Papua New Guinea
On the doorstep of northern Australia is the tropical paradise of Papua New Guinea. The diverse natural beauty and fascinating culture of Papua New Guinea make for exhilarating and adventurous superyacht charters.
Guests will feel as though they have been transported into another world, exploring everything from active volcanoes to mesmerising reefs, with modern luxuries always at your disposal. Papua New Guinea is an inspiring destination for yachting activity, with 10 coastal provinces leading onto thrilling cruising grounds where you will really get the most out of a superyacht charter. As the centre of the Coral Triangle, Papua New Guinea boasts abundant marine biodiversity with a bewitching assortment of colours to revel in under the water surface.
This is the earth’s underwater Amazon, and a truly special experience for adventurous charter guests looking to explore the warm waters of the South Pacific.
The natural splendour of Papua New Guinea is boundless. Across all provinces and islands you will discover something sensational and unique, connecting with all of your senses as you embrace the outdoor lifestyle. The wild jungles are primed for adventure, and you will explore a stunning diverse landscape with captivating active volcanoes and enchanting waterfalls. An island-hopping superyacht charter in Papua New Guinea will take you through picturesque coastlines, imposing mountainous landscapes and exquisite coral reefs. The deep-water harbour in the Madang Province is one of the most scenic spots in the South Pacific. With the backdrop of Mount Wilhelm, PNG’s highest peak, the Madang Province draws in visitors for its sublime water-based activities, fitting for a superyacht charter. In the crystal-clear waters, you will find enthralling coral gardens and intriguing relics of the second world war.
The wrecks of 34 sunken Japanese warships off the shores of Bogia provide a unique diving adventure, one of the must-sees to include in your charter itinerary.
In the Sepik province, you will sail by beautiful coastlines and dramatic mountain ranges, providing an awe-inspiring scenery which you can take in from the decks of your superyacht. Stepping ashore, the exotic Sepik region offers opportunities for mystical discoveries with thriving local indigenous cultures, a rich history and distinct art style. Superyachts can delve further into this region by following the Sepik River inland to the central mountains. From the active volcanoes of the East New Britain Province, to the fjords of the Oro Province, Papua New Guinea is an idyllic destination for adventurous superyachts looking for new experiences.
Charters in PNG will be filled with activities along the way, whether water-based action of canoeing, snorkelling and dolphin watching, or land-based hikes through the volcanic landscape. There are plenty of opulent resorts and spas which can be included as stop-offs in your itinerary, allowing you to indulge in luxury surrounded by sumptuous tropical delights.
Just as diverse as PNG’s breath-taking nature is its unique culture. The indigenous communities of Papua New Guinea expose you to a different way of life, where you can immerse yourself in fascinating traditions and customs, including elaborate rituals and vibrant ceremonies, while over 851 indigenous languages are spoken across the islands. These are some of the oldest continuing cultures in the world, and enhance your superyacht charter with enlightening experiences as you uncover remote villages. From Port Moresby’s markets to the expressing dances, Papua New Guinea will charm you with its individuality and colourful atmosphere.
VIEW 8 NIGHTS | 9 DAYS SUPERYACHT CHARTER ITINERARY
Visiting PNG is embarking on a journey which will forever mark you. In a modern world reshaped by human interests, teeming cities with millions of inhabitants, motorways, pollution, congestion and stress, there is nothing like standing at the base of a volcano, seeing molten rock being hurled into the air or silently canoeing an ancient cliff-walled gorge. Inspire means to breathe life and Papua New Guinea will do that. It is the antidote, the tool to shift perspective. Papua New Guinea is made up of remarkable beauty. You’ll find scattered islands, coral reefs, lovely palm-fringed beaches, hidden waterfalls, meandering rivers and steep-sided rainforest mountains plunging into the sea. The opportunity for adventure is staggering, with excellent birdwatching, bushwalking and village hopping.
Climate
Papua New Guinea displays a tropical climate, with the coastal plains averaging a temperature of 28°C (82.4F), the inland and mountain areas averaging 26°C (78.8), and the higher mountain regions, 23°C. The area’s relative humidity is quite high and ranges between 70 and 90 per cent.
Precipitation can be high between December and March. The dry season, between May and September, is the best time to visit. Papua New Guinea is situated in tropical latitudes, so the water temperatures can vary depending on the location and the season. Ranging from 20°C/68°F to 30°C/86°F throughout the year, the average year-round water temperature sits around 25°C/77°F – making it perfect for swimming and every kind of water activity.
Underwater
Papua New Guinea is the centre of the Coral Triangle, so you can expect to see an abundance of marine biodiversity, coupled with warm waters and dramatic forest backdrops. The underwater world seems otherworldly. The region straddles several tectonic plates edged by continental shelves with sudden drop-offs into the deep sea. The inaccessibility to Papua New Guinea has helped keep marine and land environments extremely protected.
History
While cruising Papua New Guinea’s island paradise, it’s hard to imagine that it was once the centre of World War II. The friendly villagers and dense greenery belie an intense history. It’s only occasionally you will be reminded of its past, whether that be diving a historic wreck of walking along the heavily bombed Samarai Island. Reed encrusted bomber planes from World War II lie scattered in the Ocean as well as sunken ships and submarines. 1A Hudson A16-126 wreck spent 66 years entangled in jungle-clad saw-toothed mountains before being found again ten years ago.
Culture
In Papua New Guinea, you will come face to face with some of the oldest continuing cultures on the planet. From their remote villages to the urban centres, you’ll find that their customs are passionately maintained in elaborate rituals that accompany feasts, marriages, compensations, ceremonies and initiation rites. Some ‘MUST SEE’S’ include witnessing a customary expressive dance, visiting Port Moresby’s markets and enjoying the delicacy of a ‘mumu’ – one of the world’s oldest slow-cooked ground meals still in practice today.
DAY ONE – Port Moresby > Rabaul
Guests arrive into Port Moresby, where they will board a private charter plane to the Gazelle Peninsula – this area is dominated by beautiful harbours, coral reefs and huge volcanoes. Guests will transfer to Kokopo where they will board the yacht. The best way in which to glean a glimpse of local culture is to attend the market places in Rabaul and Kokopo, busy, colourful scenes in which you can buy anything from brooms to baskets made from coconut leaves, to betel nut, taro, cassava, capsicum, avocado, eggplant, garlic, long bean and tobacco. Coconut is a staple here and young coconut juice is sold at the markets. Sunday is rest day in East New Britain and you’ll find most islanders at church, which is well worth attending. Once on board, you will cruise to Blanche Bay, where you can swim with bottlenose dolphins when they return from feeding offshore. A pod of around 200 regularly play with the bow waves of boats coming and going. The area also offers exceptional WWII wreck diving. Spend the afternoon exploring Rabaul, including the barge tunnels and Admiral Yamamoto’s WWII bunker. Guests can climb the active volcano, Mount Tavurvur, which has stained the surrounding water different shades of yellows and oranges. In the evening, be treated to a special performance, as Baining Fire Dancers wearing huge masks dance over hot coals.
DAY TWO & THREE – Rabaul > Duke of York Islands – [18nm | 1h30mins]
Spend the next two days cruising around the Duke of York Islands. Take a helicopter to witness caves and hidden waterfalls near Pomio, where water shoots sideways or engage with the Mengen tribe within the Baining Mountain range. Master how the local tribes fend for themselves by learning how to spearfish or forage for their supper. Or simply enjoy the abundance of toys and equipment on board in this beautifully remote area of the world. There are 14 islands in this group with the big island — The Duke — considered “the mainland” around these parts. For diving enthusiasts, there are plenty of remaining war relics, including the wreck of a German tank around which guests can snorkel, and Japanese shipwrecks over which you can dive. Tonight the crew might offer to setup a special beach BBQ for you to delight in the true connection to Papua New Guinea’s nature.
DAY FOUR & FIVE – Duke of York Islands > Kimbe Bay [163nm | 14h]
Experience the excellent diving in this biodiverse hotspot; home to 60% of the coral species in the Indo-Pacific. Kimbe Bay is one of the most exciting dive destinations in the Coral Triangle; it also offers amazing WWII wreck diving. Inspect the Garu Wildlife Area, where you will discover spectacular birdlife, from tropical pigeons and parrots to hornbills flying overhead. Hidden in the nearby jungle runs the idyllic Garu Hot Springs, an emerald green stream fed by the volcanic springs that guests can experience.
DAY six – Kimbe Bay > Borgen Bay [118nm | 10h]
Anchor in Borgen Bay before taking a helicopter tour over wild and captivating landscapes. Guests will land in the jungle and hike upstream towards a waterfall tucked deep inland. Visit isolated tribes and share their traditions and unique way of life, long lost to the modern world. Back at the yacht, spend the afternoon paddleboarding, kayaking or wakeboarding around the bay.
DAY SEVEN – Borgen Bay > Madang Lagoon – [179nm | 15h]
Visit one of Papua New Guinea’s prettiest and most unspoilt towns. From here, guests will have the option to explore the neighbouring islands of Kranket, Siar and Samun, where you can dive, snorkel, fish or kayak. Take part in the region’s leatherback turtle conservation efforts – this is a fantastic opportunity to hear the unique and powerful stories, songs, dances and rituals that connect people with the turtles.
DAY EIGHT – Asaro Valley
Take a helicopter trip to the Asaro Valley to meet the Asaro Mudmen. Here guests will learn about the history of black magic from real witchdoctors and eat a Mumu feast.
For the Asaro, spirits are classified into 3 groups: the Dama, the Dimini and the Tomia. The Dama are the spiritual beings, the Dimini are the spirits of their forefathers, and the Tomia are the spirits that live in stones, necklaces, spears, etc. who cause illnesses and misfortunes. Sorcerers can turn these misfortunes against others in a ceremony called Puri-Puri, which takes place at night. Witness evidence of the ceremonial trading “moka” system, where each group are constantly trying to outdo the other. The men don their masks, with the white clay on their bodies and their elongated fingers made with bamboo, and perform the dance with the warriors holding bows and arrows. Watch as they attempt to have centre stage by hosting the next feast, showcasing their prosperity leading to significant exchanges between clans. The self-decoration plays an integral part in revealing the tribe’s relationship with other clans to the greater community.
DAY NINE – Port Moresby
Guests enjoy their final breakfast on board the yacht, before catching a private flight back to Port Moresby for international departure.
