Making the most of Conflict Islands
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Tenders carry passengers to a newly built jetty.
The Conflict Islands are a scenic group of 21 islands encircling a vivid blue lagoon and supporting one of the planet's most biodiverse reef networks. Visitors enjoy kayaking, snorkelling and stand-up paddleboarding, as well as glass-bottom boat and outrigger-canoe excursions.
Cruise calls to this destination have been offered only since 2016.
Captain Bower of HMS Conflict gave the islands their name in 1880.
Bring a map with you.
Panasesa, the principal island, is available for private hire and contains a resort Club House, six beachfront bungalows and a runway suited to short-haul aircraft. Available pursuits include sport fishing, diving, kayaking, sailing, boating and encounters with nature.
Getting around
The Conflict Islands support a third of the world's marine-fish species, ranging from minute ghost pipe fish to enormous manta rays and killer whales. These 21 uninhabited tropical islands enclose a dramatic lagoon and are being considered as a World Heritage Marine Site. Within the group, Irai island has been judged to possess the world's second-best coral and the greatest number of species recorded on one dive, making it an exceptional destination for divers.
Money
Equipment hire, meals and drinks are paid for with vouchers rather than cash, in values of $A25, $A50 or $A100. Buy them at a discount aboard the ship or from two island locations; unused vouchers are not refunded.
Staying connected
The official languages are English, Tok Pisin and Hiri Motu.