In recent years, the violence and unrest on the mainland appears to have spread to some of the previously untouched, outlying islands. PNG has a high violent crime rate against both locals and foreigners. It is important to check the latest security situation here using such sites as the U.K. Its diving has been rated the Top Dive Destination in the World in Rodale’s Scuba Diving Readers Choice Awards.

Situated in the centre of the Asia-Pacific region, surrounded by the Coral, Bismarck and Solomon Seas, whose constant movements feed and enrich the marine environment, PNG has twice as many marine species as the waters of the Red Sea and an estimated 10 times as many as the Caribbean.See Yachting Essential for more details. However, all essential spares should be carried on board and one should also provision the boat in one of the major centres before sailing to the islands. There are small boatyards with their own slipways dotted about the country, so one is never too far away should the need arise for some emergency repair. Facilities in the smaller towns and outer islands are often basic.The best cruising in Papua New Guinea is found among the many islands to the east of the main island, where islanders still live a peaceful life and sail large traditional canoes for fishing and trading voyages.Once a popular stop for Indonesia-bound yachts, it too is now considered a dangerous port to visit. Madang on the northern coast of New Guinea also has a well-protected harbour in an area scattered with islands, reefs and lagoons.In recent years the town has suffered two destructive volcanic eruptions and sadly is now considered a dangerous port to visit. Rabaul, on New Britain Island, was always a popular spot among cruising yachts, many of whom used to spend the cyclone season in its landlocked harbour, which is the crater of a volcano.The Lae Yacht Club is developing a haul out facility (via Hydraulic Trailer) during 2017. Lae is a mining and transport hub and as such has an abundance of industries that can assist in yachting repairs and maintenance.There are a large number of locally owned yachts in Port Moresby, where facilities are generally good. A new cruising rally ( Coral Sea Rally) in conjunction with the Cairns Yacht Club and Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron was established in 2017 to encourage more cruisers to visit PNG. The Royal Papua Yacht Club in Port Moresby has its own secure marina and welcomes visiting yachts.Nissan Island (part of Bougainville to the north) is spectacular and welcomes cruisers visiting.Consequently, it has been abandoned by the main government and there is now no formal law and order in that part of the country. The region is now self-governing and is attempting to break away from the rest of PNG. Over the years 1989-1997, the Bougainville region – in particular Bougainville Island – suffered great destruction of life and property during a civil war.A cruise in Papua New Guinean waters has been for many people the highlight of their world cruise, and if one chooses one’s itinerary carefully it is a country well worth visiting.

Outside of the main centres life is little changed and by using common sense one should be able to avoid the few hot spots of trouble (see security section below). This not only gives one the opportunity to catch a glimpse of life in a society still following ancient ways, but also avoids the lawlessness that has affected the large towns (on the mainland) of this rich, but poorly managed, country. One of the most fascinating countries in the world, Papua New Guinea is definitely best visited by cruising boat.Important pre-arrival information: Advance Notice of Arrival is required with all authorities.COVID-19: See Biosecurity for Yachting Protocols.

Cairns slipways