West Coast Explorer (10 Nights) Fremantle to Dampier
Kimberley Waterfalls (10 Nights) Broome to Wyndham / Kununurra
Kimberley Ultimate (13 Nights) Kununurra / Wyndham to Broome
Kimberley Explorer (10 Nights) Broome to Wyndham / Kununurra
enquire now
Duration 10 Nights

Adventures in Paradise

Cairns / Kavieng to Alotau and Return
Adventures in Paradis PNG Coast

PNG Adventure Paradise Cruise 2024 & 2025

This is our most refined Indo-Pacific voyage

An adventure packed with diverse destinations and fascinating experiences. From the Bismarck Sea to the beautiful Louisiade Archipelago, this itinerary travels through a stunning tropical landscape of island and reef. Fly in the helicopter over the active volcano at Rabaul and visit the stirring Isurava memorial on the Kokoda Track. Swim with manta rays, snorkel endless coral walls in the Lusancay group and enjoy sunset drinks on your ‘very own’ sand cay! Oversize mackerel, dog-tooth tuna and coral trout will keep the anglers busy. Our Melanesian friends greet us with a warm hospitality that is normally reserved for returning family and the smiles and laughter of their children will leave lasting and cherished memories.

Return charter flights ex Cairns ARE INCLUDED in the tariff. This itinerary is provided as example only – prevailing conditions, local arrangements and indeed, what we discover on the day, may cause variation. Helicopter flights can be purchased additional to the indicated tariff as a package or individually.

day 01
Welcome Aboard

Welcome Aboard

Your “welcome aboard” is in the vibrant city of Cairns – but this time embarkation proceedings will be a little different! One of our crew members will escort you aboard our very own charter aircraft! Now sit back and enjoy the comfortable flight to Kavieng.

As soon as you step off the plane you will begin to reshape your impressions of the “land of the unexpected”. Perhaps the clean and fresh sea breezes will take you by surprise, or will it be the huge smiles of locals so eager to welcome you to their island paradise! After clearing customs, we will transfer you to the onboard luxury Cruise of the TRUE NORTH and, the delights of our renowned galley! Enjoy a welcome aboard lunch as we cruise to nearby Lissenung Island Resort – join the first of our ‘shore parties’ and discover ‘post card’ beaches, palm trees, tranquil villages and a flotilla of canoes. The many islands in this area are a cruise highlight. You will certainly find endless irresistible beaches and amazing coral gardens that are just a ‘fin kick’ away! And, what a place for diving and snorkelling – Papua New Guinea’s reputation as a diving destination could very well be without peer! There will also be lots of hot action in the fishing tenders – do battle with hard fighting table fish such as mackerel, yellow fin tuna and mahi mahi. At day’s end, relax with a drink in the alfresco bar before returning to the dining saloon for more culinary delight!

day 02
Kavieng and New Hanover Islands

Kavieng and New Hanover Islands

The many islands around Kavieng and New Hanover are a cruise highlight. A morning sing sing will be a memorable event as every man, woman and child turns out in welcome. Off the beach we find ships, planes and even submarines wrecked in shallow water and beyond the reef it’s time to encounter a marauder of another kind!

day 03
Duke of York Islands

Duke of York Islands

This morning we arrive at the Duke of York Islands – 17th century trading ships collected water from here. A Methodist preacher by the name of Reverend George Brown settled here in 1875 and, the beautiful and very enterprising daughter of an American whaling captain started a trading empire here! The grim reminders of a world conflict are here too – the snorkelling expeditions will re- discover Japanese tanks in shallow island waters. The ship’s helicopter will provide stunning island views that have been the privilege of few before. Then visit Rabaul– once described as the most beautiful town in the South Pacific! Perched on the edge of a magnificent natural harbour and, surrounded by active volcanoes! In 1994, the town was smothered under a cloud of ash and now lies largely abandoned – courtesy of nearby Matupit! The volcano still belches smoke throughout the day and helicopter flights over the smoldering crater are very spectacular indeed.

day 04
Jacqinot Bay

Jacqinot Bay

Wake to find the TRUE NORTH off the coast of New Britain and the beautiful Jacqinot Bay area. Dense jungle and mighty rivers will dominate proceedings today as the TRUE NORTH’s ‘shallow draft’ provides unique access! Join our comfortable adventure boats as we explore deeper into the jungle visiting isolated villages that have little contact with the outside world and visit the grotto where fresh water pounds out of a rock face onto a pristine beach. No matter what your desire, the coast of New Britain promises unrivalled adventure! Another star filled night in the silhouette of the jungle, and tonight is party night – things might just get a little ‘South Pacific’!

day 05
Solomon Sea

Solomon Sea

As you gaze out your cabin window this morning you will notice that our overnight passage has delivered us to a very different place. This morning we are anchored in the middle of the Solomon Sea amongst the corals of Star Reef and, the strikingly beautiful Lusancay Islands. What a place!! So today let’s have some fun at the beach. Take a stroll around your very own deserted island (the Lusancays are uninhabited), snorkel in the shallows or drop off the outer- reef for the dive of a lifetime! The fishing is second to none – battle with tuna, mackerel or even a sailfish. If the fisher- persons have held up their end of the bargain then coral trout could be tonight’s fare but regardless there are bound to be plenty of adventures to re-live in the bar!

day 06
Tufi

Tufi

Start the day with a refreshing snorkel; catch your breakfast or just stroll along a pristine beach fringed with coconut palms! Then fill your day with swimming, island walks and village life as we cruise the beautiful fiords of Tufi. The helicopter will spoil with exhilarating flights to the Isurava Memorial on the Kokoda Track. Tufi is renowned for SCUBA diving and our guides will be looking forward to a spot of mackerel fishing as the setting sun heralds the end of another day in paradise.

day 07
Ferguson Island

Ferguson Island

Today we visit Ferguson Island. On the morning walk discover jungle that shelters countless varieties of birds including colourful parrots, hornbills, wild fowl and the famed bird of paradise. Many rare species of butterfly are present and Papua New Guinea is also home to over two thirds of the world’s orchid species. You may even be lucky enough to see a reclusive tree kangaroo! An excursion to the Hot Springs will top off an amazing day.

day 08
Deboyne Island

Deboyne Island

Deboyne Island was a Japanese seaplane base during World War II – but only for 5 days! The Japanese found that their new base was just a little too close to the allied planes based at Port Moresby and the base was quickly abandoned. The Japanese never returned to the island however several ‘Zero’ fighter planes were ditched in the area during the Battle of the Coral Sea. One remains virtually intact in the shallow waters of Deboyne Lagoon and this morning our expedition boats will convey snorkelling teams to examine the wreck. Fishing, diving and sightseeing boats will also explore the lagoon and outer reef. A visit to Panepompom Island provides opportunity to experience idyllic archipelago life. The ‘locals’ will welcome you on the beach, treat with some impromptu singing (and laughing) and then invite all to stroll amongst their huts. Our crew will also take the opportunity to deliver appreciated resources to the local school before the expedition boats are away again.

In the afternoon the ship’s helicopter will deliver a breathtaking orientation to the Calvados Chain especially distinctive Panasia and Duchateau Island. Here the islands are steep sided and ‘Jurassic Like’. Fishing, diving and snorkelling will again be on the agenda or perhaps you would prefer a hike on exotic Panasia!

day 09
Nimoa Island

Nimoa Island

This morning we wake off Nimoa Island – here the island mission will impress. The five-sided church features murals of island life and all mission buildings are surrounded by well maintained paths and gardens filled with flowering plants. Edged by jungle covered mountains, postcard beaches and crystal clear waters – an island paradise indeed! Then it’s time for another cruise highlight – the aptly named “Fish City” is home to large numbers of parrot fish, batfish, trevally, coral trout, tuna, snapper and mackerel! Nearby Rossel Island is a much larger island – nearly 300 square kilometres! It is also very mountainous with Mt Rossel reaching 800 metres – the helicopter will be handy! From an unassailable vantage scenic flyers will encounter lush jungle and, fringing reefs 12 kilometres to the east and 40 kilometres to the west!

day 10
Renard Islands

Renard Islands

Today we visit the Renard Islands. Kimuta is a very special opportunity to purchase artefacts and here we will also enjoy some of the best snorkelling that Papua New Guinea has to offer! Then we’ve saved the best till last – wait till you see Ebora! The master will reverse the TRUE NORTH stern to beach in an amazing turquoise lagoon built to size. You will be impressed by the steep sided jungle that surrounds. The nearby dive site is big as well – a vertical wall with the best vis yet!

day 11
Return to Cairns

Return to Cairns

This morning we are alongside in Alotau. Transfer to your charter plane and the return flight to Cairns. We are already looking forward to welcoming you back onboard – the next time you Go Wild in Style!

True North

Ocean Class $29,595
Ocean Premium $32,595
River Class $35,595
Explorer Class $39,995

Guest Reviews

related cruises

Discover More Papua New Guinea Adventures

Sepik Soiree (10 Nights)

Cairns/Kavieng to Madang and Return (or reverse)
view details

The Mystery of Melanesia (10 Nights)

Cairns/Alotau to Bougainville and Return (or reverse)
view details

Solomon Sojourn (10 Nights)

Cairns/Kavieng to Solomon Islands and Return
view details
Booking Enquiry 

Adventure starts here


true north blog outline image
latest news & blog

What’s on True North

Mar. 26, 2024 TRUE NORTH unveils major makeover ahead of 2024 season

TRUE NORTH unveils major makeover ahead of 2024 season

Multi-awarded TRUE NORTH has completed a major makeover for both their small ships, True North and True North II.

Read more
Mar. 05, 2024 A deep dive into the unique Kimberley climate

A deep dive into the unique Kimberley climate

Dive into Australia’s Kimberley climate. Your ultimate guide to navigating this untouched wilderness, from majestic waterfalls to vibrant wildlife.

Read more
Mar. 05, 2024 When is the best time to visit Rowley Shoals?

When is the best time to visit Rowley Shoals?

Discover the best time to visit Rowley Shoals for pristine snorkelling and diving. Explore untouched coral atolls with True North's luxury cruises.

Read more
View all articles
Experience the adventure

True North Tales

Returning to International

True North’s founding director Craig Howson and managing director Chad Avenell, recently met with local representatives ahead of recommencing Indonesian itineraries in 2023. Watch the video above to discover how True North ensures smooth operation well in advance of departure.

Time to Book Ahead

Hear from someone who truly knows about the value of booking ahead. “Cheggers” has travelled on the TRUE NORTH more than anyone else!

True North Sails into 30 Years

True North Adventure Cruises - has sailed into 30 years of continuous operations. The now revered adventure-cruise operator first cruised Western Australia’s remote Kimberley coast during 1987 when founding director Craig Howson commenced fishing type charters along a coastline that was and still is largely inaccessible from land.

The Helicopter

Adding another dimension to the adventure, most cruise options on the TRUE NORTH feature an on-board helicopter! Carrying guests in air conditioned comfort, the ship’s helicopter provides unique opportunity to witness grandeur; unique opportunity to fish billabongs that have never been fished; unique opportunity to discover your very own wilderness!

Myles Pollard's Fishing Adventure

There is nothing better than a day out on the water, especially when the fish are biting! Fishing on-board the TRUE NORTH is a much-favoured activity both with guests who have never picked up a rod before and, with those who have "caught them all!” Our guides encourage everybody on-board to “give it a go” and the TRUE NORTH’s multiple adventure boats never fail to bring back a swag of ‘fishing tales’! Stories about the ladies who out-fish the boys are pretty common, humorous equipment failures also come to note on a regular basis, then there are the ‘birthday fish’, the ‘monster fish’ and of course, the ones that got away! Our guides have seen and heard it all! Watch the video to find out more about actor Myles Pollard's fishing adventure!

TRUE NORTH Impresses Again

The TRUE NORTH has once again impressed on the world stage coming second in the 2020 Traveller Made Brand Storytelling competition. Traveller Made is Europe’s largest travel consortium and its members represent the very best in luxury travel providers and suppliers. The group’s inaugural Brand Storytelling competition was an opportunity for leading travel brand’s to showcase “the story behind their brand” and, the competition attracted entries from some of the world’s most respected travel brands. In such esteemed company, True North’s marketing team was especially pleased to receive this additional acknowledgement.

Adventure En Plein Air

West Australian artist Jacob 'Shakey' Butler joined the TRUE NORTH earlier this season and discovered the Kimberley's raw beauty. As the artist in residence, Jacob set up his canvas on remote beaches, beside freshwater billabongs and on-deck surrounded by pindan-coloured gorges. Watch the video above to hear Jacob describing how the Kimberley inspires the art of adventure.

Catriona Rowntree Talks With Craig Howson

A commonly asked question is “When is the best time to see the Kimberley?” And the answer is “The Kimberley is always at its best!” However certain times of the year can make it easier to satisfy particular interest. For example, if you would like to see plenty of whale action then departures in August and September are definitely for you! From late July humpback and southern right whales reach the Kimberley after swimming-up the west coast to reach breeding grounds in the north and it’s very common for guests to get great views of whales breaching and basking on the surface.

tn tales map outline background
enjoy exciting activites

The True North Experience

We curate activity-based itineraries that are designed to satisfy the world’s most discerning travellers. We specifically exclude sea-days and feature unparalleled access to stunning coastal environments and, unequalled opportunity to truly experience the destination.

True North Icon view experience
True North Icon view experience
True North Icon view experience
True North Icon view experience
True North Icon view experience
True North Experiences
True North Experiences
True North Experiences
True North Experiences
True North Experiences
destination experience outline bg
Download Itinerary

We'd like to ask a few things first