Tigak Sea Kayaking

• Island Kayak some of the most pristine and remote waters on earth
• Visit remote and untouched villages
• Snorkel abundant reef eco systems
• Feast on delicious seafood freshly caught every day

"I've paddled a few tropical places - off the coast of Panama, through the Yasawa Islands in Fiji, around Hinchinbrook Island in Queensland and in Palawan in the Philippines. But in New Ireland, I had some of the most beautiful sea kayaking I've ever experienced." (Louise Southerden, Journalist).

There are few places on earth left to explore, however Papua New Guinea in many respects is an adventurers final frontier. With hundreds of islands and thousands of kilometers of coastline, PNG to this day has so many destinations ripe for exploration.

One such place is the Tigak area of north west New Ireland. 1.5 hours flight from Port Moresby, The Tigak area is famous for its surf and SCUBA Diving. A long chain of islands stretches out from New Ireland and skirts the east coast of New Hanover. These islands are surrounded by pristine clear water and untouched coral reefs, home to a plethora of sea life.

Inhabiting these islands are small villages that live off the sea. Some live on islands as small as a football field while others live on large islands that produce fruits and vegetables.

This island kayaking expedition will explore this area, paddling from one small island to the next. We will visit people that have rarely seen outsiders, snorkel beautiful reefs and sample delicious sea food.

This 9 day expedition is for the adventure traveller that want to explore new areas, meet new people and discover the wonders that Papua New Guinea has to offer.

Day 1: Arrive in Port Moresby and transfer to hotel. Free time to relax.
Day 2: Fly Port Moresby - Kavieng. 
Day 3: Nusa Island Retreat - Kabotteron Island 
Day 4: Kabotteron - Nupe 
Day 5: Nupe - Ungakumng 
Day 6: Ungakumng - Tsoilik 
Day 7: Tsoilik - Nusa Island Retreat. 
Day 8: Nusa Island Retreat -Port Moresby
Day 9: Fly home.

NEW IRELAND CULTURE
New Ireland people have been blessed with rich and varied cultural practices and values that blend well with the environment. The people of New Ireland are Melanesian and speak 22 local languages. Traditional clan power is wielded by chiefs, but clan rites and land claims are passed on in a matrilineal system.

The people of New Ireland have three distinct cultures or traditional practices: Malagan, Kabai and Tumbuan. While Malagan and Kabai are unique only to New Ireland including the "traditional shark hunters", Tumbuan which is a men's sacred society and widely practised by the Tolais in East New Britain Province, actually originated from the southern area of New Ireland in the Lak/Kandas area where it is mostly practised. New Ireland's culture is rich, colourful and intricate.

Day 1: Arrive in Port Moresby and transfer to hotel. Free time to relax.

Day 2: Fly Port Moresby - Kavieng. (B, L, D). 

You will be met at the airport by one of our team members and taken to the Nusa Island Retreat. This afternoon you will meet with your local Guide. We will check out our kayaks and go for a short practice paddle around Nusa Island.  That night we will have our expedition briefing. Overnight in Retreat.

Day 3: Nusa Island Retreat - Kabotteron Island - 15kms (B, L, D)

Today we start paddling. But before we start our Guide will go through some safety issues. After breakfast, we set out for our first destination, Kabotteron Island approximately 15kms from the Retreat.

On the way we will stop at Nago Island (30 minutes away). Nago is a turtle nesting site so the chances of seeing turtles while snorkelling is very good. We will do some snorkelling there, before we head off for Enuk Island. Lunch will be served on the water as we paddle straight to Kabotteron Island on the southern tip and we will set up camp and depending on the time of day, snorkel the reef just down from the village. 

Day 4: Kabotteron - Nupe - 13.5kms (B, L, D)

After breakfast we will start NW towards Bangatang ship wreck and Nusaum. We will stop at Nusaum for a snorkel of the excellent reef. After some morning tea we will head off to our days final destination. We will paddle on the outer reef towards Nupe. Depending on the tide, we may be able to cross into the inner reef along the coast of Bangatang. Finally, we will reach Nupe, a small village on the southern tip of the Tsoi group of islands. This is a great place to rest under some enormous trees and explore the rocky coast. After lunch, we can hop into the support boat and head back towards Patio Island and Nupe for a snorkel in what we consider some of the best reefs in the world. Overnight in tents overlooking the bay. Cultural Dance and singsing.

Day 5: Nupe - Ungakumng - 15kms (B,L,D)

Today we paddle from Nupe to Ungakumng. A long day with a gentle paddle along the coast of the Tsoi group. We will have great views of the coast of New Hanover.

We will arrive in Ungakumng to a traditional greeting. In the afternoon, we may have a chance to take a traditional outrigger canoe into the channel with a local guide showing us some of the more interesting aspects of living in such a remote community. We may have the chance to witness canoe championships as well as a local cultural dance and singsing.

Day 6: Ungakumng - Tsoilik - 10kms (B,L,D)

Today we track the west coast of the Tsoi group of islands. Just south of Mansava Village is a great snorkelling reef, which if the tide is right, we will explore. From there we will paddle to Tsoilik on the far north tip of the island with views over New Hanover and beyond. We will visit the local school and be welcomed. We will also have the chance to explore Tsoiliks lagoon and Bird Island where birds from all over the region come to nest. Overnight in Tsoilik. 

Day 7: Tsoilik - Nusa Island Retreat. (B, L, D)

Today we transfer back to Nusa Island Retreat by fast boat, about one and a half hours taking in the full coast you have just paddled. If we leave early enough we will be back there by lunch. For those who wish to surf, there should be time in the afternoon or you can relax and take in the tranquil views of Kavieng. Congratulations on your 55km paddle.

Day 8: Nusa Island Retreat - Port Moresby (B)

After breakfast, we will transfer to the mainland for our flight back to Port Moresby. There we will rest and celebrate our trip again. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy the Independence festivities in town and engage in the cultural displays. 

Day 9: Fly home.

• Kayak use with all safety gear including vest, paddle, decks etc
  
• Accommodation throughout trip including 2 nights at the Holiday Inn Port Moresby and 2 nights at Nusa Island Retreat.
  
• Support boat throughout
  
• Radio contact between Kayakers, Support Boat and Kavieng
  
• All domestic flights within PNG
  
• National park fees
  
• Professional guide throughout expedition
  
• Local tours
  
• Airport transfers
  
• Ranger and local guide fees
  
• All meals as indicated in itinerary (7 Breakfast, 6 Lunches and 6 Dinners)
  
• Cultural displays
  

Single Supplement - A Single Supplement applies to this trip of $650. However if you want to share but we can't get someone to share with you, you do not need to pay the supplement. It only applies to people who want a single room in Port Moresby and Nusa Ireland.

• International Airfares
• Travel Insurance

New-Ireland.jpg