rabaul volcano tour

Welcome to Our Official Website

Hello, we are Tolai people welcoming you to Rabaul and offering you tours with all facts, our way of life, and a bit of fun. Join our experienced tour guides in our air conditioned buses for tours to remember!

Rabaul Scenic Tours is based in Rabaul, East New Britain, Papua New Guinea. It is an indigenous registered business 100% nationally owned, under the community participation concept, which is of Tolai culture. We are situated in the island of Matupit in Rabaul, the scenic port that overlooks the volcanoes (Mt. Tavurvur and Mt. Vulcan) that erupted in 1994. We host war relics sites, volcanic hot springs, volcanic craters, fumaroles solidified lava, natural beauty both on land and underwater.

BITAPAKA WAR CEMETERY  

The Rabaul (Bitapaka) War Cemetery,  established in 1945, is located near the site of the former Bitapaka wireless station south of the city of Rabaul, New Britain, in Papua New Guinea. The cemetery is managed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

KOKOPO WAR MUSEUM

The Kokopo War Museum officially the East New Britain Historical and Cultural Centre Kokopo Museum was established in the early 1980’s as a small museum inside the Anti-Aircraft and Search Light Command Bunker (aka Yamamoto Bunker or The Admiral’s Bunker) in Rabaul.

JAPANESE MONUMENT

The Japanese Memorial Monument is built on ash- covered Namanula Hill and is the main Japanese World War II Memorial in the Pacific. It has great views over Rabaul and the harbor. There is a hole in the structure that allows sunlight to fall on the simple stone shine in the center.

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• Papua New Guinea

Rabaul Volcanic Tour

Adult from $199.99 Children (12 & under) from $149.99

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Rabaul Tour

Enjoy a rabaul tour – papua new guinea, volcanoes, world war ii sites, tropical setting, amazing diving, exploring islands, swimming with dolphins, beautiful nature… see it all when you travel to rabaul and kokopo..

Rabaul-Kokopo is located in East New Britain, Papua New Guinea. It is a popular destination for the relaxing atmosphere, the volcanoes, World War II sites, the spectacular harbour, flora, fauna and other scenery. It is also a scuba diving and snorkeling paradise with numerous dive sites in the area. Enjoy Rabaul and experience this region as much or as little as you want.

Our Rabaul Tour provides you with a relaxing setting to then plan your activities based on your expectations – stay active or relax and be lazy.

Rabaul is a wonderful destination and offers something for even the most picky of travelers. Trust us and enjoy your trip to Rabaul and Kokopo!

Rabaul tour, diving Rabaul, Rabaul Papua New Guinea, Mt. Tavurvur Trek, dive PNG, Papua New Guinea diving  

2023 PRICES

• Price based on 2 persons traveling together (Twin/ double share)
• Single supp.: AUD$990
• (Prices are subject to change & pending availability)

Day 1 Port Moresby – Rabaul/Kokopo  

Welcome to Papua New Guinea, the Land of the Unexpected.

Arrive into Port Moresby, the capital of PNG and connect through to Rabaul. Arrive late afternoon and transfer to your hotel located in close proximity to the airport. Rabaul was the provincial capital and most important settlement in the province until it was destroyed in 1994 by falling ash from the great volcanic eruption. During the eruption, ash was spewed thousands of metres into the air and the subsequent rain of ash caused 80% of the buildings in Rabaul to collapse. After the eruption the capital was moved to Kokopo. Rabaul is continually threatened by volcanic activity with the town surrounded by six volcanoes. Check in and enjoy the tropical setting of your accommodation and the views on offer.

Day 2 Rabaul/Kokopo

Wake up to the amazing view of Mt. Tavurvur across the harbour and enjoy breakfast on the deck by the water. Today is a free day either to relax at the resort or to take part in some optional water activities.

Whilst in the area we highly recommend taking a boat cruise around the two harbours (Simpson & Matupit) nested within the Blanche Bay with close up views of Mt Turanguna (South Daughter), Mt Tavurvur (active volcano), and Mt Kombiu (Mother) – all volcanoes. You will have legends and myths told about how the harbour and the volcanoes came to form. The cruise continues out of Matupit Harbour, past Karavia Bay and then in toward the Simpson Harbour. You will see close up views of the dormant Vulcan volcano and the Dawapia rocks (“Beehives” as they are called these days), which are a pair of volcanic rocks emerging from the middle of the harbour. The cruise goes around the Beehives and ends back at the resort. Alternatively take a boat trip to Little Pidgeon Island, a little island located not far from the mainland offering amazing snorkelling and diving. The island has a white sandy beach compared to the gazelle coastline and the tropical setting is an experience to immerse yourself in. You will spend some time snorkeling in the tranquil waters, discovering the abundance of fish life and reef. Enjoy a packed lunch on the island, while sitting under the palm trees. On the way back there are opportunities to see passing school of fish, turtles and dolphins which are a common sight for curious onlookers. If there are dolphins present you may even get a chance to jump in for a swim with them – an unforgettable experience! There is also the opportunity to see a submerged Japanese Fighter plane from WWII while snorkelling. The return trip gives you a horizontal pictorial view of the coastline of the Kokopo Township. Rabaul-Kokopo offers fantastic diving opportunities: reefs, WWII wrecks, abundant fish life. If you are interested in diving this is a must-do activity. (B)

Note: It is highly recommended that activities be booked in advance.

Day 3 Rabaul/Kokopo – Mt. Tavurvur trek & Rabaul sights

Rabaul is surrounded by six volcanoes and the tour today will bring you up-close with the liveliest of them all – Mt. Tavurvur. With its most recent eruption being only a few years back (2014) this volcano is far from dormant and trekking to the rim carries risk and adventure. Departing the hotel early to avoid the heat the trek will take approx. 2 hours return (time may vary due to fitness levels). Enjoy the views and a short rest before heading back down the hill. Good footwear should be worn and plenty of water taken on the trek. Continue on a discovery tour of Rabaul learning about some of its history and the military occupations. WWII highlights of the morning include a visit to the site of a crashed WWII Japanese Betty Bomber, General Yamamoto’s Bunker, the Rabaul Museum, tunnels dug by Japanese forces to house their hideouts, barge tunnels to hide their barges and an old British floating crane. Rabaul and its surroundings have remnants of WWII, which this tour will reveal. Continue up to the Volcano Observatory for a panoramic view of Rabaul and the Simpson Harbour. Retrn to your hotel mid-afternoon and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing on the beach, snorkelling on the house reef or by the pool. (B,L)

Note: Trekking Mt. Tavurvur or any other volcano in the Rabaul area carries risk. Each person trekking does so at their own risk. Prior to commencing the trek the guides will contact the Volcano Observatory to get a report on the state of the volcanoes in the area. Another trek may be recommended should conditions be deemed too risky.

Day 4 – 6 Rabaul/Kokopo

Free days to relax and and/ or enjoy optional activities. Activities include swimming with the dolphins, island visits, Kokopo Markets, scuba diving or village tours. (B)

Day 7 Rabaul

Very early wake up. Transfer to Rabaul Airport for your AM flight to Port Moresby.

End of tour. (B)

• Accommodation: 6 nights at Kokopo Beach Bungalows, Executive Bungalow incl. continental breakfast
• Meals as per program (B,L,D)
• Airport transfers to/ from Tokua Airport, Kokopo
• Tours and activities as per program incl. site fees: Tavurvur Volcano Trek incl. guides &  Rabaul Land Tour
• Land transfers
• Sightseeing with local experienced guide(s).
• No Limit Adventures arrangement and coordination
• International and domestic flights
• Pre/ post tour accommodation
• Optional activities, not stipulated in the program
• Meals and beverages not included in the program
• Costs of personal nature
• Scuba diving
• Personal Travel insurance
• Accommodation is subject to change pending availability. No reservations have been made and rooms are not being held.
• The above itinerary takes you into some very remote and isolated regions of Papua New Guinea. Although all arrangements are made to ensure the safety and smooth running of the tour clients travel at their own risk. No Limit Adventures takes no responsibility for any losses, accidents, injury or any other personal misfortune, which may occur during the duration of the tour.
• The above itinerary is subject to change at any time, including during the duration of the tour. Possible causes for change are unpredictable forces such as weather, local issues such as land disputes, political unrest and the like. No Limit Adventures takes no responsibility for such changes, but will attempt – where possible – to offer an alternative route to make up for any losses.
• No Limit Adventures takes no responsibility in any delays that may lead to missed flights. In any such case the clients will be able to claim any losses through their personal travel insurance.
• Recommended dive level is min. OWD.
• Alcohol: bottles of strong alcohol such as vodka, whisky etc. are difficult to purchase. We recommend buying your own duty-free. Beers, wine and spirits are available at most bars.
• Visas   to Papua New Guinea  are required and, in some cases – depending on nationality, can be obtained upon arrival (VOA). Each participant is responsible for checking his/her visa requirements and application.
• Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended including evacuation cover.
• Participants are advised to be in reasonable physical condition when traveling to Papua New Guinea.
• There is a certain level of patience required for PNG, as everything happens at a slow pace and is not always based on the time of day, the time on your ticket, or arranged meeting.
• Each participant will be obliged to sign a legal liability disclaimer prior to commencing the tour

By paying a deposit the participants confirm they understand the risks involved.

Payment terms and cancellation policy:

• 30% deposit required at the time of booking, $250 is non-refundable 
• Full payment required no later than 31 days prior to tour commencement
• Cancellations made inside 30 days of tour commencement will incur a 100% cancellation fee
• Cancellations made 31 – 60 days of travel will incur a 50% cancellation fee
• No refunds in case of no shows

TSELO BACKPACKERS

Rabaul Volcanic Tour Package

Rabaul Volcanic Tour Package………..

Sites will be toured in succession as listed.

Rabaul Port > Rabaul Volcano Observatory > A village and/or a school visit > Old Rabaul Airport Remains > Mount Tavurvur Volcano > Hot Spring > Yamamoto Bunker > Rabaul (New Guinea Club) Museum > Rabaul Page Park Market > Rabaul Port

• Volcano Observatory – enjoy the beautiful view overlooking our Rabaul township
• A typical Tolai village and/or school setting – see firsthand how the ethnic people live within their communities when you choose to visit a village, and/or visit a village primary school and learn how it’s functioning
• Old Rabaul airport – next to Mount Tavurvur and the hot spring site lie the volcanic ruined Rabaul Airport.
• Mount Tavurvur close-up – a dormant volcano that recently erupted in 1994 and again in 2014.  Excursions are provided for those up to the challenge scaling the desolate terrain to the crater.  Additional fees may be incurred for special guides.
• Hot Spring – hot spring close-up.  Travellers are advised not to touch the water.
• Yamamoto Bunker – built by the imperial Japanese navy during WWII. There’s lots of WWII Japanese war exhibits to see. Just opposite is the Rabaul (New Guinea Club) museum.
• Rabaul (New Guinea Club) Museum – less than a 10minute drive from Rabaul lies the exhibits of the remains of the in Rabaul. Just opposite is Yamamoto’s bunker.
• Rabaul Page Park Market – take a trip around the market and see the people and local tropical food varieties on sale

The Trip Cost Includes

• Transportation to and from!
• Distilled bottled water will be provided for free, but tropical organic fruits and other refreshments can be arranged upon request through booking on Email [email protected]

The Trip Cost Excludes

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Rabaul (tavurvur) volcano.

Rabaul volcano is one of the most active and most dangerous volcanoes in Papua New Guinea. Rabaul exploded violently in 1994 and devastated the lively city of Rabaul. Since then, the young cone Tavurvur located inside the caldera has been the site of near persistent activity in form of strombolian to vulcanian ash eruptions. The caldera has an elliptical form (14 x 9 km) and is surrounded by a steep volcanic ridge several hundred meters high.

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Rabaul (tavurvur) volcano photos.

Latest satellite images

Rabaul volcano (New Britain, Papua New Guinea) - Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for 13 October-19 October 2021 (New Activity / Unrest)

Rabaul volcano (new britain, papua new guinea) - smithsonian / usgs weekly volcanic activity report for 17 september-23 september 2014 (new activity / unrest), on this page:, more on volcanodiscovery.

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• About Trudy

Live & Travel Well for a Healing Journey...

An exotic rabaul, papua new guinea tour – volcanoes, rainforests & culture.

Experiencing Papua New Guinea is like being immersed in a National Geographic documentary.  It’s a volatile wonder of Mother Nature, as one of the World’s Greatest Volcano Hotspots .  In 2011, I spent a day exploring the Rabaul caldera and its volcanoes.  This timing was just in between the latest 2 eruptions in the last 30 years.  Here’s my overall experience and photos of the village, volcanoes and native people. 

Rabaul Village is built on the volatile Rabaul Caldera , with 2 active vents or volcanoes: Mt. Vulcan and Tavurvur.  And it sits on the shores of Simpson Bay.   Furthermore, this volcanic hotspot has a dangerously active history, including a double eruption of both these volcanoes 3 times since 1858. In 1994 and 2014, just Mount Tavurvur erupted.  Also, Mount Tavurvur is the most famous and active volcano in Papua New Guinea continuously spewing ash.  During the 1994 eruption, the rain of ash caused most buildings in Rabaul to collapse, devastating the village.

Historically, Rabaul has been occupied by numerous countries.  It became a military base for Germany, until captured in WW I by the British Empire. Later, in WW II Japan captured Rabaul and used it as a military base. Finally now, it’s the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.

As a tourist destination, this port-of-call is popular for volcanoes, snorkeling, scuba diving and history. Furthermore, scuba diving and snorkeling reveal stunning coral reefs with sunken ships and ammunition from WW II.  Also, the Tolai people and their culture are another main attraction to this unique destination.  Cruise ships also dock in Rabaul as an adventurous port-of-call.

My Rabaul Papua New Guinea Tour of Volcanoes and Village

As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea, I spent one of the best days of my life visiting this unique and primitive port-of-call. It’s important to realize that my tour was back in 2011, almost 10 years ago.  Therefore, I can’t account for the changes since then, with another eruption back in 2014.   Because we only had a day and it was so foreign to me, I did a tour.  Sometimes tours can be lame.  However, my tour in Rabaul was up close and personal to experiencing the best of its culture, people and volcanoes. 

Meeting the Native Tolai People

The first thing noticeable about the native people here is that even though they have dark skin, their hair is light, almost silvery white.  I was told this is from the minerals absorbed from the volcanic residue. The children singing for us was such a heartwarming and welcoming experience.  Their setting was very humble and colorful with the native dress and rustic buildings.  We also got to shop and purchase local souvenirs to support the locals. Also, I enjoyed my own personal tasty coconut cut by children in above photo.

We stopped to observe the stark landscape with surreal lunar like terrain.  Some areas are lush with rainforest and tropical flowers.  However, other tracts of land are desolate with black ashen ground and fields of barren tree trunks with no leaves or branches.  This is where the lava devastated the land in 1994.

Walking Simpson Bay

Walking the Simpson Bay is one of the highlights of my life, in that I don’t recall ever being in a place so primitive and exotic.  The black pyroclastic cone of Mount Tavurvur looked both ominous and mysterious.  However, I loved the color contrasts of the black volcano, next to a lush, green mountain, blue water and sky, along with the rusty waters along the shoreline from minerals.  And a young boy stood on top of the green mountain in only his shorts waving at me. (First Photo)  It is beyond words how deeply this moment engraved in my psyche.  This is where I truly fell in love with Papua New Guinea. 

Here, I also got a chance to immerse in the lush tropical forests with colorful flowers and a view of the Simson Bay.  Plus, I saw my cruise ship, reminding me that my time is unfortunately limited here.

Rabaul Volcanological Observatory

Additionally, our tour included seeing the inside of the Rabaul Volcanological Observatory .  This was established on the northern ridge of the Rabaul Caldera in the 1950’s.  Moreover, experts watch and monitor the volcanoes around Rabaul and nearby islands.  It was fascinating to see the sketched print of the volcanic activity level under constant surveillance.  Also, our guide explained in detail the innovative capabilities of this important observatory. 

Overall, Rabaul Papua New Guinea Tour

This otherworldly destination offers a window into nature at its most raw and beautiful. And, also, the culture is such a wonderful complement as the Tolai people are friendly and gracious. I admit to being a bit envious of the native people, living such a unique life intimately connected to nature and the volcanic wonders. And I’m so grateful for experiencing this exotic sanctuary, from another time and place.

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Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac

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