A lot of my friends often ask me “what do you do on the weekends in PNG?” It’s hard for people who have never visited Papua New Guinea to understand what life is like here, but there are a lot of activities including diving, bushwalking, sailing and snorkelling, for those so inclined.
One of my favourite things to do with a group of friends is hire a boat and take it out on a Sunday afternoon to Fisherman’s Island. Roughly 20 minutes from Port Moresby, this is an inhabited island, with space for day trippers.
While many people moor their boats just offshore and swim from there, if you do come to shore, it’s wise to bring a beach umbrella, as there is no shade. You also can’t get any food here, so if your boat doesn’t have a BBQ, bring a picnic lunch, snacks and drinks.
On our last visit, we were unusually organised, with a marquee to shade us all, and a delicious spread of homemade quiches, nachos and BBQ chicken sandwiches. With a paddle board in tow, and great company, the afternoon out here usually goes much too quickly, and before long it’s time to say goodbye to the many dogs that have surrounded our area in the hope of food, and head back to Port Moresby.
The only thing I’ve never been able to figure out? Why it’s called Fisherman’s Island. I’ve never seen anyone fishing there…
Not our boat... we wish it was!
Paddle boarding is an option on these calm waters
Crystal clear waters
How can you say no to these hungry eyes?
You have no idea how long it takes to manage to get five girls balanced on a paddle board...
Fun on the beach - for everyone!
Some late afternoon football on the beach
Gorgeous views of Port Moresby from the water
Approaching the Yacht Club
The lowdown:
If you’re not lucky enough to own your own boat (or make friends with someone who has one!) the best way to get out to Fisherman’s Island is to hire a boat through POMSAC (Port Moresby Sub Aqua Club). Hire includes two crew members who drive the boat. Boats can fit up to 10-12 people (fewer if you’re lugging a whole heap of eskies and food). We always buy the crew some lunch and bring some extra cash in case we spend a bit longer out there. Contact POMSAC on pomsac@gmail.com.
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That’s a great way to spend an afternoon. That water looks beautiful!
It’s gorgeous – and as you can imagine, bath-water-temperature water to laze about in!
Seems like its still beautiful, use to go there often on weekends, don’t remember people or dogs there though, but do remember no trees for shade.