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Travel aboard the National Geographic Endeavour on an extraordinary adventure exploring the string of islands between Fiji and Papua New Guinea. Witness ceremonial dances performed with spears and face masks and meet ocean-going people who move about in canoes and live off the sea. Discover the region’s remarkable history, from Captain Cook, who helped open up this part of the world, to the U.S. presence here during World War II.
Days 1, 2, and 3 Los Angeles/Lautoka, Fiji
En route to Lautoka, cross the International Date Line, and arrive in Fiji on Day 3. Embark the National Geographic Endeavour and set sail for the Yasawas, a lovely chain of islands largely cut off from civilization.
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Day 4 Yasawa Group/Viwa, Fiji
Today, snorkel, swim, dive, or kayak in clear blue lagoons. Or, explore the geologic wonder Sawa-I-Lau, a limestone, dome-shaped cave, and swim through its underwater tunnel into an adjacent chamber. Later, visit the forested village of Viwa.
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Day 5 At Sea
Spend a day at sea en route to the island of Tanna.
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Day 6 Tanna, Vanuatu
Tanna is an idyllic island of forests, falling waters, exotic blossoms, coffee plantations, towering mountains, and the active volcano Mount Yasur. Visit a local village or take a guided hike to the rim of Mount Yasur.
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Day 7 Port-Vila, Éfaté
Explore the lovely town of Port-Vila, with its bustling flower and handicraft market, local brewery, and one of the largest collections of traditional artifacts in the South Pacific. Those interested may take an optional dive to explore the underwater remains of an old shipwreck.
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Day 8 Ambrym
Today, discover Ambrym, known for its incredible dancers. Witness the ceremonial Rom Dance, where the islanders don masks and banana leaves, dancing as spirits.
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Days 9 and 10 Luganville, Espiritu Santo/Torres Islands
Today, sail to Luganville and drive to Million Dollar Point, where tons of U.S. military equipment was dumped after World War II. This afternoon, divers may explore one of the world’s best wreck dives at the S.S. Calvin Coolidge troop carrier. The next day visit the Torres Islands’ dazzling white-sand beaches and snorkel, kayak, swim, or search for megapodes, birds that lay their eggs in earthen mounds.
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Day 11 Nendo and Reef Islands, Santa Cruz, Solomon Islands
Settled as early as 25,000 B.C. by skull-worshiping tribes, the Solomons remain some of the least touristed islands in the South Pacific, with an exotic underwater realm, flowing rivers, and brightly hued coral reefs. There will be opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and kayaking today.
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Day 12 Santa Ana
After a morning at sea, arrive in Santa Ana, where we are greeted by a stunning dance by the villagers with spears and mud face masks. Spend the afternoon snorkeling, taking a nature walk, or exploring in town.
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Day 13 Honiara and Sand Fly Passages
Explore Honiara, the capital of the Solomons, which gained notoriety as a U.S. supply depot during World War II. After a visit to the historic battlefields, travel to the beautiful beaches of the Sand Fly Passages for snorkeling, diving, and kayaking.
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Day 14 Gizo and Kennedy Island
Gizo served as a base for Japanese seaplanes during World War II. Visit the island’s outdoor markets and search for endemic birds, or divers may explore the nearby Toa Maru wreck. Later, enjoy a barbecue, beachcombing, and reef diving at Kennedy Island named for John F. Kennedy, who swam ashore with ten shipmates after the Japanese sank their patrol boat.
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Day 15 Laughlan, Papua New Guinea
This morning, approach Wabola and Bolaluna Islands by Zodiac and meet with local villagers in their thatched huts. Later, visit a local school and snorkel or dive off the island’s beautiful shores.
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Day 16 Kitava, Trobriands
Visit a wonderful village on the island of Kitava and become acquainted with the entirely different way of life led by these ocean-going people who move about in canoes and live off the sea. This afternoon, there are opportunities for beachcombing, swimming, and snorkeling.
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Day 17 D’entrecasteaux
Go ashore on Panniet Island and take a guided walk with our naturalists. In the afternoon, snorkel or dive, then depart for Nivani, where you’ll have an opportunity to snorkel near the wreck of a Japanese Zero.
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Day 18 Suau, Papua New Guinea
Our schedule today is flexible to take advantage of opportunities around Suau Island. We may explore Argyle Bay with its dense, cool forest, great for hikes with our naturalists. Tonight, set sail for Port Moresby.
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Day 19 Port Moresby/Los Angeles
Disembark this morning for your flight home. Cross the International Date Line and arrive in the U.S. the same day.
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| ABOUT THE M.S. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ENDEAVOUR |
The National Geographic Endeavour is a one-class ship with 62 outside cabins. It is fully stabilized, enabling it to navigate constricted waterways while providing comfort. It carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac motorized landing craft. An undersea specialist operates sophisticated underwater video equipment, extending access to the underwater world. Public areas include a lounge and bar, library, fitness center, and sauna. Services include a full-time doctor and massage therapist, guest e-mail, and laundry.
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