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Peregrine Travel Centre

Wild Eden of Papua New Guinea Cruise

Wild Eden of Papua New Guinea Cruise

From AUD $17,200

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Description

Set sail on an unforgettable small-ship expedition cruise through Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands — one of the most remote and culturally rich regions on Earth. Nestled in the heart of Melanesia, this tropical paradise is home to over 850 languages, vibrant tribal traditions, and some of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. Journey into the untouched Bismarck Sea, where volcanic islands rise dramatically from emerald waters, and lush rainforests give way to pristine beaches and coral reefs brimming with life.
Designed for curious and adventurous travelers, this luxury cultural expedition offers rare encounters and profound cultural insights. Visit traditional villages where ancestral customs are still celebrated through mesmerizing dances and rituals. Explore World War II relics scattered across jungle-clad islands, snorkel vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life, and discover rare bird species and exotic flora found nowhere else. With expert guides and naturalists on board, every day promises a deeper connection to the land, people, and history of this remarkable region.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or cultural explorer, this cruise delivers a once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with discovery, comfort, and authenticity. Ideal for those seeking luxury expedition cruises or off-the-beaten-path travel, this voyage reveals the raw beauty and untamed spirit of the South Pacific.

Trip Name
Wild Eden of Papua New Guinea Cruise
Days
15
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 115 meters Passenger Capacity: 158 Built: 2020-2021 The SH Minerva is a boutique expedition ship purpose-built for exploring far-flung destinations and remote polar regions in comfort and style. Crafted at Finland’s esteemed Helsinki Shipyard, she features a Polar Class PC5 ice-strengthened hull and advanced stabilisers, ensuring smooth sailing even in challenging waters. With just 158 guests served by 122 crew across nine decks, the atmosphere on board is intimate and welcoming. Elegant Scandinavian-inspired interiors, panoramic observation spaces, and a range of facilities – from the stargazing deck and library to the spa, heated outdoor pool, and fine dining venues – make every moment at sea a pleasure. Accommodation ranges from well-appointed oceanview staterooms to spacious premium suites, each offering thoughtful touches such as a flame-effect fireplace, Illy espresso machine, luxury toiletries, and complimentary binoculars for wildlife spotting. Many feature private balconies for uninterrupted views of the passing scenery. Attentive crew provide a warm, personalised service, ensuring that every guest feels at home while enjoying a journey that blends adventure with refined comfort. Whether navigating icy channels or gliding into sunlit harbours, the SH Minerva offers an unforgettable cruising experience.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Days 0 - 1 Honiara, Guadalcanal Island
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.
Day 2 - Day 2 Cruising Kasolo Island (Kennedy Island)
Kennedy Island, (also Kasolo or Plum Pudding Island), is a tiny forested islet named after John F. Kennedy. In August 1943, after their craft was rammed by a Japanese destroyer, the crew of PT-109, led by Lieutenant Kennedy, abandoned ship, swam ashore, before making their way to nearby Olasana Island. Kasolo Island's lush rainforests are home to the Solomon Islands fruit dove, the Solomon Islands honeyeater and the Solomon Islands flying fox.
Day 3 - Day 2 Njari Island
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.
Day 4 - Day 3 Buka Town, Buka Island
Buka, the capital of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, offers an authentic introduction to one of the South Pacific’s most culturally distinctive regions. Local Melanesian communities maintain strong clan ties and a deep connection to land and sea, expressed through music, dance, oral traditions, and craftsmanship. The town also reflects a story of resilience and renewal, shaped by Bougainville’s ongoing journey toward greater self-determination
Day 5 - Day 4 Rabaul
Rabaul, the former capital of New Britain in Papua New Guinea's northeastern tip, is a town with a remarkable volcanic history. Situated inside a flooded caldera and near the active Tavurvur volcano, Rabaul has been rebuilt multiple times, including after the 1994 eruption. Its bustling markets, rich wartime heritage and a strategic harbour make Rabaul an intriguing destination. An observatory oversees the country's volcanic activity.
Day 6 - Day 5 Garove Island
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.
Day 7 - Day 6 Tami Island
Tami Island, a small and serene island in Papua New Guinea, is known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditional carvings. The island’s friendly community welcomes visitors to experience authentic local life, colorful art, and stunning coastal scenery. Surrounded by clear blue waters and coral reefs, Tami Island offers a peaceful escape infused with cultural warmth and natural beauty.
Day 8 - Day 7 Crown Island
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.
Day 9 - Day 8 Madang
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.
Day 10 - Day 9 Manam Island
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.
Day 11 - Day 10 Kopar Village, Sepik River
Kopar Village, nestled along the Sepik River in Papua New Guinea, is a vibrant community renowned for its rich cultural traditions and elaborate riverine art. The village offers a unique window into the lives of the Sepik people, famous for their intricate spirit houses, woodcarvings, and ceremonial rituals. Surrounded by lush tropical rainforest and winding waterways, Kopar is a place where culture and nature blend seamlessly, providing an unforgettable glimpse into one of the world’s most fascinating river cultures.
Day 12 - Day 11 Jayapura, Papua
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.
Day 13 - Day 12 Day at Sea
Spend your day at sea enjoying the facilities available onboard. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the hot tub while taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of our knowledgeable experts.
Day 14 - Day 13 Pulau Mansinam, Papua
Pulau Mansinam is a small island of great historical and spiritual importance, where Christianity and modern education were first introduced to Papua in 1855. Today, the island combines the quiet rhythm of village life with meaningful cultural landmarks, including historic churches and monuments. Overlooking Manokwari Bay with views toward the Arfak Mountains, Mansinam also offers insight into the strong sense of community and living traditions that continue to shape local life.
Day 15 - Day 14 Sorong, Papua
Sorong, located in West Papua, serves as a key transportation and logistical hub in eastern Indonesia. Set along the coast and surrounded by tropical landscapes, the city reflects the dynamic character of this remote region, shaped by maritime activity and regional connections. As the final point of the voyage, Sorong provides a practical gateway for onward travel, marking the conclusion of the expedition and guests’ return journey home.
Day 16 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 
Day 17 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
04-04-202618-04-2026AUD $17,200Oceanview D4
04-04-202618-04-2026AUD $18,100Oceanview M4
04-04-202618-04-2026AUD $18,100Balcony D5
04-04-202618-04-2026AUD $21,500Balcony M5
04-04-202618-04-2026AUD $30,100Suite
04-04-202618-04-2026AUD $34,400Premium Suite

Inclusions

    • Explore breathtaking volcanic terrains and pristine palm-fringed beaches
    • Experience rich Melanesian cultural encounters, including the famous Mudmen of Santa Ana
    • a symbol of the meeting point between Melanesian and Polynesian cultures
    • Snorkel in crystal-clear lagoons and enjoy guided rainforest walks with expert naturalists

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