Nusa Island, just off the coast of Kavieng, New Ireland Province, Papua New Guinea

Nusa Island Retreat

A true paradise in Papua New Guinea, Nusa Island Retreat is situated on a sheltered sandy beach overlooking an aquatic playground, with views across to Kavieng Harbour. This beautiful retreat is the perfect destination to escape and relax, and enjoy some of the best waves the Pacific has to offer. 

Located on the outer reaches of the Niugini Islands, New Ireland, Nusa Island Retreat is situated in one of the safest and most relaxed provinces in PNG. Close enough to town, but far enough to feel miles away, it’s an environmentally low-impact retreat that aims to reduce its footprint on the island while helping the local community. 

While staying at Nusa Island Retreat, you can do as little or as much as you like. A breathtaking destination for the whole family, Nusa Island Retreat offers amazing waves for surfers, as well as diving, fishing, snorkelling and various other non-surf activities.

Surf Resort
Mid-Range
PNG
January to April, October to December
All Levels
Beaches, Nature, Culture, Snorkeling/Diving, Fishing
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Surfing in PNG

This beautiful PNG surf retreat is located just south of the equator and offers guests a true taste of island life. Owned and operated by the Australian Keane family, who between them have spent more than 30 years in PNG, it’s the ultimate destination to surf epic waves and explore this stunning region of the Pacific.

Thanks to uninterrupted North Pacific Ocean swells, there are plenty of waves on offer, located nearby or just a short longboat trip away. At Nusa Island Retreat, surfer numbers are limited to 20, ensuring fewer surfers in the water and more waves to enjoy during your stay.

Accommodation

Nusa Island Retreat is built with a mix of PNG hardwoods and local New Ireland (Niu Ailan) bush material to blend into the natural surroundings. The accommodation features 11 free-standing traditional-style bungalows, either beachfront or over the water. All bungalows are spacious and feature beautiful balconies to take in the spectacular views.

Grab a drink at the retreat’s licensed bar, enjoy delicious meals in the restaurant and stay busy in the games and entertainment areas. Other facilities include a bbq and relaxation areas, phone, sound system and laundry service.

Premium Overwater Bungalows

Relax and unwind in these beautiful overwater thatched roofed bungalows. Kick back in the hammock or admire the ocean view from your bed. Each bungalow features comfortable furnishings, a large verandah and a private ensuite bathroom. Mosquito nets are provided for all beds. Accommodates up to five guests – various configurations available.

Overlooking the pristine sandy beach, the premium beachfront bungalow is the perfect place to relax after a long day surfing, fishing or exploring the island. Each bungalow features comfortable furnishings, a large verandah with a hammock and a private ensuite bathroom. Mosquito nets are provided for all beds. Accommodates up to six guests – various configurations available.

The budget-friendly, standard beachfront bungalows overlook the beach and feature comfortable furnishings, a large verandah with a hammock and access to shared bathroom facilities. Mosquito nets are provided for all beds. Accommodates up to six guests – various configurations available.

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Meals

Nusa Island Retreat’s restaurant offers an innovative menu specialising in local seafood and fresh vegetables. Surfers can refuel with a delicious selection of meals, as well as bottled water and soft drink. Local and imported beer are also available to purchase.

Surf Nusa Island Retreat

If you’re looking for fun waves that cater to all abilities, look no further than Nusa Island Retreat. Swells in this region range from 3 to 5 ft, or 6 to 8 ft in bigger swells, perfect for beginner to intermediate surfers.

Using the retreat’s Yamaha longboats, surfers can access a variety of quality reef breaks, ranging from fun and mellow to fast and more challenging. The retreat’s surf guides (and brothers) Shaun and Nick, are always keen to share their knowledge of the local region and help you find the best waves of the day.

You’ll never run out of options for surfing at Nusa Island Retreat, even if the waves close by aren’t breaking. Nearby islands offer even more surf breaks and ensure there’s always somewhere to surf. Plus, thanks to the SAPNG capping the number of surfers to a maximum of 20 at a time, you’ll always have plenty of waves, without the hassle of too many surfers in the water.

Ral

A 20-minute boat ride from the retreat, Ral is a swell magnet that almost always has waves. It’s a right-hand reef break with a couple of take-off points and fast, peaky walls.

Nago Rights

A fast, hollow right-hander off the southwestern side of Nago Island. This break needs a solid swell and tide to make it work, but when it does it’s definitely worthwhile. It’s suitable for experienced surfers.

Nago Lefts

Nago Lefts is a consistent left-hander that grows as it runs down the line. It’s a fun swell magnet that offers a user-friendly ride with a hollow section on the inside.

Long Longs

As the name suggests, Long Longs is a long, walling right-hander that is often compared to Bells Beach, but without the cold temperatures! More mellow than some of the other waves, this break is good for longboards/funboards and offers a clean, down-the-line ride.

Nusa Lefts

Only a short longboat ride away from the retreat, this is a great left-hander that begins in deep water and forms into a short intense wall. Beware of the reef though, as it comes up very quickly at the end and the sneaky sets can catch you inside over the sharp coral reef.

Pikininis

Often compared to a mini Kirra, Pikininis is fast, hollow, and intense with no room for mistakes. The reef is shallow, but for experienced surfers, there’s a great reward at the end. This is a popular spot for locals, so great communication and a friendly attitude are a must.

Surf Guides

Nusa Island Retreat’s surf guides Shaun and Nick, believe PNG is the perfect location for anyone wanting to skip the crowds and avoid the hassle of more crowded surf destinations. With years of experience and a mountain of local knowledge, they know exactly where to surf in every condition and are always eager to help guests find the best waves on any given day.

Thanks to the surf management plan, there’s only ever one boat at a break at a time, which means on average, you won’t find more than six or seven surfers in the water. This means more waves for you and less competition for each set.

Non-Surf Activities

Other than surfing, there are a variety of activities available for guests at Nusa Island Retreat. Scuba diving, bike riding, golf, wood carving tours, shark calling (seasonal), swimming at mainland freshwater streams and mountain trekking are just a few of the fun activities on offer.

Do you like to immerse yourself in local culture? Why not get involved in the local community’s volleyball game which happens most evenings, or meet some of the local musicians who are always eager to catch up with guests and have a jam.

Videos

Reviews

for Nusa Island Retreat

Surf was a bit average, however NUI and the crew was really good and relaxing, and the World Surfaris crew were great help and easy to deal with.

Marc S
Date of Stay: 13-24 Nov 2019
Surf Stoke2
Accommodation4
Quality of Food4

Got to surf "Long Longs" - a 300 metre right hander at 4-6 foot with only 3 of us out there. Scored big time. The whole trip was awesome!

Terry C
Date of Stay: 26 Jan - 05 Feb 2019
Surf Stoke5
Accommodation4
Quality of Food5

All the travel details were great. The accommodation and location was unreal. The surf could have been bigger but that can't be helped, you can see the place has huge potential with some larger swells.... Read More >

Owen G
Date of Stay: 06-14 Apr 2019
Surf Stoke4
Accommodation4
Quality of Food5

Everything was ridiculously amazing.

George H
Date of Stay: 26 Jan-05 Feb 2019
Surf Stoke5
Accommodation5
Quality of Food5

Another great trip to Nusa Island , I'll definitely be back .

Craig D
Date of Stay: 26 Dec-05 Jan 2020
Surf Stoke3
Accommodation5
Quality of Food5

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