Cultural lands of Papua New Guinea

with Pearl Expeditions

Papua New Guinea: A circumnavigation of New Britain

11 days | Cruising Madang return | From $19,995 pp twin

Departure 8 November 2026

Your New Britain circumnavigation – where active volcanoes meet ancient traditions, and every day reveals dramatic contrasts between pristine wilderness and living history.

Over the next 11 days aboard Paspaley Pearl, you’ll circumnavigate one of the Pacific’s most geologically active islands, exploring environments shaped by fire and water. Snorkel vibrant coral reefs within the Coral Triangle, walk through WWII tunnel systems carved by Japanese forces, and witness secretive Tolai masked ceremonies under volcanic peaks that still steam and rumble today.

This is expedition travel where geology meets culture: immediate, educational, and utterly fascinating

Papua New Guinea: Sepik Traditions and Island Mysteries

11 days | Cruising Madang return | From $19,995 pp twin

Departure 29 October 2026 & 18 November 2026

Your North Coast expedition – where the mighty Sepik River meets traditional island cultures, and every village preserves customs unchanged for millennia.

Over the next 11 days, you’ll navigate from the mouth of Papua New Guinea’s greatest river to volcanic islands where ancient traditions thrive in communities largely untouched by outside influence. Participate in the famous dragon dance at Kopar village where crocodiles are worshipped as water spirits, witness elaborate bilum weaving on fertile Karkar Island, and join vibrant sing-sing ceremonies on remote islands speaking languages found nowhere else on Earth.

This is cultural immersion where ancient rivers meet modern adventure: respectful, genuine, and utterly transformative. Your North Coast cultural journey begins the moment you arrive in Madang.

Papua New Guinea’s Hidden Secrets

11 Days | Cruising Cairns to Madang | From $19,995 pp twin

Departure 19 October 2026

Your Papua New Guinea expedition – where ancient traditions thrive across 800 distinct cultures, and every village welcomes you into ways of life unchanged for millennia.

Over the next 11 days, you’ll paddle traditional outrigger canoes through Tufi’s mysterious fjords, witness elaborate ceremonies in remote tribal villages, and snorkel above WWII wrecks in crystal-clear lagoons. Participate in traditional sago production, learn ancient carving techniques from master artisans, each morning brings new cultural encounters as we navigate between volcanic islands and pristine coral atolls.