Papua New Guinea is one of those exotic destinations that beckons to adventurous souls looking for the greatest diversity of marine life in the world for divers. For our Papua New Guinea yacht charter, we are featuring a luxury way to travel the “Coral Triangle” for a diving experience on a private yacht. The 114ft New Zealand-built M/Y SPIRIT, designed by the award-winning Bakewell-White Yacht Design boutique studio, is not your typical dive liveaboard!
114′ SPIRIT MOTOR YACHT PDF BROCHURE
Papua New Guinea has an incredible diverse culture as well as having some of the best fishing and diving that the world has to offer. A visit to this amazing destination would not be complete without sampling the underwater world and this truly amazing culture.
January to March is the wet season though this area can be dived, fished and cruised all year round.
Temperature varies little, hovering around 87˚F with water temperature being around the same. Underwater visibility 80-130 feet.
Diving is great year-round, however, May to November are the best times.
We have taken the itinerary from Captain Martin and the crew of the M/Y SPIRIT, a favorite Papua, New Guinea yacht charter. Knowing the waters and accommodating non-divers as well, she is the hot pick in this region.
Take a look at her toys which are extensive for families and experience-seekers:
7m fishing, diving tender, 250hp Suzuki; 5.2m RIB 100hp Yamaha; 3.5m Zodiac 25hp (great for beach landings and BBQs); Raising swim dive platform; Blade Fish 5000 underwater scooters; 12 x full sets of diving gear; 20 tanks + Bauer diving compressor.
A dive master and kiteboarding instructor can be part of the crew and can issue dive certificates on board. SPIRIT is insured for all onboard diving activities.
25 sets of snorkeling; 4 x rigid paddle boards; 2x inflatable paddle boards; 2 x kayaks; Kiteboarding; Wakeboards; Waterskis; Inflatables: donut, banana, Chariot; Extensive fishing equipment: trolling, bottom fishing, topwater and spearfishing. Beach BBQ, large gazebo, selection of beach games such as frisbees, football and a large selection of board games and books.
MILNE BAY TO TUFI: 10-DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY
PAPUA NEW GUINEA, EMBARK ALOTAU – DISEMBARK TUFI
Papua, New Guinea has an incredibly diverse culture as well as having some of the best fishing and diving that the world has to offer. A visit to this amazing destination would not be complete without sampling the underwater world and this truly amazing culture.
DAY 1 – Alotau, Milne Bay Province
After being met at the airport by Captain Martin, you will be transferred to M/Y SPIRIT anchored off Alotau in the calm sheltered waters of Milne Bay.
You will be introduced to your crew, given a tour of your home for the next week and thoroughly briefed on the safety procedures onboard the yacht.
Depending on the time available, the yacht may relocate to a nearby anchorage where you will be free to enjoy the yacht’s facilities and toys at your leisure. Alternatively, a shore excursion to the local village will be on offer.
DAY 2/3 – Samarai Island Group
After a leisurely, breakfast we will cruise to the Samarai Island Group. Today Samarai Island is somewhat of a living Museum. Given its tiny size, you can explore the island and its colonial architecture easily on foot. Across the water on Logea Island, opportunities exist to hike to its glorious white sandy beaches. There are skull caves easily accessed on Logea and nearby Doini.
Diving and snorkeling opportunities abound. A large manta ray cleaning station sits just off Dioni and the nearby Deka Deka Island pictured above gives you perfect access to the thriving reef system and pristine uninhabited white beaches.
DAY 3/4 – Deboyne Lagoon
Today will see us depart early to head east towards Deboyne Lagoon. Friendly villagers sail canoes around the lagoon, fishing and trading between villages. Several Japanese Zero fighters were ditched in the lagoon in WWII, providing exciting easily-accessible snorkeling in the shallows. There are lots of opportunities for diving, snorkeling and fishing around the lagoon with the nearby islands of Nivani, Panaeti and Panapompom beckoning.
DAY 5/6 – Conflict Islands
Twenty-one uninhabited and pristine islands make up the Conflict group. Numerous reefs, cays and islands are available for swimming, snorkeling, diving and fishing. The sheer remoteness of this pristine location begs for exploration. Perhaps today a beach barbecue with our freshly-caught fish.
DAY 7/8 – D’Entracasteaux Islands
A collection of volcanic continental islands just to the North of Milne bay itself, these islands provide a diverse array of attractions. On Ferguson Island, the Dei Dei Hot springs are accessed via a short jungle walk. To the east there are fantastic opportunities to see rare birds of paradise.
Dive and snorkel off the reefs of Dobu Island or walk through the villages of Dobu and immerse yourself in the unchanging Island Life.
Day 9/10 – Tufi Fjords
Whilst not strictly Fjords in the true sense of the word, the Tufi Fjords are certainly as dramatic. With a maze of cliff faces descending vertically into the ocean surrounding Cape Nelson, it is a truly magnificent location to finish your PNG experience.
Incredible displays of local culture can be experienced in Tufi, not to mention some of the best diving and fishing locations on the planet!
Scenic helicopter rides over this dramatic landscape can be organized with walks ranging from a few hours to a few days, overnighting in villages on the way can be arranged. Kayaking and paddleboarding on these pristine clam bodies of water offers interaction with the local villagers.
SPIRIT also cruises the Solomon Islands and Papua, New Guinea (PNG) for a minimum of 7 days. The season runs from April/May through mid-January, with great cruising during June, July and August.
Less windy months are November, December and January. February and March can be wet, hot and humid with thunderstorms often in the afternoon and we recommend to avoid these months.
Although the cyclone season is from December to March, usually this is not a problem and weather is monitored. Water temperatures remain fairly constant throughout the year and diving is always excellent!
Dec 2018/Jan 2019: Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef.
The Solomon Islands
Fly into Honiara, the capital. The Nggela Islands, also known as the Florida Islands, are a small island group in the Central Province of Solomon Islands, and beautiful in December.
Papua, New Guinea
When in PNG, the M/Y SPIRIT will be based in the calm waters of New Britain with diving, fishing, cultural experiences and absolutely jaw-dropping scenery.
About Papua New Guinea yacht charters, SPIRIT’s Captain Martin says, “Milne Bay (a province of PNG) in November, December and January is stunningly beautiful.”
Who can resist! Make a plan today!