TETEPARE
Tender to a tiny islet on the beautiful Vonavona Lagoon, the resting place for the skulls of countless vanquished warriors as well as a shrine for the skulls of Rendovan chiefs. Your local expert will guide you through the island teaching you about its fascinating and varied history.
Accompany the Tetepare Rangers as they patrol the island and monitor resources used by local harvesters. This is a perfect opportunity for you and your family to see first-hand, the conservation work going on on the island. There is an astounding variety of animals that make their home in the Tetepare’s 120 square kilometre of lowland rainforest, some of the last of its kind in Melanesia. You and your children will get the chance to spot some of the 81 bird, 25 reptile, and 13 mammal species that inhabit this natural haven.
You and your family will be welcomed to lunch in a tiny, local village where your lunch will be cooked on hot rocks. In the afternoon strap on flippers and a snorkel and take a dip in the lagoon snorkelling over a sheltered bay that brims with giant clams. Swim between mighty barracuda and bumphead parrotfish as well as with rare green turtles.
If your adventure coincides with turtle nesting season, you can have the chance to take part in the turtle conservation programme. You may even get to see the magical sight of a nest hatching. Snorkel in the lagoon at twilight and get the chance to encounter dugongs that feed on the seagrass meadows.
Enjoy dinner on board before embarking on a moonlit walk with your guide to see the giant but surprisingly sneak coconut crab. Feed them on the sand before watching them scuttle back into the undergrowth. Stay on the shore in a traditional Melanesian leaf house enjoying the simplicity of sleeping in nature.
MAROVO LAGOON
Return to your vessel in the morning for breakfast before helicoptering over Marovo Lagoon, the largest saltwater lagoon in the world and a world heritage site. Land and enjoy exploring this amazing natural phenomenon snorkelling, kite surfing, and jet skiing over the water.
Fly over Kavachi, the world’s only active underwater volcano. Snorkel nearby where you will be safe whilst still being able to hear the loud rumbling of the volcano.
Enjoy lunch on board before taking a cultural tour of the most culturally intact village in the region. Proud local guides will show you around sacred sites including the birthing cave, sacrificial altars, and skull shrines. Villagers here practiced cannibalism until well into the 20th century and you will learn about the village’s history and traditions.
Visit the Marovo master woodcarvers renowned for their skill and precision, working with some of the world’s most beautiful and rare hardwoods. Enjoy a wild dinner on the beach listening to the sounds of a traditional Solomon Islands Bamboo Band performing and later teaching you how to play their unique instruments.
MUNDA
Say farewell to your crew and captain before making your way back to the mainland to begin your journey homeward.