Papua New Guinea stands out among travel destinations for its unmatched array of experiences—rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. Unlike many remote spots, this is a place where you can drive through traditional villages, learn about cannibalism history, or dive into vibrant coral reefs. We particularly love the opportunity to see local village life firsthand on a scenic drive or discover WWII relics. These tours reveal what makes PNG truly unique—an authentic mix of tradition and wilderness. For anyone eager to deepen their understanding of this extraordinary country, the tours listed here deliver a well-rounded look at PNG’s diverse offerings.
Quick Overview
This list features five of the best tours in Papua New Guinea, covering a wide range of interests. You’ll find cultural drives that explore local villages (Eastcape Drive Tour), world-class diving in Milne Bay (7 Nights Diving Tour in Milne Bay), historic WWII sites (3-Hour WWII Private Bus Tour), and scenic volcanic tours (Rabaul Highlights Tour). For travelers with more time, an immersive Highlands tribes experience (Papua New Guinea: 5-Day Highlands Tribes Tour) rounds out the list. Now, let’s dive into what makes each of these tours special.
1. Eastcape Drive Tour
Starting with a scenic drive along Papua New Guinea’s eastern peninsula, this tour from Alotau offers a richly personal look at local village life and history. For around $157, you spend about five hours with a private guide, visiting villages, the skull cave, and the Milne Bay War Memorial. This tour really shines in its hands-on experiences—you’ll witness food gathering, weaving, cooking, and even traditional practices like climbing and construction. The highlight is the opportunity to learn about cannibalism—a dark but fascinating part of PNG’s past.
What makes this tour stand out is its personalized approach. The private guide ensures you get tailored insights, and the small group size guarantees a more intimate experience. You’ll enjoy scenic coastal views, sample traditional foods like taro and yams, and explore local markets. Reviews mention the variety of villages visited and the ease of talking to locals in English. While the drive involves some rough patches, the authenticity and interaction make it worthwhile.
Bottom Line: A great choice for travelers wanting a deep cultural experience with comfort and flexibility, especially if you’re interested in Papua New Guinea’s complex history and local lifestyle.
2. 7 Nights Diving Tour in Milne Bay in Alotau
For serious underwater enthusiasts, the 7 Nights Diving Tour in Milne Bay offers some of the best scuba diving in Papua New Guinea. Over eight days, you’ll explore up to 27 dive sites at Tawali Resort, located on the north coast, protected from winds and perfect for diving. The diversity and clarity of the coral reefs here are world-renowned.
While this tour is pricier at $2,535 per person, the value is clear for diving fans. The resort’s location ensures easy access to various dive sites, and the abundance of marine life promises unforgettable underwater encounters. The tour is ideal for experienced divers, though beginners can often join if comfortable with basic skills.
What makes this tour unique is its location in a premier dive destination, and the all-inclusive structure means you focus on enjoying the underwater world. No need to worry about logistics—just bring your gear. The reviews are limited but indicate high satisfaction among divers seeking reliability and access to top dive sites.
Bottom Line: Perfect for avid divers who want a luxury-focused experience with the convenience of multiple dive sites and excellent facilities in Milne Bay.
3. Rabaul Highlights Tour
At just about $64, the Rabaul Highlights Tour delivers a compact but comprehensive look at one of PNG’s most iconic volcanic towns. It lasts roughly three and a half hours and covers WWII relics, hot springs, and the impressive Mt. Tavurvur volcano. The tour is ideal for travelers who want a timed snapshot of Rabaul’s rich history and active volcano scenery.
What sets this tour apart is the focus on historical sites like the Yamamoto Bunker and WWII bunkers, along with the volcano observatory for panoramic views. It’s a perfect afternoon activity for cruise passengers or travelers with limited time. The local market adds to the vibrant atmosphere, although it’s closed on Sundays.
This tour is very well-reviewed, with a 4.5-star rating, emphasizing its informative guides and well-paced itinerary. Visitors often comment on the stunning views and the contrast of natural beauty and wartime relics.
Bottom Line: An excellent short tour for history buffs and those wanting a quick but meaningful overview of Rabaul’s dramatic landscape and past.
4. 3-Hour WWII Private Bus Tour for Cruise Ship Passengers
For cruise visitors, this 3-hour WWII private bus tour hits the sweet spot. Starting directly at the Alotau port, it covers Japanese landing sites, WWII bunkers, and key military landmarks. It’s priced at $124.25 per person, making it a convenient and focused way to see the historic sites without spending a full day ashore.
What makes this tour stand out is its customized experience—guided by someone with deep knowledge of PNG’s WWII history. The small-group size ensures personalized attention. The route takes you from Wahuhuba to Gurney Airport, with stops at notable sites like the Japanese landing point and the airport’s historical significance.
Review-wise, this tour has only one review but a perfect 5-star score, indicating strong satisfaction. The flexibility and local expertise make it ideal for travelers interested in military history or those with limited time.
Bottom Line: Best suited for cruise passengers who want a focused, well-guided historical tour without sacrificing comfort or depth.
5. Papua New Guinea: 5-Day Highlands Tribes Tour All Inclusive
If you’re after an immersion in highland culture, this extended five-day tour is a rare chance to see tribes like the Mudmen, Skeleton, and Kondiu in their natural setting. For around $1,200 (approximate, based on typical costs), you’ll stay in eco-lodges, watch traditional performances, and even try spear fishing and swimming in untouched rivers.
This tour’s strength lies in its depth and authenticity. You’ll visit multiple tribes, witness traditional dances, and enjoy local cuisine. The highlight—swimming in waterfalls or relaxing in natural jacuzzis—adds an adventure component. The itinerary is designed to give you a comprehensive highland experience without the clutter of tourist traps.
While the cost is higher, the all-inclusive nature and cultural richness justify the price, especially for travelers seeking a meaningful connection. The tour is best suited for those willing to hike, explore, and engage actively with local communities.
Bottom Line: A top pick for travelers wanting an immersive, multi-day cultural journey deep into PNG’s highlands, perfect for adventurous spirits and culture enthusiasts.
How to Choose Your Papua New Guinea Tour
Selecting the right Papua New Guinea tour depends on your budget, time, and personal interests. If your goal is to explore local villages and learn about history, the Eastcape Drive Tour offers a well-rounded experience at a reasonable price. For diving aficionados, the Milne Bay diving adventure provides unmatched marine life and top-notch facilities.
History enthusiasts should consider the Rabaul Highlights, especially if you enjoy WWII relics and volcano views. Cruise travelers will find the WWII Private Bus Tour ideal for a quick, enriching visit. For those with more time and a desire for meaningful cultural exposure, the Highlands Tribes Tour offers an authentic, multi-day immersion.
Practical tips include checking the season—PNG’s dry season (May to October) generally offers better weather—and booking early, especially for high-demand diving or cultural tours. Keep in mind local logistics like the rough roads on the East Cape drive or the altitude hikes in the highlands.
Final Thoughts
Papua New Guinea offers a range of tours that suit different interests—from cultural explorations to underwater adventures. If you seek a personal connection with village life, the Eastcape Drive Tour is hard to beat. For diving lovers, the Milne Bay experience guarantees spectacular marine sightings. History buffs will appreciate the WWII sites of Rabaul, while adventurous travelers can dive into highland tribes for a truly immersive experience.
No matter which tour fits your style, booking early is advisable—these adventures fill up quickly during peak seasons. With a little planning, you’ll enjoy an authentic taste of Papua New Guinea’s rich diversity and timeless traditions.