Papua New Guinea (PNG) offers you an amazing surf trip to an unexplored, remote land. The waves are uncrowded and the culture experience is nothing like you’ve experienced before. There is only one PNG surf charter, and just a handful of surf camps located in PNG, all adhering to the local Surf Association (SAPNG) surfer limits to keep the waves absolutely empty.

Most of the PNG surf spots are located on the Pacific North Coast near the towns of Vanimo, Wewak, Madang and Kavieng and are quickly becoming known for being uncrowded, challenging and, on their day, perfect. Scroll down to learn more about Perfect Wave’s Papua New Guinea surf trips.

PNG surf season is November to April.

Quick Facts

Quality reefbreaks and 
rivermouth waves

Guaranteed uncrowded waves as limited numbers of surfers allowed in any surfing region 

Small to mid size waves good for all levels.

Untouched and unexplored.

Best surf spots in Papua New Guinea

The waves around Kavieng, and east coast New Ireland Province have had the most exposure to swells but more and more waves are being discovered each season. In the far west of PNG, Vanimo surf breaks are easy to access by foot or a short paddle if you stay nearby and the range of waves is for all levels. The size and direction of surf breaks in the area means that the rights are generally good during the mornings and th lefts turn on with the afternoon westerly breezes giving you a plenty of choice of surf all day. 

PNG Surf charter, the PNG Explorer, is increasingly popular as a way of accessing an uncountable number of breaks on offer throughout the PNG archipelago. Waves ofthe Islands of St Matthias, the east coast group of islands of New Ireland, and to the Admiralty Islands to the far North West of Kavieng. 

Surfing Association in Papua New Guinea, which Perfect Wave is an official and preferred member ofhas a surf management plan that ensures every surfing dollar is contributing to sustainable tourism and that controls the number of surfers to keep the waves uncrowded.

Papua New Guinea Surf Season

The surf season in PNG is from November to April when North Pacific groundswells and NE Trade swells send consistent pulses of swell between 3 to 6ft and conditions are generally glassy. Early morning is best to take advantage of the offshore winds, but the multidirectional nature of the reefs ensures that there is usually an offshore option.

Attractions in PNG

PNG has a stunning array of marine species just waiting to be discovered. With barrier reefs, coral walls, fringing reefs and sea grass beds along with spectacular World War II wrecks, scuba diving in PNG reveals treats around every corner.Papua New Guinea is also perfect for the nature enthusiast and outdoor adventurer. There are many treks to choose from in the highlands and lowlands where you can also spot birds-of-paradise. Sing Sing is an incredible cultural experience and its best to hike on the many forest trails with a qualified guide. A visit to the National Botanical Gardens and the National Museum is also recommended if on a stopover in the capital Port Moresby.

The Country

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is an adventurer’s playground with thick tropical jungles, high mountain ranges and spectacular scuba diving.

Located near the equator, Papua New Guinea is a hot and humid country and largely covered in dense tropical rainforest. These conditions also give way to extremely fertile land and amazing land and marine animal biodiversity.  Only 7 million people call PNG their home, but this consists of 850 different tribes and more than 800 languages that are spoken.

Coastal plains, flooded delta regions, and mangrove swamps are found next to sandy beaches making it one of the most unique environments on earth. PNG is not only renowned for its surf, but also the spectacular diving, offering those looking for more than just surf a playground of WWII wreck dives and an amazing array of sea life. 

Getting There

Fly to Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby (POM) directly from Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong, Bali, or Japan. Land transport infrastructure is poor so you will have to take connecting flights on local carriers like Air Niugini to other destinations in Papua New Guinea. 

Travel Information

Time Zone

UTC+10:00 

Currency

PGK

Calling code

+675

Electric

240V – Plug type I