Beyond Frontiers of Papua New Guinea - Small Ship Cruise
The remote Solomon Sea corners, where WWII history meets pristine atolls, Milne Bay stands as a gateway to vibrant marine life and enduring traditional cultures.
Highlights
• Join Kula Ring exchanges and share seafood meals with island villagers.
• Snorkel pristine atolls and witness manta rays in crystal waters.
• Reflect at Nissan Island’s WWII memorials and Tol massacre site.
• Explore climate resilience programs and remote Solomon Sea corners.
Take our included charter flight from Cairns to Rabaul before boarding the Coral Adventurer at 4:00pm in this bustling Papua New Guinea port town. Join our expedition staff as they introduce you to the journey and the many experiences you will enjoy. This evening, join the Captain’s welcome drinks and meet your crew and fellow guests as the sun sets.
Discover significant WWII history, alongside innovative climate resilience programs. Meet facilitators of community development projects, including solar power and water supply initiatives, addressing climate change impacts.
Visit the memorial commemorating 160 Australian soldiers of the 2/22nd Battalion executed here in 1942. On return, enjoy a seafood lunch prepared by village women and explore Japanese caves or visit the local high school.
Explore this tranquil bay with white sandy beaches and tropical palms. Visit the spectacular waterfall flowing from mountainside to beach, engage with villagers at the local carving market and cruise the Kalamalage River to a WWII flagpole.
Honour fallen Australian soldiers at the newly erected 2025 memorial. Discover Dr. Andrew Forrest’s connection to this location and experience cultural performances before exploring Japanese WWII wrecks and limestone karst formations—diving option available at Linden Reef, including Japanese plane wreck diving and Elsie’s Reef for snorkelling.
Enjoy pristine waters at this uninhabited reef perfect for swimming, diving and snorkelling. The crystal-clear waters showcase fantastic coral and marine biodiversity, making it an ideal location for beach refreshments in paradise.
Immerse yourself in the ancient Kula Ring traditions and the rich culture of Milne Bay. Experience traditional welcome ceremonies and cultural performances before enjoying water activities in these remote Kiriwina Islands.
Search for manta rays at their cleaning station on this island, home to just 20 members of the Mailulu family. Discover blue economy opportunities while savouring local delicacies, such as sago fish patties.
Experience village life and spot a diverse array of birdlife, including pied imperial pigeons and eclectus parrots. Learn about palm oil plantation impacts before moving to Delima Island for exceptional reef diving and snorkelling.
Visit the turtle sanctuary where conservation efforts protect nesting green and hawksbill turtles. Engage with local sea rangers working to support Papua New Guinea’s blue economy through marine protection initiatives. Snorkelling and diving opportunities available.
Disembark at 8:30am in Papua New Guinea’s capital. Bid farewell to new-found friends, the Captain and crew.
Itineraries are subject to change.
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CORAL DECK STATEROOM
PROMENADE DECK STATEROOM
EXPLORER DECK BALCONY STATEROOM
BRIDGE DECK BALCONY STATEROOM
BRIDGE DECK BALCONY SUITE
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Book now |
CORAL DECK STATEROOM
PROMENADE DECK STATEROOM
EXPLORER DECK BALCONY STATEROOM
BRIDGE DECK BALCONY STATEROOM
BRIDGE DECK BALCONY SUITE
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship
Length: 93.4 meters
Passenger Capacity: 120 (60 staterooms)
Built: 2019
Coral Adventurer is a modern expedition cruise ship launched in 2019, purpose-built to explore Australia’s remote coastlines and international tropical destinations in comfort and style. With a capacity of just 120 guests, she strikes a perfect balance between small-ship intimacy and ocean-going capability. Her shallow draught and state-of-the-art navigation systems allow access to isolated regions unreachable by larger vessels, while dual Xplorer tenders and a fleet of zodiacs provide safe, seamless access to remote shores. Designed with wide open spaces and warm, natural interiors by Brisbane-based Arkhefield, Coral Adventurer embodies the spirit of Australian adventure, hospitality, and connection to the great outdoors.
All staterooms are outside-facing with ensuites, most featuring private balconies, and range from elegant Bridge Deck Suites to well-appointed Coral Deck cabins. Guests enjoy single-seating dining, where fresh, locally sourced meals are prepared in an open-view galley and served with boutique Australian wines. Life onboard is relaxed and sociable, with a sundeck bar, panoramic promenade deck, lecture lounge, library, and even a gym. Coral Adventurer also offers complimentary Wi-Fi, a lift between decks, and high levels of guest-crew interaction, creating a welcoming, immersive expedition experience in some of the world’s most spectacular natural environments.
Inclusions
• All excursions with our Expedition Team
• Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and Kayaks
• Snorkelling & SCUBA equipment (SCUBA diving at an additional cost)
• Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
• All meals, chef-prepared on board
• Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
• Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
• 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
• All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
• Tips and gratuities
• Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
• Your expedition photos captured during the voyage
• Post-cruise transfers
• Wifi Access – Standard speed connectivity enabling email, social image sharing, web browsing and messaging
• Snorkelling equipment – On selected voyages only where snorkelling is available
Exclusions
• Pre-cruise transfers
• Pre and post cruise flights/charter flights – Please note on some of our international voyages we do have charter flights as an option. This can be included in the cruise fare price, this information will be listed under each itinerary
• Pre and post cruise accommodation
• Travel Insurance
• Entry visas & travel permits for the country you are travelling to/from
• Alcoholic & non alcoholic specialty beverages outside of lunch and dinner service
• Premium Internet services
• Laundry service (available at a cost)
• Items of a personal nature such souvenir purchases
• Optional helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls is approximately $890 per person. Subject to a minimum of 12 passengers. Helicopter flights are booked once onboard, with a 24hr cancellation policy. – Please note this in on our Kimberley voyage only
• Scuba Diving – Optional extra on selected voyages only
Expedition
Our Associates Include
