– PAPUA NEW GUINEA –

Sepik River Secrets

Sepik River Secrets

11 Days / 10 Nights

Madang to Madang

From AU$18,495pp

Embark on the Extraordinary

Sepik River Secrets

Journey deep into the heart of Papua New Guinea

2025 DEPARTURES :
19 OCTOBER | 8 & 28 NOVEMBER 

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Flexible Expedition Itinerary

Experience the freedom of a flexible expedition itinerary, where the adventure unfolds in harmony with nature. Our itineraries adapt to tides and other environmental factors, ensuring an authentic exploration. Embrace the cultures, history and biodiversity of the remote areas we visit, guided by a team of expert guides who offer a dynamic and unforgettable journey tailored to the whims of the elements.

Join us on a captivating expedition along the Sepik River, and uncover the abundant biodiversity, history, and culture of this majestic waterway. Traverse dense rainforests, immerse yourself in the distinctive customs of the Sepik people, and explore the vibrant trading hub of Angoram. Marvel at the breathtaking Blackwater Lakes and the secluded allure of Watam and Awar villages. Encounter the natural marvel of the Witu Islands’ caldera. Our expert team will guide you through this extraordinary journey, offering deep insights into the diverse life and traditions along the Sepik River.

Expedition Highlights:

  • Spend four days exploring the biodiversity, history and culture of the mighty Sepik River.
  • Learn about the Sepik people and their customs.
  • Travel along the meandering manmade Barats through lush rainforests.
  • Visit the main trading township of Angoram.
  • Discover the spectacular Blackwater Lakes.
  • Visit the remote Watam and Awar villages.
  • Sail into a spectacular caldera in the Witu Islands.
  • Gain an insight into the history, culture, and incredible diversity of life from your expert expedition team.

Cabin Options | Suites & Staterooms

Pearl Suite | 27m2 inc balcony

Fares from AU$28,995pp

What’s included?

Horizon Suite | 20m2 inc balcony

Fares from AU$23,995pp

What’s included?

Ocean Stateroom | 18m2

Fares from AU$19,995pp

What’s included?

Ocean Twin Stateroom | 16m2

Fares from AU$18,495pp

What’s included?

Your Itinerary | Sepik River Secrets 

DAY

1

Embarkation | Madang, Papua New Guinea

Madang township was once known as the “prettiest town in the South Pacific”. Its peninsula setting is a showplace of parks, waterways, luxuriant shade trees and sparkling tropical islands. The diverse geographical nature of Madang province is reflected in the 170 different languages that are spoken. This diversity is showcased in the Madang festival with its colourful displays of “sing sings” performed by numerous cultural groups from across the Madang Province.

PASPALEY PEARL will be alongside in Madang.

DAY

2-5

The Sepik River. East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea

The Sepik is one of the world’s great river systems. Meandering 1100 km from the Owen Stanley ranges to the North Coast of New Guinea where it enters the Bismarck Sea. It is renowned for its rich biodiversity and is surrounded by dense and often difficult-to-navigate terrain. The lack of accessible roads in the region has meant the river has served as a central avenue for trade, communication, and daily activities for millennia.

Culturally, the Sepik region is known for its traditional art, with indigenous tribes creating intricate carvings and masks that hold deep cultural and spiritual significance. The river and its surroundings have inspired the artistic expressions of the local communities, reflecting their connection to the natural environment.

DAY

6

Watam Village, Broken Water Bay. East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea

Watam village is situated at the northwestern end of Broken Water Bay, making it the easternmost village in the East Sepik Province. The Watam people, along with the people of Kopar village at the mouth of the Sepik River, trace their origins to the lower sections of the Ramu River, located further east. While the Watam people have adopted Catholicism, many aspects of their traditional rituals and beliefs continue to coexist within the religious framework. As a result, Watam village provides a fascinating example of the intersection between traditional practices, migration history, and the influence of external factors on the cultural landscape of Papua New Guinea.

DAY

7

Hansa Bay. Madang Province, Papua New Guinea

During World War II, Hansa Bay was a major Japanese naval base and transit station between the Wewak region and south eastern bases. Today, there are several WWII wrecks scattered along the coastline and in shallow waters. The traditional villages of Awar and Nubia seldom receive visitors from the outside world. Their culture and traditions remain strong, despite the influence of missionaries.

DAY

8

Crown Island. Madang Province, Papua New Guinea

Crown Island is located between the Vitiaz Strait and the southern Bismarck Sea off the north coast of the Papua New Guinea mainland, about 25 kilometres from Long Island. William Dampier charted the passage now named Dampier Strait to the east in 1700, also naming several islands including Crown Island. This eroded ancient volcanic island is home to a collection of lush valleys, steep ridges, lowlands and sand beaches surrounded by coral reefs. The islands inhabitants have only recently relocated from the nearby Long and Umboi Islands.

DAY

9

Witu Islands. West New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea

The Witu, or Vitu Islands are volcanic ocean peaks fringed by coral reefs, located in the Bismarck Sea off the north coast of New Britain Island. They were once the chief copra centre of Papua New Guinea, today cocoa is now the main crop harvested. The largest island, Garove or Big Witu has a 5 kilometre wide volcanic caldera where the southern rim has collapsed, creating a spectacular entrance. The main village of Garove is nestled inside this scenic natural harbour.

DAY

10

Cape Gloucester. West New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea

Lying on the northern peninsula at the west end of the island of New Britain is the seldom visited location of Cape Gloucester. The Peninsula is densely vegetated with thick rainforest, and the extinct Mount Talawe volcano creates a spectacular backdrop to the south. On the eastern flank of Talawe lie the four overlapping volcanic cones of the active Langila Volcano. Langila is one of the most active volcanoes in the Bismark archipelago. Several uninhabited picture postcard islands lie just offshore, providing the ideal location for swimming and snorkelling in the warm tropical waters of the Bismarck Sea.

DAY

11

Disembarkation | Madang, Papua New Guinea 

Madang township was once known as the “prettiest town in the South Pacific”. Its peninsula setting is a showplace of parks, waterways, luxuriant shade trees and sparkling tropical islands. The diverse geographical nature of Madang province is reflected in the 170 different languages that are spoken. This diversity is showcased in the Madang festival with its colourful displays of “sing sings” performed by numerous cultural groups from across the Madang Province.

PASPALEY PEARL will be alongside in Madang and disembarkation will commence after breakfast.

Pre & Post Voyage Packages | Coming Soon

Speak to our Yacht Concierge for more information.

Pre & Post Expedition Flights –
Cairns to Madang Return

More information coming soon