Duration
10
Nights
Sepik Soiree
Cairns/Kavieng
to
Madang and Return
(or reverse)
Sepik River Cruise 2025 & 2026
Overview
Sepik River
A cruise down the river won’t ever be the same after this Papua New Guinea adventure. Witness the infamous crocodile initiation ceremony, visit the stilt houses on Lake Kambaraumba and wander idyllic tropical isles fringed with sandy white beaches and bound by endless coral reef. Then watch how life won’t ever be the same again.
Return charter flights ex Cairns ARE INCLUDED in the tariff. This Papua New Guinea cruise 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.
ITINERARY
Welcome Aboard
Your adventure begins in Cairns where we’ll escort you onto our very own charter aircraft, travelling to Kavieng. Once you arrive in the ‘Land of the Unexpected’ we’ll transfer you to the luxury of the True North (and all the delights of our renowned galley) where we’ll have lunch before visiting a local island resort.
Kavieng and New Hanover Islands
Wake up to your first morning in paradise and enjoy a spectacular heli flight over the upper reaches of the jungle, landing in the breathtaking location that inspired James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’. The locals will welcome us onto bamboo rafts where we’ll float downstream to the ocean, before returning to the True North.
Mussau Islands
Today, we'll visit Mussau Island for an unforgettable opportunity to snorkel alongside a congregation of graceful manta rays. Next, we'll cruise to the tropical paradise of Margaret's Island, where you can stroll along pristine beaches or join our divers as they explore a sunken 'Submarine Chaser' just offshore. In the afternoon, we'll step ashore at Little Mussau to meet the welcoming locals and wander through their charming island village, immersing ourselves in the laid-back island lifestyle.
Manus Province
This morning we awaken in the remote Manus Province, a rarely visited archipelago encompassing the Horno, Admiralty, Hermit, Ninigo, and Wuvulu Islands. Home to just 45,000 people, the region is known for its rich history of individualism and self-reliance. For us, it's a diver's paradise, boasting vibrant marine life, pristine coral reefs, and fascinating shipwrecks in crystal-clear waters. The fringing reefs here are among Papua New Guinea's most spectacular, with high coral cover and dramatic walls plunging into the depths. This mosaic of small islands provides a stunning backdrop to our day's adventures.
Ponam Island
Today we immerse ourselves in the beauty and history of Ponam Island. Experience the island's famous welcome sing-sing before exploring World War II relics, including HMS Nabaron, guided by our onboard experts. Snorkellers can discover vibrant marine life among coral bommies, while divers explore Manus Province's longest reef. For fishing enthusiasts, the waters teem with marlin, tuna and other prized catches. Cap off the day with an optional helicopter ride, offering spectacular aerial views of the island's lagoons and nearby Manus Island.
The Hermit Islands
Today we explore a region beloved by Jacques-Yves Cousteau, featuring a 22-kilometre barrier reef. Renowned for its clam gardens and exceptional visibility, snorkellers will marvel at the diverse marine life including sharks, manta rays, and turtles. Divers can explore The Hermits, home to stunning reef formations and schools of mobula rays, snapper, and grey reef sharks. Fishing enthusiasts can pursue marlin and sailfish, while hikers might spot deer introduced by German colonists. We'll conclude the day at Luf Island, the sole inhabited island in The Hermits, with sunset cocktails on a pristine beach.
The Ninigo Islands
The Ninigo Islands are a breathtaking open-atoll structure surrounded by several smaller atoll formations, meaning you’ll have plenty of opportunity for exploration. The diving here is some of the best in Papua New Guinea, and we’ll endeavour to explore as many of these picture-perfect islands as we can. The day will be filled with magical snorkelling and diving experiences, exhilarating fishing, stunning dips in the crystal clear lagoons and romantic walks along the endless palm fringed beaches. We’ll also go ashore to visit Lau Island, known as the ‘Garden Island’, and Longan Island known for their volleyball and sailing canoes.
The Sepik
As the dawn breaks, we’ll reach the mouth of the Sepik. We’ll then cruise down the river for 70 nautical miles before a day filled with exploration and discovery on the adventure boats and in the helicopter. Besides its rich history and incredible river system, the Sepik is revered for its art. The tribes living along the river produce magnificent wood carvings and artful clay pottery. Many tribes use garamut drums in rituals, where the drums are formed from long, hollowed out tree trunks carved into the shape of various totem animals. This will truly be a day to remember.
Kambaraumba Village
Today we’ll witness an elaborate coming of age ceremony where young men are scarified in the image of the crocodile. Then we’ll venture into the township of Angoram for the waterside market where you’ll have the opportunity to purchase local carvings. At Kambaraumba village we’ll also be greeted by a brilliant sing-sing featuring giant crocodile puppets that move through crowds of dancers and drummers. Here we’ll also explore the maze of swamps and small waterways that lead to Lake Kambaraumba and its stilt village.
Karkar Island
Begin your morning in the outer-reef filled with fish, turtles and dolphins, an area renowned for its endless walls of sea fans, pristine corals and large pelagic species. Snorkellers will explore the inshore coral while others will have the opportunity to swim at Bagabag beach. Then take off in the helicopter to explore the nearby KarKar Island and its active volcano. Then, land ashore for a stroll through the plantations before a sunset drink.
Return to Cairns
As the True North docks in Madang, it's time to say farewell to your new friends and crew who've become like family - and board your charter flight to Cairns. As the coastline of Papua New Guinea fades from view, you'll find yourself already planning your next adventure, forever changed by the wonders you've experienced.
Beloved by True Adventurers
Guest Reviews
Our Sepik Soiree 2 adventure went above and beyond anything we could have imagined. It was totally awesome. With a mixture of history, culture and nature the crew and...
Our Sepik Soiree 2 adventure went above and beyond anything we could have imagined. It was totally awesome. With a mixture of history, culture and nature the crew and expert staff guided us into areas rarely visited. We were exposed to a variety of ancient cultures, their traditions and way of life as well as the beauty of the natural flora and rainforest covering of the islands(and below the ocean).All from the comfort and luxury of the True North. Special thanks to Alex for her constant, devotion to making everything run like clockwork and for always being on hand for the passengers onboard. Loved it. A once in a lifetime experience.
Impossible to beat – wonderful crew, scenery & outings. To all the boys & girls aboard, you made it for us!!! Thanks heaps!
Thank you all for a most incredible experience. Each & every member of the crew has displayed a great attitude, consistently courteous, helpful & with a sense of fun. So...
Thank you all for a most incredible experience. Each & every member of the crew has displayed a great attitude, consistently courteous, helpful & with a sense of fun. So many smiles!!! We have truly appreciated this wonderful opportunity to see this amazing part of our country and in such style! We will be back in December!
An absolutely wonderful holiday never to be forgotten. The people & Crew, the standard of service & the sights are just wonderful. See you again in October
We have travelled the globe by land, sea, air and this voyage has topped it all. Incredible, a big thank you to True North. Spreading the joy and love.
What a wonderful trip! Truly one of a lifetime. The crew, accommodations, food etc… incredible. Sam and I hope to be back again before too long.
The most amazing experience. We have loved every second of our trip. Your crew are exceptional and we could want for nothing. We’ll definitely be back.
Another wonderful trip, thank you to all.
Well above expectations. Just great!
What an amazing and truly unique experience! We loved the volcano heli flight down the river. Crew are all outstanding, food was spectacular-thanks Andy & Zac! We had a trip...
What an amazing and truly unique experience! We loved the volcano heli flight down the river. Crew are all outstanding, food was spectacular-thanks Andy & Zac! We had a trip of a life time, thanks all!
Virgin True North Travellers. Loved it all. Food constantly high quality, loved the Sepik & Island visits. Best snorkelling of my life. Thank you to wonderful crew for memories to...
Virgin True North Travellers. Loved it all. Food constantly high quality, loved the Sepik & Island visits. Best snorkelling of my life. Thank you to wonderful crew for memories to help celebrate 40 years of marriage
Departure Dates Upcoming Departures
Cabin Pricing
Per person in $AUD, based on double occupancy of cabin.
Ocean Class $29,995
Ocean Premium $34,595
River Class $37,595
Explorer Class $41,995
Cabin Pricing
Per person in $AUD, based on double occupancy of cabin.
Ocean Class $29,995
Ocean Premium $34,595
River Class $37,595
Explorer Class $41,995
Cabin Pricing
Per person in $AUD, based on double occupancy of cabin.
Ocean Class $29,995
Ocean Premium $34,595
River Class $37,595
Explorer Class $41,995
Cabin Pricing
Per person in $AUD, based on double occupancy of cabin.
Ocean Class $31,995
Ocean Premium $36,595
River Class $39,595
Explorer Class $43,995
Cabin Pricing
Per person in $AUD, based on double occupancy of cabin.
Ocean Class $31,995
Ocean Premium $36,595
River Class $39,595
Explorer Class $43,995
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Guest Reviews
Blog
Videos and Podcasts
Sepik Soiree Cruise FAQ
What makes the Sepik Soiree a unique experience?
The Sepik Soiree is an extraordinary 10-night Sepik River cruise that combines cultural immersion, breathtaking natural beauty, and luxury. Highlights include cruising the Sepik River to witness the crocodile scarification ceremony, exploring stilt villages on Lake Kambaraumba, snorkelling vibrant reefs in the Ninigo and Hermit Islands, and experiencing the legendary hospitality of Papua New Guinea’s communities.
What cultural experiences are included on this Sepik River cruise?
The Sepik River cruise offers numerous cultural encounters, including:
- Witnessing the crocodile initiation ceremony in Kambaraumba Village.
- Exploring waterside markets and purchasing traditional wood carvings and pottery.
- Experiencing sing-sing performances featuring crocodile puppets and drumming rituals.
- Visiting remote villages to learn about traditional ways of life, such as bamboo rafting and crafting garamut drums.
- Witnessing the crocodile initiation ceremony in Kambaraumba Village.
- Exploring waterside markets and purchasing traditional wood carvings and pottery.
- Experiencing sing-sing performances featuring crocodile puppets and drumming rituals.
- Visiting remote villages to learn about traditional ways of life, such as bamboo rafting and crafting garamut drums.
Can I explore the Sepik River by helicopter?
Yes, the itinerary includes optional helicopter flights, allowing you to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Sepik River’s incredible waterways, jungles, and villages. Helicopter flights are also available at other destinations throughout the cruise, providing breathtaking perspectives of the region.
What activities are included on the Sepik Soiree?
This itinerary offers a wide variety of activities to suit all interests:
- Cruising 70 nautical miles down the Sepik River to explore its rich history and vibrant culture.
- Snorkelling and diving at world-class locations like the Hermit and Ninigo Islands.
- Fishing for marlin, yellowfin tuna, and other prized species.
- Exploring WWII relics and enjoying nature walks on islands like Ponam and KarKar.
- Relaxing with beach drinks and taking in stunning sunsets on private beaches.
- Cruising 70 nautical miles down the Sepik River to explore its rich history and vibrant culture.
- Snorkelling and diving at world-class locations like the Hermit and Ninigo Islands.
- Fishing for marlin, yellowfin tuna, and other prized species.
- Exploring WWII relics and enjoying nature walks on islands like Ponam and KarKar.
- Relaxing with beach drinks and taking in stunning sunsets on private beaches.
What marine life can I expect to see during this cruise?
The Sepik River tour features encounters with diverse marine life, including:
- Manta rays, sharks, turtles, and schools of barracuda and trevally.
- Reef fish like butterflyfish, parrotfish, and snapper in the Hermit and Ninigo Islands.
- Coral gardens and vibrant underwater ecosystems teeming with life.
- Manta rays, sharks, turtles, and schools of barracuda and trevally.
- Reef fish like butterflyfish, parrotfish, and snapper in the Hermit and Ninigo Islands.
- Coral gardens and vibrant underwater ecosystems teeming with life.
Is this cruise suitable for non-divers?
Absolutely! While divers will marvel at the pristine coral reefs and WWII wrecks, non-divers can enjoy snorkelling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and beachcombing. The cultural and scenic highlights of this itinerary ensure an unforgettable experience for all guests.
Are charter flights included in the Sepik Soiree package?
Yes, return charter flights from Cairns to Kavieng or Madang are included in the cruise tariff. These flights make travel seamless and ensure that you can fully focus on the adventure ahead.
What’s included in the cost of the Sepik Soiree cruise?
The cost of this Sepik River cruise includes all meals, beverages (excluding some premium options), charter flights, local transfers, guided activities, and use of onboard equipment for snorkelling, diving, and fishing. Optional helicopter flights and personal purchases, such as local crafts, are not included.
How flexible is the itinerary on the Sepik River cruise?
The itinerary is designed to adapt to local conditions, ensuring the best possible experiences each day. Whether it’s spending extra time exploring a hidden reef, adjusting for cultural events, or taking advantage of unique opportunities on the Sepik River, this flexibility guarantees a truly dynamic and enriching adventure.