Jolly Boys 2027 | Into the Blue — Epic Adventure & Dive Expedition
THE JOLLY BOYS • INTO THE BLUE
ONE EPIC JOURNEY. FOURTEEN EXTRAORDINARY DESTINATIONS. COUNTLESS STORIES.
From coral kingdoms and forgotten wrecks to jungle waterfalls, volcanic islands and the Great Wall, the Jolly Boys are setting out on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition across the Pacific and Asia.
THE ADVENTURE AT A GLANCE
01 MAY — 31 DECEMBER 2027 | 245 DAYS | 14 DESTINATIONS | 60+ TARGET DIVES
This is not a tick-box tour. It is a journey of big horizons, local encounters, extraordinary underwater worlds and stories worth telling. Each stop has its own chapter, its own soundtrack and its own reason to stay a little longer.
FOLLOW THE ROUTE
AUSTRALIA → PAPUA NEW GUINEA → SOLOMON ISLANDS → VANUATU → NEW CALEDONIA → FIJI → TONGA → SAMOA → COOK ISLANDS → CHUUK / TRUK LAGOON → NEW ZEALAND → JAPAN → CHINA → FRENCH POLYNESIA
Scroll through the expedition like a travel vlog: iconic places to see, underwater encounters to chase, and a signature moment to capture in every destination.
AUSTRALIA
01 MAY — 21 MAY
Kick off in Queensland, where tropical rainforest tumbles towards reef-blue water and every road seems to lead to another beach.
✦ THE EXPLORER'S LIST
CAIRNS • FITZROY ISLAND • BABINDA BOULDERS • MISSION BEACH • TOWNSVILLE • BOWEN • AIRLIE BEACH • WHITEHAVEN BEACH
✦ BELOW THE SURFACE
Start with a day on the Great Barrier Reef, then explore suitable reef sites around the Whitsundays on two planned dive days. Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet are the iconic boat-trip moments.
✦ THE VLOG MOMENT
RV windows down, salt in the air, reef below and a sunset over the Coral Sea.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
22 MAY — 18 JUNE
Go further off the beaten track into a world of extraordinary biodiversity, remote coastlines and powerful cultural traditions.
✦ THE EXPLORER'S LIST
Coastal scenery, local markets and respectful, locally guided cultural experiences where practical.
✦ BELOW THE SURFACE
Explore established dive areas such as Milne Bay with reputable local operators. Expect plans to flex around weather, visibility and domestic connections.
✦ THE VLOG MOMENT
A glimpse of a place that feels a world away from the everyday.
SOLOMON ISLANDS
19 JUN — 02 JUL
Jungle-clad islands, glassy lagoons and stories from the Pacific’s wartime past make this a true explorer’s chapter.
✦ THE EXPLORER'S LIST
Island-hopping, beaches, lagoons and WWII history visits with knowledgeable local guides.
✦ BELOW THE SURFACE
Coral gardens, dramatic reef walls and selected historic wrecks, chosen to suit conditions and diver experience.
✦ THE VLOG MOMENT
The boat cuts its engine, the water turns turquoise, and the next discovery is just below the surface.
VANUATU
03 JUL — 16 JUL
Volcanic drama above the water; legendary wreck-diving below it. Vanuatu brings serious adventure energy.
✦ THE EXPLORER'S LIST
Port Vila, island viewpoints, blue holes and volcanic landscapes when access and conditions allow.
✦ BELOW THE SURFACE
The SS President Coolidge is the headline encounter. Its depth and overhead environments demand suitable training, careful gas planning and a specialist local guide.
✦ THE VLOG MOMENT
A giant chapter of maritime history emerging from the blue.
NEW CALEDONIA
17 JUL — 06 AUG
A spectacular lagoon, French-Pacific flavour and island life at a gentler pace.
✦ THE EXPLORER'S LIST
Nouméa waterfront, markets, lagoon viewpoints and day trips shaped around transport and weather.
✦ BELOW THE SURFACE
Discover the lagoon’s marine life with a responsible operator, picking sites for reef health and conditions rather than ticking boxes.
✦ THE VLOG MOMENT
Turquoise water, a slow afternoon and a camera roll full of impossible blues.
FIJI
07 AUG — 03 SEP
Long, sunlit island days, welcoming communities and reefs bursting with colour: Fiji is made for lingering.
✦ THE EXPLORER'S LIST
Island cruises, beaches, inland scenery and village visits arranged respectfully with local hosts.
✦ BELOW THE SURFACE
Coral gardens, reef passages and potential shark encounters with experienced operators and clear safety briefings.
✦ THE VLOG MOMENT
A day that starts with a reef dive and ends with the sun melting into the Pacific.
TONGA
04 SEP — 17 SEP
Big ocean, quiet islands and the chance to encounter one of the sea’s most extraordinary visitors.
✦ THE EXPLORER'S LIST
Coastal viewpoints, caves and island excursions with local guides.
✦ BELOW THE SURFACE
Seasonal humpback encounters may be possible, subject to permits, operator rules, sea conditions and wildlife-welfare requirements. Nothing is guaranteed; the animals set the terms.
✦ THE VLOG MOMENT
A whale’s song, a huge blue horizon and a reminder that we are guests in their world.
SAMOA
18 SEP — 24 SEP
Emerald jungle, waterfalls, lava-shaped coastlines and natural swimming holes make Samoa a feast for the senses.
✦ THE EXPLORER'S LIST
To Sua Ocean Trench, waterfalls, coastal villages and lava-field scenery, subject to access and local advice.
✦ BELOW THE SURFACE
A flexible reef-diving window with local operators, leaving room for weather and island travel.
✦ THE VLOG MOMENT
From rainforest green to lagoon blue in a single day.
COOK ISLANDS
25 SEP — 08 OCT
Slow the pace and soak up the impossible shades of Aitutaki’s lagoon and the easy rhythm of island life.
✦ THE EXPLORER'S LIST
Lagoon cruise, island viewpoints, local markets and long, lazy beach stops.
✦ BELOW THE SURFACE
Reef and drop-off dives where available, selected for visibility, current and the group’s experience.
✦ THE VLOG MOMENT
Aerial lagoon colours, bare feet and the kind of view you never want to leave.
CHUUK / TRUK LAGOON
09 OCT — 15 OCT
The expedition’s deep-history chapter: a lagoon scattered with the remains of WWII ships and aircraft.
✦ THE EXPLORER'S LIST
Historical context, dive briefings and time to reflect between demanding dive days.
✦ BELOW THE SURFACE
Five full dive days are planned around specialist wrecks. Penetration, depth and overhead hazards require appropriate training, conservative gas plans and a qualified operator. Entering wrecks is never compulsory.
✦ THE VLOG MOMENT
Descending through clear water towards a silent piece of history — with respect for the site and its human cost.
NEW ZEALAND
16 OCT — 05 NOV
Trade palm-fringed horizons for soaring peaks, deep fjords, wild coastlines and epic road-trip scenery.
✦ THE EXPLORER'S LIST
Scenic drives, fjord viewpoints, mountain landscapes and walks selected around the forecast.
✦ BELOW THE SURFACE
Optional temperate-water dives if route, water temperature, exposure protection and operator schedules line up.
✦ THE VLOG MOMENT
A mountain road, a dramatic cloud break and a landscape that makes everyone go quiet.
JAPAN
06 NOV — 19 NOV
A vivid change of scene: ancient traditions, electric city streets, mountain views and unforgettable food.
✦ THE EXPLORER'S LIST
Mount Fuji viewpoints, temples, gardens, neighbourhoods and food markets on a realistic rail-based route.
✦ BELOW THE SURFACE
Diving is optional and location-dependent; November conditions and travel time may make this a sightseeing-first chapter.
✦ THE VLOG MOMENT
Neon-lit streets one evening, a peaceful temple garden the next morning.
CHINA
20 NOV — 03 DEC
Monumental history, striking architecture and bustling city scenes bring a powerful cultural chapter to the journey.
✦ THE EXPLORER'S LIST
A Great Wall excursion, historic districts, museums and local food experiences. Confirm entry requirements and transport in advance.
✦ BELOW THE SURFACE
No core dive target here: use the chapter for exploration, recovery and connections.
✦ THE VLOG MOMENT
Standing on the Great Wall and looking out across the ridgelines.
FRENCH POLYNESIA
04 DEC — 31 DEC
Finish the year in a South Pacific dreamscape of volcanic peaks, glowing lagoons and unforgettable ocean encounters.
✦ THE EXPLORER'S LIST
Choose an island base such as Bora Bora, then explore lagoon cruises, viewpoints and local island life.
✦ BELOW THE SURFACE
Look for sharks, rays, reef life and passes with experienced local operators. Currents and site choice must suit the group’s ability.
✦ THE VLOG MOMENT
The final sunset of the expedition over a lagoon that looks almost unreal.
EPISODE ONE: QUEENSLAND, BY ROAD & REEF
Cairns is the launch pad: three days with one Great Barrier Reef dive day. Head to Fitzroy Island for two days of beaches and rainforest, then take a four-day RV adventure south-to-north along the coast towards Airlie Beach. Pause at Babinda Boulders and Mission Beach, with Townsville / Paluma or Bowen as route and conditions allow. Finish with two days diving suitable Whitsundays reef sites and a boat trip to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet.
YOUR ADVENTURE, YOUR STORY
Bring a curious mind, a camera and a spirit of adventure. Be ready to swap plans when weather changes, listen to local knowledge, respect communities and wildlife, and leave every reef and historic site as you found it.
Dive within your training and conditions. Specialist wrecks require appropriate qualifications and conservative planning. Seasonal wildlife encounters depend on permits, conditions and animal-welfare rules.
THE JOLLY BOYS 2027 EXPEDITION • 01 MAY — 31 DECEMBER
Comments