Paspaley Pearl, Papua New Guinea’s Hidden Secrets ex Cairns to Madang

Cairns to Madang: Your 11-Day Cultural Adventure Through Papua New Guinea's Coastal Diversity

Welcome to 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. This isn't cultural tourism—you'll participate in traditional sago production, and learn ancient carving techniques from master artisans.

Each morning brings new cultural encounters as we navigate between volcanic islands and pristine coral atolls. You'll step ashore to traditional welcomes featuring colourful adornments and rhythmic dances, participate in the famous Kula exchange ceremonies spanning 18 island communities, and witness tapa cloth creation using techniques passed down through countless generations.

From exploring colonial remnants on Samarai Island—once called the "Pearl of the Pacific"— every encounter becomes part of your shared story. Our small expedition community of just 30 guests means genuine cultural exchanges rather than staged performances.

This is cultural immersion as it should be: authentic, respectful, and utterly transformative. Your Papua New Guinea adventure begins the moment you board Paspaley Pearl.

Day 1: Cairns, Australia
Board Paspaley Pearl in tropical Queensland, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Meet fellow adventurers over welcome cocktails while our expedition team prepares you for transformative cultural encounters across Papua New Guinea's extraordinary diversity of 800 distinct languages and traditions.

Days 2-3: At Sea
Connect with expedition community during our Coral Sea crossing as cultural experts introduce Papua New Guinea's remarkable diversity. Learn basic Tok Pisin greetings, understand traditional customs you'll witness, and study art forms we'll encounter while spotting marine life from deck.

Day 4: Samarai Islands
Explore colonial remnants on the former "Pearl of the Pacific" and visit Kwato Island's historic mission. Walk tree-lined roads where traders once operated, then discover the stone church built in 1937 and learn how expert boat-building skills later supported Australian Coastwatchers during WWII.

Day 5: Deboyne Lagoon
Experience traditional subsistence village life in this stunning triangular atoll where crystal-clear waters surround palm-fringed islands. Interact with welcoming communities, and snorkel above a Japanese Zero fighter plane resting since the 1942 Battle of the Coral Sea.

Day 6: Trobriand Islands
Witness traditional dances on the famous "Islands of Love" where elaborate costumes and rhythmic movements retain ancestral power. Participate in Kula exchange ceremonies spanning 18 island communities, handling sacred valuables that establish lifelong relationships and bind communities across vast ocean distances.

Day 7: Tufi
Board traditional outrigger canoes through dramatic volcanic fjords rising 150 meters from the water. Witness authentic sago production using unchanged techniques, participate in tapa cloth creation with natural dyes, and swim in pristine waters surrounded by Papua New Guinea's most spectacular landscapes.

Day 8: Morobe Harbour
Experience authentic coastal village life where traditional fishing, canoe building, and subsistence farming continue unchanged. Join village walks observing daily activities, then cheer traditional canoe races staged in your honour while learning cultural significance of vessel construction in coastal societies.

Day 9: Tami Islands
Discover the Pacific's most influential art production centre where the famous "Tami style" wooden bowls, religious figures, and ceremonial masks are created. Try basic carving under expert guidance, fish using traditional methods, and swim in crystal-clear lagoons surrounded by artistic traditions.

Day 10: Tuam Island
Experience exceptional warmth through traditional music and dance performances showcasing exchanges between mainland and archipelago traditions. Despite its modest size, this culturally rich island reflects Papua New Guinea's extraordinary diversity through ceremonies, songs, and stories shared by welcoming families.

Day 11: Madang
Conclude your cultural odyssey in the "Pearl of the South Pacific," where volcanic islands dot the natural harbour. Visit local markets showcasing regional diversity, observe how traditional and modern influences blend, carrying memories of genuine cultural exchanges and transformative community connections.

Marrying PASPALEY’s heritage of over 80 years in the Kimberley and Northern Australia with PONANT’s 35-year history of luxury expedition travel, PASPALEY PEARL emerges as the embodiment of comfort and adventure. Marking a milestone in the development of boutique expedition travel, she offers a benchmark-setting standard of excellence in the Asia Pacific region.

Featuring 15 staterooms and suites and hosting a maximum of 30 guests per voyage, PASPALEY PEARL emerges as the newest and only boutique expedition motor yacht in the Kimberley with private balconies. Having the ability of reaching exotic destinations previously inaccessible by larger vessels, each expedition promises an authentic and enriching experience, inviting you to not just observe but to participate in the timeless rituals and customs that define the remarkable cultures of the destinations we visit.

PASPALEY PEARL is designed to feel like a home away from home. A classic yet contemporary environment that expresses timeless luxury while harnessing the history of PASPALEY and PONANT's spirit of adventure.

Paspaley, Australia’s foremost producer of fine pearls and a renowned name in outstanding pearl jewellery, is proud to announce the launch of Pearl Expeditions - a new, distinctly Australian owned, immersive expedition cruise venture. This initiative marks a partnership between Paspaley and cruise industry leader Sarina Bratton, bringing together unparalleled expertise and a passion for exploration.