Passage Through the Melanesian Arc

Port Moresby, situated on the Gulf of Papua on the SE coast of New Guinea island, is the capital and largest city of Papua New Guinea. The Port lies on the underside of the Bird’s Tail Peninsula with Australia’s northernmost tip 500 km to the WSW. Before colonisation the local Motuan people traded their pots for food (sago) in large scale canoe expeditions to the west. Read more about Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Louisiade Archipelago consists of ten larger volcanic islands and almost a hundred smaller coral islands. It lies 200 km to the SE of Papua New Guinea. Read more about Louisiade Archipelago, Papua New Guinea

The Laughlan Islands form an archipelago of several low-lying coral islands situated off Milne Bay, on the eastern tip of Papua New Guinea. They comprise Wabola and Bodaluna Islands. In this remote corner of Papua New Guinea you will see, interestingly, sea-going canoes in various stages of construction as traditional canoe building is a specialty here. Read more about Laughlan Islands, Papua New Guinea

Njari Island is in the Solomon Island archipelago, to the east of Papua New Guinea. It is a small uninhabited 400m long teardrop that extends along shallow shoals to adjacent small islands. Three kilometres to the SE is the larger Gizo Island with settlements. Read more about Njari Island, Solomon Islands

Marovo Lagoon is located in the New Georgia Islands of the Western Province of the Solomon Islands, just north of Vangunu Island and south of New Georgia. It is the largest saltwater lagoon in the world, containing many islands, some of which are inhabited. The people live mainly by subsistence agriculture and fishing, and speak the Marovo language. Read more about Marovo Lagoon, Solomon Islands

Santa Ana Island is a raised coral atoll in the Makira-Ulawa Province of the Solomon Islands, east of Papua New Guinea. Port Mary, situated on a small bay of the same name on the SW of the island, is the main town. Each cruise ship Zodiac that arrives at the beach landing is greeted by a fierce “welcoming committee”, composed of local men, masked and mud-smeared, dressed in warrior costumes and brandishing spears, shields, and machetes. Read more about Santa Ana Island, Solomon Islands

Champagne Bay is located to the NE of the island of Espiritu Santo in Vanuatu (New Hebrides until 1980), an island nation located in the South Pacific. The archipelago of Vanuatu lies at the centre of the other island groups Fiji, New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands. Espiritu Santo is the largest island in the nation; and its highest peak is Mt Tabwemasana at 1879m. Read more about Champagne Bay, Vanuatu

Ambrym is an island in the archipelago of Vanuatu (formerly known as the New Hebrides) in the South Pacific. It remains volcanically active, with two volcanic cones Benbow and Marum that still rumble away, and smaller vents and fractures that ooze steam and lava. The centre of the island is dominated by a massive 1900 year old 12 km diameter desert-like caldera that hosts multiple craters. Read more about Ambrym Island, Vanuatu

Tanna is an island (40km by 19km) in the Vanuatu archipelago and one of the more populous islands in this South Pacific country. It lies 200 km south of the capital Port Vila. The island's residents are Melanesians who follow a very traditional lifestyle and which draws the attention of tourists. Read more about Tanna Island, Vanuatu

Port Vila, the vibrant capital of Vanuatu, is located on the island of Efate and serves as the country’s main cruise port and cultural hub. Set along the picturesque shores of Vila Bay, this welcoming harbour town blends laid-back island charm with a rich mix of Melanesian, French and colonial influences.

Wander through colourful local markets, enjoy waterfront cafés and restaurants, or discover the history and traditions of Vanuatu at the Vanuatu Cultural Centre and National Museum.

Just beyond the town centre, a range of natural wonders await—from the crystal-clear waters of the famous Blue Lagoon to the lush rainforest surrounds of Mele Cascades, one of Efate’s most beautiful waterfalls.

For those seeking adventure, Port Vila offers everything from snorkelling vibrant coral reefs and exploring nearby islands like Hideaway, Iririki and Erakor, to unique experiences such as the world’s only underwater post office. Read more about Port Vila, Vanuatu