MWANEWA ISLAND
ARCHIPELAGO

PNG

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10°55'8.83"S. 152°40'11.02"E

Remote expeditions and exploration is where Explore PNG began. An experienced and persistent adventurer,  founder Daryl Byrne first got a true sense of the remote untouched wilderness and culture of PNG during a five month kayak trip from Australia to the eastern tip of Papua New Guinea. 

A "bushy" at heart, Daryl continues to look for untouched places to explore and always on the look out for ways in which Explore PNG and their supporters can contribute to the conservation and protection of remote wilderness regions.

With unprecedented access into some of the last great wilderness regions of the world, Explore PNG gives guests down to earth ecotourism in comfort and safety whilst providing activities that keep those visiting in touch with the natural environment and traditional communities.

Explore PNG’s marine sanctuary’s lease area, Mwanewa, covers five small islands and roughly 20 km of reef walls in the coral seas of Milne bay, Papua New Guinea. Chosen for its pristine waters and abundant wildlife and corals, the islands are perched on top of 1000m drop off, producing incredible up currents and hot spots for marine life.

For the past 8 years Explore PNG have worked with the traditional resource owners of the reef and islands to protect and create a self managed marine park which has allowed nesting turtles, sharks and other targeted species in the region a safe haven and breeding grounds. ​One island is still the home of the patriarch of the clan, where he raises pigs, chickens and gardens for himself and for the lodge, and we do our best to afford him the best twilight years we have to offer. His sons and their families are our partners and hold shares in the lodge and help direct any of the school funds and community projects to the most needed areas of community.

ACCOMODATION

When you visit our marine sanctuary you will stay in one of our beautiful Traditional Huts

The huts hug the beach and huddle around the island, each has its own verandah with spectacular views, great privacy and your own slice of paradise. Comfortable beds with mozzie nets, sheets and pillows all provided. Our cabins are simple and beautiful. Made entirely from traditional materials and built by the craftsmen in the area, they reflect traditional design with a little western influence. Open rooms with views of nothing but ocean and reef from the front doors, you can literally lay in bed and watch dolphins and whales swim past the reef and spot octopus, dragon pipe fish and corals under your veranda.

On our Adventure Options

You will stay in Tents with a bedroll & sheet provided, plus a few little extras but you need to bring those things you can’t do without.

Glamping, out around the Sanctuary.

We do the pitching, bed making and pillow fluffing. Just bring you.

FISHING

Is there fishing to be done?
ABSOLUTELY! 

We run specific trips to focus on fishing and work on a catch 
and release policy, with certain species kept to feed the camp and the local community.

SCUBA & FREE DIVING

ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN!

Anything can happen in the ocean out here with Explore-PNG. And it does! From passing pods of Pygmy Sperm Whales to surprise schools of swirling Mantas, from pelagics to pygmy seahorses and new undiscovered reefs, expect some unique and stunning underwater encounters. Whether you are a free diver, snorkeller or you want to venture deeper with a tank, it’s all encouraged. The reefs, walls and drop offs are spectacular, from our local house reefs to the many spots still left unchartered…

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

PNG is a world unto itself with incredible cultural diversity and over 800 unique languages.

One of the most important aspects of Explore-PNG is our community engagement programs. We don’t get to be in such a beautiful place without the partnership, support and involvement of the local community. Going forward, if we want to see these incredible places remain protected and succeed as conservation tourism projects, then community involvement is a must. Plus, it's only right to give back. Every guest with Explore PNG sees money going towards a child’s school fees paid, or books and resources purchased and a number of our trips are focused on cultural exchange and helping out in the community.

 FLORA & FAUNA

Papua new guinea is one of the last great bastions of
unexplored places and rare and newly discovered species.

PNG boasts 740 species of birds, 77 of these endemic, over 900 species of butterflies and 3000 species of orchids. Add to that the incredible marine life that surrounds us on the reefs at the sanctuary, and the animals, snakes and lizards that live in the jungles of the neighbouring mountainous islands in the archipelago, and you get a pretty impressive list of flora and fauna.

The thick jungles of these remote wildness regions means that access is almost always by local means which is dinghy, dug out canoe or on foot. And part of the beauty of exploring these places is in the getting there. Again we involve local and international guides on all these trips, giving guests a deeper insight into the wildlife of these regions

 IN THE KITCHEN

“Give me a good meal and a clean comfy bed and i'll put up with anything else”

The kitchen is all around us. On both expeditions and stays at the lodge, guests will feast on foods found in the jungles, in the oceans, the rivers and in the garden of the local community.

Every trip with Explore PNG enjoys the company of well versed chefs, both international and local, who find and prepare fresh local food with a touch of International knowhow.

Some of the best experiences when visiting with Explore PNG can be found in the kitchens. Here guests share in the stories that are had around the fire while they learn about local produce and cooking technique. Mud crabs, mussels, fresh tuna, crayfish, local pigs or chickens, yams, greens, fresh breads, coconuts, the list is long and the options plentiful.

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