Papua New Guinea: The Last Frontier for Superyacht Expeditions
Boasting the most biologically diverse and intact reef systems remaining on our planet, PNG has everything to offer Superyacht owners looking for adventure.
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The Callling of Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea earns its nickname as the Land of a Thousand Cultures from the fact that it is made of more than 600 beautiful islands, atolls and coral reefs, with populations speaking over 800 different languages. On land, it has the largest area of intact tropical rainforest outside of the Amazon while the seas around it are a Superyacht owner’s delight, packed with stunning scenery and fantastic conditions for a wide range of activities.
Just south of the equator and 85 nautical miles north of Australia, Papua New Guinea is a great year-round destination. Expect hot and humid weather with temperatures around 25ºC – 32ºC, with maybe a splash of rain around February and March. The country is packed with highlights, from its towering mountain peaks to lush valleys; golden beaches to colourful corals; outstanding scuba diving sites to fascinating festivals. Being somewhat off the typical tourist trail, the many islands which form this remarkable nation offer a sense of adventure and discovery, as well as a great escape from the rest of the world.
Papua New Guinea offers Awesome Diving
Papua New Guinea is ranked among the world’s top diving destinations because of its crystal-clear waters, incredible marine biodiversity, barrier reefs and many shipwrecks. Many diving trips start at Milne Bay, it being the closest point to Australia which also has a harbour and an airport nearby. As first impressions go, it’s a pretty good one, with exceptional snorkelling and diving available just off beautiful beaches.
Sailing north, you’ll reach Tufi, which boasts stunningly clear waters around secret little coastal inlets called rias. Many of these are home to shipwrecks and reefs which, surrounded by colourful tropical fish, hammerhead sharks and moray eels, are excellent spots for divers.
Kimbe Bay on New Britain is also noteworthy for its scuba diving, with many large fish, soft corals and sea sponges to see. It’s regarded as one of the nation’s top diving spots, with a truly staggering array of tropical fish to see. Visit the area around mid-August to September and you could even encounter large pods of orcas migrating by Kimbe Bay. Head east around New Britain to Simpson Harbour to see wrecked Second World War aircraft and ships.
The Fishing is Unbelievable
With its untouched rivers and barely explored seas, Papua New Guinea offers an amazing choice of exciting fishing opportunities. Big game catches can include sailfish, yellow fin tuna and marlin while river anglers can expect to hook the unique Papua New Guinea black bass and river tiger in the waterways near Kandrian.
Top spots for ocean angling include the Bismark and Archipelago Seas. Closer to the coast, try casting into the waters around Madang, New Britain and New Ireland. The prized yellow fin tuna pass by Milne Bay around November and December.
Surf Breaks in the Back of Beyond
While Papua New Guinea is only just appearing on the surfing radar, several spots have already become known for their challenging and entertaining breaks. With its tropical climate and consistent conditions, any season is surf season, though October to April is the best time to catch a good wave.
Top destinations include Vanimo, Madang, Wewak and New Ireland, though virtually any area of the extensive coastline has something to offer, even just minutes from the major city of Port Moresby. Many of these are also great spots for kite surfers, with the best time to visit being from late-May to November, when the Laurabada trade winds are blowing at a consistent 10.25 knots.
Trek to Waterfalls and WWII Relics
With its untouched rainforests and mountainous terrain, trekking in Papua New Guinea can be absolutely amazing. There are plenty of tracks and experienced guides, partially because the country of 5 million people has only about 50,000 vehicles, making trekking often a necessity for locals. During your adventures inland, you’ll come across amazing waterfalls, countless relics from the Second World War, stunning mountaintop scenery. The peak of Mt Wilhelm, at 4,509 metres above sea level, is a particularly popular target, though it’s quite a challenging climb. Mt. Hagen, Mt Ongo, Mt Kubor and Mt Kine Kaino Ku are all great trekking destinations.
However, the jewel of the trekking opportunities in Papua New Guinea is the Kokoda Track, through the Owen Stanley Ranges. Follow in the footsteps of Australian soldiers during the Second World War (and their local guides – the so-called “Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels”) for a grueling 96 km hike. It offers amazing wildlife sightings, fantastic landscapes and a considerable physical challenge, and is one of the country’s star attractions.
Cultural Experiences Beyond Comparison
Papua New Guinea is indeed the Land of a Thousand Cultures, and you should definitely not miss the opportunity to experience some of them. Some of the nation’s islands are home to small local communities. Many of them have their own remarkable ceremonies, rituals, dances, music, arts, crafts and markets, which you can enjoy in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The city of Rabaul on New Britain is especially remarkable, and not just because it is home to an active volcano. Head there to check out the Mask Festival in mid-July or the Frangipani Festival in mid-September. August is an good time for festivals and special cultural events in Papua New Guinea, with something to see around Jiwaka, Mt Hagen, Wabag Town and Wewak.
Destinations: Australasia