Duke of York Islands

A scenic group of islands off the coast of Kokopo offering pristine beaches, clear waters, and a laid-back tropical island experience. The islands are ideal for diving, snorkeling, and enjoying authentic Papua New Guinean island culture away from the mainland.

Things to do

• Diving at Pigeon Island Reef — Explore vibrant coral gardens and tropical fish species at this popular diving site just offshore from the main islands.
• Snorkeling at Kabaira Beach — Wade into shallow, crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful reef fish and sea turtles accessible directly from the white-sand beach.
• Visit Duke of York Village — Walk through the main settlement to observe traditional island life, visit local craftspeople, and interact with residents in their daily routines.
• Island Hopping Boat Tour — Charter a local boat to explore multiple islands including smaller atolls, hidden coves, and secluded fishing villages throughout the archipelago.
• Sunset Watching at Western Point — Position yourself on the western end of the main island to witness dramatic tropical sunsets over the Bismarck Sea.
• Fishing Excursion with Local Guides — Join fishermen in traditional outrigger canoes to learn indigenous fishing techniques and potentially catch fresh dinner for evening meals.

Food to try

• Fresh Grilled Barramundi — Locally caught barramundi fish prepared whole on open coals with lime juice and coconut milk, a signature island preparation.
• Taro and Coconut Curry — Root vegetables and leafy greens cooked in rich coconut milk with local spices, served as a staple comfort dish across the islands.
• Sago Pancakes with Banana — Starch-based pancakes made from sago palm flour topped with fresh local bananas and drizzled with coconut honey.
• Sea Urchin (Uni) Raw — Fresh sea urchin harvested from local reefs and eaten raw with fresh lime juice as a delicacy offered by island restaurants.
• Coconut Crab — Large terrestrial crabs steamed or grilled with garlic and island herbs, considered a premium local specialty during certain seasons.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Island Customs and Sacred Sites — Ask permission before entering villages or photographing residents, and avoid sacred burial grounds and ceremonial areas marked by locals.
• Learn Basic Tok Pisin Phrases — While English is spoken, learning simple greetings and courtesies in Tok Pisin (the local lingua franca) shows respect and enhances interactions.
• Observe Dress Code in Villages — Wear modest clothing when visiting settlements and during communal gatherings, as minimal beach attire is reserved for resort areas.
• Participate in Community Meals — Accept invitations to shared meals or feasts (called 'mumu' when earth-oven cooked), as refusal can be seen as disrespectful to your hosts.

Nearby

• Palmalmal Village — 23 km
• Kokopo — 26 km
• Crater Lake — 28 km
• Gazelle Peninsula — 30 km