Port information & tips for Samarai
Samarai is a historical gem in the southeast of Papua New Guinea and enchants visitors as a former major trading center of the region. The small, idyllic island impresses with its nostalgic colonial charm, lush tropical gardens, and a peaceful atmosphere that immediately captivates explorers. Special highlights include the venerable Christopher Robinson Memorial, the historic ruins from the colonial era, and the picturesque circular path around the entire island with its spectacular views of the turquoise Coral Sea. Cruise ships dock directly at the central Samarai Wharf, making the charming town center and all sights easily accessible on foot in just a few minutes due to the compact size of the island.
Arrival & Departure
Getting around
Highlights & Districts
Useful tips
Returning to the ship
Samarai in Papua New Guinea is a remote, historically significant island and is used exclusively as a port of call for expedition cruises and small ships; embarkation directly in Samarai is not possible. Accordingly, travel to this region requires careful planning, as there is no traditional cruise terminal infrastructure on site.
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region is primarily via long-haul flight to Jacksons International Airport (POM) in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. From there, a connecting flight to Gurney Airport (GUR) in Alotau, the provincial capital of Milne Bay, is required. Several airlines, including Air Niugini, offer connections within Papua New Guinea.
Onward Journey to the Ship
From Gurney Airport (GUR) in Alotau, travelers take a short transfer to their expedition ship or a local meeting point. Alotau is approximately 40 kilometers from Samarai. Samarai itself is reached from the cruise ships anchored offshore via tender boat, as there is no dedicated pier for larger vessels. The island is small and can be explored entirely on foot; motorized transport is not available on Samarai.
Pre-Cruise Stay
Due to the long and complex journey, which includes multiple flights and local transfers, a pre-cruise overnight stay in Port Moresby or Alotau is strongly recommended. This allows for a relaxed arrival to manage jet lag and buffer any travel delays before boarding your expedition ship.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
From the pier on Samarai Island, the entire island can be wonderfully explored on foot, allowing you to immerse yourself directly in the charming, historical atmosphere.
On Foot
As the island is very compact, you can reach the center and all historical sights in just a few minutes. A walk around the entire island also takes only about 30 minutes and, thanks to the short distances, allows for a relaxed tour directly from the port.
Water Taxis and Banana Boats
At the main pier, local motorboats, known as banana boats, are available and serve as the most important means of transport between the islands. These water taxis take you comfortably to neighboring coastal sections and offer an authentic travel experience on the water at the same time.
Local Guides
Directly at the pier, you are often welcomed by local residents who offer guided walking tours of the virtually car-free island. This is the ideal way to learn about the history of the former provincial capital and to safely find the island's most beautiful viewpoints.
To fully enjoy the special charm of the compact island of Samarai, a relaxed walk through the history-steeped center and the exploration of the dreamlike surrounding marine world are ideal.
Historic Center of Samarai
Once known as the Venice of the Pacific, the history-steeped town center with its charming ruins and lush tropical gardens invites you on a journey through time and can be wonderfully explored on a walk thanks to the island's compact size.
Ebi Island
Nearby Ebi Island is a true natural jewel and, thanks to its colorful underwater world and quiet bays, is perfectly suited for cruise guests looking for relaxation in a paradisiacal setting.
Kwato Island
A visit to the island of Kwato offers a cultural highlight thanks to the historic stone church and also opens up breathtaking views over the entire strait, making this place an ideal destination for photography enthusiasts.
Historical Island Circular Trail
The historical circular trail of Samarai begins directly at the pier and leads you on paved paths once completely around the charming island, which was once known as the "Pearl of the Pacific." This walk provides fascinating insights into the colonial architecture as well as today's way of life and also leads you directly to the colorful marketplace with its handcrafted treasures. Thanks to its manageable size, the path is perfectly suited for a relaxed exploration and repeatedly offers shaded spots with a wide view over the turquoise waters of Milne Bay. Ideally, use the cooler morning hours for your walk to experience the special market atmosphere and to return comfortably to the ship in good time before departure.
The way back to the port on the charming island of Samarai is incredibly straightforward and relaxed. Since the island is very manageable, you can reach the main pier in a very short time from any point.
On Foot
As Samarai is a small, car-free island, you can easily stroll back to the pier along the paved paths. Thanks to the island's circular structure, you can find your way to the main jetty at any time without detours, while enjoying the historic atmosphere of the former colonial capital in peace.
Tender Boats at the Main Jetty
The boats to the ship depart directly from the central main jetty, which forms the heart of the waterfront and is impossible to miss. Plan a short amount of time for departure and take advantage of the direct proximity to the market area at the port to spend the last few minutes before returning to the ship in a relaxed manner.
Orientation and Local Support
On the island, prominent landmarks such as the historic waterfront promenade and the old hospital serve as easy points of orientation for your return journey. Additionally, the hospitable residents will be happy to show you the direct way and, thanks to the calm island atmosphere, ensure a safe and punctual return to the port area.
