Solomon Islands Secrets: Cruise from Guadalcanal to the Sepik River

Charter flights to the port of embarkation/ disembarkation (Longyearbyen, Ushuaia, Kangerlussuaq, Nuuk, Honiara, Jayapura and Sorong)
Group return transfers from airport to cruise port and to the hotel (where included)
One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel (exemptions apply)

The capital of the Solomon Islands, Honiara sits on the northeastern coast of Guadalcanal at the mouth of the Mataniko River. A relatively new city, it grew up around a U.S. military base during and after WWII. In 1952 it superseded Tulagi as the premier city of these islands. Honiara’s U.S. War Memorial provides a comprehensive war-history lesson of the area. Today the town is laid-back and relatively tourist free with a real-life atmosphere.

They say good things come in small packages. Njari is a tiny island located between the Wilson Strait and Vella Gulf in the Solomon Islands’ north region. An idyllic speck in the ocean, it’s almost entirely covered in trees. With hardly any infrastructure to speak of, the coves and bays remain unspoilt. Thousands of species of fish, rays, turtles, dolphins and sharks swim around the colourful coral.

Buka, the capital of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, offers an authentic introduction to one of the South Pacific’s most culturally distinctive regions. Local Melanesian communities maintain strong clan ties and a deep connection to land and sea, expressed through music, dance, oral traditions, and craftsmanship. The town also reflects a story of resilience and renewal, shaped by Bougainville’s ongoing journey toward greater self-determination.

Rabaul, the former capital of New Britain in Papua New Guinea's northeastern tip, is a town with a remarkable volcanic history. Situated inside a flooded caldera and near the active Tavurvur volcano, Rabaul has been rebuilt multiple times, including after the 1994 eruption. Its bustling markets, rich wartime heritage and a strategic harbour make Rabaul an intriguing destination. An observatory oversees the country's volcanic activity.

Tiny, far-flung Garove is part of the Vitu Islands in the Bismarck Sea and is defined by its rich marine biodiversity. The island wraps around a massive, horseshoe-shaped flooded caldera. Nearby dive sites reveal multi-hued fish darting among sea fans and anemones, while reef sharks, schooling jacks, and barracuda patrol the deep. Back on dry land, tiny villages nestle amid towering coconut palms.

Tami Island, a small and serene island in Papua New Guinea, is known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditional carvings. The island’s friendly community welcomes visitors to experience authentic local life, colorful art, and stunning coastal scenery. Surrounded by clear blue waters and coral reefs, Tami Island offers a peaceful escape infused with cultural warmth and natural beauty.

Characterised by dense rainforest, the miniscule volcanic island of Crown Island is barely five kilometres from end to end. Rugged jungle trails offer glimpses of birds of paradise, doves and pigeons, while sapphire waters hide colourful coral reefs beneath the surface. Nearby Kar Kar Island is home to one of the country's most active volcanoes, sprawling cocoa plantations and traditional villages dotted among imposing coconut palms.

Madang, a laid-back port town exuding a village vibe, presents a captivating blend of Pacific war history and natural beauty. At the Visitors and Cultural Bureau, WWII artefacts and exhibits recount the battles for this strategic outpost. The surrounding waters host coral reefs teeming with marine life. Rocky hiking trails traverse Mount Wilhelm, offering panoramic views, extending the allure beyond the town.

Manam Island is marked by an active stratovolcano, occasionally emitting ash plumes. The island's rugged valleys, forested crags, villages and cultures coexist in the shadow of this natural colossus. The area boasts numerous coral reefs, and Hansa Bay holds sunken American and Japanese ships, along with bombers and fighter planes. These waters have also witnessed sightings of hammerheads and tiger sharks.

Kopar Village, nestled along the Sepik River in Papua New Guinea, is a vibrant community renowned for its rich cultural traditions and elaborate riverine art. The village offers a unique window into the lives of the Sepik people, famous for their intricate spirit houses, woodcarvings, and ceremonial rituals. Surrounded by lush tropical rainforest and winding waterways, Kopar is a place where culture and nature blend seamlessly, providing an unforgettable glimpse into one of the world’s most fascinating river cultures.

Jayapura, Papua's provincial capital, serves as a base to explore the rugged Baliem Valley. Winding trails lead through verdant highlands to secluded waterfalls and saltwater springs. Traditional life endures in tribal villages hidden in the rainforest, featuring religious ceremonies or mock tribal wars. In Jayapura, museums recount the intense WWII battles, where Allied and Japanese forces clashed for control of the Pacific theatre.

Pulau Mansinam is a small island of great historical and spiritual importance, where Christianity and modern education were first introduced to Papua in 1855. Today, the island combines the quiet rhythm of village life with meaningful cultural landmarks, including historic churches and monuments. Overlooking Manokwari Bay with views toward the Arfak Mountains, Mansinam also offers insight into the strong sense of community and living traditions that continue to shape local life.

Sorong, located in West Papua, serves as a key transportation and logistical hub in eastern Indonesia. Set along the coast and surrounded by tropical landscapes, the city reflects the dynamic character of this remote region, shaped by maritime activity and regional connections. As the final point of the voyage, Sorong provides a practical gateway for onward travel, marking the conclusion of the expedition and guests’ return journey home.

Itineraries are subject to change.