Alotau - Snorkeling Trip Advance Payment

[aussiebossyboots]

I am dealing with a couple of local agents to organise a day trip for snorkeling.  Both want prepayment, a 50% deposit now, and the balance 2 weeks before arrival.

 

The amount for one of the day trips is, in my opinion, substantial, but still $218 less than the Princess excursion, but of course the Princess excursion I believe is more substantial and probably worth the extra money, but I am not prepared to pay $718 for the day trip for 2!!

 

Another agent, in another port in Papua New Guinea is happy with us turning up and paying the amount in AUD$ on the day.

 

Your thoughts on prepayment would be very helpful.  Thanks in advance.

[lyndarra]

Will you be going to Conflict Islands? Fantastic snokeling there.

[Aus Traveller]

27 minutes ago, lyndarra said:

Will you be going to Conflict Islands? Fantastic snokeling there.

Can you get to the snorkelling area without a tour?

[SinbadThePorter]

1 hour ago, Aus Traveller said:

Can you get to the snorkelling area without a tour?

 

Yes. You can walk anywhere on the island and the snorkeling is off the beach.

[lyndarra]

29 minutes ago, Aus Traveller said:

Can you get to the snorkelling area without a tour?

A pontoon based snorkeling area is about 400m from the beach and you need to book a shuttle by outboard boat to get there. I've forgotten how much it is. Also, there is a one hour limit although there's nothing to stop you buying another ticket to go back out but there could be a wait as the number in each group is limited. Snorkels, fins and mask are included or you can take your own. The pontoon is sited right on the edge of a huge drop over (volcanic crater rim). The water is 4m - 6m or more deep so there is no way you can stand on the coral, which is a problem at other islands that have been damaged by inconsiderate or ignorant tourists. I've snorkeled at many Pacific islands but none compare to this pristine site. IIRC there is a world record of 200 different species of sea life observed in a one hour period for this place. Note; there are NO private excursions available.

There is a short, pleasant, shady, walk to get to the beach from where the tenders offload and it is also the spot where other excursions come and go. It is a sandy track so those with mobility aids could have a problem. At this beach there is a well stocked bar, food outlets and souvenir shop.To buy anything you need to use island vouchers which can be purchased  right there with Oz cash and possibly kina. It also a base for other tours such as catamaran sailing.

The beach is very nice and you can swim or snorkel there but the best is at the pontoon.

I didn't do any snorkeling in Alotau so I don't know what it was like. If there were wrecks it could have gotten my interest. The group I was with opted for a morning boat trip up and down the coast with an Australian educated but local WW2 expert giving a  history talk on the Battle of Milne Bay. I'd recommend that for those with an interest in WW2 history. The afternoon was a visit to a family "farm" and got an insight on village life of the people there. There was cooking and tasting of produce from there gardens and cultural dancing. Very enjoyable. Both tours were ship booked (HAL).

 

[Aus Traveller]

Thanks to Sinbad and Lyndarra for the information. We cruised to PNG a few years ago, but at that time, they didn't visit the Conflict Islands. I am looking forward to the snorkelling.

[MicCanberra]

Conflict Island has the best snorkelling, and depending on wind direction and currents, you can always find a nice area. 

For Alatou, you will need transport to get away from the port/dock area if you wish to go snorkelling. There really is not a lot to do there.

Kitava and Kiriwina Islands also have good snorkelling but depending on the tides, you may need a boat to get out past the reef to snorkel the drop off.

[aussiebossyboots]

Thanks everyone for your replies.

 

Yes, we are going to the Conflict Islands and I have booked the Princess Excursion to the snorkeling platform just because I am not a very strong swimmer (though Hubby will be there to help).  We will then do our own thing for the rest of the day.

 

Regarding Alatou, I have finally managed to find an operator who offers a simple snorkeling trip to an island abut 20 minutes drive away (+ short motor boat trip), including a visit to the market and a local school who will accept payment on the day.  So this makes me feel much better than transferring money to a bank account weeks ahead of our arrival.

 

Cheers,

[MicCanberra]

Good result, Enjoy.