Circumnavigating New Ireland

Expedition Overview

Trip One: October 1-11, 2023 (10 nights)
Trip Two: October 13-23, 2023 (10 nights)
Route: Trip 1: Rabaul to Kavieng | Trip 2: Kavieng to Rabaul
Vessel: MV Oceania
Leaders: Dr. Richard Smith & Wendy Brown

Itinerary Highlights

Our back-to-back Papua New Guinea expeditions explored the remote New Ireland and New Hanover regions, an area that held treasured personal significance for Richard since his first visit in 1999. This remote corner of PNG profoundly influenced his future diving career and was where he first heard of pygmy seahorses that would later become the focus of his research.

Key Destinations:

• Trip 1: West coast of New Ireland exploration

• Trip 2: East coast of New Ireland exploration

• Rabaul (New Britain Island) and Kavieng as departure/arrival points

• Remote dive sites accessible only by liveaboard

Marine Life Highlights

The diving delivered classic Papua New Guinea experiences with the influence of Pacific fauna created unique species encounters due to Pacific Ocean currents in this remote region.

The MV Oceania Experience

Walindi Resort's brand new vessel (completed 2019) from the legendary owners of MV Febrina provided the perfect platform for exploring remote PNG waters. With accommodation for just 16 guests in twin/double en suite cabins, the intimate group size enhanced the expedition experience.

Scientific Discovery Marine Life Talks by Dr. Richard Smith:

The educational presentations continued to transform the diving experience, with participants noting how the talks turned every dive into an exciting hunt for newly learned species and enhanced their appreciation of PNG's incredible marine biodiversity.

These expeditions successfully returned to one of PNG's most remote and spectacular diving regions, combining personal diving history with cutting-edge marine science education in one of the world's most biodiverse marine environments.