Duration
10
Nights
Sepik Soiree
Cairns/Kavieng to
Madang and Return
(or reverse)
Sepik River Cruise 2024 & 2025
Overview
Sepik River
Witness the infamous crocodile initiation ceremony and visit the stilt houses on Lake Kambaraumba. Wander idyllic tropical isles fringed with sandy white beaches and bounded by endless coral reef. Discover Papua New Guinea’s distinctive landscapes – both above and below the water.
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.
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 once again to True North.
Mussau Islands
Today we’ll visit Mussau Island where you’ll have the opportunity for a once in a lifetime snorkel with a Manta ray congregation. Then, after congee, we’ll cruise to the spectacular tropical paradise of Margaret’s Island. Here we’ll enjoy walks along the picturesque beach, and diver’s will descend on a ‘Submarine Chaser’ wreck that lies just off the shore of the island. For the afternoon we’ll then venture ashore at Little Massau where we’ll meet the locals and have a walk through the beautiful island village.
Manus Province
This morning we wake in Manus Province where very few travellers get to venture to. This remote group of Islands, including the Horno Islands,the Admiralty Islands (including Manus Island), the Hermit Islands, Ninigo Islands and Wuvulu Island are true wonder surrounded by sparkling sea. Only 45,000 people live within the province boundaries, and are known for their rich and interesting history, centred around their long standing individualism and self-reliance. For visitors, the area is renowned for scuba diving because of its vibrant marine life, coral reefs, shipwrecks, and clear water. It’s fringing reefs here are amongst some of the most spectacular we see anywhere in Papua New Guinea, with very high coral cover and spectacular walls dropping into deep water. The mosaic of small islands in the area offers a wonderful backdrop and provides an incredible range of different habitats to explore.
Ponam Island
Today we’ll spend the entire day in the beautiful Ponam Island. Not only is Ponam village known for the biggest and best welcome sing sing, but the region also played a major role in World War II. So, you’ll be able to visit the terrestrial remnants of HMS Nabaron, with onboard experts guiding you through it’s exciting history. Snorkelers will also be able to explore the plentiful bommies and coral outcrops found inside the Manus Barrier Reef, home to brightly coloured butterfly fish and parrotfish. While divers can explore the longest coral reef in Manus Province. Ponam is also prime location for game fishing for marlin, yellowfin tuna, trevally, mackerel and potentially snapper. In the afternoon you’ll also have the opportunity to ride in the helicopter to see a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the island’s many lagoons and, nearby Manus Island.
The Hermit Islands
Today we begin to visit this beautiful region that was beloved by underwater explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau and home to a 22 kilometre long barrier reef. Renowned for its clam gardens, the snorkelling is truly spectacular. The gently sloping reef edge disappears into the blue depths with visibility usually exceeding 40m, allowing us excellent views of the marine life at the reef’s edge. Sharks, manta rays, turtles and large schools of barracuda and trevally are found here, along with the usual collection of colourful reef fishes and invertebrates. Divers will descend into The Hermits, home to incredible reef formations and large schools of mobula rays, snapper, trevally and grey reef sharks. Fresh ocean currents also make for rip-roaring dives in channels filled with giant sea fans and soft coral formations. Fishers will have the opportunity to search for Marlin and sailfish, while hikers will catch a glimpse of deer introduced by German colonists. Then, In the afternoon the adventure boats will land at Luf Island, the only inhabited island in the Hermits, to enjoy a sunset cocktail on your very own 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. Snorkers 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 it’s active volcano. Then, land ashore for a stroll through the plantations before a sunset drink.
Return to Cairns
Enjoy your final morning in Paradise before heading ashore at Madang where we’ll transfer to your charter plane and return flight to Cairns.
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 $29,595
Ocean Premium $32,595
River Class $35,595
Explorer Class $39,995
Cabin Pricing
Per person in $AUD, based on double occupancy of cabin.
Ocean Class $29,595
Ocean Premium $32,595
River Class $35,595
Explorer Class $39,995
Cabin Pricing
Per person in $AUD, based on double occupancy of cabin.
Ocean Class $29,595
Ocean Premium $32,595
River Class $35,595
Explorer Class $39,995
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
Booking Enquiry
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