Louisiades – Papua new guinea – TBC
louisiades – and the forgotten island chain of the calvados – details changing please join waitlist for more info by hitting the enquire now button
Camp out
We provide everything you need to sleep out in nature.
Active Adventure
Thrilling kayak and snorkel options.
Wildlife
Finding amazing animals is a highlight on this tour.
Encounters
Its a place where anything can happen on and off the water.
This package is Experiencing challenges due to local conditions – This will not be offered until further notice – you can join a wait list by contacting us
Location: Papua New Guinea
Duration: TBA
Price: TBC
Package Includes
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All kayaking and expedition equipment
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Camping equipment
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All expedition meals
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All on tour transfers excluding flights
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Professional kayak guides
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2 nights glamping accommodation at Misima Island
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All camping fees
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Trading goods
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Flights not included
Features & Highlights
- Cultural interactions
- Kayak incredible coastline
- Trading opportunities
- Breathtaking snorkelling opportunities
- Expert guides with extensive knowledge and great cooking skills!
- Unparalleled beach camps
Remote and seriously good
The Louisiade Archipelago is situated between Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Within the Louisiades lie a chain of atolls called the Calvados Islands. This chain is our destination and an awe-inspiring place to paddle. These islands feel isolated like a place time forgot. The native people still live in grass huts relying on a subsistence lifestyle of fishing and farming. They travel by dugout canoe and sailing outriggers and are some of the friendliest people you could ever meet. If the charm of these people is not enough, the islands themselves offer just rewards for the adventurous traveller. Imagine paddling into the lagoon of an atoll atop azure waters and iridescent corals to a storybook ‘South seas’ style island with white sandy beaches, overhanging coconut palms and friendly locals welcoming you. This is the reality of the Calvados Islands. Most of the islands are only a few miles apart allowing for relative ease of travel and choice of which beautiful island to camp on.
As idyllic as the islands might sound, this destination is remote and arguably one of the world’s last great sea kayaking frontiers. It is a true expedition and only for the adventurous soul. As a member of the expedition team, you will be required to chip in and help out to make this expedition a success.
First trip since 2021 – happening this Nov 2024 – future trips are subject to change
DAY 1
On our 10-day expedition, we will fly the short distance from Australia to Port Moresby. From Port Moresby we fly a further 2 hours into a remote dirt airstrip on Misima Island and spend the rest of the day prepping gear, buying provisions and exploring Misima Island.
DAY 2-9
The following day we will load all our gear into two motor boats that will shuttle us 2 hours into the Calvados Islands and from then on we are on our own. We will have approximately 8-9 days to paddle from our eastern drop off point through to the island of Panasia at the western end of the chain. Panasia Island is an enchanting place and comparatively different to the other atolls; it’s a breathtaking limestone island more akin to the islands of southern Thailand.
The Calvados Islands are predominantly trading islands and so money is of little value to these people. Along the way to acquire fresh produce to supplement our expedition menu we will trade a variety of goods; items like fishing line and hooks, nails, lighters and swimming goggles/masks are valuable items in the islands so a worthy trade for fresh vegetables and fish. The locals love the opportunity to trade as due to the remoteness of the islands they do not have access to most of these goods.
On average we will paddle our folding kayaks approximately 15km per day. This allows time for trading, beachcombing and some of the greatest snorkelling on our blue planet! This region of the Coral Sea is renowned for its diving. The corals are not only intact, but flourishing. The sea life is vibrant and the reef alive with thousands of colourful fish.
DAY 9
From Panasia we fold up our kayaks and load them onto a Sailau, which is the name the locals call their traditional sailing outriggers and the preferred craft in these islands. We will enjoy a traditional cruise aboard a Sailau until we reach Utian Island where we will meet our motor boats for our shuttle back to Misima Island and our flight home the following morning.
Only small group expeditions in this region. So if this sounds like your kind of adventure, book soon to avoid disappointment.
This is a robust expedition to a very remote destination; so is only for adventurers, experienced outdoors people and kayakers.
WHAT TO BRING
- You will receive a comprehensive packing list upon booking.
WHAT WE PROVIDE
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All kayaking and expedition equipment
-
Camping equipment
-
All expedition meals
-
All on tour transfers excluding flights
-
Professional kayak guides
-
2 nights glamping accommodation at Misima Island
-
All camping fees
-
Trading goods
-
Flights not included
By choosing this Ecotourism Experience you are making a conscious decision to reduce impact by promoting sustainable travel that benefits local communities, culture, and heritage and ultimately the environment.
Do you have questions or would like to make an enquiry?
Call us on 1300 001 060 or fill out the form below