The Western Pacific Ocean is dotted with numerous archipelagos including those of the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia.

It may be surprising for some that rugged volcanic islands dominate these countries. Mossy montane forests dominate the higher altitudes with humid tropical forest in the lowlands. Of course these scenic surroundings wouldn’t be complete without palm-fringed sandy beaches and superb coral reefs offshore.

During a long period of isolation these archipelagoes have evolved a highly endemic avifauna of many colourful and interesting birds including an endemic family, represented by the Kagu.

We will be delighted by the diversity of species, ranging from the soaring Solomon’s Sea-Eagle to the tiny Pygmy-Parrots. Coastal waters support a good variety of seabirds including the rare Heinroth’s Shearwater.

On these island’s, located west of Fiji, we were welcomed by the extremely friendly Ni-Vanuatu people.

Some of the endemic birds we expect to find here are the forest-dwelling Chestnut-bellied Kingfisher, the grass-green Tanna Fruit-Dove amongst the fruit bearing trees, the forest-dwelling New Hebrides Honeyeater with it’s rich and varied song and the strangely behaved Vanuatu Scrubfowl.

We have created an excellent itinerary that will provide us the opportunity to see as many of the endemic species as possible in the amount of time we have allowed. For a detailed itinerary, bird list and more information please contact us.