Sepik Soirée (10 nts)

This morning we awaken in the remote Manus Province, a rarely visited archipelago encompassing the Horno, Admiralty, Hermit, Ninigo, and Wuvulu Islands. Home to just 45,000 people, the region is known for its rich history of individualism and self-reliance. For us, it’s a diver’s paradise, boasting vibrant marine life, pristine coral reefs, and fascinating shipwrecks in crystal-clear waters. The fringing reefs here are among Papua New Guinea’s most spectacular, with high coral cover and dramatic walls plunging into the depths. This mosaic of small islands provides a stunning backdrop to our day’s adventures.

Today we immerse ourselves in the beauty and history of Ponam Island. Experience the island’s famous welcome sing-sing before exploring World War II relics, including HMS Nabaron, guided by our onboard experts. Snorkellers can discover vibrant marine life among coral bommies, while divers explore Manus Province’s longest reef. For fishing enthusiasts, the waters teem with marlin, tuna, and other prized catches. Cap off the day with an optional helicopter ride, offering spectacular aerial views of the island’s lagoons and nearby Manus Island.

Today we explore a region beloved by Jacques-Yves Cousteau, featuring a 22-kilometre barrier reef. Renowned for its clam gardens and exceptional visibility, snorkellers will marvel at the diverse marine life including sharks, manta rays, and turtles. Divers can explore The Hermits, home to stunning reef formations and schools of mobula rays, snapper, and grey reef sharks. Fishing enthusiasts can pursue marlin and sailfish, while hikers might spot deer introduced by German colonists. We’ll conclude the day at Luf Island, the sole inhabited island in The Hermits, with sunset cocktails on a pristine beach.

The Ninigo Islands are a breathtaking open-atoll structure surrounded by several smaller atoll formations, meaning you’ll have plenty of opportunity for exploration. The diving here is some of the best in Papua New Guinea, and we’ll endeavour to explore as many of these picture-perfect islands as we can. The day will be filled with magical snorkelling and diving experiences, exhilarating fishing, stunning dips in the crystal clear lagoons and romantic walks along the endless palm fringed beaches. We’ll also go ashore to visit Lau Island, known as the ‘Garden Island’, and Longan Island known for their volleyball and sailing canoes.

As the dawn breaks, we’ll reach the mouth of the Sepik. We’ll then cruise down the river for 70 nautical miles before a day filled with exploration and discovery on the adventure boats and in the helicopter. Besides its rich history and incredible river system, the Sepik is revered for its art. The tribes living along the river produce magnificent wood carvings and artful clay pottery. Many tribes use garamut drums in rituals, where the drums are formed from long, hollowed out tree trunks carved into the shape of various totem animals. This will truly be a day to remember.

Today we’ll witness an elaborate coming of age ceremony where young men are scarified in the image of the crocodile. Then we’ll venture into the township of Angoram for the waterside market where you’ll have the opportunity to purchase local carvings. At Kambaraumba village we’ll also be greeted by a brilliant sing-sing featuring giant crocodile puppets that move through crowds of dancers and drummers. Here we’ll also explore the maze of swamps and small waterways that lead to Lake Kambaraumba and its stilt village.

Begin your morning in the outer-reef filled with fish, turtles and dolphins, an area renowned for its endless walls of sea fans, pristine corals and large pelagic species. Snorkellers will explore the inshore coral while others will have the opportunity to swim at Bagabag beach. Then take off in the helicopter to explore the nearby KarKar Island and its active volcano. Then, land ashore for a stroll through the plantations before a sunset drink.

As the True North docks in Madang, it’s time to say farewell to your new friends and crew who’ve become like family – and board your charter flight to Cairns. As the coastline of Papua New Guinea fades from view, you’ll find yourself already planning your next adventure, forever changed by the wonders you’ve experienced.