Duration
10
Nights
Uncharted Melanesia
Cairns/Kavieng
to
Buka and Return
Uncharted Melanesia Cruises
Overview
Life's Different After Uncharted Melanesia
A welcome shared through song. Your first look beneath the surface of an island reef. An afternoon exploring by adventure boat, with another island waiting beyond the bow.
This journey takes you through Papua New Guinea’s island communities, from Kavieng to the shores of Bougainville. Explore the Tabar and Tanga Islands, discover Nuguria and spend two full days at the Nissan Islands. Along the way, step ashore to meet the people who call these places home. Their stories are as much a part of the adventure as the reefs and lagoons.
Return charter flights ex Cairns ARE INCLUDED in the tariff. This itinerary is provided as example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. Helicopter flights can be purchased additional to the indicated tariff as a package or individually.
ITINERARY
Kavieng
Join the True North crew in Kavieng, where your adventure begins. Settle into your cabin, meet your fellow guests and head to the alfresco bar for a welcome drink. Over dinner, hear what lies ahead: ten nights of island exploration, days spent in and on the water, and time with communities far from the usual travel routes. We begin our passage towards the Tabar Islands.
Tabar Islands
The adventure boats head out for our first full day of exploring. Discover the Tabar Islands from the water, then take a closer look beneath the surface with a dive or snorkel. Time ashore introduces you to island life and the people who know these waters best. Back on board, compare discoveries over dinner. It doesn’t take long for a group of new faces to become familiar company.
Tanga Islands
Today we explore the Tanga Islands, with time to get out in the adventure boats and into the water. Follow the reef with a mask and snorkel, or join the divers for a closer look at the coral and fish life below. Step ashore to meet our hosts and hear about life in their island community. These conversations give you a different understanding of the places we visit, one that stays with you long after we move on.
Nurguria
Nuguria brings a change of scenery: low islands and a broad lagoon, with plenty to draw you out on the water. Explore by adventure boat, dive or snorkel the reefs, and spend time ashore getting to know the community. Take your time here. A conversation on the beach or another few minutes watching the fish can become the moment you remember most.
Southwest New Ireland
Today takes us through St George’s Channel and along Southwest New Ireland. Head out with the crew to explore the coastline, or spend more time discovering its reefs with a dive or snorkel. From the adventure boats, the shore comes into closer view. From beneath the surface, another part of New Ireland reveals itself. Return to True North for dinner and an evening sharing stories from the day.
Nissan Islands
Our first day at the Nissan Islands introduces you to the lagoon, surrounding reefs and island communities. Head ashore with our guides to learn about the islands’ place in World War II and hear the stories that connect past and present. Then swap walking shoes for fins. Dive or snorkel among the coral and fish life, or explore further by adventure boat. With another full day here tomorrow, there’s time to get to know the islands.
Nissan Islands
A second morning at Nissan means another day to explore. Head back into the water, discover a different stretch of reef or join the adventure boats to see more of the islands. There’s time to linger over the details: fish moving through the coral, a view across the lagoon, a conversation continued from yesterday. Finish with a drink on deck as we prepare for the next part of the journey.
Carteret Islands
Step ashore in the Carteret Islands to meet the people who make their home on these low-lying islands. Spend time in the community, hear their stories and learn about the relationship between island life and the surrounding sea. The afternoon takes us back to the water for diving, snorkelling and a beach swim. Later, enjoy sunset drinks with your fellow guests before returning on board for dinner.
Zune Islands
Today is devoted to exploring the Zune Islands. Set out with the crew in the adventure boats, take in the island shores and make time for another swim. By now, heading out for the day feels familiar: gather your gear, climb into an adventure boat and see what catches your attention. Back on board, the dinner conversation picks up where the exploring left off.
Pok Pok Islands
A welcome sing-sing introduces you to Pok Pok Island, with music and dance bringing everyone together ashore. Meet our hosts, explore their handmade crafts and spend time talking with the people behind them. There’s more to discover in the water, with diving and snorkelling rounding out our final full day. Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner with the crew and the friends you’ve made along the way.
Buka
Enjoy a final breakfast on board as we arrive in Buka. Then it’s time to farewell the crew and disembark. Ten nights ago, these islands were names on an itinerary. Now they’re places you’ve explored, people you’ve met and stories you’ll take home. Life’s different after True North.
Beloved by True Adventurers
Guest Reviews
Impossible to beat – wonderful crew, scenery & outings. To all the boys & girls aboard, you made it for us!!! Thanks heaps!
Thank you all for a most incredible experience. Each & every member of the crew has displayed a great attitude, consistently courteous, helpful & with a sense of fun. So...
Thank you all for a most incredible experience. Each & every member of the crew has displayed a great attitude, consistently courteous, helpful & with a sense of fun. So many smiles!!! We have truly appreciated this wonderful opportunity to see this amazing part of our country and in such style! We will be back in December!
An absolutely wonderful holiday never to be forgotten. The people & Crew, the standard of service & the sights are just wonderful. See you again in October
We have travelled the globe by land, sea, air and this voyage has topped it all. Incredible, a big thank you to True North. Spreading the joy and love.
What a wonderful trip! Truly one of a lifetime. The crew, accommodations, food etc… incredible. Sam and I hope to be back again before too long.
The most amazing experience. We have loved every second of our trip. Your crew are exceptional and we could want for nothing. We’ll definitely be back.
Another wonderful trip, thank you to all.
Well above expectations. Just great!
Departure Dates Upcoming Departures
Cabin Pricing
Per person in $AUD, based on double occupancy of cabin.
Ocean Class $31,995
Ocean Premium $36,595
River Class $39,595
Explorer Class $43,995
Cabin Pricing
Per person in $AUD, based on double occupancy of cabin.
Ocean Class $32,995
Ocean Premium $38,595
River Class $41,595
Explorer Class $46,595
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