Papua New Guinea Discoverer - Small Ship Cruise
Sail among 850 distinct tribal cultures where 30,000-year-old traditions thrive in remote villages and pristine coral reefs support marine conservation.
Highlights
• Meet elders in villages where 30,000‑year traditions still thrive.
• Snorkel Calvados reefs and trek jungle paths among endemic life.
• Explore ancient trade routes and Blue Economy community initiatives.
• Support local community and conservation projects at sea.
Make your own way to the Cairns International Airport for check-in and charter briefing before joining the charter flight. After the charter flight guests will be transferred from Madang Airport to Madang Resort, where light finger food and refreshments will be provided. Board Coral Discoverer at 4:00pm in this bustling Papua New Guinea port town, where your remote island adventure begins.
Discover volcanic Umboi’s cultural heritage, then explore Tuam Island’s rich trading history dating to the Holocene era and unique windbreak innovations.
Cross the Dampier Strait to visit Apalo Village on New Britain Island’s remote southwestern tip. Engage with local fishing life and the methods and customs that exist today. In the afternoon, cruise the jungle-flanked Pulia River by Xplorer.
Experience colourful welcome rituals and traditional bilum weaving demonstrations at this seaside village on Papua’s mainland. Spend the afternoon exploring the biodiverse underwater worlds of Biangatu Island. Snorkelling and diving is available in Biangatu Island.
Enjoy onboard activities and presentations as we sail towards the remote islands of southeastern Papua New Guinea. Take time to process the cultural connections you’ve already made on this unique voyage.
Engage with vocational training and climate resilience projects in Bolu Bolu Village. Visit the community tourism school and enjoy water activities at nearby Wagifa Island, perfect for snorkelling and diving.
Choose between a moderate jungle walk to search for wildlife or visit Pwanapwana Village for a cultural experience. Later, relax on the white beaches of uninhabited Boia Boia Waga Island. Snorkelling and diving is available.
The ship will be positioned for the best water activities based on conditions. The Deboyne Lagoon features diverse reefs and islands teeming with marine life, offering excellent opportunities for kayaking and snorkelling.
Discover pristine atolls in the Calvados chain. Your Expedition Team will source the best locations for snorkelling, diving, swimming and kayaking amongst these remote coral formations.
This morning, rise early for a walk in search of endemic bird-of-paradise through uneven jungle pathways. Enjoy a traditional Mumu lunch before visiting Nuakata Island to learn about the Hale Vaka Initiative and traditional canoe building.
Discover the island of Samarai, once a key maritime hub connecting Australia and East Asia. Stroll through its vibrant local markets and learn about its pivotal role in regional trade and navigation before continuing towards the Coral Sea.
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as we sail towards Australia. Reflect on your Papua New Guinea discoveries and enjoy presentations about the remarkable places you’ve visited.
Arrive in Cairns at 7:00am for disembarkation at 8:00am. Bid farewell to newfound friends, the Master and crew. A post-cruise transfer to Cairns CBD hotels or the airport is included.
Embrace the unexpected - it's part of the adventure. This itinerary is a guide. We adjust plans based on weather, tides, wildlife, and opportunities we encounter. Remote communities may be unavailable due to local customs. Flexibility makes expeditions special.
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Main Deck B Stateroom
Main Deck A Stateroom
Promenade A Stateroom
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition
Length: 63 metres
Passenger Capacity: 72 (in 36 rooms)
Built: 2005 / Refurbished: 2016
Coral Discoverer is a small expedition yacht purpose-built for navigating remote and rarely accessed regions of Australia, including Tasmania, Cape York, Arnhem Land, and the Kimberley. Designed for adventure, she offers an intimate and immersive experience for just 72 guests, with all staterooms facing outwards and public areas showcasing sweeping ocean views. Thanks to her shallow draught, active stabilisers, and advanced navigation systems, Coral Discoverer can access destinations beyond the reach of larger vessels. Onboard, guests enjoy a relaxed, sociable atmosphere with single-seating dining, showcasing small-batch Australian cuisine, and a sundeck bar ideal for sunset drinks. The vessel also features an Xplorer tender for all-passenger shore excursions, zodiacs, kayaks, a glass-bottom boat, and a lecture lounge for expert presentations.
Accommodation includes five stateroom categories, from the spacious Bridge Deck Balcony rooms to cosy Main Deck options, all featuring ensuites and ocean views. Life onboard combines comfort with exploration: guests enjoy over 1,000 square metres of open deck space, a wraparound promenade, and access to the bridge. The atmosphere is informal yet refined, with no assigned seating, included drinks with meals, and a focus on Australian hospitality. Wi-Fi is available throughout, and facilities include a library, gift shop, and laundry service. With a dedicated Australian and New Zealand crew, Coral Discoverer delivers a truly local and enriching expedition experience.
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
Luxury Expedition
Our Associates Include
