PNG Intermediate+ Adventure INFO SESSION Recording Live📹

G'day Reader,

On Wednesday night we had a live Zoom Q&A with some of the key players (and guides) in the hosting crew:

• Dylan Foo — our local host and guide, Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort

• Tim McDonald — former Australian Spearfishing Champion

• Shrek (Isaac Daly) — your host/guide from Noob Spearo

• Ben Rennie - our trip photographer

• + Several adventurers/potential adventurers attended and asked questions

The talk went for approx 75 minutes and covered a lot of ground. Summary of key information is below OR watch the video recording. 👉 Watch HERE

Check out the Papua New Guinea Spearfishing Adventure: https://spearfishingcourses.com.au/png

10 spot left. If it's calling you, find out if our full froth, no ego PNG Adventure's for you. If you've been sitting on the fence, this call is your chance to grab a spot!

Isaac Daly (Shrek) hosted a detailed planning call for a 7-day Papua New Guinea Spearfishing Charter scheduled for September 12-20, 2026

The trip, priced at $7,500 per person (excluding flights), will accommodate 12 participants and features land-based resort accommodation at Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort https://www.kbb.com.pg/ combined with offshore liveaboard diving

Dylan, whose family owns the resort and has operated tourism ventures in PNG for 40 years, will serve as the primary local guide alongside professional instructors Tim McDonald, Isaac ‘Shrek’ and photographer Ben Rennie

Trip Overview and Structure

Itinerary Design

The expedition follows a progressive intensity model spanning 8 days:

Day 1 (September 12): Travel day with flights arriving Port Moresby mid-day, connecting to Rabaul/Tokua Airport, arriving at resort by 5:30-6:00pm for gear setup and orientation
Days 2-4 (September 13-15): Local reef diving within 30-50 kilometers of Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort using panga-style boats and the Karavas dive boat, targeting reef species in accessible conditions
Day 5 (September 16): Cultural rest day featuring World War II historical tours (General Yamamoto's bunker, Battle of Coral Sea sites), volcano hike, traditional fire dance ceremony in local village, and optional continued diving for experienced participants
Days 6-8 (September 17-19): Remote offshore expedition to north coast horseshoe reef system approximately 120 kilometers from base, utilizing the Maritimo liveaboard with options for plantation accommodation or beach camping
Day 9 (September 20): Return travel with 7am departure flight

Daily Diving Schedule

Standard operating procedure includes two 3-4 hour dive sessions daily :

Morning session: 6:00am departure, 3 hours of diving (or more)
Midday break: Return to base or picnic lunch, 11am-2pm rest period during peak heat (also the fish activity usually drops off during this time)
Afternoon session: 3:00pm-6:00pm, particularly productive for pelagic action during sunset period

Dylan emphasized flexibility, noting 8+hour dive days are possible for highly motivated participants, though this intensity is usually not sustainable consecutively in tropical conditions.

Accommodation Options

The trip offers tiered comfort levels to suit participant preferences:

Resort rooms: Air-conditioned twin-share accommodation at Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort (options available for upgrade)
Maritimo liveaboard: 3 cabins (2 queen cabins sleeping 2 each, 1 bunk cabin), plus air-conditioned lounge area for overflow sleeping on the plantation during offshore component
Plantation facilities: Basic huts with fans and mosquito screens at partnered coconut/palm oil plantation in remote areas
Beach camping: Tarp/sleeping bag setup on remote atolls for participants preferring maximum immersion

Vessel Fleet and Safety Infrastructure

Primary Vessels

Dylan's family operation maintains a comprehensive fleet acquired specifically for diving operations:

Maritimo Liveaboard ‘Tamo’:

Former Gold Coast based vessel delivered via 6-day spearfishing charter from Australia 2 years ago
3 cabins sleeping 6-8 guests comfortably
Full galley, air conditioning, long-range fuel capacity
EPIRB and comprehensive safety equipment for remote operations
Currently used for marlin fishing charters (PNG national titles during call)

MV Karavas Dive Boat:

Traditional dive platform brought from Australia 10 years ago
Twin 250hp outboards providing extended range
Can reach 80 kilometers to New Ireland province in single day return trips
Easy entry/exit for reef diving operations

Panga Fleet:

3 owned + 1 partnered center console fiberglass boats
Optimal for calm PNG conditions (described as "flat as a lake" frequently)
Can be towed behind Maritimo for offshore deployment
Positioned close to divers for immediate fish retrieval

Safety Protocols

Dylan outlined management procedures specific to PNG waters

Pangas maintain close proximity to diving teams at all times
Immediate fish removal from water after each shot to minimize predator attraction
No accumulation of fish on floats or stringers
Team diving structure with designated "big gun" rotation for pelagic encounters

Tim McDonald emphasized a mandatory teamwork approach for participants: one diver carries a blue water gun while buddies support, rotating roles throughout the session to maximize landing success against "tax man" (sharks) and improve safety.

Target Species and Fishing Opportunities

Reef Species (Primary Focus)

The trip is not marketed as dogtooth-specific but rather as diverse reef/pelagic adventure:

Coral Trout (Vermiculated):

Most prevalent trout species in the area
Endemic throughout dive sites
Dylan guarantees first-time shooters will encounter opportunities
Similar to Great Barrier Reef populations but higher density

Midnight Snapper:

Described as appearing in "massive schools"
Encountered in depths less than 10 meters during recent trips
Requires stalking technique despite shallow depth

Mu (Large Eye Sea Bream/Robinsons etc)):

"Ton of mu" available
Large schools similar to midnight snapper abundance

Red Bass (Lutjanus Bohar):

Responds well to chumming, providing beginner-friendly opportunities
Reaches good size locally
Cooked well by resort chefs despite not being premium eating fish

Spanish Mackerel:

Called simply "mackerel" by locals
Consistent presence on reef edges

Additional Reef Species:

Sweetlip (locally consumed, contrary to Australian preferences)
Long-nose emperor
Surgeonfish (endemic, large specimens)
Blue-spot trevally
Mangrove jack
Footballer and other trout varieties south of primary area
+ many more

Pelagic Opportunities

Dogtooth Tuna:

Small specimens (10-15kg) common on inner reefs within 20 minutes of resort
Medium size (15-30kg) expected on outer reef systems during offshore component
Recent trip landed specimen "close to 20kg" on local reef
Dylan emphasizes realistic expectations: trip will encounter dogtooth but is not dedicated trophy hunting operation

Sailfish and Marlin:

Potentially available but not primary spearfishing target

Fisheries Management

PNG operates under minimal enforcement of existing regulations:

No slot sizes actively enforced for most species
Villagers subsistence fish without restrictions (including small parrotfish)
Marine Protected Areas exist but are World Heritage snorkeling sites, not spearfishing locations
Village-managed rotating reef closures respected by operation
Dylan applies Australian ethical standards even without legal requirements: avoid undersized fish

All harvested fish either consumed at resort (fresh produce policy) or donated to local villages/churches. Availability to take up to 10kg of vacuum packed fish back to Australia.

Diving Conditions and Environment

Water Parameters

The location sits "bang on the equator" providing consistent tropical conditions:

Water temperature: 28-32°C year-round, expected 29-30°C in September (post-winter) 50
Visibility: Typically 25-30 meters, described as excellent for skill development
Surface conditions: Frequently "flat as a lake" due to protected geography
Tidal range: Not extreme, standard tropical variance without shocking king tides
Current: Variable and dynamic due to Bismarck Sea position, can shift 3 times per hour at pressure points

Wetsuit Recommendations

Participants showed varied preferences during recent trips

Minimal: Board shorts and rash guard (suitable for sun, sea lice and jellyfish-tolerant divers) - advised that sea lice and stingers not super prolific
Standard recommendation: 1mm or 1.5mm long-sleeve top with stinger pants/board shorts
Sun/marine life protection: Long pants advised for week-long exposure to prevent sea lice, jellyfish, and fire coral contact

Coral and Reef Health

The region features pristine coral ecosystems famous for scuba diving:

Fan coral (Gorgonian) so spectacular Dylan describes it as "Avatar-like" and prohibits laying on it but shooting above it is ok but care to be taken
Fire coral present in some spots but not pervasive
Healthy reef systems supporting diverse fish populations

Geographic Advantages

East New Britain province offers dual-coast access providing weather backup options 15:

South coast: Primary resort location in Rabaul/Kokopo
North coast: Horseshoe reef system accessible when south coast conditions deteriorate
Region doesn’t experience cyclones at this latitude, though weather systems from Australian coast can affect southern exposure

The area is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire with active volcanic geology - recent eruption 8 years ago, visible lava flows from southern island volcanoes at night, and hikeable dormant volcano near resort

Participant Skill Level and Group Management

Skill Range Accommodation

Isaac and Tim addressed concerns from beginner-to-intermediate participants (notably Todd and his 16-year-old son):

Beginner Support:

Previous charter featured father-son combo where Tim reloaded guns 50+ times in single session for young diver
That participant progressed from shooting small parrotfish to hunting coral trout and claimed 3 junior national records by trip end
Target-rich environment allows rapid skill development through high repetition

Intermediate Development:

30% of previous charter participants moved from intermediate to advanced capability
30% moved from beginner to intermediate+ during 5-day trip
Dylan notes even limited divers (2 dives since certification) successfully landed midnight snapper and had shots on dogtooth with proper guidance on previous trips

Advanced Opportunities:

30 meter isolated pinnacles available but likely to work shallower reefs depending on group
Offshore component provides blue water and deeper structure for experienced hunters

Group Splitting Strategy

With 12 participants, Isaac plans 6-person sub-groups based on capability:

Lower intermediate group: Assigned to one vessel with appropriate dive sites and a specific focus on building relevant skills
Higher intermediate/advanced group: Separate vessel accessing more challenging locations and species
Buddy rotation: Participants paired with similar-skill divers throughout trip, except parent-child teams who remain together for safety/supervision

Special consideration for Todd's 16-year-old son: Isaac requires father-son to remain buddied entire trip due to age and supervision responsibility, acknowledging this limits rotation benefits but ensures appropriate oversight

Daily Debrief Structure

Isaac and Tim employ end-of-day reflection sessions for group learning:

Self-assessment and peer feedback on technique
Specific coaching on noise discipline, approach style, and positioning
Non-judgmental environment requiring teachable attitudes and ego-free participation
Ben Rennie humorously cited as example of constructive criticism recipient

Dylan confirmed this aligns with his approach, noting even experienced friend groups abandon teamwork when dogtooth appear, highlighting need for structured coordination

Equipment and Gear Requirements

Speargun Recommendations

Dylan and Tim discussed optimal loadout for mixed reef/blue water conditions

Dual-Gun Setup (Ideal):

Reef gun: Reels ok, approximately 110-130cm double-band for general reef work
Blue water cannon: Float-rigged for pelagic encounters

Single-Gun Compromise:

130cm double-band provides versatility if only bringing one gun

Shared Equipment Pool:

Tim offering to bring extra blue water gun for group sharing during pelagic-focused sessions
Dylan has 2 blue water guns, floats, 3ATM bungees available for loan (shaft replacement cost if lost)
Isaac bringing Coatesman Double Roller Devilfish as additional shared resource

Reel vs. Float Decision:

Dylan's "lake-like" conditions are generally safe for reel guns on reefs, but Isaac recommends float rigs for dogtooth scenarios to prevent gun loss and dangerous drag-downs. Tim's teamwork model uses one float-rigged big gun per 3-person team rather than everyone carrying a blue water setup simultaneously 30. Be advised that the guides will determine this based on conditions, experience and diver behaviour.

Gear Sharing Agreement

Participants using shared equipment operate under gentleman's agreement:

Borrower pays for lost shafts
Borrower covers significant damage repairs
Dylan comfortable loaning personal gear with this arrangement

Additional Equipment Notes

Resort has compressor for float inflation
Dive shop located 50 meters from accommodation for easy gear staging
Participants can bring vacuum sealers and bags if planning to transport fish home (the resort lacks vacuum sealers currently but we (the team) will donate the ones we take). Can buy cheap eskies there in the village to bring fish home.

Cultural Context and Local Engagement

Resort Background and Safety

Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort represents 25 years of development from original 2-room eco-lodge to current 80+ room resort:

Original family guest lodge established in 1980s in Rabaul
Town relocated to Kokopo after 1994 volcanic eruption destroyed Rabaul
Current resort is one of PNG's largest, listed on major booking platforms
Clientele includes Australian Federal Police, government contractors, and international guests under official programs

American military personnel still visit every few years searching for 3,000 missing WWII bodies in the jungle, illustrating the region's remoteness and historical significance.

Dylan characterizes East New Britain as "extremely safe" within the PNG context, contrasting with Port Moresby and Highlands region issues. The resort's Islands region location features welcoming communities interested in meeting Australians rather than security concerns.

Cultural Etiquette

Dylan provided straightforward guidance for respectful interaction:

General Principles:

"Be a good bloke" - standard Western courtesy applies
Christian country values (Sunday rest day observed)
No extreme cultural taboos like Muslim regions might have

Specific Guidelines:

Women: Dress modestly (shorts and t-shirt fine, but not bikinis through town)
Village visits: Opportunity to bring secondhand clothes/toys donations (t-shirts, shorts) - basic items highly valued in areas with limited transport access
Fire dance ceremony: Performed only in traditional village location due to spiritual significance, requires respectful observation

Community Reciprocity:

All fish harvested either consumed at resort or donated to villages/churches in fishing areas
Marlin from game fishing usually donated to church
Operation maintains strong community relationships built over decades

World War II Historical Significance

The region was central to Pacific Campaign, often overshadowed by Kokoda/Gallipoli in Australian consciousness::

Accessible Sites:

General Yamamoto's bunker - intact command post from which he directed Battle of Coral Sea Japanese operations
Multiple shipwrecks for snorkeling
Museum and battlefield sites

Dylan self-identifies as a "war historian" enthusiast and can provide detailed context during tour.

Health and Travel Logistics

Malaria Considerations

Dylan provided nuanced guidance on malaria prophylaxis:

Official Status:

Region is WHO-designated endemic area
Resort disclaims medical advice, defers to personal doctors

Practical Reality:

Dylan estimates 1 in 500-1,000 guests contract malaria
Cases typically occur among bush/birdwatching visitors, not coastal divers
Dylan's Australian family (wife, 3 sons) never take prophylaxis and have never contracted malaria
Dylan contracted malaria in youth during extensive bush time but not from current coastal activities

Recommendation:

Prophylaxis tablets cause significant side effects ("makes you pretty crook")
Bush trips: Take prophylaxis
Coastal diving trips: Personal risk assessment, Dylan's operation does not require it

Flight Logistics

International Carriers:

Air Niugini (recommended) and Qantas operate daily Brisbane flights, twice-weekly Sydney and Cairns

Air Niugini Advantages:

Domestic PNG travel requires Air Niugini regardless of international carrier
Same-carrier rebooking faster for weather/delay issues
Automatic hotel accommodation and 5am makeup flight if Air Niugini international delay causes domestic miss
Full disclosure: Travel disruptions common in PNG, same-carrier booking provides better resolution

Qantas Considerations:

Often cheaper or points-bookable
Works fine if no issues occur
Air Niugini may not honor domestic tickets if Qantas international flight delayed

Typical Connection Process:

Arrive Port Moresby 11:30am, clear customs at small international terminal
200-meter walk to domestic terminal
2-hour wait for domestic connection to Rabaul/Tokawa
Concierge service assists with airport navigation 9
Timeline: "Breakfast at Brisbane airport, beer on resort deck by 5:30pm" 9

Fish Export Regulations

Australian customs permits 10kg vacuum-packed fish per passenger:

Whole fish also allowed (10kg limit) but yields less edible product
Resort has deep freezer for storage
Morning departure means fish stays frozen through afternoon arrival in Australia
Isaac donating vacuum sealer to resort for future participant use

Pricing and Economic Considerations

Cost Structure

Per-Person Investment: $7,500 + flights = approximately $9,000 total

Isaac acknowledged this represents significant expense but defined value proposition

DIY trip to PNG without local guides, safety infrastructure, instruction, and photography would cost similar with "half the experience"
Comparable to "full season of Australian diving" compressed into one week for boat-less spearos
Includes resort accommodation, all vessels, fuel, local guides, professional instruction, and dedicated photographer

Deposit: $2,000 to secure spot, 10 spots remaining at time of call

Trip Viability

Isaac noted economic pressures from fuel prices affecting timing, but committed to running trip. For full economic viability and to secure Layton @layfreediver as additional guide, trip requires full 12-person subscription.

Future Trip Model

Isaac's vision includes 2+ trips annually if inaugural expedition successful:

Photography and Documentation

Ben Rennie's Role

Ben Rennie (Queensland Fisheries officer and photographer) will serve as dedicated trip photographer:

Capabilities:

Underwater and topside photography throughout expedition
In-water guiding while simultaneously shooting (described by Isaac as "as good a spearfishing guide as anyone")
Equipment management assistance for participants
Creates lifetime memory documentation for expensive expeditions

Previous Performance:

Recent charter participants remain active in group chat discussing trip due to quality of captured memories

Deliverables:

Google Drive folder with all photos/videos shared with participants

Are you in?