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Paspaley Pearl, Papua New Guinea: Sepik Traditions and Island Mysteries ex Madang return
Cruise Paspaley Pearl, Papua New Guinea: Sepik Traditions and Island Mysteries ex Madang return
Cruise Line Pearl Expeditions
Ship Paspaley Pearl
Destination South Pacific & New Zealand
Brief Description 10 night cruise from Madang roundtrip aboard Paspaley Pearl.
Type of Cruise Expedition
Departure Date 29 Oct 2026
Cruise Description Papua New Guinea: Sepik Traditions and Island Mysteries: Your 11-Day Journey Through Papua New Guinea's Cultural Heartland

Welcome to 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. This isn't cultural observation—you'll 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.

Each morning brings new cultural immersion as we explore coastlines where 70,000 islanders maintain traditional practices across dramatically different environments. You'll paddle dugout canoes through maze-like wetland systems, snorkel above Japanese shipwrecks from WWII battles, and join traditional welcome ceremonies featuring impressive dragon-like figures crafted from pandanus branches and shells.

From tracking through traditional stilt villages where boys become men through ancient ceremonies to swimming pristine waters around islands where indigenous languages blend ancient customs with contemporary aspirations, every encounter connects you with communities whose genuine warmth transforms strangers into extended family. Our small expedition community of just 30 guests ensures authentic cultural exchanges rather than staged performances, whether you're sharing meals in village houses or learning traditional fishing techniques passed through countless generations.

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

Day 1: Madang, Papua New Guinea
Board Paspaley Pearl in the "Pearl of the South Pacific," where volcanic islands dot the natural harbour. Meet fellow adventurers while our expedition team prepares you for cultural encounters along Papua New Guinea's dynamic northern coastline featuring traditional communities maintaining ancient customs.

Day 2: Kopar Village, Sepik River
Experience daily life at Papua New Guinea's mightiest river mouth, where traditional stilt houses stand over water and crocodiles are worshipped as water spirits. Witness the famous "dragon dance" and observe village life in this important trading point between river communities and coastal regions.

Day 3: Murik Lakes
Navigate maze-like wetland systems by traditional dugout canoes where the Murik people developed unique cultural practices centered around their aquatic environment. Participate in traditional fishing methods while learning how communities whose identity reflects intimate relationships with distinctive wetland environments.

Day 4: Ali Island
Connect with rarely visited island communities where the indigenous Yakamul language is spoken. Experience vibrant sing-sing ceremonies featuring traditional costumes and rhythmic dances, participating in daily activities while learning how isolated communities balance cultural preservation with contemporary aspirations.

Day 5: Tarawai/Walis Islands
Experience traditional welcome ceremonies on neighboring islands where 1,500 predominantly Catholic Melanesian residents maintain distinctive cultural practices across lush evergreen forests. Join coastal walks, participate in fishing activities, and enjoy swimming opportunities in pristine waters surrounding these friendly communities.

Day 6: Watam Village
Witness one of Papua New Guinea's most elaborate welcome ceremonies featuring impressive dragon-like figures made from pandanus branches, feathers, and shells. Learn how the Watam people maintain distinctive traditions while adapting Protestant Christianity, creating fascinating examples of cultural continuity and adaptation.

Day 7: Awar Village, Hansa Bay
Experience traditional village ceremonies before snorkelling Japanese shipwrecks from WWII naval operations. Discover how communities maintaining Awar language traditions balance cultural heritage with historical influences, exploring approximately 35 wrecks scattered throughout this historically significant coastal inlet.

Day 8: Karkar Island
Witness traditional bilum weaving on this fertile volcanic island where 70,000 people live among nested summit calderas. Learn how bilum-making represents cultural initiation for young women, with traditional patterns representing garden plots and pathways while understanding volcanic soil's agricultural significance.

Day 9: Nip Island, Cape Gloucester
Explore uninhabited islands offshore from this historic WWII battlefield where American forces landed in 1943. Swim and snorkel pristine beaches and coral reefs while learning how this remote rainforest-covered peninsula became a crucial Pacific War strategic position during Operation Cartwheel.

Day 10: Tuam Island
Experience traditional music and dance performances showcasing exchanges between mainland and archipelago traditions. Despite its modest 5-kilometer length, this culturally rich island reflects Papua New Guinea's extraordinary diversity through ceremonies and stories shared by welcoming families maintaining distinct cultural identities.

Day 11: Madang
Conclude your cultural journey carrying memories of diverse encounters from river mouths to volcanic islands. From dragon dances to bilum weaving, WWII wrecks to village ceremonies, your northern coastline exploration revealed Papua New Guinea's remarkable cultural diversity and transformative community connections.

The itinerary above is provided as an example only, mother nature will be our guide. Our voyages are true expeditions, where each day’s activities will be determined by the Expedition Leader and Captain taking into account the tide, weather, sea conditions and chance encounters.
Sailing Dates
29 Oct 2026
18 Nov 2026
Pricing
Please enquire for pricing
Cruise Itinerary
Date Port Arrive Depart
29 Oct 2026 Madang, Papua New Guinea Embark
30 Oct 2026 Kopar Village, Sepik River, PNG
31 Oct 2026 Murik Lakes, Sepik River, Papua New Guinea
1 Nov 2026 Ali Island, Papua New Guinea
2 Nov 2026 At Sea Cruising Tarawai Island
2 Nov 2026 At Sea Cruising Walis Island
3 Nov 2026 Watam, Papua New Guinea Broken Water Bay
4 Nov 2026 Hansa Bay, Papua New Guinea Awar Village
5 Nov 2026 Karkar Island, Papua New Guinea
6 Nov 2026 Cape Gloucester, New Britain, Papua New Guinea Nip Island
7 Nov 2026 Tuam Island, Papua New Guinea
8 Nov 2026 Madang, Papua New Guinea Disembark
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.

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