Best of Micronesia Rabaul to Palau

BEST OF MICRONESIA RABAUL TO PALAU

March 3 – 20, 2019 | 18 Days | Aboard the Caledonian Sky

Chuuk (Truk) Island Ifalik Expedition Highlights Sorol Satawal Pulap Koror, Ngulu Oroluk Atoll Island Atoll Island Atoll Palau Atoll Pohnpei Island • Snorkel or dive nearly every day—the FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA western corner of Micronesia boasts PACIFIC OCEAN Nukuoro more than 1,300 species of fish. Kapingamarangi • Witness the amazing Chuuk (Truk) Tingwon Island Lagoon, famous for its “ghost fleet”

Rabaul of over 50 coral-encrusted ships that were sunk during World War II. PAPUA NEW GUINEA • Meet with friendly locals, who will greet Port Moresby you with traditional dances.

• Search for island endemics and a IFALIK multitude of seabirds, such as Pohnpei lorikeets, Chuuk monarchs, white terns, AUSTRALIA black noddies, and white-tailed tropicbirds.

• Tour Pohnpei’s famed archaeological site, Nan Madol, the residence of royalty and priests from the 12th to 15th centuries.

• Itinerary...... page 2 > • Flight Information ...... page 4 > • Ship, Deck Plan & Rates ...... page 5 > • Featured Leaders...... page 6 > • Know Before You Go...... page 6 > • Optional Pre-voyage Extension.... page 7 > © Jack Grove S. © To come... MICRONESIAN RABAUL MYZOMELA © Brent Stephenson Brent © © Jack Grove S. © Michael P. Moore© Michael P.

a picture-perfect village—and enjoy their hospitality, local Itinerary delicacies, and dances. After your visit, snorkel or dive along the islets’ surrounding reef. Based on the expeditionary nature of our trips, there may be ongoing enhancements to this itinerary. Friday, March 8 AT SEA Sunday & Monday, March 3 & 4, 2019 During a day at sea, lecturers introduce the Federated States DEPART USA Board your independent flight to Papua New Guinea. Lose a of Micronesia, formerly the Caroline Islands, whose long day crossing the International Date Line. colonial history includes administration by the US after WWII. Many islands are so remote that the traditional villages are nearly untouched by tourism. You may also join naturalists on deck to search for tropical seabirds and marine mammals. Tuesday, March 5 PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA Arrive in Port Moresby and transfer to the Airways Hotel with the rest of the day at leisure. Gather this evening for a Saturday, March 9 welcome reception and dinner at our hotel. KAPINGAMARANGI, FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA (FSM) This morning, Zodiacs bring you ashore for a tour of the small community of remote Kapingamarangi, where fishing Wednesday, March 6 and cultivating taro are the main industries. In the afternoon, PORT MORESBY / RABAUL / EMBARK CALEDONIAN SKY snorkel in the lagoon over stunning coral gardens full of Transfer to the airport after breakfast and board the charter flight to Rabaul. Six cone-shaped volcanoes, some of which colorful reef fish including lionfish, pipefish, and moray eels. are still active, ring Rabaul’s dramatic flooded-caldera harbor. Divers venture via Zodiac to the edges of the reef, keeping an Visit the bubbling hot springs and take in magnificent views eye out for black-tipped reef sharks and other pelagics. from Observatory Ridge. And, learn about the island’s World War II history—Rabaul was a Japanese stronghold under Admiral Yamamoto. Embark the Caledonian Sky, settle in to your suite, and enjoy dinner on board. Tonight attend an astonishing performance of the Baining tribe’s fire dance. Tribe members in huge, magnificently crafted masks leap and dance over crackling, red-hot coals in a centuries-old ritual to honor the local deity-spirits.

Thursday, March 7 TINGWON ISLANDS Completely encircled by an oblong reef, few passenger vessels are able to visit this small group of islands. Land on a sandy beach and meet the 350 inhabitants of charming Tingwon—

IFALIK

ZEGRAHM EXPEDITIONS | BEST OF MICRONESIA: RABAUL TO PALAU < 2 > from lush rainforests and waterfalls to deserted beaches SATAWAL and small villages. Chuuk’s lagoon is a world-renowned paradise for wreck divers. In 1944, American bombers sunk 60 Japanese Imperial Navy vessels and aircraft which sheltered here; the armada is visible today in an intriguing and vast museum-like underwater environment of unparalleled mystery. Nature has transformed these wrecks into a wonderland, colonized by a mosaic of corals, sponges, anemones, and sea fans, which are the playground of fish by the thousands and can be explored by both divers and snorkelers. In this lagoon of astonishing variety and extravagant natural beauty, Zodiacs take you to idyllic white-sand shores and dazzling coral reefs teeming with life, while birders search the islets for seabirds.

Thursday, March 14 PULAP ATOLL The villages of Pulap and Tamatam are known for their skilled Sunday, March 10 navigators, whose expertise also shines in the construction NUKUORO ATOLL A chain of tiny islets circling a sparkling, emerald lagoon, of long canoes made of breadfruit wood. Older canoes Nukuoro is one of the most stunning atolls in Micronesia. are hand-sewn with traditional sennit, and may feature the Meet with the friendly locals and wander through lush silhouette of a black frigatebird on the bow. With the chief’s vegetation and gardens of taro, banana, and breadfruit. permission, wander at leisure through this traditional village. Swim or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters before returning Snorkel, dive, beachcomb, or sit under a palm tree to enjoy the to the ship for an afternoon at sea. afternoon on a perfect islet with a shallow aquamarine lagoon to your right and the deep indigo Pacific to your left.

Monday, March 11 POHNPEI ISLAND Friday, March 15 Pohnpei is a high volcanic island, with dense rainforests filled SATAWAL ISLAND with towering trees, elegant ferns, tumbling waterfalls, and Step ashore as the women of the village—adorned in lava- luxuriant moss. Hike along an upland nature trail to search for lava skirts, their skin tinted by turmeric—present welcoming the Pohnpei lory, Micronesian pigeon, and Pohnpei flycatcher. dances. Meet the exuberant young boys of the island, whose Or choose a tour of Pohnpei’s famed archaeological site, skills in tropical waters are so fine-tuned that they seem “half- Nan Madol, a National Historic Landmark. Explore the 92 fish.” The men of Satawal, famed for their mastery of ocean megalithic man-made islands, once the residence of royalty and navigation without the use of instruments, still voyage between priests of the Saudeleurs from about the 12th to 15th centuries. the islands of Micronesia in outrigger canoes, steering by the sun, stars, and swells.

Tuesday, March 12 CAROLINE ISLANDS OROLUK ATOLL GROUND-DOVE This classic atoll’s ring of coral has only a few islets around its perimeter, and is inhabited by a family of eight who will show you their gardens of hibiscus, banana, and sweet potato. A short forest walk takes you past taro to a copra processing area. Beachcomb along the lovely shoreline, keeping an eye out for hawksbill and Pacific green sea turtle nests, while birders look for ruddy turnstones, black noddies, white-tailed tropicbirds, and Micronesian starlings. Snorkeling and diving are superb, with the chance to spot black-tipped reef sharks and coral trout.

Wednesday, March 13 CHUUK (TRUK) ISLAND This spectacular and enormous coral-fringed lagoon shelters 15 high islands of volcanic origin. The dramatic scenery ranges © Brent Stephenson Brent ©

ZEGRAHM EXPEDITIONS | BEST OF MICRONESIA: RABAUL TO PALAU < 3 > WHITE-TAILED TROPICBIRD SOROL

Saturday, March 16 Tuesday & Wednesday, March 19 & 20 IFALIK ATOLL KOROR, REPUBLIC OF PALAU / DISEMBARK / USA Keep a lookout for common bottlenose dolphins playing in Discover the beautiful nature of the Rock Islands, as well the ship’s wake as you approach Ifalik. This classic tiny circular as WWII history on an easy hike up to an old German atoll, with only three islets, represents the most authentic aspects lighthouse. Strewn here and there with old cannons, this tour of Micronesia’s traditional state, Yap. The chiefs are intent walks you through botanical wonders while offering excellent upon maintaining cultural integrity—motor-powered boats opportunities to spot some of Palau’s endemic bird species. are banned within the lagoon, as are televisions in the village. Or join a guided WWII History tour on Peleliu Island. Observe Ashore, the islanders present their thatched-roofed houses set the vegetation-covered remnants of Japanese buildings, gun under shady trees. After lyrical dances by grass-skirted women, emplacements, tanks, planes, and weapons that are scattered you are free to wander and admire the island handicrafts, around the island. Then visit the infamous Thousand Man including unique fish hooks fashioned from golden-lipped Cave, an incredible cave system where Japanese soldiers once pearl shells. In the afternoon choose to snorkel, dive, sail in hid, and browse the interesting museum, where personal items one of the handsome outrigger canoes, or go birding with our of Japanese and American soldiers who died in the war are ornithologist. enshrined. Check in to the Palau Royal Resort for dinner and a chance to relax before your independent late evening flight. Arrive in the USA the next day. Sunday, March 17 SOROL ISLAND This afternoon, watch for green turtles as Zodiacs zigzag through coral reefs and shallow sandbars to land on a white- Flight Information sand beach. On this tiny uninhabited island, groves of coconut palms adorn the lagoon shore as sooty terns and white-tailed You will need to purchase airfare from your home city/Port tropicbirds soar overhead. Snorkel over a coral drop-off or Moresby/Rabaul and Koror/home city. Please contact our in-house enjoy a dive in deeper waters populated by large pelagic Air Department for fare quotes, reservations, or other air-related fish. We spend the afternoon cruising the Pacific Ocean and questions. enjoying the many amenities the Caledonian Sky has to offer.

Monday, March 18 NGULU ATOLL Ngulu is a large, stunning atoll, its ring-shaped lagoon bordered by tiny islets with swaying palm trees and beaches that offer a nesting ground to sea turtles. Go ashore to meet with the chief and the small number of villagers living on Ngulu Atoll. Afterwards visit the nearby palm-clad sandy islets for nature walks, birding, snorkeling, and diving.

ZEGRAHM EXPEDITIONS | BEST OF MICRONESIA: RABAUL TO PALAU < 4 > The Caledonian Sky

The all-suite, 100-guest Caledonian Sky is a Deck Plan spacious, yet intimate, expedition vessel. Refurbished PANORAMA DECK in 2012, her beautifully designed public spaces include a single-seating dining room, a large lounge, Library elegant bar, enclosed panoramic viewing deck, sun Panorama Lounge Sun Deck Bar deck, library, and gym. All suites have an ocean Elevator view and feature a sitting room, en suite bathroom, flat screen television, spacious wardrobes, and BRIDGE DECK dressing table. The Caledonian Sky carries a fleet 511 505507509 Outdoor Cafe Bridge of Zodiacs, available for accessing remote shorelines Elevator and islands. 506508510512

PROMENADE DECK Visit www.zegrahm.com/caledonian-sky for Promenade Deck Promenade Deck more information about this ship. Salon 433 431 427 425 423 421 419 417 415 WC Elevator

Gym 434 432 428 426 424 422 420 418 416 414

Promenade Deck Promenade Deck

CALEDONIAN DECK

Promenade Deck

Bar 347 345 343 341 339 335 333 331 329 Castle Deck Caledonian Deck Lounge Reception Elevator

348 346 344 342 340 338 336 334 332 330 CATEGORY 1 CATEGORY 2 CATEGORY 3 Promenade Deck

CASTLE DECK

261 259 257 255 Doctor Restaurant

Elevator 260262 258 254256 252 250

Rates

CAT 1 $13,980 CAT 4 $17,980 CAT 1 SOLO $17,580 Solo Travelers: : Limited solo accommodations are available at the special solo rate listed above. CAT 2 $15,180 CAT 5 $19,680 CAT 2 SOLO $18,980 Additional solo accommodations may be available. CAT 3 $16,780 CAT 6 $22,380 CAT 4 SOLO $22,480 Call our office for details.

Scuba Diving is available on this expedition for an additional cost of $500 per person. Limited to 16 Advance Open Water (AOW) certified scuba divers. You must complete two open water dives within the 12 months prior to the trip’s departure.

INCLUDED: NOT INCLUDED: • Daily activity options including cultural tours, nature walks, • Airfare from your home city/Port Moresby/Rabaul and and Zodiac cruises Koror/home city • All accommodations • Excess baggage charges • World-class lecture and expedition team • Airport arrival and departure taxes • All onboard meals and group meals ashore, including soft • Transfers for independent arrivals and departures drinks, beer, and wine with lunch and dinner • Passport and/or visa fees • All entrance fees, taxes, and landing and port charges • Travel insurance

• Arrival and departure transfers on group dates • Items of a personal nature such as laundry, alcoholic beverages (other than listed at left), and other incidentals • Gift certificates for recommended expedition gear • Email/Internet/fax/telephone charges • Medical expense coverage and emergency evacuation insurance

A 25% per person deposit will secure your space on this expedition. All rates are per person, based on double occupancy, quoted in US dollars, and must be paid in US dollars. Rates and itineraries are subject to change. Please review our Terms & Conditions online at www.zegrahm.com/terms, or call our office for a printed copy.

ZEGRAHM EXPEDITIONS | BEST OF MICRONESIA: RABAUL TO PALAU < 5 > Featured Leaders Our leaders have visited Micronesia numerous times and will provide valuable insight and commentary on the history, culture, religion, and current events of the region. Fascinating lectures, photo presentations, daily recaps, and informal discussions will enhance your understanding and appreciation of the wonders you will see. Leaders from additional fields of study will join the leader featured below.

MICHAEL MOORE (EXPEDITION JACK GROVE (MARINE BIOLOGIST & LEADER) – A Chicago native, Michael ZEGRAHM COFOUNDER) – A marine earned both his B.S. in biology and an biologist and professional naturalist, Jack M.S. degree in ecology, ethology, and has spent much of the past two decades evolution at the University of Illinois. traveling on, and lecturing about, the Since then he has spent 10 years world’s oceans. He is a research associate conducting research around the Pacific in the Section of Fishes at the Los Angeles Rim, where he lived in the highlands County Museum of Natural History, and of New Guinea, logged hundreds of hours beneath its waters a leading authority on the fishes and marine environments of working for conservation organizations, and taught field the eastern tropical Pacific. In 1997, Stanford University Press biology courses for the University of PNG. Michael’s research published his comprehensive volume The Fishes of the Galápagos around the world led him to a career as an expedition leader Islands, and he received his Ph.D. from Pacific Western University. taking travelers from the equatorial forests of New Guinea to A certified divemaster and Fellow of The Explorers Club, Jack has Alaska’s arctic tundra and many places in between. led numerous expeditions to the remote corners of the world.

Know Before You Go For most activities a moderate level of exertion is required. You will need to climb into and out of Zodiacs and tenders for diving and snorkeling activities and excursions ashore. Ashore, you must be able to walk moderate distances over beaches and sometimes rough terrain. Average daily temperatures will range from the low to upper 80s°F, though high humidity can make it feel warmer. Though this voyage occurs during the dry season, rainfall is always a possibility.

IFALIK

To reserve, visit www.zegrahm.com/micronesia or contact your travel consultant. < 6 > PAPUA NEW GUINEA CULTURAL CONNECTIONS

February 25 - March 6, 2019 | 10 Days | Optional Pre-voyage Extension

Monday - Wednesday, February 25 - 27, 2019 of paradise, overlooking the Wahgi Valley. Spend the afternoon DEPART USA / PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA exploring the lodge’s vast network of forest trails. Board your independent flight to Papua New Guinea, crossing the International Date Line en route. Arrive in Port Moresby on February 27. Transfer to the Airways Hotel for dinner and overnight. Monday & Tuesday, March 4 & 5 RONDON RIDGE Located at 7,100 feet above sea level, Rondon offers pristine Thursday, February 28 highlands rainforest. Over 180 species of birds have been recorded PORT MORESBY / MOUNT HAGEN / KARAWARI here, including 10 species of birds of paradise. A highlight of your After breakfast, board our group flight to the Sepik River area, time here is the chance to meet and interact with the Melpa people. via Mount Hagen. Transfer to Karawari Lodge—named for the Though first contact with the Melpa was made in 1934, in many nearby river—your base for exploring the fascinating culture along ways, their lifestyle remains relatively unchanged. Among the world’s the jungle-fringed waterways. The main lodge building, designed first horticulturists, learn about the important industries of gardening after the traditional haus tambaran—ancestral worship house—is and sweet potato cultivation. decorated with artifacts and boldly carved furniture, and includes a dining room, library, lounge, and a long veranda overlooking the Wednesday, March 6 Karawari River. RONDON RIDGE / PORT MORESBY / RABAUL / EMBARK CALEDONIAN SKY Friday & Saturday, March 1 & 2 Today, return to Port Moresby and board the charter flight to Rabual. Embark the Caledonian Sky in time for dinner. KARAWARI Spend two days exploring ‘Arambak’ country, one of the most remote and unspoiled areas of Papua New Guinea. Board small boats to explore along the Karawari River, where crocodiles bask on the Rates banks, and you may see locals paddling their dugout canoes with long, curved oars. You have several opportunities to observe village $7,580 per person, double occupancy; life and customs, participate in daily activities, and see reenactments $8,980 per person, solo occupancy of traditional ceremonies. Search for several species of birds of paradise and the beautiful Sepik blue orchid, found along the forest trails surrounding the lodge. Flight Information

Sunday, March 3 You will need to purchase airfare from your home city/Port Moresby and KARAWARI / MOUNT HAGEN / RONDON RIDGE Koror/home city. All other flights are included in the cost of the extension. Board our charter flight to Mount Hagen and, upon arrival, transfer Please contact our in-house Air Department for fare quotes, reservations, or to Rondon Ridge Lodge. Each room features a bird’s-eye view other air-related questions.

To reserve, visit www.zegrahm.com/micronesia or contact your travel consultant. < 7