Along the outer edges of the Coral Sea lie many idyllic islands lush with jungle and edged with white-sand beaches that saw some of the fiercest battles of the Pacific Theatre during World War II. Next to vibrant reefs, shipwrecks and discarded armaments now bristle with coral, making for exhilarating discoveries under the sea.
Snorkel and dive pristine reefs and famous wrecks, trace the history of the Battle of the Coral Sea and the legends of the ancient Melanesians, and get to know the exuberant cultures and friendly peoples that make their home in this spectacular region of the South Pacific.
Papua New Guinea
Discover the sights of Milne Bay Province, from the colourful markets of the mainland to the reef-fringed volcanic isles scattered off the coast. Visit islands like Kwato and Samarai, and explore a turbulent history of colonialists, missionaries, headhunters, and world wars.
Examine World War II artefacts on land and underwater, and snorkel, dive and kayak the reefs and lagoons of the idyllic Louisiade Archipelago, where the residents of each island are skilled in different crafts, including pottery and building traditional canoes.
Solomon Islands
The jungle-clad peaks and vibrant reefs of the Solomon Islands—an unlikely backdrop for the fierce battles that took place here during World War II. Today the islands are some of the least visited, most dive-worthy islands in the South Pacific. Explore the haunting war relics at a U.S. supply depot on Guadalcanal Island, and discover the bird life of Kennedy Island, named after John F. Kennedy, who swam ashore here after his PT-109 boat was sunk during the war. Then, on the tiny isle of Owaraha (formerly known as Santa Ana), Be greeted with a traditional dance performed by villagers in elaborate costumes and masks.
Vanuatu
Captain James Cook named these islands the “New Hebrides” because they reminded him of the rugged isles off Scotland’s coast. On the main island of Espiritu Santo, snorkel, swim, and kayak in Paradise Lagoon and then set out for the Blue Hole Grotto, a jewel-blue freshwater source surrounded by jungle. Take the yacht’s tender to Lelepa to explore Fels Cave, whose walls are decorated with ancient petroglyphs, and visit Vanuatu’s first and only UNESCO World Heritage Site, the final residence and burial site of 17th-century Chief Roi Mata.
Snorkel Million Dollar Point, where many tons of military equipment were dumped after the war, or experience one of the best wreck dives in the world: the S.S. President Coolidge, a luxury cruise liner used as a troop carrier during World War II.
Beqa, Fiji
In 1789, Captain William Bligh and 18 loyal crew members sailed past the islands of Fiji following the infamous mutiny aboard the HMS Bounty.
Numbering more than 300, the islands are known for their pristine coral reefs and sun-drenched villages steeped in a tranquil tropical atmosphere. Stop off at Beqa Island (pronounced Mbengga), located just off the southern coast of Viti Levu. Dive or snorkel the surrounding coral reefs, go on walks in the jungle, and paddle sea kayaks or stand-up paddle boards along mangrove-lined channels. The island is also the home of the Sawau people, known for their tradition of fire-walking. Witness this incredible feat first hand, and learn about the everyday life of the islanders.
Footnote:
Contact Seal Superyachts Fiji for detailed information about cruising around Fiji, superyacht charter regulations and about how we can support your visit.
Principle agent Chase Smith is proud to have worked with many of the World’s largest Superyachts and has extensive knowledge of Fiji and the surrounding area.
Chase Smith
Phone: +679 999 6556
Email: fiji@seal-superyachts.com
Footnote:
Contact Seal Superyachts Vanuatu for detailed information about cruising around Vanuatu, superyacht charter regulations and about how we can support your visit.
Principle agent Justin Jenkin is proud to have worked with many of the World’s largest Superyachts and has extensive knowledge of Vanuatu and the surrounding area.
Justin Jenkin
Phone: +678 771 9174
Email: vanuatu@seal-superyachts.com
Footnote:
Contact Seal Superyachts Australia for detailed information about cruising around Australia, superyacht charter regulations and about how we can support your visit.
Principle agent Andrew Chapman is proud to have worked with many of the World’s largest Superyachts and has extensive knowledge of Australia and the surrounding area.
Andrew Chapman
Phone: +61 402 484 888
Email: australia@seal-superyachts.com