Alotau to Rabaul
| Tour Code: | Alotau to Rabaul |
|---|---|
| Duration: | 11 days |
| Tour Dates: | 10 April – 20 April 2008 |
| Travel Map: Click to enlarge>> |  |
Tour Description:
The Aurora Expeditions journey is a ship-based exploration of the islands of the Bismarck and Solomon seas, including an in-depth look at the southern coast of New Britain. Papua New Guinea’s spectacular terrain combined with a lack of suitable infrastructure makes travel to most areas difficult except by air or sea. With Aurora Expeditions suitably sized and ice-strengthened ship "The Marina Svetaeva" travelling to these regions is the safest, most efficient and enjoyable way to unlock the secrets of one of the world’s last great frontiers.
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Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Embark Alotau
This afternoon you will be met at your hotel and taken to our trusty ship, Marina Svetaeva. Your luggage will be transferred to your cabin. We steam out of the laid-back coastal town of Alotau, capital of Milne Bay province, to begin our adventure.
Day 2 – Goodenough Island
The lofty mountains of the D’Entrecasteaux archipelago should come into view early this morning as we enter the Solomon Sea. We will endeavour to explore rarely visited Goodenough Island, one of the most steeply sided islands on the planet. Steep volcanic slopes rise sharply up from the fertile coastal planes culminating in a summit that sits at over 2,500 metres.
Perhaps more than anywhere in Papua New Guinea, the power of the occult is feared and respected in the D’Entrecasteaux group. Mysterious legends and sorcery form a part of every day life. On Goodenough, the yield of the numerous yam crops are said to be under the power of a large painted stone in the middle of the island.
Day 3 – Tufi
The dramatic fjords of Tufi and Cape Nelson are a breathtaking sight. Often rising to more than 100 metres, the sheer walls of these natural wonders are covered in dense forest alive with birds and numerous waterfalls cascading directly into the sea.
This morning we have the opportunity to visit some of the small communities in this area. Greeted by outrigger canoes and a welcome dance, the local people will share with us some of their ancient tribal customs. We hope to take a walk through the rainforest, home to the world’s largest butterfly, and explore the clear waters of Tufi’s famed outer reefs, looking out for dolphins on the way.
Day 4 – Lababia
We visit the picturesque village of Lababia, whose inhabitants are custodians to one of the most important conservation areas in PNG - the 47,000 hectare Kamiali wildlife management area.
Led by local guides, we hope to take a rainforest walk along the David Suzuki Trail. With luck we may see some of the prolific birdlife resident here including hornbills, parrots, palm cockatoos and the striking Raggiana bird of paradise.
Day 5 – Tami Islands
The stunning tropical setting of these pristine coral atolls will make for some exciting explorations. The islands inhabitants are famous for their intricately carved wooden bowls and we hope to visit their peaceful fishing villages, beautifully located by a well-protected lagoon between the two main islands.
Day 6 – Karkar Island
Today we plan to visit the remarkable Karkar Island. Dominated by an active volcano that rises over 1,800 metres, Karkar is one of the most fertile places in PNG and has a thriving copra industry. We will search out a suitable landing spot from the myriad of superb beaches that surround the island and hope to spend time with the Karkar Island people. Our team of expert lecturers will host entertaining talks on Papua New Guinea’s unique natural history and vibrant mix of cultures.
Day 7 – Sepik River
The Sepik is one of the world’s great river systems and culturally one of the most fascinating parts of PNG. Village life remains virtually unchanged from when first contact was made by German explorers in the late 1800’s. Today we will travel upstream from the mouth of this mighty river to explore the lower Sepik region. Visiting some of the small villages that line the riverbank, we hope to witness a memorable sing sing from the friendly residents of Watam village.
We may have the chance to appreciate and purchase some artworks of the famed master carvers of the Sepik. Reputed to be among the finest artists in the Pacific, these skilled craftsman base their work on a complex web of spiritual beliefs and totems.
Days 8 & 9 – Admiralty Islands
We spend two days exploring the remote Admiralty Islands, a scattering of low-lying atolls and 18 islands. Only a handful of expedition ships have ever visited here and we will spend out time in search of the pristine landscapes and unique cultures that exist here. We hope to visit a number of traditional villages and with the help of our anthropologist, learn more about the rich maritime traditions of the local people.
These volcanic islands are covered in lowland tropical rainforest and, due to their isolation from other landmasses, contain many endemic plant species. The islands are also hope to a number of endemic bird species including the Manus fantail, superb pitta and the Manus hawk owl.
Day 10 – Tingwon/Tsoi Islands
Depending on weather conditions, we will either visit Tingwon Island or the Tsoi Islands. Located west of New Hanover, picturesque Tingwon Island is surrounded entirely by a coral reef and is home to an advanced culture of around 400 inhabitants. Rarely seen by outsiders, we hope to visit some of the villages on this remote island and gain an insight into their traditional way of life. We will also aim to snorkel on the reefs and take a stroll through Tingwon’s virgin forests.
Tsoi Boto and Tsoi Lik are idyllic tropical islands that lie off the northern coast of New Ireland. We hope to snorkel the islands crystal clear lagoons and pristine reefs and hope to encounter some of the exceptionally diverse marine animals that frequent these waters. Amid the white sand beaches and coconut palms, we hope to Zodiac up some of the island’s rivers and also visit a megapode colony. These unusual birds bury their eggs in burrows in the sand, using the areas geothermal heat for incubation.
Day 11 - Rabaul
Surrounded by six volcanic peaks, we cruise into stunning Simpson Harbour and dock in Rabaul. As our journey draws to an end, we will have time to reflect on the amazing experiences we have shared, before we bid each other farewell.
Marina Svetaeva is not a luxury ship, she is homely and strong, built to be a working vessel and refitted to a comfortable passenger standard. The mood on board is definitely casual. At sea we are totally self-sufficient. The days flow by while we travel snugly in our cocoon. A favourite pastime on board is to stand on deck or on the bridge, watching for seabirds, absorbing the dramatic scenery.
Deck Plan Map - Prices:
| Deck | Cabin | Cruise Cost(AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Deck 3 | Quad, shared facilities | $5290 |
| Deck 3 | Triple, shared facilities | $5790 |
| Deck 4 | Twin, shared facilities | $6990 |
| Deck 4 & 5 | Twin, private facilities | $7990 |
| Deck 4 & 5 | Mini Suite, private facilities | $8890 |
| Deck 5 | Captain's Suite | $9490 |
| Kayak | Kayaking Surcharge | $990 |
Disclaimer: These prices are per person. Single occupancy is 1.7 times the twin price listed above.
*Cost ex Rabaul and Alaotau. ALL PRICES ARE IN AUSTRALIAN DOLLARS
Extra Information:
Highlights
- Visits to traditional villages where welcoming locals offer a glimpse of their traditional lifestyle
- Experiencing the visual richness and contrasting cultures of each region
- Snorkelling crystal clear waters on coral reefs alive with marine life
- Exploring the unique fjords of Tufi
- Visits to remote volcanic islands ripe for exploration
- The chance to visit the legendary Sepik River, home to some of the most famous artists in the Pacific
- Wildlife opportunities – prolific birdlife (hornbills, parrots, cockatoos, birds of paradise), dolphins, whales, dugongs and the rich marine life of the coral reefs
THIS TOUR INCLUDES
- Transfers to and from the group hotel.
- Ship’s accommodation. All public areas are open to all passengers.
- All meals on board ship.
- All shore excursions from the ship including Zodiacs.
- Lectures, videos, slide and film shows and guide services.
- Medical services. There is a resident medical officer and infirmary on board.
- Port taxes and port charges imposed by government authorities.
- Pre-departure information.
THIS TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Air transport to and from the ship.
- Excess baggage on any air flights.
- Visa, passport and vaccination charges and airport departure taxes.
- Hotels and meals not included in ship cruise itinerary.
- Tips on board for crew and service personnel.
- Optional excursions not included in ship cruise itinerary.
- Laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses, personal travel insurance and items of a personal nature such as bar charges, wine and phone calls.
- Emergency evacuation charges.
Fitness
This voyage is suitable for people of all ages and physical abilities. Our youngest client is 6 and our oldest is 92! Frail clients may choose whether or not to participate in shore excursions or zodiac cruises, and there are always plenty of willing arms to lean on. Longer hikes are entirely optional.
