Papua New Guinea
Small Footprints. Infinite Horizons
Explore
This Destination
Join fellow adventurers aboard Paspaley Pearl to discover Papua New Guinea’s remarkable coastal diversity. From volcanic islands to pristine coral atolls, we journey through one of the world’s most culturally rich regions where over 800 languages and distinct traditions thrive across dramatic landscapes.Â
Our expedition navigates from the remote Samarai Islands, once known as the “Pearl of the Pacific,” to the dramatic fjord-like inlets of Tufi. Throughout our journey, we’ll experience genuine cultural exchanges with communities whose traditional ways remain largely unchanged by outside influence. With just 30 guests and our expert team, we’ll form collective memories through shared experiences in places few travellers ever reach.Â
Expeditions
Papua New Guinea’s Hidden Secrets
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.
Sepik Traditions and Island Mysteries
Welcome to your North Coast expedition—where the mighty Sepik River meets traditional island cultures, and every village preserves customs unchanged for millennia.
A circumnavigation of New Britain
Welcome to your New Britain circumnavigation—where active volcanoes meet ancient traditions, and every day reveals dramatic contrasts between pristine wilderness and living history.
trobriand
islands
Witness colourful traditional dances on these "Islands of Love," where one of the world's most culturally intact societies maintains distinctive traditions, including the fascinating Kula exchange system spanning 18 island communities.
tufi
Journey by traditional outrigger canoe through dramatic fjord-like inlets to witness authentic sago production and experience vibrant cultural ceremonies featuring the region's distinctive tapa cloth adorned with geometric patterns unique to each village.
tami
Islands
Discover the masterful artistic traditions of these four atolls encircling a turquoise lagoon, where the famous "Tami style" of wooden carvings has influenced communities throughout the coastal Huon Peninsula.
tuam
Island
Experience the exceptional warmth of traditional welcome ceremonies on this small but culturally rich island, where music and dance performances highlight the fascinating exchanges between mainland and archipelago traditions.
Madang, Papua New Guinea
Begin your expedition from the "Pearl of the South Pacific," where a picturesque harbour dotted with volcanic islands sets the stage for our circumnavigation of New Britain Island.
Kopar Village, Sepik River
Experience daily life at the mouth of Papua New Guinea's mightiest river, where traditional stilt houses stand over water, crocodiles are worshipped as water spirits, and the famous "dragon dance" welcomes our small expedition group.
Ali Island
Connect with a rarely visited island community that welcomes us with vibrant sing-sing ceremonies and offers insights into traditional lifestyles where the indigenous Yakamul language is spoken and ancient customs blend with contemporary aspirations.
Watam Village, Broken Water Bay
Witness one of the expedition's most elaborate welcome ceremonies featuring impressive dragon-like figures made from pandanus branches, feathers, paint, and shells that lead processions into this easternmost village of East Sepik Province.
Kimbe Bay
Discover one of Earth's most biodiverse marine environments within the Coral Triangle, featuring over 860 reef fish species and dramatic underwater landscapes created by ancient volcanic activity.
Morobe Harbour
Connect with coastal villagers who maintain traditional fishing practices and canoe-building techniques, and witness a special canoe race held in honor of our visit to this historically significant settlement.
Deboyne Lagoon
Experience the stunning triangular atoll where traditional communities welcome us to their palm-fringed shores, while crystal-clear waters reveal remnants of the 1942 Battle of the Coral Sea beneath the surface.
Samarai Islands
Explore colonial remnants on what was once called the "Pearl of the Pacific," and discover nearby Kwato Island's remarkable mission history, where expert boat-building skills later supported Australian forces during WWII.
Duke of York Islands
Experience traditional village life in this archipelago where Methodist missionaries established their first Pacific mission in 1875, and enjoy snorkelling among vibrant coral reefs off white sandy beaches.
Awar Village, Hansa Bay
Discover a coastal inlet that served as a major Japanese naval base during WWII, with opportunities to snorkel on a shipwreck after experiencing welcome ceremonies in a community balancing traditional practices with outside influences.
Other Destinations
Jul 2025 - Sep 2026
Navigate 14-meter tides sculpting formations, casting lines in pristine waters where few have fished. Discover rock art galleries, swim beneath waterfalls, and explore secret locations accessible only to the expedition vessel.
Dec 2025 - Apr 2026
Swim with gentle whale sharks in Saleh Bay, walk among Komodo dragons, and snorkel Raja Ampat's coral formations. Navigate Spice Islands, join village ceremonies, and witness traditional ikat weaving firsthand.
Dec 2025 - March 2026
Journey by traditional klotok boats to Camp Leakey, witnessing endangered orangutans at the world-renowned conservation centre, before exploring Indonesia's volcanic landscapes and encountering Komodo dragons.
