Papua New Guinea Intermediate Spearfishing Adventure

Our inaugural Papua New Guinea (PNG) Intermediate+ spearfishing adventure is scheduled for September 12-20, 2026. This 9 day adventure, charter and cultural experience will aim to have 6 full days of spearfishing and will involve a mixture of accommodation including staying twin share at Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort but also a bit rougher when we head out wide aboard a liveaboard vessel and stay at the plantation. Instructor guides will be experienced proper frothers with no ego as per Noob Spearo M.O. We have 1-2 very well recognized guides (Tim McDonald inbound) and 2 highly experienced local spearfishing guides. This adventure will be heavily focused adventure, remote spearfishing and a cultural experience. While this is not a Dogtooth Tuna focused Bluewater charter, opportunities for Pelagics are likely given suitable weather, conditions and competence.

Potential negatives to the trip are:

• $7500 cost
• $2000 non-refundable deposit required
• No flights included (est $1500AUD Brisbane to Rabaul Return)
• The first Noob Spearo trip in this location but NOT our local operators. 5 yrs of experience running similar expeditions
• Accommodation will be a majority of resort and some 'rough' camp style plantation sleeping likely (but more comfy options available aboard the Maritima for a few)
• This adventure is for Intermediate+ level spearos to advanced (not for the inexperienced – if you are not sure, email me shrek@noobspearo.com with questions)

Positives

• Heading to untouched reef systems in and outside the Bismarck Archipelago
• Tim McDonald (former Australian Spearfishing Champion and 2nd Best Spearo YouTuber;)
• Professional Photographer (Ben Rennie) travelling with us
• Expert local spearfishing guides (inc Dylan)
• Pelagic opportunities likely given suitable weather and level of experience/competency
• Offering for Intermediate+ divers wanting a unique adventure
• Rich WWII historical tour + Unique New Guinean Cultural Experience
• Twin share resort accommodation (Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort)
• Intermediate+ level friendly (most trips like this are really for the advanced DIY type spearo. This trip is guided with expert tuition.) More advanced divers welcome too
• 1 Instructor/Guide per 2/3 divers

This adventure is set to be the trip of a lifetime. In fact, that's our mission!

Planned Itinerary

Fly into Port Moresby on the 12th.  From Port Moresby in PNG, we then get a connecting flight to Tokua Airport (RAB). From there the resort provides us with an airport transfer and shuttle service. Rabaul, where you'll be transferred to the Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort. Dylan recommends that we fly with Air New Guinea for best reliability. and do the 12th will largely be a logistics day just settling in.

We will create a Whatsapp group for all comms and easy coordination. I reckon one of the best things about a trip like this is making a few new friends for life.

From Port Moresby in PNG, we then get a connecting flight to Tokua Airport (RAB). From there the resort provides us with an airport transfer and shuttle service. Rabaul, where you'll be transferred to the Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort. Dylan recommends that we fly with Air New Guinea for best reliability.

Days 2, 3, 4:

This is where the real adventure begins. It’s likely our group will do several days diving within 60-80 km of the resort. Our main targets will be cagey reef fish and near-shore pelagic species although Dogtooth Tuna are always a possibility.

Day 5: WWII History & Cultural Day Experience

We'll trade our fins for walking shoes for one day as we explore the rich WWII history in the area. This is a unique chance to connect with the local culture and understand the stories of the land we're privileged to visit. We will slot this day in to give our bodies (and ears) a rest!

Day 6, 7, 8: Remote Spearfishing
Then our group will board our liveaboard Maritima vessel with several others and head out to the remote reefs of the Bismarck Archipelago. With 1 instructor for every 2/3 divers, you'll get personalised coaching from Tim McDonald as you hunt in some of the most pristine waters on the planet. Evenings are for sharing stories, sharing a brew under the stars and taking it all in.  We will be staying at our forward operating base called 'the plantation'. Not fully roughing it but definitely not resort living! From this location, we will be able to target remote and untouched areas.

Day 9

Depart for home. Shuttle bus to Tokoa Airport, flight to Port Moresby and then onto your home destination.

FAQ

How many days camping? Likely 2-3 nights but it's slightly better than camping just not full resort spec living.

Which species are you targeting? Cagey Reef fish mostly with nearshore pelagics. We are likely to encounter small Dogtooth (<80LB) but not guaranteed and we aren't doing a full bluewater Dogtooth trip, it'll be more when opportunity finds us. 

How many people in the group total and how are the dive days / boats structured? 12 customers 4 guides + some assistants/support people + camerman.

Dive day structure is stilll something we are discussing but your questions have encouraged me to reach out to Dylan Foo (our local guide) and Tim McDonald and record a video podcast about what we have planned and invite anyone that is interested to join us and ask questions also (EVENT DETAILS TBA).