SECRETS OF MELANESIA
SOLOMON ISLANDS AND VANUATU KAYAK EXPLORATION
24 OCTOBER-03 NOVEMBER 2013
KAYAK EXPEDITION NOTES AND ITINERARY
These notes will give you a brief idea of what you may experience on this new and remote voyage. Our
emphasis is on exploring pristine landscapes and visiting sites of cultural interest. However we stress that
this is an expedition style cruise. Our adventures and daily program may be influenced by the
changeable weather and sea conditions of the region. We’ll delight in taking advantage of spontaneous
opportunities and there is always an element of the unexpected. We ask you to join us in the spirit of
expedition cruising as we discover these extraordinary islands with you.
Working with Heritage Expeditions aboard the Spirit of Enderby, our journey is a ship-based exploration, from
Honiara in the Solomon Islands to Port Vila, Vanuatu. The spectacular terrain combined with a lack of suitable
infrastructure makes travel to most areas difficult except by air and sea. We believe travel by expedition ship is
the safest, most efficient and enjoyable way to unlock the secrets of one of the world’s last wilderness frontiers.
Using our mother ship as a floating base camp, we hope to paddle daily, or even twice a day, spending as
much time on the water as possible. Most paddles will range from two to four hours. The flexibility of kayaking
with a small private group ensures our own unique experiences, quite different from those encountered by the
other passengers on board. However, we have the option to forego paddling and join the other passengers for
shore excursions or zodiac cruises on any given day.
Travellers who are privileged enough to visit will discover a wealth of magnificent tropical scenery and cultural
diversity. We’ll aim to visit remote oceanic islands and walk through pristine rainforest alive with unique wildlife.
Our fleet of kayaks and zodiacs will enable us to search out the myriad of hidden bays and striking coral reefs
that abound in this area. Snorkeling the magical reefs off white sandy beaches and isolated atolls will give us
the chance to learn more about this incredibly diverse marine ecosystem.
Our visits to remote coastal and island villages will give a genuine insight into a traditional lifestyle that has
changed little in centuries. From the famed masked dances of Malakula to the canoe craftsmen of Duff Island,
our experiences with the smiling people of Melanesia are sure to be rewarding. Hidden worlds await paddlers
on this once in a lifetime exploration, where Melanesian and Polynesian cultures intertwine.
Experience Required
To ensure you have safe, enjoyable paddles you should be comfortable with swimming and have an
adventurous attitude. This should not be your first sea kayaking experience. The trip is suitable for beginners to
experts and conducted in warm water. We have very little opportunity for instruction before we commence
paddling, therefore, we highly recommend that you have done some kayaking recently or have received some
tuition.
Try to rent a kayak locally before leaving home if you would like some additional experience, or seek out a local
operator for some paddling tuition. We often begin our first paddling session from the shore and after that will
be launching directly from the ship. You should be comfortable paddling on seas that could have up to a 1/2
metre swell and some current. The water surface will vary from calm to wind chop. Your guide will assess your
ability on the initial paddle and, if you have insufficient experience, he or she may not allow you to participate in
rougher conditions. Our paddling excursions will not involve camping out.
We’d be happy to talk to you about your ability and may be able to advise you on how to obtain the necessary
experience before your trip. Paddling numbers are limited and berths fill fast so it is essential you book early.
Please Note: Along with your voyage booking form we require all participants to complete our “Sea
Kayak Booking and Experience Form” and return it to us immediately to secure your spot in the sea
kayak group.
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SECRETS OF MELANESIA
SOLOMON ISLANDS AND VANUATU KAYAK EXPLORATION
24 OCTOBER-03 NOVEMBER 2013
proposed itinerary
24 Oct – Meet in Honiara, Solomon Islands
Located on the northern coast of Guadacanal, by the Mataniko River, Honiara was founded by the British as a
military base during World War II. Tour Honiara or head to the rain-forested slopes of Mount Austen in search
of the islands’ most spectacular birds, including the Solomon Sea Eagle. Board the Spirit of Enderby this
afternoon. After familiarizing yourself with your cabin and the ship, join your Captain and expedition team on
the Bridge as we leave Honiara. The kayakers will meet with their guide for a trip briefing.
25 Oct – San Jorge Island and Santa Isabel
Santa Isabel is one of the largest and highest islands in the Solomon Islands and remains largely unexplored.
The multitude of inlets, channels and bays provide opportunities for exploration by kayak and zodiac. We will
head to the southern shores and Thousand Ships Harbour, nestled between San Jorge Island and the high
peaks of southern Santa Isabel. Here the rhythms of life continue little changed, with daily life centred around
the village and family.
26 Oct – Malaita
Discover mountainous Malaita’s rich culture, pristine rivers and unexploited tropical rainforests. Anchoring in
one of the harbours on the western side of the island, we can explore Langa Langa lagoon, famous for its
artificial islands. These islands have been built up on sand bars over time when some tribes were forced to flee
from the headhunters of mainland Malaita. The traditional currency, Malaitan shell-money, is still made on the
island and is used as a dowry and worn as a status symbol. Listen out for the sweet sounds of traditional panpipe music being played by the locals.
27 Oct – Makira and Santa Ana (San Cristobal)
Makira is the most easterly of the main islands in the Solomons archipelago and covers some 3110 sq
kilometres. Nearby to the east lies Santa Ana, a small raised coral atoll. Sea caves on the island are believed
to be the site of first habitation in the Solomons, dating back to 1280 BC. We spend time with the locals who
share their traditional song and dance which incorporate Polynesian flavours. Santa Ana is renowned for its
bone fish hooks and intricately carved wooden bowls and fishing floats.
28 Oct – Nendo-Temotu Province
Nendo is the largest of the Santa Cruz Islands, which lie to the south-east of the Solomon Islands. The Spanish
navigator, Alvaro de Mendana de Neira unsuccessfully tried to establish a colony here in 1595. This is the
home of the red feather money, sourced from the Scarlet Honeyeater. Today the islanders will perform the
dances of their ancestors with traditional red feather sticks. Be on the lookout for tema-distinctive breastplates
made from discs of clam shells with turtle shell overlays and integral to the men’s ceremonial costumes.
29 Oct – Duff Islands
To the north-east of Nendo are the small and isolated Duff Islands, a cluster of 11 islands. On the tiny island of
Taumako live some 500 Polynesians who may be the only people in the Pacific still capable of building and
sailing traditional voyaging canoes in completely traditional ways. Keep an eye out for locals hand-crafting their
vessels on the shore with adzes. These islanders are renowned for their great navigating abilities of these
mighty canoes. Maybe we can compare our modern-day kayaks with their wooden masterpieces!
30 Oct – Vanikolo
Today we explore the archipelago of Vanikolo, with its five islands surrounded by a dramatic barrier reef
offering superb paddling and snorkeling in crystal clear waters. On shore, we visit a monument to French
explorer Jean-Francois de la Perouse who was stranded here after both his vessels struck the reef in 1788.
31 Oct – Vanua Lava
We arrive into Vanuatu at the northern outpost of Vanua Lava, the largest island in the Banks islands crowned
by the volcanically active Mt. Sere’ama. Vanua Lava offers diverse landscapes, rich culture and a bountiful
underwater world. We’ll explore the waters around the island of Motu Lava and Reef Islands by kayak and
snorkel.
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SECRETS OF MELANESIA
SOLOMON ISLANDS AND VANUATU KAYAK EXPLORATION
24 OCTOBER-03 NOVEMBER 2013
01 Nov – Espiritu Santo
We have a full day to explore Vanuatu’s largest island, Santo, location of James Michener’s Tales of the South
Pacific. We can paddle up a river to swim in the breathtaking Blue Hole, snorkel at Million Dollar Point, where
the Americans dumped their equipment after the war or visit the township of Luganville.
02 Nov – Malakula
Having crossed the Bouganville strait, we head for the southern end of Malakula Island and once known as the
Cannibal Islands due to the fierce reputation of the Big Namba and Small Namba tribes. We explore the
southern shoreline, home of the Small Namba tribal group and the least developed and most traditional part of
Melekula. Beautiful and rarely visited, the nearby low-lying Maskelyne Islands offer first class diving and
snorkeling with coral gardens surrounding the archipelago. We’ll witness a performance by the Masked Dances
of Malakula and watch the men craft intricate sand drawings, their beautiful creations capturing hidden
messages and stories.
03 Nov – Port Vila, Vanuatu
In the early morning we disembark in Port Vila, Vanuatu’s capital on the island of Efate. Upon disembarking a
transfer to your central hotel or the airport will conclude your voyage. To allow time for disembarkation
procedures we do not recommend booking flights from Port Vila before midday.
GENERAL INFORMATION
This Tour Includes:
• Ship’s accommodation. All public areas are open to all passengers.
• All meals on board ship.
• All shore excursions from the ship including Zodiac excursions but excluding the birding and diving
program.
• Lectures, videos, slide and film shows and guide services.
• Port taxes, port charges and landing fees imposed by government authorities.
• Airport transfers at the beginning and end of the voyage.
• The trip price comprises the voyage cost plus a surcharge for the kayaking option. The kayak
surcharge covers all your paddling and kayak equipment and the services of a professional sea
kayak guide.
This Tour Does Not Include:
• Any airfares.
• Visa, passport and vaccination charges and airport departure taxes.
• Hotels and meals not included in ship cruise itinerary.
• Optional excursions not included in ship cruise itinerary.
• Tips on board for crew and service personnel.
• Laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses, personal travel insurance and items of a
personal nature such as bar charges, wine and phone calls.
• Emergency evacuation charges.
• Discovery Fund. Each passenger will pay US$500.00 on boarding the ship. The fund supports
local projects in the areas through which we travel.
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SECRETS OF MELANESIA
SOLOMON ISLANDS AND VANUATU KAYAK EXPLORATION
24 OCTOBER-03 NOVEMBER 2013
SHIP DETAILS
The Spirit of Enderby is a fully ice-strengthened expedition vessel, built in 1984 for polar and oceanographic
research and is perfect for expedition travel. She carries just 50 passengers and was refurbished in March
2012 to provide comfortable accommodation in twin share cabins approximately half of which have private
facilities. All cabins have outside windows or portholes and ample storage space. On board there is a combined
bar/library lounge area and a dedicated lecture room. The cuisine is excellent and is prepared by top NZ and
Australian chefs.
The expeditions are accompanied by some of the most experienced naturalists and guides, who have devoted
a lifetime to field research in the areas that we visit. The ship is crewed by a very enthusiastic and most
experienced Russian Captain and crew. The name Spirit of Enderby honours the work and the vision of the
Enderby Brothers of London. The Enderby Captains were at the forefront of Antarctic exploration for almost 40
years in the early 1800's.
Technical description:
• Classification: Russian register KM ice class
• Year built: 1984
• Accommodation: 50 berths expedition
• Shipyard: Finland
• Main engines: power 2x1560 bhp (2x 1147 Kw)
• Register: Russia
• Maximum speed: 12 knots (2 engines),
• Cruising speed: 10 knots(one engine)
• Bunker capacity: 320 tons
Cabin details:
• Heritage Suite: Has a large lounge area, a separate bedroom with double bed, a single bed in the lounge,
writing desk, wardrobe, drawers. There is a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. There
are large forward and side facing windows to allow great views.
• Mini Suites: Have a separate bedroom with a double bed and a single bed or a sofa in the lounge, wardrobe,
drawers, a desk and a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. The Mini Suites have
windows.
• Superior Plus cabins: Have two lower berths, wardrobe, drawers, desk, a private bathroom with shower,
toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.
• Superior cabins: Have bunks (an upper and lower berth), wardrobe, drawers, a desk, a private bathroom with
shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.
• Main deck cabins: Have two lower berths, wardrobe, drawers, a desk, washbasin and porthole. The nearby
showers and toilets are shared with other Main deck cabins.
• Main deck triple: Has one bunk (one upper and one lower) and one lower berth, wardrobe, drawers, a desk
and wash basin. The nearby showers and toilets are shared with other Main deck cabins.
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SECRETS OF MELANESIA
SOLOMON ISLANDS AND VANUATU KAYAK EXPLORATION
24 OCTOBER-03 NOVEMBER 2013
Deckplan:
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