Destination: Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Introduction
Port Moresby is the capital and largest city of Papua New Guinea, located on the southeastern coast of the PNG mainland in a well-sheltered harbour. As the main Port of Entry for PNG, it handles all international clearances and provides the best range of services and provisioning available in the country. PNG is one of the world's most biodiverse nations and an extraordinary, if challenging, cruising destination.
GPS Coordinates
9° 26' 35.160"S 147° 10' 46.920"E
9 26 35.160S 147 10 46.920E
Protected Anchorages
The Harbour of Port Moresby is divided into the commercial port area and the smaller boat areas. Royal Papua Yacht Club (RPYC) at Ela Beach has moorings and some alongside berths in 3–8 m. Fairfax Harbour is deep and protected. The main yacht anchorage is off RPYC in 5–15 m over mud. Caution is required with regard to dinghy security ashore — Port Moresby has a reputation for petty crime.
Customs Protocols for Visiting Yachts
Port Moresby is PNG's principal Port of Entry. Customs, Immigration, Quarantine, and Health clearance is at the main wharf. A PNG cruising permit is required for travel beyond the capital. The permit process can be time-consuming — allow several days and engage the local agent services available through RPYC.
Yacht Clubs and Marinas in the Vicinity
- Royal Papua Yacht Club (RPYC) at Ela Beach is the social centre for visiting yachts, with moorings, fuel, water, bar, restaurant, and excellent local knowledge. The club is well-connected and can assist with customs agents, repair contacts, and permit applications.
Renowned Attractions
- Papua New Guinea National Museum — outstanding collection of PNG artifacts, cultures, and natural history
- Varirata National Park — rainforest park 40 km from the city with birds of paradise, wallabies, and walking trails
- Hiri Moale Festival — annual festival celebrating the traditional Hiri trading voyages
- Kokoda Trail memorial and museum — start of the legendary WWII jungle campaign track
- Motuan villages of Hanuabada on stilts over the harbour — unique coastal village culture
Currency and Exchange Rate
Currency: Papua New Guinea Kina
Exchange Rate to USD
Nearby Yachting Destinations
Summary
Port Moresby is the essential gateway to PNG's extraordinary cruising grounds — while the city itself requires caution and preparation, the RPYC provides a safe and welcoming base from which to organise the permits and provisions needed to explore one of the Pacific's most remarkable nations.