy to discuss your trip with you in person.
Why not contact me right now at Phone: +49 201 85890960 or email welcome@inventia.de.
Or schedule a free, no-obligation one-on-one phone call (also via WhatsApp or Wi-Fi), a Teams or Zoom meeting here—even in the evenings or on weekends:
Good to know
Arrival and departure: We offer a variety of customized travel packages including flights, hotels, transfers, and activities. We are also happy to suggest pre- and post-programs to extend your trip.
A heart for solo travelers: If you do not wish to have a single cabin, accommodation on board is possible in shared cabins. In this case, you will be accommodated with other travelers of the same gender.
Entry requirements: The current entry requirements for Australia can be found here. For Papua New Guinea, you can find the entry requirements here, and for the Solomon Islands here. The current entry requirements for Vanuatu are available from the U.S. Department of State here.
Insurance: Proof of international health insurance covering medical repatriation must be provided.
Medical questionnaire:You are required to completea medical questionnaire before departure.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Remote atolls such as Vanikoro and Nissan
- Mask Ceremony on Ambrym
- Blue Holes in the Santo Rainforest
- A true explorer's route to remote atolls that can only be reached by expedition ship
- Active volcanism & thermal springs around Rabaul
- The almost surreal turquoise blue holes in the rainforest on the island of Santo
- Famous World War II sites such as Yamamoto's bunker in Rabaul
- Drift snorkeling at Tetepare fringing reef, a hotspot for sea turtles and colorful reef fish
- Rom dance ceremony on Ambrym, an initiation ritual with artistically designed masks and costumes
- Possible sightings of endangered species such as dugongs or leatherback turtles
- Authentic encounters with remote communities, including visits to a village school and markets, and personal conversations
- Kayak excursions in tranquil tropical bays and crystal-clear waters (optional, extra charge)
- Intensive birdwatching program (optional, extra cost)
- Immersive lecture program by experts and renowned scientists on board
route
itinerary
Advance information
Please note that your return flight from Port Vila in Vanuatu is not included in your tour price.
Since our customers all have individual wishes for their trip, we are happy to book flights separately. Of course, the flights then become part of a secure package tour. We recommend an overnight stay in Cairns to cushion any irregularities with your flight or lost luggage. We are happy to organize everything for you on request. Please contact us.
Day 1: Start of the trip in Cairns, Australia
Today you will arrive in tropical Cairns. The city is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, you will head to the hotel where your tour group will spend the first night of the expedition. In the evening, you will get to know your fellow travelers and the expedition team over dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: On the flight from Cairns to Madang, Papua New Guinea
After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, you’ll board your flight to Madang . The city is located on a peninsula dotted with islands and waterways along the northern coast of Papua New Guinea. It is known for its traditional arts and crafts and the tropical vegetation of the surrounding region.
After you arrive, you’ll explore Madang and the surrounding area on a sightseeing tour. Stops include the Coastwatchers’ Memorial Light in Kalibobo, the Madang Museum, and the village of Bilbil. Afterward, you’ll return to Madang, where you’ll have time to visit the local markets.
Once aboard your expedition ship, the Heritage Adventurer, you’ll check into your cabin and get to know the ship. You’ll also meet your expedition team and receive an overview of the planned itinerary. As we set sail toward the Sepik River, you’re welcome to join the expedition team in the Observation Lounge or on the Observation Deck.
Day 3: Exploring the Sepik River
The Sepik River is one of the highlights of this expedition. You’ll have plenty of time to get to know the river, its birdlife and wildlife, and the people living along its banks. As Papua New Guinea’s longest river, the Sepik stretches about 1,100 kilometers from the highlands to the Bismarck Sea. For generations, it has shaped the lives of the communities along its banks and is closely linked to their cultural traditions and handicrafts.
You’ll explore the river and its branching waterways by Zodiac, where, with a little luck, you can spot native wildlife and various bird species. In the village of Kopar, you’ll be welcomed by the residents and gain insights into local village life. A special highlight is the traditional dragon dance, a cultural performance for which the region is known. You’ll also have the opportunity to purchase intricate carvings directly from local artisans.
Day 4: Manus – Hidden Natural Beauty and Living Traditions
The remote island of Manus is one of Papua New Guinea’s most interesting regions from an ornithological and ecological perspective. Its geographic isolation has contributed to the development of a diverse flora and fauna, including species found exclusively in this region. For bird lovers, a visit offers unique opportunities to explore the island’s avian life.
Manus is also linked to a chapter in recent history: As part of Australia’s “Pacific Solution,” the island housed a detention center for asylum seekers. At the same time, the communities on Manus preserve their cultural traditions and customs.
In the village of Derimbat, you'll be welcomed with a traditional ceremony. Afterward, you'll explore the village with a local guide and gain insight into the daily life and cultural traditions of the community.
Day 5: New Hanover – a tropical island paradise and fascinating underwater worlds
Today you’ll explore the islands and villages of New Hanover in the Bismarck Archipelago off the coast of New Ireland. The island features palm-fringed sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and tropical rainforests.
During your stay, you’ll meet the locals and gain insights into village life. In many communities, self-sufficiency continues to play an important role to this day.
You’ll travel by Zodiac through narrow waterways into the island’s interior to explore the river courses and the surrounding vegetation. Along the way, keep an eye out for native bird species. Possible sightings include the Melanesian flycatcher, the red-collared pigeon, the crested fruit dove, and the Hunstein’s nunbird. A diverse marine world also awaits you underwater. While snorkeling, you can discover corals and marine life such as pipefish, nudibranchs, and clownfish.
To wrap things up, be sure to gather on deck as the ship crosses the narrow strait between New Hanover and New Ireland—an impressive start to the next stages of your expedition.
Day 6: Rabaul, New Britain
The port of Rabaul is located in the flooded caldera of a volcanic system whose landscape is characterized by six volcanic cones. From the lookout point at Observatory Ridge, you can enjoy the view of the port and the surrounding volcanoes. At the hot springs, you can experience the region’s volcanic activity up close.
Traces of the Japanese occupation during World War II are still visible in many places. You’ll visit areas that were buried under ash and rock during the volcanic eruptions of 1994 and tour the underground bunker named after Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto. Yamamoto played a key role in planning the attack on Pearl Harbor. Afterward, you’ll immerse yourself in the bustling daily life of the region at the Kokopo market.
Day 7: Nissan Island
Nissan Island is part of the tropical Green Islands Atoll and is located in the turquoise waters near the Buka Passage. Coral reefs surround the islands and provide a habitat for a diverse array of marine life. During your visit, you’ll explore this remote island world both above and below the water.
On land, traces still remain today of the brief but intense period of fighting during World War II, when Allied troops recaptured the islands from the Japanese occupying forces.
During your stay, you'll visit the three Balil villages and meet the local people. In the forests, you'll keep an eye out for native bird species. During the snorkeling session that follows, you'll explore the coral reefs around Nissan Island and observe the underwater world.
Day 8: Bougainville Island
Today you’ll explore Bougainville, a region with a turbulent history and stunning island landscapes. The conflict that shaped the islands for years also affected their connections to the outside world. Today , rugged, densely forested landscapes and offshore coral reefs await you. The region’s diverse natural beauty is evident both above and below the water.
Bougainville is located east of the Papua New Guinean mainland and north of the Solomon Islands. The autonomous region comprises two main islands as well as numerous smaller islands and atolls. Its geographic location and the distances between the islands make exploring by sea a unique way to get to know this region.
Discover Bougainville’s close historical and cultural ties to the Solomon Islands. These ties are still reflected today in the music, cultural traditions, and languages of the people.
Day 9: New Georgia Islands
The volcanic islands of the New Georgia Group in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands are characterized by coral reefs, lagoons, rugged landscapes, and numerous rivers.
After disembarking on Kolombangara, you’ll visit the Imbu Rano Lodge and the nature reserve surrounding the island’s central mountain. During a walk, keep an eye out for the rare Roviana rail and bird species found exclusively on Kolombangara.
At the local markets, you’ll get a glimpse into the daily life of the island communities. If you’d like to take home some handmade souvenirs, you may find the intricate wood and stone carvings for which the Western Province is known. Be sure to have some cash on hand in the local currency.
Day 10: Tetepare Island
Tetepare Island, which has been uninhabited for over 150 years, is covered in rainforest and surrounded by coral reefs. Here, the Tetepare Descendants’ Association (TDA), a community-based organization, is committed to protecting the island and its natural habitats.
Three species of sea turtles nest on the beaches, including the critically endangered leatherback turtle. Dugongs also live in the surrounding waters. Among the island’s unique inhabitants are the Tetepare spectacled bird, which is found exclusively here, and the world’s largest skink.
In the afternoon, you'll explore the island and have the opportunity to discover the underwater world—with its corals and numerous marine creatures—while drift snorkeling along the fringing reef.
Day 11: Malaita – A Glimpse into a Culture Rich in Tradition
The mountainous island of Malaita is the most populous province in the Solomon Islands. Rivers, steep mountain slopes, and vast areas of tropical forest characterize the landscape.
In the afternoon, a visit to the Kwaio community, led by Chief Esau, is planned. If the community invites you, you will gain insights into their cultural traditions, their way of life, and their close connection to their ancestral lands. The visit is made possible by long-standing ties with the community and support for community-led conservation initiatives.
Take this opportunity to talk with the local people and learn more about their cultural traditions, their daily lives, and their hopes for the future.
Day 12: Santa Ana Island
Upon your arrival in Port Mary on Santa Ana—also known as Owaraha or Owa Raha—you will be welcomed in the traditional Solomon Islands style. This beautiful coral island was first discovered by Europeans in 1568.
During your stay, you'll get to know the local culture and discover traditional crafts. Together with your guides, you'll explore the lush forests, visit the village school if possible, or enjoy some downtime by the water.
Santa Ana is also a great destination for birdwatchers. Keep an eye out for species such as thesooty myzomela,the island imperial pigeon, the Solomon Islands red-tailed fantail, and the chestnut-bellied monarch.
Day 13: Nendö Island, Temotu Province
Nendö is the largest of the Santa Cruz Islands in the southeastern Solomon Islands. In 1595, the Spanish navigator Álvaro de Mendaña de Neira made a futile attempt to establish a colony here. From a biological perspective, the islands are more closely related to Vanuatu than to other parts of the Solomon Islands.
A unique cultural tradition on the island is the " red feather money," a traditional form of currency made from the red feathers of the scarlet honeyeater. You’ll learn more about the intricate process of crafting this special cultural artifact and experience traditional dances that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Day 14: Torres Islands, Vanuatu
Today, your expedition takes you to the remote Torres Islands, Vanuatu’s northernmost archipelago. The four main islands are characterized by white-sand beaches, clear waters, rocky coastlines, and lush landscapes. Your destination is Loh Island.
There, you will be welcomed by members of the village community and the chief. If the ceremony takes place, you will get a glimpse of the lēh-temēt, a traditional song-and-dance ceremony that features intricately crafted ritual masks, known as temēt. These masks hold special spiritual significance for the village community and are destroyed immediately after the ceremony concludes.
Afterward, you'll have time to explore the village and the area around Loh Island or discover the underwater world around the island while snorkeling.
Day 15: Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu
Today you'll spend the day on Santo, Vanuatu's largest island, which is also known as the setting for James Michener's *Tales of the South Pacific *. Enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters of Champagne Beach, famous for its fine, powder-white sand.
In the afternoon, you’ll explore Santo’s Blue Holes by Zodiac—natural freshwater pools whose clear water shimmers in various shades of blue and turquoise depending on how the light hits it.
History buffs can also visit Luganville and Million Dollar Point, where large quantities of American military equipment were sunk in the ocean after World War II.
Day 16: Ambrym
Throughout Vanuatu, Ambrym is known as the island of volcanoes and magic. We plan to land in Ranon on the north coast, where the ancient traditions of the Rom dance and artistic woodcarving are still practiced. A walk through the forest will take you to the “Arena,” where masked dancers mysteriously emerge from the thicket. The forests of Ambrym are also crisscrossed by excellent hiking trails, allowing you to join your naturalists in keeping an eye out for native birds and plants.
In the afternoon, a final snorkeling excursion offers the chance to explore the underwater world.
Day 17: Port Vila
This morning you will arrive in Port Vila. After breakfast, it will be time to say goodbye to the Heritage Adventurer. A complimentary transfer will take you to your centrally located city hotel or to the airport. This marks the end of your journey through Melanesia. But even though you will no longer wake up every day to views of the sea, picture-perfect beaches, or mysterious tropical forests, these impressions will remain a part of you and accompany you on your journey home around the globe.
To ensure sufficient time for disembarkation formalities, we recommend that you do not book flights from Port Vila before 1:00 p.m.
The daily programs described here are for your guidance. The itinerary may vary due to local weather conditions, last-minute permit procedures, and organizational requirements.Theexpedition leader on board will determine the final itinerary and daily program. Flexibility is of utmost importance during our expedition-style voyages.
DATES & PRICES
Request your trip here!
Submit questions via email Arrange a callback Call now: +49 201 85890960
or please select your preferred date
October 23, 2027 – November 8, 2027
Starting at €13,163 ; €11,846 per person
17 days/16 nights
MS Heritage Adventurer (Maximum occupancy: 140)
Madang (Papua New Guinea) Port Vila (Vanuatu)
including flight from Cairns to Madang
Optional, for an additional fee: Sea kayaking + bird watching
Up to 20% early-bird discount on select cabins for new bookings made by January 8, 2027
Selected date
October 23, 2027 – November 8, 2027 (17 days/16 nights)
MS Heritage Adventurer | Discovery voyage to the heart of Melanesia
Main Deck Triple
Superior Triple Room
Deck 4 Superior
Deck 5 Superior
Main Deck Single
Superior Single Room
Worsley Suite
Heritage Suite
cabin
options
| Sea kayak (price per person) | ||
| Person(s) | 1 219,00 € | |
| Bird watching (price per person) | ||
| Person(s) | 418,00 € | |
personal data
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Summary
optional activities
Information
Included services:
- One night's accommodation in Cairns in a double room on day 1, including dinner and breakfast
- Pre-trip flight from Cairns to Madang on Day 2
- Accommodation on board during the sea voyage, including full board
- House beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages with lunch and dinner
- All shore excursions and activities
- Lecture program with renowned scientists
- Transfer to the airport in Port Vila
- Discovery Fund
Not included in the price:
- International or domestic flights and transfers – unless specified in the itinerary
- Costs for passport, visas, etc.
- travel insurance
- All personal expenses, including alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of meals), gratuities, laundry service, personal clothing, medical expenses, or telephone charges
- Kayaking (optional)
- Birdwatching program (optional)
Important:
- Language spoken on board: English
- Expedition leaders and lecturers are English-speaking
- Currency on board: US dollar
- A doctor is on board
Your ship during the voyage
Your ship: The MS Heritage Adventurer
Click here for deck plans, cabin categories, facts & figures
> View here
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The MS Heritage Adventurer | © Dana Brown
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Traditional costume on Nissan | © F. Wardle
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Snorkeling off Nissan | © F. Wardle
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Sea turtle on Tetepare Island | © F. Wardle
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Landing on Kolombangara Island | © F. Wardle
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Visit to a remote village | © A. Russ
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Champagne Beach | © F. Wardle
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Traditional performance on Espiritu Santo | © S. Bradley
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Authentic encounters
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Guided kayak tour | © S. Bradley
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Traditional dance in the water | © S. Bradley
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Traces of World War II | © A. Russ
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A hornbill
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Traditional mask | © F. Wardle
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Birdwatching | © S. Bradley
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Exotic bird life | © A. Russ
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