25 Oct 2016

Mangroves by Zodiac, Waterfall Treks, Village Visits and More!

A new day and a new country today, just a short crossing overnight from Bougainville, so short in fact that the hills of Bougainville can be seen from Choisul.

The first order of business was getting the ship cleared by customs and this proceeded quickly so by 0800 we were boarding the zodaics and on our way to explore the Sui River. A delightful zodiac cruise firstly through the mangrove forests and then into the jungle proper provided for some excellent views of the local birds including Kingfishers, Pigeons and Parrots. At the head of the navigation the river becomes narrow and the water fast with the trees towering overhead we travelled the last few meters up nearly to the base of the waterfall.  The more daring braved a short trek through the jungle to the top of the falls where the river races through a narrow channel that it has carved in the rock before spilling over the falls. Returning back down the river we then met with the local community who hosted us on the beautiful shores of Supinaze Island, with the azure waters lapping at the white sand beach it is certainly an idyllic place to call home and we were grateful to spend a little time enjoying as well.

After lunch there was the opportunity to snorkel on the reef which is part of the communities 'Ridge to Reef' conservation project or swim from the beach in the bath-like azure waters, there was a few takers for both and a few who used the opportunity to catch up on a little rest after a busy couple of days. The birders returned to Sui River later in the afternoon and enjoyed some more excellent birding.