Pacific Islands Escape 2023-24

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South Pacific

One of the most culturally fascinating regions in the world

Papua New Guinea | Solomon Islands | Vanuatu | Indonesia | Philippines

Experience a feast for the senses with hypnotic music, traditional dances and magnificent natural wonders that leave you spellbound. Aboard our luxury expedition ship, Heritage Adventurer, explore the remote, tucked-away corners of the Pacific, where larger ships can't go. Wake up to far-flung uninhabited islands with golden-sand and pristine forest canopies, and meet locals whose spirit will touch your heart. From warm hospitality and dazzling cultural traditions to coral reefs teeming with marine life, each day is an epic adventure of discovery. Whether you have a passion for indigenous cultures, wildlife, photography, history or you're simply an adventurous spirit, these expeditions offer an unparalleled travel experience.

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About Heritage Expeditions

Ambassadors for conservation, pioneers of discovery, and leaders in expedition travel to the world’s best-kept secrets.

Experience

For over 35 years, Heritage Expeditions has pioneered voyages to some of the most wild and biologically rich regions on the planet. Our mission is to increase awareness and conservation of the natural world through responsible expedition travel.

Expert Team

Our team of naturalists, historians, biologists and ornithologists bring an enormous wealth of experience, knowledge and passion to our expeditions, both in the field and onboard our ship during our lecture series.

Our Ship

Our new flagship, the 140-guest Heritage Adventurer, combines the highest passenger ship iceclass rating with an international flair and luxury amenities. Guests enjoy spacious suites, elegant common areas and cuisine prepared by top chefs.

Introducing: Heritage Adventurer

Heritage Adventurer is a true pioneering expedition vessel of exceptional pedigree. Setting a peerless standard in authentic expedition travel, Heritage Adventurer (formerly known as MS Hanseatic) brings an impressive history of Polar exploration. Having held records for the most northern and southern Arctic and Antarctic navigations, and for traversing both the Northwest and Northeast Passages, makes Heritage Adventurer perfect for our signature expeditions. Originally designed for 184 guests, Heritage Adventurer now welcomes just 140 expeditioners ensuring spacious, stylish and comfortable voyages, while a fleet of 14 Zodiacs ensures all guests are able to maximise their expedition adventure. 

Indulge in an awe-inducing Observation Lounge with library, bar and sweeping 270-degree views, or relax the Oberservation Deck with 360-degree views and comfortable sun loungers. Reinvigorate in the heated salt water pool, well-equipped gym, enclosed hot tub, sauna and steam room. Savor daily international gourmet cuisine from talented chefs across two lavish restaurants, and settle into spacious and well-appointed accommodations each night.

Technical Specs

Year Built: 1991

Shipyard: Rauma, Finland

Classification: Lloyds 1AS, GL E4

Accommodation: 140 guests

Length: 124 metres

Beam: 18 metres

Draft: 4.97 metres

Gross Tonnage: 8,378gt

Engines: 3,940 horsepower (x2)

Maximum Speed: 15 knots

Cruising Speed: 12 knots

Range: 8,600 nautical miles

Zodiacs: 14

South Pacific Season 2024

Join us on these extraordinary voyages

Indonesian Explorer: Raja Ampat to Papua New Guinea

19 DAYS 
13 – 31 Oct 2024  FREE flight Port Moresby to Cairns*
Bali - Port Moresby - Cairns

18 DAYS 
29 Sep – 16 Oct 2025
Bali - Madang - Cairns

Aboard Heritage Adventurer

  • Enjoy the unforgettable of swimming with the gentle Whale Sharks of Cenderawasih Bay
  • Visit Komodo National Park - land of the Komodo Dragon
  • Discover Jacques Cousteau's "underwater nirvana" Wakatobi National Park
  • Explore the forgotten tropical paradise of Raja Ampat
  • Snorkel pristine coral gardens looking for Dugong, Parrotfish, Clownfish, Manta Rays and Pygmy seahorses
  • Discover ancient rock in hidden caves on rarely visited islands
  • Brilliant birding with up to 14 species of Bird-of-paradise including Red Bird-of-paradise, Wilson's Bird-of-paradise, Magnificent Bird-of-paradise and Lesser Bird-of-paradise
  • Swim with thousands of stingless jellyfish of and explore Tomolol Caves
  • Trek into the lush rolling hills and tropical rainforest of the Arfak Mountains
  • Thrilling cultural encounters at villages largely cut off from the outside world
  • Discover WWII relics and snorkel Japanese war plane wrecks

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Discover the Secrets of Melanesia: Papua New Guinea, The Solomon Islands & Vanuatu

17 DAYS
30 Oct – 15 Nov 2024  FREE flight, Cairns to Port Moresby*
15 – 31 Oct 2025

Cairns, Australia - Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea - Port Vila, Vanuatu

Aboard Heritage Adventurer

  • Discover the hidden gems of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu
  • Be some of the first travellers in over two decades to return to the spectacular island of Bougainville
  • Superb snorkeling in crystalline waters
  • Mangrove Zodiac cruise in search of Dugong and crocodiles
  • Meet friendly local villagers – remarkable and diverse cultural visits from island to island
  • A Naturalist and Marine Biologist will also be on this expedition
  • Exeptional birding including Manus Friarbird, Mussau Monarch, Superb Pitta, Roviana Rail, Solomon Sea Eagle, Beck's Petrel, Vanikoro White-eye, Kolombangara Monarch, Vanuatu Megapode and White-headed Fruit Dove
  • Visit isolated Ambrym - ‘island of volcanoes' and home to traditional Rom dance
  • Swimming at iconic Champagne Beach

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Undiscovered Philippines and Indonesia: Cruising the Remote Islands of the Philippines and Indonesia, Manila to Darwin

15 DAYS 

24 Jun - 6 Jul 2024

Manila, Philippines to Darwin, Australia
Aboard Heritage Adventurer

  • Discover tropical islands, snorkel pristine reefs, visit historic sites and experience forgotten cultures and incredible wildlife encounters
  • Explore the 'Galapagos of Asia' Sibuyan Island
  • Visit the 'Whale Shark Capital of the World' and swim with these gentle giants at Donsol
  • Experience the power of Catandayagan Falls
  • Discover the 'eight wonder of the world', Bohol Island's Chocolate Hills
  • Snorkel the 'mother of all living coral reefs'
  • Tojoman Lagoon/Sohoton Jellyfish Sanctuary
  • Bucas Grande Island's iconic Blue Lagoon
  • See the smallest primate in the world the saucer-eyed Tarsier
  • Visit the Sultan of Ternate's palace and learn history of the Spice Islands
  • Wildlife-filled Tangoko Nature Reserve, Banggai, Taliabu, Buru, Banda Neira and Tanimbar Islands

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Grand Pacific Odyssey: A Tropical Pacific Island Cruise from New Zealand to Japan

15/25 DAYS
13 - 27 Mar / 13 Mar - 6 Apr 2025
Auckland, New Zealand to Kavieng, Papua New Guinea / Osaka, Japan

Aboard Heritage Adventurer

  • Explore reef-fringed tropical islands, visit historic sites and experience forgotten cultures and incredible wildlife encounters
  • Cross both the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer, and the Equator
  • Disembark in Kavieng, Papua New Guinea, or continue on a specially priced extension through to Japan (2025 only)
  • Visit former Australian penal colony now UNESCO World Heritage Site Norfolk Island
  • World War II history, wrecks and relics at Honiara and on Bougainville Island
  • Hidden gems of the South Pacific including New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Japan
  • Superb whale watching
  • Experience unique time-honoured traditions and unforgettable cultural encounters and welcomes
  • Explore and shop among locals at fascinating markets
  • Visit Japan's Bonin Islands including the 'Galapagos of the Orient' Chichi-Jima Island
  • Explore verdant forests and deserted beaches
  • Swim and snorkel in crystalline waters

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Western Pacific Odyssey: Birding Cruise from New Zealand to Japan

15/25 DAYS
13 - 27 Mar / 13 Mar - 6 Apr 2025
Auckland, New Zealand to Kavieng, Papua New Guinea / Osaka, Japan

Aboard Heritage Adventurer

  • Known as WPO in birding circles, this expedition is a 'must do' for all serious birders
  • Perfect for those with a keen interest in rare birds, colourful cultures and exotic marine life
  • Travel with some of the world's leading pelagic birding guides
  • See some of the rarest seabirds in the world, plus many island endemics such as the unique Kagu, rare Heinroth’s Shearwater, Beck’s Petrel, Izu Thrush, Short Tailed Albatross, Japanese Murrelet
  • Look for two new species of sea bird recently discovered on the WPO: the New Caledonian Storm Petrel and 'Heritage Lava Petrel'
  • Hidden gems of the South Pacific including Norfolk Island, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Chuuk (Truk) Lagoon and Japan
  • Five days in the Solomon Islands birding on Santa Ana, Anuta Island, Tetepare and Kolombangara
  • Bonin Islands: Search for the Short-Tailed Albatross and Japanese Murrelet
  • Picturesque volcanic Hachijō-jima Island, home to the endemic Izu Thrush, Ijima’s Leaf-warbler and Owston’s Tit
  • Superb whale watching
  • Explore verdant forests and deserted beaches; join early morning birding excursions
  • Swim and snorkel in crystalline waters

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For all voyages, exact landings depend on weather and ice conditions and wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed; however, our 35+ years of experience in operating expeditions mean that we are well equipped to make the most of the conditions at the time. Past trip logs and species lists are available for all expeditions. 

What our travellers are saying:

Indonesia

What a fantastic trip! Not only did we get to five islands way off the beaten track, never before visited by a commercial expedition boat, but the friendliness and welcome, culture, activities, birds and freedom to roam made every stop unforgettable. And the hospitality on board was superb, meeting new friends - even getting to suggest special dishes. Looking forward to travelling with you again.

Indonesia

What an amazing trip! We visited remote communities that had rarely and in some cases never had visitors before. The welcomes were amazing and it was a real privilege being able to be part of such an experience. This was our 2nd trip with Heritage and it exceeded expectations. They are a true expedition company with great leaders and guides - we have no hesitation in recommending them.

Melanesia

Thanks for a truly wonderful trip. A great insight into the lives of the people of PNG, the Solomon islands and of Vanuatu. Wonderful snorkelling opportunities. A great crew! Thank you Aaron for your very capable and calm leadership. Thanks to Suzanne for your knowledge of local customs and the informative notices pinned up daily. Katrin for looking after our hospitality needs so well and the chefs for great food! Also a great bunch of fellow travellers!!

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