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At Sea Again, 24 May Philippines, 29 April

Heritage Expeditions

Melanesia Discoverer

Uncover the hidden gems of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. From the culturally rich arterial of the Sepik River we sail north across the Bismarck Sea to the remote shores of Manus and Mussau Islands. Manus has the lowest density of people in all New Guinea with its people still living a very traditional lifestyle. Next delve into the history, culture and wildlife of New Ireland and New Britain, in Rabaul we witness a local tribe's fire dance where intricately crafted masks dance over red-hot coals in a centuries old ritual to honour the local deity-spirits.

We cross the Buka Channel and at Nissan Island can view reminders of the brief but intensive World War II activities during which the islands were recaptured by Kiwi and British forces from the Japanese occupiers. Then enter a long isolated world as we are amongst the first travellers to return to Bougainville in over two decades. Sailing through the turquoise waters of the Solomon Islands, new vistas and unexpected encounters await.

For birders this itinerary offers once in a lifetime species on remote islands where few have been before. The birding potential is exceptional and highlights may include the Superb Pitta, identifiable by its black plumage with turquoise blue wings and scarlet belly. Endemic to the Solomon Islands we will be on the lookout for the Roviana Rail and Solomon Sea Eagle. Allowing birders to maximise the opportunities available to them there will be an optional specialised birding programme with customised excursions.

These waters also offer some of the greatest diving in the world and while everybody will have the opportunity to snorkel and appreciate the beauty beneath the waves, we also offer an optional scuba diving programme for those wishing to maximise their underwater experiences. Close to the Solomon Islands wrecks are scattered across the ocean floor, an indication of the fierce naval battles that took place in this area during World War II. Today these wrecks provide divers with plenty to explore as they now form spectacular reefs which attract masses of fish and coral gardens of all colours. Whether you are snorkelling or diving this ocean aquarium is waiting to
be discovered.

For dates and rates, and the full itinerary please click the tabs under the heading above.

Departures

Melanesia Discoverer
Voyage #: 1357

11 October, 2013 to 24 October, 2013

Main Deck Triple $6995.00 USD pp Available

Main Deck $7995.00 USD pp Available

Superior $8995.00 USD pp Available

Superior Plus $9700.00 USD pp Available

Mini Suite $10700.00 USD pp Available

Heritage Suite $11500.00 USD pp Available

Additional charges:

Discovery Fund $500.00 USD pp

This trip includes:

All meals and 24 hour tea and coffee station aboard the ship. Use of snorkel equipment where available. All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac excluding optional specialised birding and diving programmes. Programme of lectures by noted naturalists. All onshore tips, service taxes and port charges. Comprehensive pre-departure material. Airport transfers at the beginning and end of your voyage.

This trip does not include:

Extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, baggage/accident/travel protection plan, items of a personal nature such as bar, e-mail, and laundry. Gratuities to ship's crew at your discretion. Airfares are an additional cost.

Extensions:

Diving Supplement $800 per person

Birding Supplment $500 per person

Kayaking Supplement $995 per person

Melanesia Discoverer itinerary:

Day 1: Madang, Papua New Guinea

Arrive in the port town of Madang and transfer to the Madang Resort for the first night. This evening meet with your fellow travellers and the expedition team over dinner at the resort.

Day 2: Madang

Madang is a thriving community renowned for its traditional artists, world class diving opportunities and the richness of its surrounding forests. This morning visit the Lababia Wildlife Management Area with its tall forest and rich diversity of wildlife, before returning to Madang to explore the markets with your Guides. Optional excursions this morning for bird and diving enthusiasts. This afternoon board the Spirit of Enderby, settle into your cabin and join the Captain and your expedition team on the Bridge as we set sail.

Days 3 to 4: Sepik River

Sure to be one of the highlights of our expedition. The Sepik River is the longest river in Papua New Guinea, it is a rich arterial that has fostered great traditional artists. We plan to explore the river by Zodiac following tributaries and channels in search of local wildlife. We also meet with the villagers and marvel at their artistry.

Day 5: Manus Island

Seldom visited and little known, Manus Island is considered a jewel in the crown of Papua New Guinea. Biologically isolated, the islands are home to a high proportion of endemic species including the Superb Pitta which is likely to be one of the birding highlights of the expedition. The waters around Manus offer some of the most spectacular and rich diving in the region, seldom explored waters promising a myriad of ‘first’ diving opportunities.

Day 6: Mussa Island

Mussa Island represents one of the western-most extensions of the Lapita culture. Spend time with the local people to learn about their special culture and life on this remote outpost in the Pacific.

Day 7: Kavieng, New Ireland

Historic Kavieng has significant evidence from the large Japanese occupation. Birders will leave early for the highlands while the rest of the group will spend the morning exploring the town of Kavieng and its history. Later snorkel in the clear waters of the local reefs. Divers will spend the day in the company of local dive experts.

Day 8: Rabaul, New Britain

Six beautifully cone-shaped volcanoes ring Rabaul’s dramatic flooded-caldera harbour. Visit the bubbling hot springs and take in magnificent views of the harbour and volcanoes from Observatory Ridge. We are planning a very special performance tonight of the Baining tribe’s fire dance. Rabaul is world renowned for the excellent diving opportunities.

Day 9: Nissan Island

A tropical atoll bathed in rich tropical currents Nissan Island’s waters abound in marine life. Seldom has anybody had the opportunity to discover this world which promises abundant pelagic fish life and pristine coral reefs. Ashore there are still reminders of the brief but intensive World War II activities on this island, meet with the friendly locals and search the dense woods for some of the elusive birds that occur here.

Day 10: Bougainville Island

We plan to be amongst the first expeditioners to re-discover the treasures of Bougainville, long isolated and in a strange way protected by the conflict which swirled around its shores. A pristine island paradise it is home to some of the greatest biodiversity in the region both above and below the waters. With some of the most spectacular diving in the world; these reefs await rediscovery. We plan to explore the area around Arawa which offers great opportunities to access the island’s interior and reefs.

Day 11: Choiseul Island

Today we arrive in the Solomon Islands on the remote northern coast of Choiseul Island. This was once the home of the Choiseul Crested Pigeon and while it no longer walks the forest floor many other species still enliven the forest. We Zodiac cruise deep into the mangrove forest towards the Sui River Falls searching for Dugong and crocodiles.

Day 12: New Georgia Islands

The volcanic New Georgia Islands are found in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands. Birding enthusiasts will relish landing on Kolombangara Island, where we hope to see the rare Roviana Rail along with other endemic bird species. Nearby Ghizo Island has some of the best and most exciting diving in the world with World War II wrecks.

Day 13: Santa Isabel Island

The Arnavon Islands are north-west of Santa Isabel, an area rich in marine biodiversity and one of the most important rookeries in the Western Pacific for the endangered Hawksbill Turtle. The islands also support a high diversity of terrestrial fauna, with 41 species of birds, six species of bats, and at least seven species of terrestrial reptiles. Sensational diving and snorkelling can be experienced around the islands. In the afternoon we Zodiac cruise a chain of largely unpopulated islands off the north-western tip of Santa Isabel Island before visiting the unique village of Kia.

Day 14: Honiara, Solomon Islands

Honiara was founded by the British as a military base during World War II and was witness to the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. Tour Honiara, visiting historical sites including Henderson Airfield, war memorials and the open-air war museum or alternatively head to the rain-forested slopes of Mount Austen in search of some of the Solomon Islands’ most spectacular birds including the Solomon Sea Eagle. For those disembarking a transfer to your hotel or the airport will conclude your voyage OR join us to discover the Secrets of Melanesia.

During our voyage, circumstances may make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. This can include poor weather and opportunities for making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed.

This is an abridged version. Please contact Heritage Expeditions for a full itinerary.

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Spirit of Enderby

Our ship - The Spirit of Enderby:

The Spirit of Enderby is a fully ice-strengthened expedition vessel, built in 1984 for polar and oceanographic research and is perfect for Expedition Travel.

She carries just 50 passengers and was refurbished in March 2012 to provide comfortable accommodation in twin share cabins approximately half of which have private facilities. All cabins have outside windows or portholes and ample storage space.

On board there is a combined bar/library lounge area and a dedicated lecture room. The cuisine is excellent and is prepared by top NZ and Australian chefs.

The real focus and emphasis of every expedition is getting you ashore as often as possible for as long as possible with maximum safety and comfort. Our Expeditions are accompanied by some of the most experienced naturalists and guides, who have devoted a lifetime to field research in the areas that we visit. The ship is crewed by a very enthusiastic and most experienced Russian Captain and crew.

The name Spirit of Enderby honours the work and the vision of the Enderby Brothers of London. The Enderby Captains were at the forefront of Antarctic exploration for almost 40 years in the early 1800s. It also celebrates Enderby Island, arguably the greatest Subantarctic Island in the world.

Technical description:

Classification: Russian register KM ice class
Year built: 1984
Accommodation: 50 berths expedition
Shipyard: Finland
Main engines: power 2x1560 bhp (2x 1147 Kw)
Register: Russia
Maximum speed: 12 knots (2 engines),
Cruising speed: 10 knots(one engine)
Bunker capacity: 320 tons

Cabin details:

Heritage Suite: Has a large lounge area, a separate bedroom with double bed, a single bed in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe, drawers. There is a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. There are large forward and side facing windows to allow great views.

Mini Suites: Have a separate bedroom with a double bed and a single bed or a sofa in the lounge, wardrobe, drawers, a desk and a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. The Mini Suites have windows.

Superior Plus cabins: Have two lower berths, wardrobe, drawers, desk, a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.

Superior cabins: Have bunks (an upper and lower berth), wardrobe, drawers, a desk, a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.

Main deck cabins: Have two lower berths, wardrobe, drawers, a desk, washbasin and porthole. The nearby showers and toilets are shared with other Main deck cabins.

Main deck triple: Has one bunk (one upper and one lower) and one lower berth, wardrobe, drawers, a desk and wash basin. The nearby showers and toilets are shared with other Main deck cabins.