Name: Solomon Islands Secrets: cruise from Guadalcanal to the Sepik River
Brand: Swan Hellenic
SKU: M0627040313

Solomon Islands Secrets: cruise from Guadalcanal to the Sepik River

M0627040313

Honiara, Guadalcanal Island - Jayapura, Papua

03.04.27-16.04.27

SH Minerva

YOUR TRIP

Embark on an extraordinary journey through the Pacific’s living Eden: Papua New Guinea, one of the world’s most culturally and biologically diverse regions, where over 850 indigenous languages thrive amid some of Earth’s most pristine wilderness.

Departing from Honiara on Guadalcanal Island, your voyage explores the rich tapestry of islands and coasts across the Bismarck Sea - Pavuvu Island, Kasolo (Kennedy) Island, remote Njari Island, the volcanic ports of Rabaul, and the abundant marine habitats of Kimbe Bay. Sail onwards to Garove, Tami, and Crown Islands, then explore the scenic coasts of Madang and Manam. Journey along the storied Sepik River to Kopar Village, visit Wewak, and conclude in Jayapura, Papua.

Numerous activities await throughout this unrivalled expedition. Enjoy insightful onboard lectures with regional experts covering ancient trade routes, tribal history, WWII battles, unique wildlife, and post-colonial development. Witness vibrant tribal cultures, observe rare birdlife, snorkel among coral reefs and WWII wrecks, and engage with local communities in breathtaking natural settings - all surrounded by the extraordinary beauty, history, and heritage of the Pacific’s last great frontier.

696f33d64188913ffa94a61c29d599e64fa93df7

Itinerary

72a7c0835862f6485127db919e59fa492b97194f

The capital of the Solomon Islands, Honiara sits on the northeastern coast of Guadalcanal at the mouth of the Mataniko River. A relatively new city, it grew up around a U.S. military base during and after WWII. In 1952 it superseded Tulagi as the premier city of these islands. Honiara’s U.S. War Memorial provides a comprehensive war-history lesson of the area. Today the town is laid-back and relatively tourist free with a real-life atmosphere.

Known for its fascinating WWII history, Pavuvu is shaped like a splayed hand with multiple fingers and tiny offshore islets. Part of the Russell Islands group, it was long a centre for coconut farming until the Imperial Japanese Navy occupied the islands after bombing Pearl Harbor. The island subsequently became home to the U.S. 1st Marine Division, after the Americans bombed out Japanese garrisons in the region.

4fe69b1f7df948700ae52f8da49421bc0de2f318

They say good things come in small packages. Njari is a tiny island located between the Wilson Strait and Vella Gulf in the Solomon Islands’ north region. An idyllic speck in the ocean, it’s almost entirely covered in trees. With hardly any infrastructure to speak of, the coves and bays remain unspoilt. Thousands of species of fish, rays, turtles, dolphins and sharks swim around the colourful coral.

a737c36756fcd29266c3302ba30469dc6ea8774a

Your luxury expedition cruise begins in Rabaul, the former capital of Papua New Guinea’s New Britain island. Located inside a flooded caldera, the town’s proximity to a volatile volcano – plus aerial bombardment during World War II – has forced it to rise from the ashes more than once. Most recently the town was rebuilt after widespread destruction caused when Mount Tavurvur erupted in 1994. Thanks to its impressive harbour, buzzing markets and fascinating wartime past, Rabaul is an exciting place to visit. There’s an observatory in the town’s centre, which monitors the country’s two volcanic arcs, and a small museum located in what was a Japanese bunker.

afd0f4fb7eff35490b46bbbc0f83418157f5ba43

The island of New Britain features the secluded volcanic Kimbe Bay, renowned for its diverse marine ecosystem. The crystalline waters host coral reefs teeming with colourful tropical fish, WWII wrecks and coral-capped seamounts. Inland, treks lead to an active volcano and the rejuvenating thermal waters of the jungle-clad Garu Hot River. The bay's rainforest is home to Blyth’s hornbills, eclectus parrots and red-knobbed imperial pigeons.

81fa07a43265147141007d05877112c02d9443be

Tiny, far-flung Garove is part of the Vitu Islands in the Bismarck Sea and is defined by its rich marine biodiversity. The island wraps around a massive, horseshoe-shaped flooded caldera. Nearby dive sites reveal multi-hued fish darting among sea fans and anemones, while reef sharks, schooling jacks, and barracuda patrol the deep. Back on dry land, tiny villages nestle amid towering coconut palms.

e4b5148e8771b40182192eb10d972eaf2e0445ed

The inhabited Tami Islands, a four-island archipelago south of Finschhafen in the Huon Gulf, are home to skilled carvers. These islanders craft intricate hardwood bowls, particularly the renowned 'Tami bowls' known for their fine craftsmanship and ceremonial use. These bowls, featuring spirit faces with a distinctive three-peaked headdress (oa balan), are highly valued, with some found in New York’s Metropolitan Museum and the British Museum.

4073516dc15d197deb090d21c68a25b116df1a48

Characterised by dense rainforest, the miniscule volcanic island of Crown Island is barely five kilometres from end to end. Rugged jungle trails offer glimpses of birds of paradise, doves and pigeons, while sapphire waters hide colourful coral reefs beneath the surface. Nearby Kar Kar Island is home to one of the country's most active volcanoes, sprawling cocoa plantations and traditional villages dotted among imposing coconut palms.

73709fa67536d4d8e69e39f14532f6c173ca81b4

Madang, a laid-back port town exuding a village vibe, presents a captivating blend of Pacific war history and natural beauty. At the Visitors and Cultural Bureau, WWII artefacts and exhibits recount the battles for this strategic outpost. The surrounding waters host coral reefs teeming with marine life. Rocky hiking trails traverse Mount Wilhelm, offering panoramic views, extending the allure beyond the town.

8d5dbd18c233a5e6f7e03549d7b4450ff54e0a28

Manam Island is marked by an active stratovolcano, occasionally emitting ash plumes. The island's rugged valleys, forested crags, villages and cultures coexist in the shadow of this natural colossus. The area boasts numerous coral reefs, and Hansa Bay holds sunken American and Japanese ships, along with bombers and fighter planes. These waters have also witnessed sightings of hammerheads and tiger sharks.

fae5d42d91512e7c454194a8ec6dff5878e4d9cd

a6f8d7bffb5d1151dc2ceff7cc8834bd089c5eb9

Wewak, East Sepik's capital, is a coastal gateway to the vast Sepik River, a winding lifeline through lush sago swamps, nipa palms and tranquil lagoons. Along its banks, stilted villages uphold vibrant traditions, from canoe travel to crafting intricate masks, wood carvings and towering Haus Tambaran spirit houses. Wewak also holds echoes of WWII history, with relics and the Cape Wom Memorial marking Japan’s surrender in Papua New Guinea.

6e9eecd2bdc6015a1020b31d706544c259f3b387

Jayapura, Papua's provincial capital, serves as a base to explore the rugged Baliem Valley. Winding trails lead through verdant highlands to secluded waterfalls and saltwater springs. Traditional life endures in tribal villages hidden in the rainforest, featuring religious ceremonies or mock tribal wars. In Jayapura, museums recount the intense WWII battles, where Allied and Japanese forces clashed for control of the Pacific theatre.

This itinerary provides general information about each destination. Also, please be aware that some of the venues and highlights mentioned may not be open or accessible on the day we visit. For the most accurate tour program, we recommend contacting your Swan Hellenic agent or travel agent closer to your departure date.