Linblad Expeditions

Lautoka, Fiji to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Prepare for an adventure befitting the early European explorers. We embark from Lautoka, Fiji’s second largest city, where we’ll see the scenic Koroyanitu Range on the horizon. Next, it’s on to the Yasawas, a handsome string of islands stretching through the sapphire waters. Moving on to Tanna, Efate and Ambryn, we’ll hike to the rim of an active volcano, explore the underwater remains of an old shipwreck, and witness the ceremonial Rom Dance, where islanders don masks and banana leaves, dancing as spirits. The South Pacific is nothing if not an ever-flowing feast for the senses!

As our ship clips on towards Luganville, we’ll see how the U.S. presence changed this town forever. We visit Million Dollar Point, where U.S. military equipment was abandoned after WWII. Next, we explore the Torres Islands by foot and, for those interested in snorkeling, underwater. On the Solomons, we learn about the islands’ fascinating recent history and cruise past an active volcano. At Port Mary on Santa Ana, we observe the locals engage in a dazzling dance with spears and mud facemasks. Those wishing to do a bit of shopping will find beautifully made handicrafts.

Exploring Honiara and Ghizo, we’ll learn about these islands’ World War II history as we visit old battle sites. There will also be opportunities for snorkeling, diving and birding. Our captain will anchor our ship off nearby Kennedy Island, named after John F. Kennedy who swam ashore here during WWII. At Wabola and Bolaluna Islands we’ll meet the inhabitants and be invited into their thatched huts. In the Trobriands, we also experience a cultural exchange as we see the villager’s traditional homes and elaborate canoes (photo left). Here we will also enjoy beachcombing, swimming, kayaking and snorkeling in the inviting blue waters.

Ship

Detailed Itinerary

Day 4 - Yasawa Group/Viwa, Fiji
This uniquely elongated chain of islands remains largely cut off from civilization. There are only a handful of scattered human settlements here on the islands’ rocky volcanic landscapes. Yasawa’s natural beauty is mesmerizing. When we arrive here our captain will position the ship for snorkeling, diving, swimming and kayaking off the Yasawa’s white-sand beaches and clear blue lagoons.

Those interested will also have the chance to explore Sawa-I-Lau, a special treat indeed! This limestone, dome-shaped cave that rises above the water’s surface to capture sunlight in its deepest reaches is one of the geologic wonders of the region. With a guide and the right light, we will have the opportunity to swim through its underwater tunnel into an adjacent chamber. This afternoon we will visit the forested village of Viwa with its beautiful little church. There will be options for snorkeling and diving here as well.

Day 5 - At Sea
Today will be spent at sea en route to the idyllic island of Tanna. Get to know your fellow guests and your Expedition Team. Or, just relax in a deck chair and soak in the sun as National Geographic Endeavour sails on.

Day 6 - Tanna, Vanuatu
We will spend the day in an Edenlike setting on Tanna, a delightful island of forests, falling waters, exotic blossoms, coffee plantations, towering mountains and the active volcano Mt. Yasur which presides over it all. In the local dialect Tanna means “earth” and here you will see the fruits of the earth at their finest. We anchor off Port Resolution, a gorgeous bay with flower-lined trails leading to the beach and stunning cliffs rising up from the landscape.

We will visit a local village on Tanna and those interested may choose to take a guided hike to the rim of Mt. Yasur where there will be opportunities to look down into the crater from the rim.

Day 7 - Port Vila, Efate
Today we will land at Port Vila on Efate, built around a horseshoeshaped bay, Vila Bay, with excellent views of the outlying islands from its steep hills. We’ll take a scenic drive around this beautiful town, whose French history gives it a certain verve. We’ll tour the local art gallery and visit a brewery — those interested may partake in an optional dive to an old shipwreck offshore. Vila’s bustling produce, flower and handicraft market is a great place to absorb the local culture. In addition, you may pay a visit to the National Museum of Vanuatu which houses one of the largest collection of traditional artifacts in the South Pacific.

Day 8 - Ambrym
Today is filled with adventure when call on Ambrym, with its twin volcanoes of Mt. Marum and Mt. Benbow. Ambryn is also known for its incredible dancers; in a ceremonial “Rom Dance,” islanders don masks and banana leaves to appear as spirits. After the dance, the costume is burned so that the spirit cannot haunt the dancer.

Day 9 - Luganville, Espiritu Santo
Today we sail to Luganville on Espiritu Santo, where we’ll immerse ourselves in history. We will drive to Luganville’s World War II sites:a former U.S. air strip and Million Dollar Point, where hundreds of tons of U.S. military equipment were dumped after WWII.

This afternoon our captain will reposition the ship; divers can go to the SS Calvin Coolidge troop carrier — one of the world’s best wreck dives to explore.

Day 10 - Torres Islands
The beauty of this stretch of islands emanates from its simplicity; people here move about in canoes and surfing is the most popular activity. Dazzling white-sand beaches offer opportunities for water sports or lounging; Loh and Toga are a good place to see megapodes, birds that lay their eggs in earthen mounds. Tegua and Hue are ideal locales for snorkeling.

Day 11 - Nendo & Reef Islands, Santa Cruz
Today we will visit the Solomon Islands, settled as early as 25,000 BC by skull-worshiping tribes. Today, the Solomons remain some of the least-touristed, most divefriendly islands in the South Pacific with an exotic underwater realm, flowing rivers and brightly-hued coral reefs.

Day 12 - Santa Ana
This morning we are at sea, en route to the village of Port Mary on Santa Ana Island. We are welcomed by a stunning dance by the villagers with spears and mud face masks. Soak in the culture as we set foot on the shores of this lovely island. There will be opportunities for snorkeling and nature walks, or exploring the town with its plethora of local handicrafts.

Day 13 - Honiara & Sand Fly Passages
This morning we’ll explore Honiara, the capital of the Solomons which gained notoriety as a U.S. supply depot during World War II. There are historic battlefields scattered throughout the city’s topography, which we will discover when we explore the city with a local guide. This afternoon we’ll immerse ourselves in the beautiful beaches of the Sand Fly Passages, snorkeling, diving and kayaking.

Day 14 - Ghizo & Kennedy Island
National Geographic Endeavour will approach the island of Ghizo as we cruise past Kolombangara then through the Blackett Strait. We spend the day here exploring the outdoor market and eyeing local handicrafts. We will also learn about the history of Ghizo as a base for Japanese seaplanes during WWII. Birders may also find some interesting endemics, and divers may explore the nearby Toa Maru wreck.

At lunchtime our captain repositions the ship at Kennedy Island, where we’ll enjoy a barbecue, beachcombing and reef diving. The island was named after John F. Kennedy, who swam ashore here with ten shipmates during WWII after the Japanese sank their patrol boat.

Day 15 - Laughlan, Papua New Guinea
This morning we anchor the ship off of Wabola and Bolaluna Islands, which we will approach by Zodiac in small groups. Once there we’ll see the undeveloped landscape here scattered with thatched huts, which we will enter on invitation by the locals. There will also be an opportunity to visit a school on Bolaluna Island. This afternoon we will relax on board or on shore; those interested may snorkel and dive off the beautiful shores of these remote islands.

Day 16 - Kitava, Trobriands
Today we will visit a wonderful little village on the island of Kitava in the Trobriands. We’ll see an entirely different way of life here with the villagers’ traditional houses and yam storage huts, as well as beautiful handicrafts. These are ocean-going people who move about in canoes and live off the sea. We’ll become acquainted with them and their way of life as we are invited into their village. This afternoon there are opportunities for beachcombing, swimming and snorkeling.

Day 17 - D’entrecasteaux
This morning we visit Deboyne Atoll, where we’ll go ashore on Panniet Island. Take a guided walk with our naturalists from one end of the island to the other — a beautiful stretch and a lovely hike. This afternoon there will be opportunities for snorkeling and diving before our ship departs for Nivani, where we will snorkel near the wreck of a Japanese Zero.

Day 18 - Suau, Papua New Guinea
This morning we may call on Suau Island to observe a fascinating dance by locals. We may also visit Argyle Bay with its dense, cool forest, great for hikes with our naturalists. The bay is also ideal for snorkeling. Lastly, the village here offers plenty of exotic delights to explore on your own. This evening we set sail for our final destination, Port Moresby.

Day 19 - Port Moresby/Disembark/Los Angeles/Home
Depart for home on an early morning flight, crossing the International Dateline and arriving in the U.S. earlier on the same day.

Cost of This Itinerary

The least expensive cabin costs:
$556 per person per night

The most expensive stateroom costs:
$924 per person per night