Welcome to your Papua New Guinea expedition—where ancient traditions thrive across 800 distinct cultures, and every village welcomes you into ways of life unchanged for millennia.
Over the next 11 days, you’ll paddle traditional outrigger canoes through Tufi’s mysterious fjords, witness elaborate ceremonies in remote tribal villages, and snorkel above WWII wrecks in crystal-clear lagoons. This isn’t cultural tourism—you’ll participate in traditional sago production, and learn ancient carving techniques from master artisans.
Each morning brings new cultural encounters as we navigate between volcanic islands and pristine coral atolls. You’ll step ashore to traditional welcomes featuring colourful adornments and rhythmic dances, be introduced to the famous Kula exchange ceremonies spanning 18 island communities, and witness tapa cloth creation using techniques passed down through countless generations.
From exploring colonial remnants on Samarai Island—once called the “Pearl of the Pacific”— every encounter becomes part of your shared story. Our small expedition community of just 30 guests ensures genuine cultural exchanges rather than staged performances.
This is cultural immersion as it should be: authentic, respectful, and utterly transformative. Your Papua New Guinea adventure begins the moment you board Paspaley Pearl.
Day-by-Day Adventures
Cairns, Australia
- Your Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef
Board Paspaley Pearl in tropical Queensland, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Meet fellow adventurers over welcome cocktails while our expedition team prepares you for transformative cultural encounters across Papua New Guinea’s extraordinary diversity of 800 distinct languages and traditions.
DAY 1
At Sea
- Cultural expertise and remarkable diversity
Connect with your expedition community during our Coral Sea crossing as cultural experts introduce Papua New Guinea’s remarkable diversity. Learn basic Tok Pisin greetings, understand traditional customs you’ll witness, and study art forms we’ll encounter while keeping an eye out spotting marine life from the deck.
DAYS 2-3
Samarai Islands
- Historic expeditions across WWII Landmarks
Explore colonial remnants on the former “Pearl of the Pacific” and visit Kwato Island’s historic mission. Walk tree-lined roads where traders once operated, then discover the stone church built in 1937 and learn how expert boat-building skills later supported Australian Coastwatchers during WWII.
DAY 4
Deboyne Lagoon
- Traditional experiences in crystal watersÂ
Experience traditional subsistence village life in this stunning triangular atoll where crystal-clear waters surround palm-fringed islands. Interact with welcoming communities, and snorkel above a Japanese Zero fighter plane resting since the 1942 Battle of the Coral Sea.
DAY 5
Trobriand Islands
- Ancestral expeditions with sacred value
Witness traditional dances on the famous “Islands of Love” where elaborate costumes and rhythmic movements retain ancestral power. Participate in Kula exchange ceremonies spanning 18 island communities, handling sacred valuables that establish lifelong relationships and bind communities across vast ocean distances.
DAY 6
Tufi
- Authentic volcanic experiences
Board traditional outrigger canoes to explore the dramatic volcanic fjords rising 150 meters from the water. Witness authentic sago production using unchanged traditional techniques, participate in tapa cloth creation with natural dyes, and swim in pristine waters surrounded by Papua New Guinea’s most spectacular landscapes.
DAY 7
Morobe Harbour
- EXPERIENCE AUTHENTIC COASTAL REGIONS
Experience authentic coastal village life where traditional fishing, canoe building, and subsistence farming continue unchanged. Join village walks observing daily activities, then cheer traditional canoe races staged in your honour while learning the cultural significance of vessel construction in coastal societies.
DAY 8
Tami Islands
- See mainland and archipelago traditions up close
Discover the Pacific’s most influential art production centre where the famous “Tami style” wooden bowls, religious figures, and ceremonial masks are created. Try basic carving under expert guidance, fish using traditional methods, and swim in crystal-clear lagoons.
DAY 9
Tuam Island
- Traditional experiences and performances
Experience exceptional warmth through traditional music and dance performances showcasing exchanges between mainland and archipelago traditions. Despite its modest size, this culturally rich island reflects Papua New Guinea’s extraordinary diversity through ceremonies, songs, and stories shared by welcoming families
DAY 10
Madang
- visit diverse regions and volcanic wonders
Conclude your cultural odyssey in the “Pearl of the South Pacific,” where volcanic islands dot the natural harbour. Visit local markets showcasing regional diversity, observe how traditional and modern influences blend, carrying memories of genuine cultural exchanges and transformative community connections.
DAY 11
Departure dates
Ocean Double/Single Stateroom
$17,495
Ocean Twin Stateroom
$18,495
Ocean Stateroom
$19,995
Horizon Suite
$23,995
Pearl Suite
$28,995
Prices are in AUD$ per person based on twin share. Single supplement pricing is available on application. *Sole occupancy of stateroom #107 attracts no single surcharge.
Ocean Double/Single Stateroom
$18,495
Ocean Twin Stateroom
$19,995
Ocean Stateroom
$20,995
Horizon Suite
$25,995
Pearl Suite
$30,995
Prices are in AUD$ per person based on twin share. Single supplement pricing is available on application. *Sole occupancy of stateroom #107 attracts no single surcharge.
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