Frequently Asked Questions
All the answers to your great questions
Kavieng would be a much better place to spend spare time before or after your charter; you may even be able to catch some extra waves whilst you wait. If you decide to stay in Kavieng, we highly recommend Nusa Island Retreat.
You are able to join the vessel from 4pm on day#1 and you’ll need to be off by 9am on day #10. We have to adhere to these check-in/ check-out timings as the vessel is being prepared for your/ the next charter, and we have limited time to do this.
Unfortunately, no you cannot – you will need to depart the vessel by 9am on day #10.
No. We will facilitate your pick and drop off at Kavieng Airport.
We have Australian points in your cabin and throughout the vessel, so you can easily charge your phone, camera etc.
A minimum of 8 people is required for our surfing, fishing and diving charters, with a maximum of 10. To guarantee the sole use of the boat with less than 10 guests on-board, contact us for more information on the surcharge.
Yes – however you must be certified and have dive insurance. Diving is charged at a flat rate of AUD $60 per dive.
- Beers, soft drinks and wine (charged at local prices)
- Diving (AUD $60 per dive)
- Professional photo package (ask on-board for rates)
- Internet access – Flat Rate = $80 per charter
International and PNG domestic flights can be booked directly with the airlines (QANTAS, Virgin and Air Niugini).
Children are welcome on the PNG Explorer. Contact us for child rates.
There is plenty to do and see in New Ireland and the rest of PNG aside from surfing, such as diving, snorkelling, kayaking, fishing, bird watching, island culture and traditions, World War II tours, and general tourism. The PNG Explorer is also available for scientific research surveying, as a support vessel for large ships, and for government and health patrols. Contact us for more information and a quotation.
Each dish is freshly made, inspired by local cuisine and palatable for Western taste buds. Any special dietary requirements or allergies can be catered for, just let us know by completing the guest profile form.
The water supply on-board is produced by our on-board desalinisation plant. This supply is also filtered and UV treated from source to tap. We provide each guest with a 1.5L insulated stainless steel water bottle to use whilst on-board. Refill this bottle daily with ice and water to ensure you keep hydrated in the tropics.
Help yourself to tea, coffee and juice. We love a good coffee and showcase the best of PNG, so maintain your habit and kick start your day with a latte.
We provide soft-drinks, beer and wine for sale. If you prefer a specific soft drink as a mixer for the strong stuff, then let us know in advance.
Yes, we encourage guests to go and meet the locals and see how they live, school and work. It’s a fantastic insight into this amazing Melanesian lifestyle and culture. The locals are very hospitable to guests and are more than happy to share stories. Equally, they are as interested in your life, so if you’re open to it, be prepared to talk about yourself!
It’s a nice gesture to bring things for the locals on the islands that we visit. We always recommend books for the schools, and people often bring up pre-loved clothing, which is always appreciated.
Undesirable incidents happen in every country and PNG is no different. In PNG, most of these incidents occur in the major populated centres of Port Moresby, Lae and the Highlands. Kavieng is situated in the Islands Region of PNG, which is regarded as a relatively safe destination.
As with travel to any foreign country, you need to apply common sense. Be mindful of your belongings and note that it’s best not to walk around alone. Tourist related crime is mostly often petty theft. While it’s important to be on your guard and respect the local culture, don’t be afraid to have a chat, a laugh and be friendly with locals.
The tropical climate is hot and humid, with an average air and water temperature between 27-30oC. December to March is the wet season, although there is rainfall year-round. Equatorial sun can be intense, especially in the water, even if it’s overcast. Prepare to cover up and wear plenty of sun protection (including your eyes). Hydration is key, so always remember to drink plenty of water.
Clothes that are loose and light with long sleeves are great for sun protection and as mosquito barriers in the evenings. For women especially, it is respectful to dress modestly, so knee length shorts or skirts are appropriate. T-shirts or rash shirts for the water and reef booties are recommended.
As in many equatorial countries, Malaria is endemic in PNG. A good preventative measure is to wear insect repellent and long-sleeved shirts and trousers, particularly when walking through villages. Since the vessel is air-conditioned and we anchor at a reasonable distance from land, the risk is minimised whilst onboard. However, we suggest that you speak with your doctor about anti-malarial medication and other vaccinations specifically recommended for PNG.
A small medical kit with antibiotic cream, ear and eye drops, plasters and antihistamine tablets is useful. Coral cuts or scrapes can take much longer to heal in the tropics and are prone to infection, so you may want to talk to your doctor about a suitable antibiotic. The most important thing is to keep cuts clean and protected. Please ensure you bring any personal medication you may need. We have an extensive first aid kit onboard and your hosts are senior first aiders, our crew is also first aid trained.
The currency in PNG is the Kina (PGK), which normally fluctuates around 2.15 PGK to 1 AUD. We recommend that you organize some Kina for your holiday, as you may be interested in buying locally produced handicrafts and jewellery. We recommend that you organize small denominations of your money (i.e. 2, 5, and 10 Kina notes) to make it easier to pay for items on the island. On the Explorer, we accept cash (AUD $ or PGK) and credit cards for payment of on-board purchases such as alcohol, diving and merchandise.
No. There is nothing to pay on entry or exit from PNG.
Yes.
Please note: You can no longer apply for a PNG Visa on arrival at Port Moresby International Airport.
You will need to organise your visa online through PNG’s Immigration website. Most passport holders can apply for the “Easy Visitor Permit (30 day)” – this is a simple application that attracts a fee of US $50.
Travel insurance is mandatory for all those travelling on-board PNG Explorer. We recommend purchasing this cover as soon as you have booked your flights to PNG.
Your insurance should include:
- Emergency evacuation for medical treatment
- Dive insurance (if you are keen to dive whilst on-board)
- Travel delays
- Cancellations
- Lost luggage
Yes. PNG Explorer has satellite internet onboard so your family and friends will be able to keep in touch.
International roaming on most mobile phones will get coverage in cities and towns, including Kavieng. While you are out on charter on the PNG Explorer, this mobile phone signal will be limited, if at all, so a VoIP app is recommended (WhatsApp, Signal, Skype, FB Messenger, Zoom, Viber etc)
If there is an emergency at home and for some reason family and friends can not get in touch directly with you, they can email admin@pngsurfaris.com and a message will be passed to you.
Yes. We provide access to our satellite internet connection for a flat rate of AUD $80 per surf charter.
Please note, whist the internet connection is ideal for FaceTime, social media or checking emails, it is not designed for downloading videos or streaming – best to download movies before you travel.
The first and last days of the charter are travel days, allocated to getting you to and from beautiful Kavieng, New Ireland Province. You’ll usually arrive late afternoon on day 1 and depart early on day 10 – this gives you 9 nights accommodation and 7.5 days surfing whilst onboard the mighty PNG Explorer (see itinerary summary).
Unfortunately, no you cannot – you will need to depart the vessel by 9am on day #10.
If you have already booked your trip, contact us with this request. Due to the rotational schedules of our surf-guides, coaching may be an option.
We recommend you bring 2 boards, 3 at most. You could expect waves to be on average 2-4 feet, with bigger days from 4-6+ feet.
There are plenty of options from a first day beginner to the seasoned, barrel chasing pro. There are some really fun, soft wave options to enjoy.
If you’re chasing ‘Mavericks’ style waves; then PNG is not your recommended choice of surf destination. However, the ‘slab’ on bigger days can see 4-6 feet. Bare in mind that when it’s REALLY BIG you are a long way from home and surfing over coral reef. Therefore, we recommend that you always surf within your limits and improve! There is nothing better than coming home surfing better than when you left.
Yes, we have certain trips in the season that are non-sole use that are perfect for the solo surfer. Contact us to find out current available dates.
We offer fishing, snorkelling, kayaking and use of the SUP free of charge. Diving is an extra charge at $60 per dive. There are plenty of opportunities for island tours and excursions such as the WWII tour, drift snorkels, beach BBQ, river trips and the ‘betel-nut run’. These are at no extra charge to guests.
Unfortunately, no you cannot – you will need to depart the vessel by 9am on day #10.
When we venture out into the blue water and around the undersea coral mounts, dogtooth tuna, yellow-fin tuna, Spanish mackerel, wahoo and trevally are common.
On a surf charter, we will provide fishing gear for you to use. On dedicated fishing charters, it is recommended you bring your own fishing equipment.
Yes, if flying with Air Niugini from overseas into PNG you will qualify for their additional sporting goods allowance of an additional 10kg. You will get 23kg check in + 7kg baggage carry on + 10kg for sporting goods.
Yes. If you are keen to spear fish on a surf charter, then you should bring your own spear gun. We direct the spearing to the blue-water and offshore reef areas away from local communities. This is due to spearing being one of the most common means of fishing for locals, so aside from maintaining good community relations, this places less pressure on their house reefs.
On a dedicated fishing charter, we will endeavour to release most of the fish caught. Fish that are kept will be those of legal size and regarded as good eating. We often fish for dinner on non-fishing charters, but rest assured that no fish is wasted and we will share the catch with the local communities where we are anchored.
Unfortunately, no you cannot – you will need to depart the vessel by 9am on day #10.
No. To be able to enjoy the incredible wrecks and pristine wall dives in PNG you must have your dive certification and suitable dive insurance. DANs diver insurance is available for purchase onboard.
Yes. We can conduct a refresher and your first dive will be in calm water
off the boat or beach – you must have your dive certification and suitable dive insurance.
If you are keen to try a dive or two whilst on a surf or other non-dive charter we can provide dive equipment on-board for your dive. You are welcome to bring your own mask and fins if you’d like.
If you are joining a dedicated dive charter, we recommend that all guests bring their own gear (mask, BCD, regulator set with gauges, dive computers and fins).
Note: With Air Niugini you will get an additional 15kg baggage allowance when travelling with dive equipment.
All dives must be to depths within your certification and dive table limits.
Have more questions? Feel free to contact us here.
Why choose PNG Surfaris?
The only live aboard charter
A unique experience you can’t enjoy anywhere else.
Designed for surfers
An adventure created for surfers, by surfers.
Chase the waves anywhere they go
The PNG Explorer isn’t bound to a single location and can take you wherever the waves are.
Seasoned Crew Members
Rest easy knowing that you’re working with crew members with over 10+ years of experience.
Explore with locals
Discover the Papua New Guinea culture, with local crew members on board.
Tailored experience
Enjoy private surfs without ever competing for a wave.
Ready for your next adventure?
Get your mates together or jump in solo and book your next adventure today.
