16 Oct 2019

Finding Paradise on Little Mussau Island

"Welcome to paradise," says marine specialist Courtney as the bow of our Zodiac nudges the pristine, white sand beach of Little Mussau Island.

With nodding palms lining the shore, ancient trees supporting numerous hammocks and branches reaching across the sea to provide shade in and out the glassy water, it's the perfect spot to enjoy a sensational beach buffet lunch courtesy of chefs Juergen and Bek.

The afternoon was spent snorkelling the expansive, colourful coral reef teeming with neon-lit fish, Christmas Tree Worms and giant clams, just metres from the beach while Black-tipped Reef Sharks lazily patrolled in the distance, exploring the island and rehydrating with fresh coconut juice sipped from the source sitting in the shallows under the dappled light of the trees.

Earlier in the day on larger sibiling Mussau Island, while the birders were spotting endemics Mussau Fantail and Mussau Monarch with Dan, we followed a dirt road through its regenerating forest to a small waterfall and swimming hole.

The cool water was instantly refreshing and a knotted rope hanging from a towering tree supporting several species fern, mosses and vines above the waterfall offers a Tarzan moment for some of the more adventurous expeditioners who swing out over the falls, cannonballing into the swimming hole below.

With the local school closed for the holidays, we Zodiac cruise the topaz waters watching the shadows of golf umbrella-sized rays gliding over the white sand and green sea turtles breaking the surface as they catch another breath before sliding back beneath the water.

Back on board Spirit of Enderby with sun-pink faces, we join Dan in the lecture room for his informative Pacific Discoverers presentation before pre-dinner drinks and a recap of another unforgettable day on 'Melanesia Discoverer'.

© Image E. Bell, Heritage Expeditions