From the Solomon
Islands to Indonesia: Into
the Heart of Melanesia
Sail from the Solomon Islands through Papua New Guinea, then finish in Indonesian Papua. Days move between reef lagoons, volcanic coastlines, village landings, and a full day on the Sepik River. Snorkel in the Bismarck Solomon Seas and cruise into Garove's flooded caldera. Papua New Guinea is often called the Pacific's living Eden for its cultural and biological diversity.
Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands
Walk through historic WWII battlefields and memorials surrounded by tropical forest.
Bismarck Solomon Seas
Snorkel vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life — one of the world's richest biodiversity zones.
Rabaul Volcanoes
Witness steaming volcanic landscapes and the haunting remains of the old town buried in ash.
Sepik River Villages
Journey deep into the heart of Papua's culture — remote villages, ancient carvings, and river life.
Melanesian & Polynesian Heritage
Experience three great civilizations — Polynesian, Melanesian, and Indonesian — blending along one route.
Untouched Islands of the Bismarck Sea
Sail through isolated, little-visited islands accessible only by expedition ship.
From Sea to Volcano to Jungle
A rare combination of coral reefs, mangroves, volcanoes, and tribal traditions — all in one journey.
Honiara - Sorong
Included in the price
From
Dates
April 05 – April 18, 2026
Duration
13 nights
Ship
SH Minerva
Thirteen nights aboard SH Minerva, with days that shift fast between sea and shore. One morning can be a quiet lagoon and a snorkel off the Zodiacs. The next can be a village welcome, a walk inland, or a river journey where life still moves by canoe and current.
Honiara, Guadalcanal Island
Begin your voyage in the Solomon Islands' vibrant capital, where tropical hills hide WWII relics and island life hums along the shoreline.
Cruising Kasolo Island (Kennedy Island), Njari Island
Sail past small, untouched islands steeped in wartime history and alive with marine life.
Buka Town, Buka Island
Explore the capital of Bougainville, a possible future nation whose matrilineal culture and strong local identity sit behind its pursuit for independence from Papua New Guinea.
Rabaul
Discover Rabaul's dramatic volcanic caldera and its haunting wartime tunnels, set against steaming peaks and vibrant markets.
Garove Island
Cruise into the flooded caldera of this extinct volcano and visit villages where time flows to the rhythm of Melanesian traditions.
Tami Island
Step ashore on a remote coral atoll known for intricate wooden carvings and welcoming island communities.
Crown Island
Crown Island rises steeply from the sea, a volcanic cone wrapped in dense green and edged by a fringing reef. Snorkel the reef with the expedition team, then walk forest trails for birdlife in one of the least developed corners of Papua New Guinea.
Madang
Experience Papua New Guinea's most colorful coastal town, with vibrant markets, colonial charm, and scenic volcanic backdrops.
Manam Island
Sail past the "Island of Fire," one of Papua New Guinea's most active volcanoes — a striking natural spectacle rising from the sea.
Sepik River, Kopar Village
Journey deep inland by Zodiac to meet the people of the Sepik River — famed for their elaborate spirit houses and ancestral art.
Jayapura, Papua
End your voyage on Indonesia's frontier, where jungle-covered hills meet the sea and cultures of Melanesia and Asia intertwine.
Pulau Mansinam, Papua
Step into Papua's missionary history on Mansinam, where Ottow and Geissler landed in 1855, then watch local cultural presentations, including tribal rituals and dances.
Sorong
Conclude your voyage in Sorong, with the reefs and islands of Raja Ampat still fresh in mind.
Expedition Highlights
One voyage through the western Pacific, built around reef days, volcanic islands, tribal village encounters, and a river journey inland. You travel across the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesian Papua in 13 nights, with a full day on the Sepik River and multiple opportunities for Zodiac landings and snorkeling.
Coral Kingdoms
Dive into the warm, crystal waters of Kimbe Bay — one of the richest coral ecosystems on Earth.
Volcanic Horizons
Explore Rabaul's smoking calderas and the haunting beauty of its ash-covered landscapes.
Tribal Traditions
Travel upriver to the Sepik villages, where ancient artistry and spirit houses tell stories centuries old.
Expedition Highlights
One voyage through the western Pacific, built around reef days, volcanic islands, tribal village encounters, and a river journey inland. You travel across the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesian Papua in 13 nights, with a full day on the Sepik River and multiple opportunities for Zodiac landings and snorkeling.
Coral Kingdoms
Dive into the warm, crystal waters of Kimbe Bay — one of the richest coral ecosystems on Earth.
Volcanic Horizons
Explore Rabaul's smoking calderas and the haunting beauty of its ash-covered landscapes.
Tribal Traditions
Travel upriver to the Sepik villages, where ancient artistry and spirit houses tell stories centuries old.
Expedition Itinerary
13 nights of exploration across Melanesia and Papua, from coral reefs and volcanic islands to remote river villages and timeless tribal traditions.
Day 1
Honiara, Guadalcanal Island
The capital of the Solomon Islands, Honiara sits on the northeastern coast of Guadalcanal at the mouth of the Mataniko River. A relatively new city, it grew up around a U.S. military base during and after WWII. In 1952 it superseded Tulagi as the premier city of these islands. Honiara's U.S. War Memorial provides a comprehensive war-history lesson of the area. Today the town is laid-back and relatively tourist free with a real-life atmosphere.
Day 2
Cruising Kasolo Island (Kennedy Island)
Kennedy Island, (also Kasolo or Plum Pudding Island), is a tiny forested islet named after John F. Kennedy. In August 1943, after their craft was rammed by a Japanese destroyer, the crew of PT-109, led by Lieutenant Kennedy, abandoned ship, swam ashore, before making their way to nearby Olasana Island.
Day 2
Njari Island
Njari is a tiny, uninhabited island off Gizo in the Solomon Islands, a strip of white sand and tropical foliage set in clear lagoon water. The surrounding reefs sit in the Coral Triangle, so the sea life here is often rich and close to shore. It is a quiet pause in the day, with a feeling of being far from everything.
Activities
- •Snorkel coral gardens with schools of trevally and parrotfish — Included (Half day)
- •Come ashore for a guided nature walk that feels completely removed from the world — Included (Half day)
Day 3
Buka Town, Buka Island
Discover Buka Town, the administrative centre of Bougainville. Bougainville's identity is strong and local, with many distinct languages and traditions, and a matrilineal culture where women are central to land and clan life. This is also a place in political transition. In the 2019 referendum, Bougainville voted overwhelmingly for independence, and might soon become the world's newest country.
Day 4
Rabaul
Rabaul, the former capital of New Britain in Papua New Guinea's northeastern tip, is a town with a remarkable volcanic history. Situated inside a flooded caldera and near the active Tavurvur volcano, Rabaul has been rebuilt multiple times, including after the 1994 eruption. Its bustling markets, rich wartime heritage and a strategic harbour make Rabaul an intriguing destination. An observatory oversees the country's volcanic activity.
A Journey Through Volcanoes and Wartime History
included- •Enjoy a scenic drive along Kokopo Road, offering stunning views of Mt. Vulcan, as you learn about the catastrophic eruption of 1994 that devastated the town of Rabaul. This event reshaped the area, leaving behind fascinating geological features and a rich history of recovery.
- •Take a moment to marvel at the impressive Japanese barge tunnels, a testament to wartime ingenuity. These extensive underground passageways, stretching over 300 miles, were originally constructed to conceal munitions and medical facilities during World War II.
- •Continue your journey with a visit to the Kokopo War & Cultural Museum, where you'll encounter a remarkable collection of World War II artifacts. The museum houses an array of Japanese relics, including vehicles, weapons, historical photographs, and pieces of military history. Notable exhibits include the distinctive painted nose-cone of an American B-17 Flying Fortress bomber, along with various aircraft remnants gathered over the past six decades.
Volcanoes, Villages, and the Legacy of 1994
included- •Your journey will take you up the slopes of Tovanumbatir, one of the eight active vents within the Rabaul volcanic caldera. The ultimate stop is the Vulcanological Observatory, a critical research center that monitors 14 active and 23 dormant volcanoes in the region.
- •As you make your way to a Tolai village, enjoy breathtaking views of Simpson Harbour and the island's striking mountain landscape. The village inhabitants have adapted to living beneath the shadow of an active volcano, and you'll have the opportunity to browse local handicrafts—purchases made here are greatly appreciated and contribute significantly to the local economy. US dollars (cash) are accepted.
- •Next, visit Mount Tavurvur, which erupted violently in both 1937 and 1994. The area is home to natural hot springs, where water is heated to boiling temperatures by an underwater volcanic vent. Curious about what lies beneath? Your guide will be happy to share more insights.
- •Continuing on, pass the old Rabaul Airport, which was destroyed in the 1994 eruption. At Air Wreck, you'll witness relics of Japanese warplanes partially buried in ash—powerful reminders of the eruption's destructive force.
Day 5
Garove Island
Tiny, far-flung Garove is part of the Vitu Islands in the Bismarck Sea and is defined by its rich marine biodiversity. The island wraps around a massive, horseshoe-shaped flooded caldera. Nearby dive sites reveal multi-hued fish darting among sea fans and anemones, while reef sharks, schooling jacks, and barracuda patrol the deep. Back on dry land, tiny villages nestle amid towering coconut palms.
Activities
- •Meet the Witu community and join a guided village walk — Included (Half day)
- •Browse local carvings and small market offerings — Included (Half day)
- •Snorkel the caldera reefs with corals, fish, rays, and reef sharks — Included (Half day)
- •Zodiac cruise inside the volcanic crater — Included (Half day)
Day 6
Tami Islands
The inhabited Tami Islands, a four-island archipelago south of Finschhafen in the Huon Gulf, are home to skilled carvers. These islanders craft intricate hardwood bowls, particularly the renowned 'Tami bowls' known for their fine craftsmanship and ceremonial use. These bowls, featuring spirit faces with a distinctive three-peaked headdress (oa balan), are highly valued, with some found in New York's Metropolitan Museum and the British Museum.
Activities
- •Tami Cultural Immersion — Included (Half Day)
- •Snorkel from anchored zodiacs in the lagoon among reef fish and corals — Included (Half Day)
- •Natural Walk with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team — Included (Half Day)
Day 7
Crown Island
Characterised by dense rainforest, the miniscule volcanic island of Crown Island is barely five kilometres from end to end. Rugged jungle trails offer glimpses of birds of paradise, doves and pigeons, while sapphire waters hide colourful coral reefs beneath the surface. Nearby Kar Kar Island is home to one of the country's most active volcanoes, sprawling cocoa plantations and traditional villages dotted among imposing coconut palms.
Activities
- •Nature Walk with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team — Included (Half Day)
- •Snorkeling with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team — Included (Half Day)
- •Kayak with the Expedition Team — Optional (Half Day)
Day 8
Madang
Madang is set on a striking peninsula, surrounded by calm waterways, lush greenery, and small tropical islands. It was once celebrated as one of the most picturesque towns in the South Pacific. The province is also one of Papua New Guinea's most culturally diverse areas, with more than 170 distinct languages across its communities.
Activities
- •Take a guided drive to the Coastwatchers Memorial Lighthouse — Included (Half day)
- •Learn the World War II coastwatcher story with panoramic coastal views
- •Pass local markets and waterfront viewpoints during the town drive
Day 9
Manam Island
Manam Island is marked by an active stratovolcano, occasionally emitting ash plumes. The island's rugged valleys, forested crags, villages and cultures coexist in the shadow of this natural colossus. The area boasts numerous coral reefs, and Hansa Bay holds sunken American and Japanese ships, along with bombers and fighter planes. These waters have also witnessed sightings of hammerheads and tiger sharks.
- •Zodiac cruise for close views of the active stratovolcano with onboard geology context — Included (Half day)
- •Snorkel reefs and submerged World War II debris with our team — Included (Half day)
- •Join a guided shore walk if conditions allow — Included (Half day)
Day 10
Sepik River, Kopar Village
The Sepik River gracefully winds through rainforest and swampland, revealing tribal villages and stilt structures on muddy banks. In these homesteads, traditional ways of life persist with tribal ceremonies, spirit houses, and stories behind intricately carved masks and totems. Crocodiles, symbols of power, coexist with revered birds of paradise like Goldie's and sicklebills, punctuating the landscape with bursts of bright plumage.
Activities
- •Zodiac cruise on the Sepik River for birds, crocodiles, and rainforest atmosphere — Included (Half day)
- •Visit Kopar Village with a traditional welcome and Dragon Dance performance — Included (Half day)
Day 11
Jayapura, Papua
Jayapura, Papua's provincial capital, serves as a base to explore the rugged Baliem Valley. Winding trails lead through verdant highlands to secluded waterfalls and saltwater springs. Traditional life endures in tribal villages hidden in the rainforest, featuring religious ceremonies or mock tribal wars. In Jayapura, museums recount the intense WWII battles, where Allied and Japanese forces clashed for control of the Pacific theatre.
Day 12
At Sea
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship's observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert's view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.
- •Lectures on the history of the region
- •Photography workshops
- •Wildlife spotting
- •Discussions with experts
Day 13
Pulau Mansinam, Papua
The island of New Britain features the secluded volcanic Kimbe Bay, renowned for its diverse marine ecosystem. The crystalline waters host coral reefs teeming with colourful tropical fish, WWII wrecks and coral-capped seamounts. Inland, treks lead to an active volcano and the rejuvenating thermal waters of the jungle-clad Garu Hot River. The bay's rainforest is home to Blyth's hornbills, eclectus parrots and red-knobbed imperial pigeons.
Activities
- •Snorkeling with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team — Included (Half day)
- •Zodiac Cruising with the Expedition team — Included (Half day)
Day 14
Sorong, Papua
Arrival in Papua's provincial capital, with disembarkation and onward travel arrangements.
Itinerary changes and surprising experiences are part of expedition life as we take you to the furthest more remote regions of the world. The day by day plan and experiences are given as a guide with the actual itinerary depending on weather, sea conditions and guidance of the captain and expedition leader.
What's included
Transport & Accommodation
- Charter flights to the port of embarkation & disembarkation: Brisbane to Honiara, Sorong to Bali
- Group return transfers from airport to cruise port and to the hotel
- One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel
- Your selected stateroom
- Onboard gratuities & port taxes
Dining & Beverages
- All meals onboard
- Complimentary hot & cold beverages, beer, wine & spirits any time throughout your cruise
- 24-hour room service
Expedition Activities
- Lecture programs by the expedition team and guest speakers
- One selected shore excursion per port of call
- All expedition landings
Onboard Amenities
- Gym, sauna, pool
- 24/7 self-service laundry
- Entry-level WiFi (upgraded packages available)
Expedition Equipment
- Waterproof backpack
- Refillable water bottle
Additional Services
- Memory package of your voyage
What's included
Transport & Accommodation
- Charter flights to the port of embarkation & disembarkation: Brisbane to Honiara, Sorong to Bali
- Group return transfers from airport to cruise port and to the hotel
- One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel
- Your selected stateroom
- Onboard gratuities & port taxes
Dining & Beverages
- All meals onboard
- Complimentary hot & cold beverages, beer, wine & spirits any time throughout your cruise
- 24-hour room service
Expedition Activities
- Lecture programs by the expedition team and guest speakers
- One selected shore excursion per port of call
- All expedition landings
Onboard Amenities
- Gym, sauna, pool
- 24/7 self-service laundry
- Entry-level WiFi (upgraded packages available)
Expedition Equipment
- Waterproof backpack
- Refillable water bottle
Additional Services
- Memory package of your voyage
Wildlife
Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands have 1044 recorded bird species, including 164 endemic species found nowhere else.
Solomons Corella
Island Imperial Pigeon
White-winged Fantail
Wildlife
Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands have 1044 recorded bird species, including 164 endemic species found nowhere else.
Solomons Corella
Island Imperial Pigeon
White-winged Fantail
Discover Swan Hellenic
Boutique luxury expedition cruises designed for those who seek meaning beyond the horizon.
See What Others Don't
Swan Hellenic specialises in cultural expedition cruises, offering immersive journeys to remote and historic destinations. Their fleet of elegant, ice-class ships, featuring Scandinavian design, provides luxurious accommodations and expert-led experiences. With a focus on unique itineraries and high staff-to-guest ratios, Swan Hellenic delivers enriching adventures for discerning travelers.
Here, luxury is not excess, but the art of seeing deeper.
Best in Cruise
Cruise Critic 2024
Excursion & Collaboration Winner
Sailawaze 2025
Discover Swan Hellenic
Boutique luxury expedition cruises designed for those who seek meaning beyond the horizon.
See What Others Don't
Swan Hellenic specialises in cultural expedition cruises, offering immersive journeys to remote and historic destinations. Their fleet of elegant, ice-class ships, featuring Scandinavian design, provides luxurious accommodations and expert-led experiences. With a focus on unique itineraries and high staff-to-guest ratios, Swan Hellenic delivers enriching adventures for discerning travelers.
Here, luxury is not excess, but the art of seeing deeper.
Best in Cruise
Cruise Critic 2024
Excursion & Collaboration Winner
Sailawaze 2025
What our guests say
What our guests say
SH Minerva
SH Minerva
Built in the Helsinki Shipyard in Finland, SH Minerva features elegant interiors, wide unobstructed views throughout the ship, and dedicated expedition facilities – so you can explore remote destinations in style and comfort. Whether you're taking in remarkable scenery from a panoramic sauna, dining in a world-class restaurant, or unwinding in your sumptuous stateroom, SH Minerva has you covered.
Built in the Helsinki Shipyard in Finland, SH Minerva features elegant interiors, wide unobstructed views throughout the ship, and dedicated expedition facilities – so you can explore remote destinations in style and comfort. Whether you're taking in remarkable scenery from a panoramic sauna, dining in a world-class restaurant, or unwinding in your sumptuous stateroom, SH Minerva has you covered.
152 guests & 117 staff
Exclusive boutique experience
PC5 Polar class
Designed specifically for polar regions
Fine Dining
Swan Restaurant, Club Lounge, Pool Bar & Grill
Launched in 2021
Brand new expedition vessel
Wellbeing
Infinity pool, jacuzzi, spa, gym, sauna
Enrichment
Library, Laboratory, Stargazing Deck
152 guests & 117 staff
Exclusive boutique experience
PC5 Polar class
Designed specifically for polar regions
Fine Dining
Swan Restaurant, Club Lounge, Pool Bar & Grill
Launched in 2021
Brand new expedition vessel
Wellbeing
Infinity pool, jacuzzi, spa, gym, sauna
Enrichment
Library, Laboratory, Stargazing Deck
Staterooms
Bright and spacious staterooms — your cozy home away from home.
Oceanview
20 m²
FROM
Price on request
FEATURES
- Two single beds or a double bed
- Bedroom with living room area
- Flame-effect fireplace
- Luxurious bathroom
Balcony
25 m²
FROM
Price on request
FEATURES
- 5 m² private balcony
- Two single beds or a double bed
- Bedroom with living room area
- Flame-effect fireplace
- Luxurious bathroom
Junior Suite
32-36 m²
FROM
Price on request
FEATURES
- 6 m² private balcony
- King size bed
- Separate living room area
- Luxurious en-suite bathroom
Suite
41 m²
FROM
Price on request
FEATURES
- 5-10 m² private balcony
- King size bed
- Separate living room
- Flame-effect fireplace
- Luxurious ensuite bathroom with separate bath tub and walk-in shower
Premium Suite
41 m²
FROM
Price on request
FEATURES
- 8-12 m² private balcony
- King size bed
- Separate living room
- Flame-effect fireplace
- Luxurious ensuite bathroom with separate bath tub and shower
- Walk-in wardrobe
Expedition Team
Nicki De Souza
Expedition leader
Nicki brings more than 25 years of experience in expedition cruising, along with a passion for nature, exciting new destinations, people and their cultures. Born in Bavaria, she has travelled around the globe and to all seven continents, exploring everything from the Arctic to Antarctica to the tropics and remote gems in between. Nicki is a skilled leader with a passion for nature and a gift for sharing and revealing the world's many wonders.
Conrad Weston
Plants and Ornithologist
With over 30 years of experience, he brings tropical ecology to life through his deep knowledge of birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, and plants. He has led birding and natural history tours across the Tropical Americas, Africa, Asia, Australia, the Indian Ocean, and beyond— offering rich insight into the ecosystems we explore.
Jacqueline Windh
Historian
Jacqueline is passionate about the early mariners who explored and settled the Pacific. A captivating speaker, she shares her knowledge of geology, anthropology, and traditional navigation both in lectures and informally—whether on a hike, over dinner, or during a zodiac cruise.
Brent Alloway
Geologist
Brent Alloway is a former professor of Quaternary earth science and volcanology at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. He is a very experienced earth scientist and he is particularly interested in landscape histories, volcanism, paleoenvironmental change and human origins. Brent worked several years as an exploration & project geologist in SE Ecuador. Though recently retired from academic teaching and responsibilities - Brent is still very much actively involved in earth science research in southern Chile and Argentina, New Zealand, western Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and United States.
Nicki De Souza
Expedition leader
Nicki brings more than 25 years of experience in expedition cruising, along with a passion for nature, exciting new destinations, people and their cultures. Born in Bavaria, she has travelled around the globe and to all seven continents, exploring everything from the Arctic to Antarctica to the tropics and remote gems in between. Nicki is a skilled leader with a passion for nature and a gift for sharing and revealing the world's many wonders.
Conrad Weston
Plants and Ornithologist
With over 30 years of experience, he brings tropical ecology to life through his deep knowledge of birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, and plants. He has led birding and natural history tours across the Tropical Americas, Africa, Asia, Australia, the Indian Ocean, and beyond— offering rich insight into the ecosystems we explore.
Jacqueline Windh
Historian
Jacqueline is passionate about the early mariners who explored and settled the Pacific. A captivating speaker, she shares her knowledge of geology, anthropology, and traditional navigation both in lectures and informally—whether on a hike, over dinner, or during a zodiac cruise.
Brent Alloway
Geologist
Brent Alloway is a former professor of Quaternary earth science and volcanology at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. He is a very experienced earth scientist and he is particularly interested in landscape histories, volcanism, paleoenvironmental change and human origins. Brent worked several years as an exploration & project geologist in SE Ecuador. Though recently retired from academic teaching and responsibilities - Brent is still very much actively involved in earth science research in southern Chile and Argentina, New Zealand, western Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and United States.
Start Your Journey
For any inquiries and reservations, please contact your travel manager. We’ll help you organize an unforgettable journey.
Start Your Journey
For any inquiries and reservations, please contact your travel manager. We’ll help you organize an unforgettable journey.