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Papua New Guinea: A Circumnavigation of New Britain

Papua New Guinea: A Circumnavigation of New Britain

From AUD $21,995

Description

Welcome to your New Britain circumnavigation—where active volcanoes meet ancient traditions, and every day reveals dramatic contrasts between pristine wilderness and living history.
Over the next 11 nights, you’ll circumnavigate one of the Pacific’s most geologically active islands, exploring environments shaped by fire and water. This isn’t geological sightseeing—you’ll snorkel vibrant coral reefs within the Coral Triangle, walk through WWII tunnel systems carved by Japanese forces, and witness secretive Tolai masked ceremonies under volcanic peaks that still steam and rumble today.
Each morning brings new adventures as we navigate between pristine beaches and historically significant battle sites. You’ll explore the collapsed rim of Garove Island’s spectacular volcanic caldera, swim among the world’s most biodiverse coral reefs in Kimbe Bay and participate in traditional village ceremonies where Methodist missionaries established their first Pacific mission in 1875.
From tracking through rainforest to hidden waterfalls in remote Jacquinot Bay to exploring Rabaul’s ash-covered streets where volcanic eruptions reshaped entire communities, every experience connects you with both natural forces and human resilience. Our small expedition community of just 30 guests means intimate encounters with environments and communities that remain largely unchanged, whether you’re snorkeling pristine reefs or sharing stories with villagers whose lives revolve around volcanic overlords.
This is expedition travel where geology meets culture: engaging, educational, and utterly fascinating. Your Ring of Fire adventure begins the moment we cast off from Madang.

Trip Name
Papua New Guinea: A Circumnavigation of New Britain
Days
12
Overview
Vessel Type: Yacht Length: 50 meters Passenger Capacity: 30 Built / Renovated: 2021 / 2024 Paspaley Pearl is a boutique expedition vessel designed for intimate exploration in remote and pristine regions. With only 15 staterooms and suites, each blending refined comfort with practical detailing, the ship offers a relaxed yet elegant retreat at sea. Interiors reflect a modern take on grand touring style, with rattan, linen and copper finishes creating a warm, textural palette. Select suites boast private balconies, and all offer spacious bathrooms with premium Aesop toiletries, quality linens, and generous storage. Whether enjoying a quiet moment in the Sunset Lounge or unwinding in the upper-deck jacuzzi, guests are surrounded by thoughtfully crafted spaces designed to enhance both connection and reflection. At just under 50 metres, Paspaley Pearl is purpose-built for accessing secluded destinations beyond the reach of larger ships. Her advanced propulsion system, featuring twin Azipod thrusters and dynamic positioning, ensures whisper-quiet operation and exceptional manoeuvrability without disturbing delicate seabeds. Onboard technology reflects a deep environmental commitment, with systems that reduce emissions, repurpose heat, and minimise waste. Equipped with custom expedition tenders, Zodiacs, kayaks, and dive gear, Paspaley Pearl invites guests to engage with the natural world through immersive activities—while returning each day to superb dining, seamless service, and the understated luxury of true small-ship expedition travel.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Cairns - Meet your fellow travellers
Your expedition will start with an overnight in Cairns, where you will meet your fellow travellers for the first time. You will then depart the following morning on a charter flight to Madang to meet the ship.
Day 2 - Day 2 Madang - Papua New Guinea
Board Paspaley Pearl in the “Pearl of the South Pacific,” where tree-lined streets and volcanic islands create one of Papua New Guinea’s most attractive settings. Meet fellow adventurers while our expedition team prepares you for dramatic contrasts between active volcanoes and ancient traditions ahead.
Day 3 - Day 3 Nip Island, Cape Gloucester - Historic battlefields and beach exploration
Explore uninhabited islands offshore from this historic WWII battlefield, where American forces landed in 1943 during Operation Cartwheel. Swim and snorkel pristine beaches and coral reefs in warm Bismarck Sea waters while learning how this remote wilderness became a crucial Pacific War strategic position.
Day 4 - Day 4 Witu Islands - Visit Large Volcanoes and Tropical Forests
Navigate inside Garove Island’s spectacular volcanic caldera through the collapsed southern rim creating a dramatic entrance. Join traditional Melanesian communities in this 8-10 kilometre natural amphitheater, exploring lush tropical forests and vibrant marine environments within this remarkable volcanic sanctuary largely untouched by outside influence.
Day 5 - Day 5 Kimbe Bay - Biodiversity at it's finest
Snorkel among Earth’s most biodiverse marine environment, where over 860 fish species and 400 coral varieties create spectacular underwater gardens. Explore black volcanic beaches contrasting with lush forests, potentially visiting thermal springs while marvelling at volcanic landscapes supporting this UNESCO-recognised biodiversity hotspot.
Day 6 - Day 6 Ataliklikun Bay - Traditional expedition performances and experiences
Meet the distinctive Tolai people known for matrilineal clan systems and traditional “tabu” shell money. Witness elaborate cultural performances including secretive “dukduk” masked dances performed during full moon periods, handling traditional currency while learning how coastal communities balance ancient customs with modern influences.
Day 7 - Day 7 Rabaul - Distinct harbours and ancient volcanoes
Tour this dramatic harbour town within an ancient volcanic caldera surrounded by six volcanoes. Explore 1994 volcanic devastation sites and extensive WWII tunnel systems carved by Japanese forces, watch active Mt. Tavurvur still steaming while learning how resilient communities live with constant volcanic activity.
Day 8 - Day 8 Duke of York Islands - Religious lifestyles and traditional villages
Discover where Methodist missionaries established their first Pacific mission in 1875, spreading Christianity throughout the region. Experience traditional village life maintaining Melanesian customs, walk white sandy beaches, and enjoy exceptional snorkelling among vibrant coral reefs in this historically significant archipelago.
Day 9 - Day 9 Jacquinot Bay - Remote wilderness meets discovery
Venture into New Britain’s most remote wilderness where pristine beaches meet rainforest-covered mountains. Hike to hidden waterfalls cascading through dense tropical vegetation, learning how Australian forces used this natural harbour during 1944 Pacific War campaigns in areas seldom visited byoutsiders.
Day 10 - Day 10 At Sea - Remarkable landscapes and enrichment onboard
Reflect on remarkable volcanic landscapes and cultural experiences during our Bismarck Sea crossing. Join enrichment sessions about regional geology and biodiversity while spotting marine life from the deck, fostering deeper connections within your expedition community as you process extraordinary encounters with natural forces.
Day 11 - Day 11 Tami Islands - Artistic traditions that have inspired generations
Experience the Pacific’s most influential artistic traditions on four coral atolls encircling a crystal-clear lagoon. Witness famous “Tami style” wooden carvings and ceremonial masks, try traditional techniques, and participate in cultural performances celebrating artistic heritage maintained across countless generations.
Day 12 - Day 12 Madang - Papua New Guinea
Return to where your circumnavigation began, carrying shared memories of volcanic landscapes, cultural encounters, and pristine environments. From active volcanic sites to traditional ceremonies, pristine coral reefs to WWII tunnels, your journey revealed remarkable stories of geological forces and human cultural resilience.
Day 13 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
07-11-202618-11-2026AUD $21,995Ocean Double Stateroom
07-11-202618-11-2026AUD $23,995Ocean Twin Stateroom
07-11-202618-11-2026AUD $24,995Ocean Stateroom
07-11-202618-11-2026AUD $30,995Horizon Suite
07-11-202618-11-2026AUD $35,995Pearl Suite
17-11-202628-11-2026AUD $21,995Ocean Double Stateroom
17-11-202628-11-2026AUD $23,995Ocean Twin Stateroom
17-11-202628-11-2026AUD $24,995Ocean Stateroom
17-11-202628-11-2026AUD $30,995Horizon Suite
17-11-202628-11-2026AUD $35,995Pearl Suite
09-11-202720-11-2027AUD $23,495Ocean Double Stateroom
09-11-202720-11-2027AUD $25,495Ocean Twin Stateroom
09-11-202720-11-2027AUD $26,495Ocean Stateroom
09-11-202720-11-2027AUD $30,995Horizon Suite
09-11-202720-11-2027AUD $37,495Pearl Suite

Inclusions

    • Garove Island’s Volcanic Caldera, Witu Islands: Navigate through the collapsed rim of Garove Island’s dramatic 8-10 kilometre volcanic caldera, exploring lush tropical forests and vibrant marine environments alongside traditional Melanesian communities.
    • Kimbe Bay’s Biodiverse Coral Reefs: Snorkel in Kimbe Bay, a UNESCO-recognised biodiversity hotspot within the Coral Triangle, teeming with over 860 fish species and 400 coral varieties, set against striking black volcanic beaches and lush forests.
    • Cape Gloucester’s WWII History and Pristine Beaches: Discover the historic WWII battlefields of Cape Gloucester, where American forces landed in 1943, and swim or snorkel along pristine beaches and coral reefs in the warm waters of the Bismarck Sea.

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