IMAGE ∏ Man wearing head-dress at Ureparapara

2020 VOYAGES

Solomons & VanuatuISLAND TRAILS OF THE

> A Passage to the Solomons> Battles & Beaches: The 75th Anniversary of WWII Expedition

INCLUSIONS › All excursions and sightseeing

› Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs, kayaks and glass bottom boat

› Snorkelling and Scuba introduction

› Daily lectures and briefings

› All meals, chef-prepared on board

› Selected wines, selected beers, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner

› Coffee and selection of teas

› All entrance fees to National Parks and Ports

› Tips and gratuities

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED › Pre and post flights, accommodation & travel insurance

› Entry visas to Australia

› Alcoholic beverages outside of lunch and dinner service

› Telephone and Internet services

› Laundry

› Scuba diving

These are expedition itineraries covering remote regions. Your Master and Expedition Team will make changes to the daily schedule when necessary to maximise guest experience. These itineraries are indicative - some variation may occur due to weather conditions, safety or local community requirements.

We recommend that you do not arrive to the embarkation port on the day of boarding or depart on the day of disembarkation due to unexpected changes that may occur in scheduling.

Expedition Note:

The Expedition Experience We explore remote locations that are hard to get to or not often touched by tourists, with shore excursions that promote adventure and environmental and cultural appreciation. Our small group size ensures that your experience is personal, with minimal impact on the communities and environments we visit.

Enjoy excursions or activities each day. Expedition leaders and lecturers who are experts in the region accompany every voyage, providing commentary on culture, conservation, history, and the region’s unique geology, plants and wildlife to help you connect with these special places.

Melanesia, from Papua New Guinea to the Solomons, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia, is an area of stunning diversity, home to over 1,000 languages and a multitude of unique customs.

Our voyages take you through this string of island civilisations to encounter ancient tribal cultures, magnificent volcanic islands and idyllic white beaches. Snorkel or dive over vibrant coral reefs and sunken wreckage from WWII. These in-depth journeys explore hard to reach islands and immerse you in the wild beauty, varied traditions, and wartime history of these regions.

Our special voyage with the Australian Geographic Society Battles & Beaches of the South Pacific visits significant battlefield locations and commemorates the 75th Anniversary of the end of World War II in the Pacific Theatre.

Paradise islandsOf the south pacificFOR TRUE EXPLORERS

IMAGES ∏ 1 The Solomons is home to many endemic bird species

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The opportunity to snorkel and scuba dive over spectacular coral gardens and WWII wrecks, and come face to face with brightly coloured tropical fish is a highlight of these cruises.

Beginners can snorkel or experience introductory and resort-style dives, while more challenging dives are available to experienced divers. Our Dive Instructor accompanies you every step of the way. Snorkelling equipment is assigned to each guest at the start of your cruise. Scuba diving is subject to medical clearance and medical certificate. See our website for more information.

Snorkelling & Scuba

∏ 2 Child paddling an outrigger canoe, Solomon Islands

> Snorkel and dive almost every day (diving optional extra) over vivid coral gardens and relax on white-sand beaches at Egum Atoll, Marovo Lagoon and Mangalonga

> See the rich tradition of canoe-building at Budibudi

> Experience the famous water music at Marau Sound

> Enjoy enriching cultural visits to remote island communities and learn about ‘kastom’ and the Kula Ring

> Spot and interact with wildlife, including Hawksbill turtles, dolphins, and pygmy parrots at important conservation areas

> Visit historic WWII wrecks and significant sites such as the sunken SS President Coolidge at Million Dollar Point, Kennedy Island, Iron Bottom Sound, Tulagi, and Havannah Harbour

> Cruise into the cone of a sunken volcano at Ureparapara

> Visit Torokina in Bougainville, site of the Japanese surrender

> Cruise Iron Bottom Sound and pause to pay tribute to lost seamen at wreck sites like the HMAS Canberra

Expedition Highlights

Prices are per person, listed in Australian Dollars (AUD) and include GST. *Limited sole use occupancy available.

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DEPARTURE & FARES11 Nights - Departs: 12 Oct 2020 from Cairns aboard Coral Discoverer

13 Nights - Departs: 23 Oct 2020 from Honiara aboard Coral Discoverer

Bridge Deck Stateroom

Promenade Deck Cat A

Promenade Deck Cat B

Main Deck Cat A

Main Deck Cat B

Twin Share $14,190 $12,170 n/a $10,650 $10,140

Sole Use n/a n/a $16,725* n/a n/a

Bridge Deck Stateroom

Promenade Deck Cat A

Promenade Deck Cat B

Main Deck Cat A

Main Deck Cat B

Twin Share $14,480 $12,410 n/a $10,860 $10,340

Sole Use n/a n/a $17,055* n/a n/a

IMAGES ∏ 1 Beach-side house at Egum Atoll | 2 Wreck diving opportunities abound

3 Woman weaving palm fronds, Solomon Is | 4 Coral gardens at Mangalonga Reef

Island trails of The Solomons& Vanuatu

SITINERARY: 11 NIGHTS CAIRNS TO HONIARA

DAY 1: DEPART CAIRNSBoard the Coral Discoverer at 8:00am for a 9:00am departure.

DAY 2: CROSSING THE CORAL SEAJoin the Expedition Team for an introduction to your voyage.

DAY 3: SAMARAI & NUAKATA ISLANDEnter Papua New Guinea at Samarai, before we spend the afternoon at Nuakata in the Daiwari Islands to experience cultural demonstrations, hike to skull caves, or snorkel over coral reefs.

DAY 4: FERGUSSON ISLAND & DOBU ISLAND Visit Dei Dei Hot Springs and hear the mythical tales of this fascinating place. Later, learn the history of the Kula Ring at Dobu Island and snorkel over the Bubbling Springs Reef.

DAY 5: EGUM ATOLLEnjoy an unforgettable experience at remote Egum Atoll. Enjoy opportunities for snorkelling, scuba diving and glass-bottom boat tours over colourful reef systems, and visit the local village.

DAY 6: LAUGHLAN ISLANDSLaughlan Islanders specialise in canoe building, and here we find seagoing canoes under construction. At Bodaluna, locals share their way of life, then we enjoy the opportunity to swim or snorkel.

DAY 7: GHIZO ISLAND & NJARI REEFVisit Gizo’s open-air markets and see the region’s legendary carvings. Optional Extra: Scuba dive over Japanese ship wrecks. Later, snorkel at Njari Reef to admire the rainbows of tropical fish.

DAY 8: ARNAVON ISLANDSThis marine reserve is home to the largest rookery of endangered Hawksbill Turtles in the South Pacific. At Kerihikapa Island, there is a chance to see turtle hatchlings emerging from their nests. Later, visit the remote villages of Kia or Boeboe for dance and singing.

DAY 9: MAROVO LAGOONOne of the world’s natural wonders, this isolated lagoon has been proposed for World Heritage listing. Enjoy the opportunity to sit down with locals, learn about village life, and admire their intricate carvings of ebony and mother-of-pearl inlay.

DAY 10: MANGALONGA & SANDFLY PASSAGEVisit Mangalonga Island to snorkel and dive on the reef. We may also enjoy a birdwatching walk on the island . This afternoon, enjoy a scenic cruise through the island passages to spot shipwrecks.

DAY 11: MARAU SOUNDThis area of verdant tropical islands is a geographical crossroad. We may hear the panpipes played and watch the women perform water music. There are five protected marine reserves established here, and we will snorkel in the turquoise waters.

DAY 12: ARRIVE HONIARADisembark in Honiara at 8:00 am.

CAIRNS

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Samarai

Arnavon IsMarovo Lagoon

Laughlan Is

EgumAtoll

Ghizo

Mangalonga

SOLOMON ISLANDS

HONIARA

Fergusson Is

Marau Sound

PORT VILA

Million Dollar Point Havannah Harbour

HONIARA

SOLOMON ISLANDS

VANUATU

TulagiRendovaGhizo

Cape Torokina

Mboli Passage

Tassafaronga

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Buin

Tetepare

Ureparapara

DAY 1: DEPART HONIARAEnjoy the optional tour to key sites of the Guadalcanal campaign. Board the Coral Discoverer at 4:00pm for a 5:00pm departure.

DAY 2: RENDOVA ISLANDThis island is home to significant WWII history. Be welcomed to a small village, and swim and snorkel in Roviana Lagoon.

DAY 3: GHIZO ISLAND & KENNEDY ISLAND Visit Kennedy Island, where John F. Kennedy swam ashore after his PT-109 patrol boat sank. Stroll through Gizo’s open-air markets and see the region’s legendary carvings. Optional extra: dive over the wreck of Toa Maru, a Japanese merchant ship.

DAY 4: BUIN & KANGU BEACH, BOUGAINVILLE During WWII, Japanese forces fortified this jungle coast. Here, the destroyer Hatsuyuki was sunk, and Admiral Yamamoto’s plane was shot down by US fighters. Relax and swim from the peaceful beach.

DAY 5: CAPE TOROKINA, BOUGAINVILLE The Japanese surrendered at Bougainville in 1945 aboard HMAS Diamantina. Go back in time with a guided tour of the village and the former Allied airstrip bombed by the Japanese.

DAY 6: TETEPARE ISLANDThis uninhabited island is protected by a conservation project and is an important nesting site for turtles. Enjoy snorkelling in the lagoon or join local rangers on a turtle tagging program.

DAY 7: TASSAFARONGA POINT & IRON BOTTOM SOUNDSnorkel at the site of a Japanese transport ship and pause to pay tribute above the wreck of HMAS Canberra in Iron Bottom Sound.

DAY 8: TULAGI & GHAVUTU ISLANDTulagi is a significant site of wartime history. Be greeted by a traditional warrior welcome, take a township tour, and enjoy magnificent diving opportunities in the nearby harbour.

DAY 9: MBOLI PASSAGEThis narrow waterway was a water supply point for Allied forces. Cruise the channel in Xplorer and spot shipwrecks.

DAY 10: AT SEA

DAY 11: UREPARAPARACruise into the cone of this extinct stratovolcano, surrounded on three sides by 300 metre cliffs. Be warmly welcomed by the locals and witness the women perform water music in the sea.

DAY 12: LUGANVILLE & MILLION DOLLAR POINTMillion Dollar Point offers diving and snorkelling over a vast dumping ground of Allied war machinery. Close by, the wreck of SS President Coolidge is an extraordinary dive site.

DAY 13: HAVANNAH HARBOURVisit the township and explore the harbour, a notable war anchorage.

DAY 14: ARRIVE PORT VILAArrive in Port Vila at 7:00am to disembark at 8:00am.

A PASSAGE TO THE SOLOMONSITINERARY: 13 NIGHTS HONIARA TO PORT VILABATTLES & BEACHES: 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF WWII

CORAL DISCOVERER

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XplorerBoarding

B02

B01

B04

B03

B06

B05

B08

B07

B10

B09

B12

B11

B14B16

B15

B18

B17

B20

B19

B22

B21

Dining Room

C01C03

C02

C05

C04

C07

C06

C09

C08

A02A04

A03

A06

A05

Lounge

A01

Workout Area

Galley

Reception

Main Deck Category B

Main Deck Category A

Promenade Deck Category B

Promenade Deck Category A

Bridge Deck Balcony

STATEROOM CATEGORIES SHIP SPECIFICATIONS

SUN DECK

BRIDGE DECK

PROMENADE DECK

MAIN DECK

Sundeck Bar

WC

Bridge Deck Bar

Length 63 metresBeam 13 metresDraught 3 metresStaterooms 36Guests 72Top Speed 14 knots

Bridge

Classic small ship Coral Discoverer is built for environmentally responsible small-ship cruising, with refined steering capabilities, active stabilisers, shallow draught, and a nimble Xplorer tender to bring you close to remote destinations with ease.

With only 72 guests, an intimate atmosphere and warm Australian hospitality make you feel at home. Spacious lounge areas, communal dining and open decks provide the opportunity to relax or spend time with old and new friends.

Features• One Xplorer tender & two Zodiacs

• Open Bridge

• Single seat dining

• Three cocktail bars

• Panoramic Sun Deck with daybeds

• Spacious lounge and deck areas

Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms

Promenade Deck Cat A Staterooms

Promenade Deck Cat B Staterooms

Main Deck Cat A Staterooms

Main Deck Cat B Staterooms

• 20sqm • Private Balcony

• 18sqm • Picture Window

• 15sqm • Picture Window

• 18sqm • Porthole Windows

• 15sqm • Porthole Windows

Contact us today or speak with your travel agent.

EXPERIENCE CORAL ASSURANCE WHEN BOOKING DIRECTWE CARE: Our team is motivated solely to ensure you have the trip of a lifetime.WE KNOW: Our knowledge of our ships and itineraries ensure you get the best advice.WE COMMIT: You will not get a better price elsewhere.

Online www.coralexpeditions.comEmail explore@coralexpeditions.comFree call (Australia) 1800 079 545Outside Australia +61 7 4040 9999

UK Sales Office +44 0203 934 7170

Head office PO Box 2093 Cairns 4870 QLD AustraliaABN 51 010 809 417 Issued October 2019

IMAGE ∏ Man wearing head-dress at Ureparapara

∏ 2 Child paddling an outrigger canoe, Solomon Islands