A Voyage through Melanesia New Guinea, Sepik River, and the Solomon Islands

20 DAYS FROM $20,910

• Visit stilt villages on Lake Sentani and cruise Papua New Guinea’s Sepik River. • Snorkel or dive the spectacular reefs of West Papua and the Solomon Islands. • Encounter rare birdlife and World War II relics on idyllic tropical islands.

Expedition Cruise Light or Moderate

DAYS 1–8 I U.S./BALI, INDONESIA/ WEST PAPUA/PAPUA Fly overnight to Indonesia and spend a night in Bali. Take a charter flight to Sorong and embark the ship. In Cenderawasih Bay, kayak through mangroves and snorkel pristine reefs in search of epaulette sharks, dugongs, and whale sharks. From Jayapura, travel to Lake Sentani to visit its fascinating stilt villages. Go on a birding walk before a day at sea. Fairmont Sanur Beach Bali (or similar); National Geographic Orion through Day 18 | Meals: 6B, 6L, 7D DAYS 9–14 I PAPUA NEW GUINEA Cruise the Sepik River past timeless villages, learning about local artistic and spiritual traditions. Witness a traditional sing-sing in Haya, and hike in search of cassowaries and other wildlife. Then explore the markets of Madang. Take a rainforest hike on Crown Island; and snorkel, dive, or ride a glass-bottom boat over the reefs of Garove Island before a sing-sing and a village tour. Wander through lunar-like Rabaul, buried in volcanic ash since 1994, and explore the ruins of a Japanese ship from World War II. After sunset, watch the fire dance of the Baining people. Meals: 6B, 6L, 6D

DAYS 15–20 I AT SEA/SOLOMON ISLANDS/ BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA After time at sea, arrive in the Solomon Islands, where fierce World War II battles took place against a backdrop of emerald peaks and idyllic beaches. Visit Kennedy Island, where John F. Kennedy swam ashore after his PT-109 boat was sunk. Snorkel, dive, or kayak Marovo Lagoon, and meet local woodcarvers. Disembark in Honiara and visit the wartime sites of Guadalcanal. Fly to Brisbane for your final night and depart the next day. Brisbane Marriott (or similar) | Meals: 5B, 4L, 5D

An Expedition Leader, a photo instructor, and a team of naturalists will accompany this trip.

David Doubilet and Jen Hayes Underwater Photographers Husband-and-wife team David Doubilet and Jennifer Hayes are underwater photographers who have photographed the ocean depths from Greenland to Indonesia on assignment for National Geographic. David has published more than 70 stories in National Geographic magazine. Find the departure(s) David and Jen will join on our website.

INFORMATION

This trip is operated in collaboration with Lindblad Expeditions. Dates: This expedition is offered from December through March. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and vary by cabin category. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only and is subject to change at any time without notice.

Visit website for complete details and dates.