Explore Tufi’s Mystical Waters, Fjords and Traditions
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Diving vacation to the Tufi Resort
Tufi, located in Papua New Guinea, is a destination that will enchant diving enthusiasts and culture lovers alike. This destination offers the perfect mix of pristine dive sites, introductions to the local Tufi tribe and other cultural experiences.
For the diver, Tufi offers dozens of world-class dive sites. From the Blackjack wreck, an intact B17 bomber, to the breathtaking encounters with barracuda, reef sharks, manta rays, eagle rays, hammerheads and pelagic fish, among others, the underwater world of Tufi will amaze you. The fjords of Tufi are perfect for macro diving, where you can discover gobies, nudibranchs, and many more unusual macro. Moreover, numerous sponges and coral species grow here because of the calm current, so there is no shortage of color. Also, the house reef is really great for diving(night diving!), kayaking, canoeing and snorkeling.
In addition to diving, Tufi Resort also offers the chance to explore the rich culture of the Tufi tribe. On a cultural day trip, you can learn to make fire, bake traditional bread and witness traditional dances and crafts of the tribe. The day ends with a delicious barbecue at Komoa Beach, where you can sample local dishes and experience the warm hospitality of the Tufi tribe.
Best travel time: A visit to Tufi is possible year-round. In general, October and November are the best months to consider if you want both the best diving conditions and the chance to spot hammerhead sharks, among others. Around April through September, the sea gets a little rougher, but this is also a suitable time for divers. Keep in mind that winds can be stronger. This can sometimes limit access to offshore reefs. If you come mainly for the macro you’re in the right place anyway, as it’s mostly found in the sheltered fjords.
Average Temperatures
Wetsuit advice for Tufi, Papua New Guinea
In most cases, a 3mm or even a rashguard will suffice. Around the month of August, the water in Tufi is the coldest, about 26C. Then you might even consider a 5mm.
What will you experience on this trip?
View itinerary here
Day 1 & 2 - The journey to Papua New Guinea
Today you begin your journey to Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea. Travel from Europe to Port Moresby usually requires a combination of international flights. The most common routes include transfers in Singapore or Brisbane. Travelers can choose from several airlines serving these routes. Although the journey may take some time, it offers adventurous travelers the chance to discover a pristine piece of paradise.
On day 2 you will arrive in Port Moresby and it is probably not possible to fly on to Tufi. Upon arrival in Port Moresby, check into the Airways Hotel, near the airport. Tomorrow you will make another short flight to Tufi, but for now you can rest first.
Nb. Arrival in Tufi for this program is always on a Friday.
Day 3 - A short flight to Tufi
The flight from Port Moresby to Tufi is a unique experience in itself. You board a small plane and fly to Tufi in less than an hour. The airstrip in Tufi is made of gravel and is right next to the Tufi Resort, which makes arrival very convenient. In fact, the airline check-in counter is even located in the resort!
Once you’ve arrived at the Tufi Resort, check in and spend the rest of the day exploring this enchanting setting. Whether you want to snorkel, kayak, canoe on the house reef (included in your stay), or take a relaxing walk through nature, there is something for everyone. And if you’re a lover of orchids, you’ve come to the right place! The Tufi region and surrounding areas are known for their diversity and abundance of orchids, from common to extremely rare species. As many as 120 different bird species have also been spotted in the area, making bird lovers in their element here.
Day 4 to 11 - Diving & Culture
For the next 8 days you will make 2 boat dives daily in the morning. Diving at Tufi is truly fantastic and wonderfully diverse with an abundance of world-class dive sites. Some of our favorites include Cyclone Cay, Black Rocks, Stewarts Reef and Shark Tip.
The fjords lend themselves perfectly to macro diving, where you can discover gobies, nudibranchs, shrimp and shellfish. Snorkeling is also ideal here because of the excellent conditions. Many sponges and coral species grow abundantly in the fjords because of the low current, and some very large sponges and table corals can be found here, which is rare on the outer reefs.
At 5-10 nautical miles from shore are a series of reefs and bommies rising from dizzying depths of up to 600 meters to a safe stop at 5-7 meters below the surface. Spectacular marine wildlife, including schools of barracuda, reef fish, several species of sharks such as the rare white hammerhead are spotted here.
Most of the reefs in the region remain unexplored, and it will take some time before the full diversity of the Tufi reefs is known. The resort focuses on reef and muck diving, and all dives are conducted under the guidance of PADI diving professionals.
Additional activities in the afternoon
Day 5: After diving in the morning, head to Komoa Beach in the afternoon. Every Sunday the resort hosts a cozy beach barbecue here. Enjoy a cold drink as you float in clear blue water. Everything is taken care of to perfection!
Day 8: Visit to local village. A more extensive cultural visit takes place on Day 12.
Day 12 - Cultural visit to the Tufi Tribe.
Since you start your return trip tomorrow, you can’t dive today. But not to worry, there is a fantastic program scheduled today.
Papua New Guinea is the land of a million different journeys. Tufi explores many of these journeys and lets you discover culture and traditional ways that you think no longer exist.
From the Tufi resort, it is possible to visit a traditional village on a “cultural day trip. The daily life of local villagers includes building their traditional houses and canoes from sago palms, traditional gardening and fishing and processing their food, making ropes for hunting pigs, fishing nets and processing different trees for tapa cloth, traditional clothing. During the cultural day trip you will learn how to build your own fire, see how they still bake their own bread and learn the traditional dances of the tribe. The cultural day will end with a delicious beach BBQ.
Day 13 to 15 - The journey back home
Today you will depart again in the morning towards Port Moresby. Depending on your plans and flight schedule, you can travel on in one go or stay another night at the Airways Hotel. Many of our clients traveling to Papua New Guinea combine a stay at the Tufi Resort with a liveaboard in the Bismarck Sea, for example. You’re there now anyway, so to speak…. Feel free to ask us about all the possibilities, via Australia, Solomon Island and Fiji are also “around the corner.
If you have a good connection you can land in Europe during day 14, and otherwise you will be home on day 15.
The accommodation
The stay and surroundings
Tufi Resort
Tufi Resort in Papua New Guinea is an exclusive boutique resort, a hidden oasis tucked atop a breathtaking fjord, with 180º panoramic views of the sea, fjords and mountains. Tufi Resort is a place that makes the outside world and all its daily stresses seem a million miles away.
Resort amenities include a terrace with barbecue, a swimming pool overlooking the fjord below, a pool and table tennis table, a lounge bar and a library. The main building has a colonial design with comfortable open spaces, cool corridors and natural lighting. Internally you will find a reception desk, gift store, library lounge, TV and dining area.
Typically, guests dine on a selection of local seafood, vegetables and tropical fruits in the resort’s dining area or enjoy a barbecue on the fjord terrace accompanied by a wide selection of wines and ice-cold beer.
Tufi Dive Resort is built in traditional style and can accommodate up to 38 guests. Despite its remote location, it is a comfortable resort. The bungalows are all air-conditioned, including 10 luxury air-conditioned bungalows and 9 standard air-conditioned bungalows. It is truly a first-class resort in a pristine paradise.
The bungalows have polished wooden floors and traditional furnishings. You will find every comfort: air conditioning, hot water, en-suite bathroom, refrigerator, coffee and tea facilities. Most units have a veranda overlooking the fjord or sea.
Travel costs
What is included
This travel package is € 3.149 per person based on two people in one room. The trip can be extended as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package.
Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
Want to know more about the possibilities? Get in touch with us!
11-Jan-2024: Code Orange. Unfortunately, in early 2024, the travel advisory for PNG was changed to code orange due to ongoing unrest in the capital Port Moresby. We are keeping a close eye on the advisory, but at this time travel to PNG is thus discouraged. We are happy to jointly discuss alternatives and solutions.
20-Aug-2024: Unfortunately, still code orange.
Included in this trip, from € 3.149 p.p.
- Local flight Port Moresby - Tufi v.v.
- 10 nights in a standard bungalow
- Accommodation on full board basis
- 16 boat dives, 2 per day
- Free daily unguided dive on the house reef on dive days
- Village Tour, Cultural Experience & Beach BBQs
- Unlimited snorkeling, canoeing and kayaking
- VZR, Calamity Fund & Administration fee
Excluding
- Flight to Port Moresby from € 1.800 p.p.
- Marine Park Fee - 20 Kina per day = € 5
- Airways hotel in Port Moresby on Day 2 & Day 13
✈︎ The quoted (international) flight prices are indicative prices and based on departures from Europe.
However, we can arrange flights from any location worldwide.
Booking your own flights is of course also possible.
Optional
- Diving equipment, complete set approx. € 56 p.p.
- Bird of Paradise Tour, approx. € 28 p.p.
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Frequently asked questions about this diving vacation
Diving general
In the morning you will make two boat dives. When you dive inside the fjords you dive sheltered and the dive will be mostly macro. Do you dive on the outer reefs? Then you can definitely expect big stuff too!
You can do daily unguided dives on the house reef, a fantastic macro dive site that really comes alive, especially after dark.
This ranges from 5 minutes in the fjords to 30/60 minutes for the outer reef dive sites.
In total you can make 4 dives, 2 in the morning (included), and 1 dive on the house reef during the day (included) and 1 dive on the house reef at night (extra: €95,- p.p.).
Yes, on the house reef. This costs an additional €95 p.p.
The house reef is a great macro dive site for a night dive.
Yes, on-site.
Diving equipment
No, there is no Nitrox
Prices are per day and in USD:
REG/ COMPUTER 25.00
BCD 20.00
WETSUIT 15.00
MASK/FIN 15.00
FULL SET 60.00
TORCH 15.00
Activities, Excursions and Wellness
Absolutely, in the fjords and on the house reef is fantastic snorkeling.
There are several tours including the birds of paradise tour, BBQ and on Kamoa Beach, a visit to the local village, fishing, snorkeling on the house reef and much more.
Accommodation / Resort
Yes.
You will stay at the Tufi Resort on full board.
Breakfast includes fresh seasonal produce, bread and beverages, with optional hot food for an additional charge. Daily lunches are prepared by local chefs, with a focus on local ingredients ranging from salads to freshly caught fish. Sunday there will be a BBQ at Komoa Beach. Dinner usually consists of three courses, with a weekly buffet depending on the number of guests. The Tufi Bar offers a range of wines and drinks; personal alcohol is not permitted in public areas. Special dietary needs can be accommodated if notified in advance.
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