Watut River Rafting & Sea Kayaking Expedition – Papua New Guinea
This is true expedition-style adventure travel. Remote, immersive, and far from the beaten track.
Journey with us to Papua New Guinea, one of the world’s least-visited and most fascinating destinations. This is a place where adventure still feels raw and authentic, and where travel goes well beyond the usual boundaries.
At the heart of the journey is the world-class Watut River. A powerful, remote river offering exceptional whitewater and a genuine sense of exploration. Along the way, you’ll also have the rare opportunity to engage with Papua New Guinea’s rich tribal culture, gaining insight into the people, landscapes, and history that shape this extraordinary country.
Our expedition begins and ends in Cairns, Australia, where we start with a whitewater rafting descent of the Tully River. The perfect warm-up before heading into Papua New Guinea. After the main expedition, we slow the pace with time exploring the stunning islands off the mainland, enjoying world-class sea kayaking in crystal-clear waters.
If you are a seasoned adventurer looking for a journey that is unique, demanding, and deeply rewarding, this trip offers an experience few will ever have.
Important Expedition Information
Please be aware that this is a full expedition-level adventure in one of the most remote regions on the planet.
The Watut River is a challenging river, and participation requires previous Grade IV rafting experience with Water By Nature. This trip is not suitable for beginners or those new to multi-day expedition travel.
Due to the remoteness and complexity of the region, unforeseen last-minute changes may be necessary. These can include, but are not limited to, flight delays, weather conditions, river levels, and logistical challenges beyond Water By Nature’s control.
By joining this expedition, you acknowledge and accept the need for flexibility, resilience, and a positive mindset. Adaptability is essential and is very much part of the adventure.
Participant Suitability & Safety
Due to the remote, demanding, and expedition-level nature of this journey, participant suitability is essential to the safety and experience of the group.
Water By Nature reserves the right to assess participant experience, skill level, and overall suitability for this expedition at any stage of the booking process. In the interest of safety, group wellbeing, and operational considerations, we may determine that this trip is not appropriate for certain individuals.
In such cases, Water By Nature may decline or cancel participation in accordance with our Terms and Conditions. This decision is always made with careful consideration and is based on ensuring the best possible experience for all involved.
We strongly encourage prospective participants to discuss their experience openly with us prior to booking to ensure this expedition is the right fit.
Itinerary & Map
Arrival into Cairns, Australia.
Included:Dinner.
Depart for the awesome Tully River. Explore this technical rafting gem for a full day trip.
Included: All meals
Depart Cairns for our adventure to Papua New Guinea. We touchdown in Port Moresby before continuing onto Lae. Afternoon at leisure.
Including: All meals
After breakfast we drive towards Bulolo where the Watut originates in the mountains. After full outfitting of gear and safety talk, we start our trip with an easy float down to camp.
Included: All meals
Amazing rapids such as BARAAHP (Between A Rock And A Hard Place) Bikpela, Four Part Harmony and Brexit to name just a few. This river is packed with Class III and IV rapids amongst stunning gorges and rainforest. After the whitewater we float for a few more miles through to a gorgeous spot for our final night camping on the river.
Included: All meals
We have a scheduled ‘extra’ day on the river, as water levels can fluctuate up and down quite quickly, so this gives us options. We’ll have time for walks to waterfalls during our river descent and visits to villages.
Included: All meals.
We paddle a couple of hours down river, before we meet our motorised dugout canoes that transfer us at speed to the take out before we transfer back to Lae.
Included: All meals.
Fly from Lae to Kavieng where we have the short transfer to Nusa Island Retreat. Depending on flight times enjoy some sundowners and have a chat with your fellow adventurers.
Included: All meals
Time for some rest and relaxation. From our base here, you have plenty of options to fill your day. A hike to a nearby village or historical points of interest, or if you are feeling more active SUP paddling* or surfing*.
Included: All meals
*Additional charges may apply.
We’ll take a short trip by motor boat out to the start point of our sea kayaking trip. Paddling in this area is spectacular. Stop for a snorkel at some wonderful sites en route. Overnight camping.
Included: All meals
A short paddle back to Nusa Resort for a late lunch. Tonight we relive all of our amazing experiences from the past 2 weeks.
Included: All meals
Early start for our flight back from Kavieng to Cairns. No international or domestic flights should be arranged for departure on this day.
Included: Breakfast.
Dates & Prices
| Dates & Reserve Spot | Duration |
|---|---|
| Sunday 13 September 2026 - Saturday 27 September 2026 Total Cost: $9895 | £7295 | €8450 | 14 days |
| Sunday 5 September 2027 - Saturday 18 September 2027 Total Cost: $9995 | £7295 | €8450 | 14 days |
What you should bring
We find most of our clients have in their posession already what is needed for a river journey. We have broken down here the items into what you’ll need on the river and in camp. An equipment list of what you will require for your adventure will be sent to you prior to your departure.
Download equipment file- A pair of trainers / Keens or similar sandals that cover your toes and provide grip on wet rocks.
- 2 pairs of river shorts (longer leg length) shorts can be purchased from our online Water Shop.
- 2 Swimming costumes or bikinis for ladies.
- A long sleeved lycra or thermal top or t shirt to wear under your personal flotation device. (For sun protection)
- A baseball cap for under the helmet to keep sun off – can be purchased from our online Water Shop.
- Sunglasses.
- Chums for fastening your sunglasses to your head – can be purchased on line.
- 1 Litre Nalgene / Sigg or similar water bottle or Camel-back hydration system.
- Carabiner for fastening water bottle to your raft.
- Waterproof camera such as GoPro for the ‘action’ shots
- Waterproof sunscreen and lip balm SPF30 minimum.
- 2 pairs of light weight trousers.
- Lightweight tops – long sleeved shirts or t shirts.
- Fleece or wool jumper.
- Shorts.
- Wide brimmed sun hat.
- Sarong for ladies.
- Underwear and socks
- Comfortable shoes.
- Sleep wear.
- 3 season sleeping bag.
- Small travel pillow
- Anti Malarial medication.
- Insect Repellent – essential.
- Glasses or Contact lenses. Disposable lenses are ideal.
- Toiletries. Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap and shampoo.
- Forget the cosmetics and hair dryer! But we do suggest moisturizer.
- Hand wipes and a small bottle of hand sanitiser.
- Small pack towel.
- Personal first aid kit.
- Headlamp or head torch with spare batteries.
- Your favourite book/kindle or a journal for recording your river memories.
- Sketchpad.
- Binoculars.
- Photographic or video equipment. We recommend a cleaning kit as sand gets everywhere.
- Spare memory card.
- Solar or portable charger.
- Zip lock bags to keep valuables dry and sand free.
- Rehydration tablets (Phizz, Nuun and O.R.S are easily available)
- The only money that you need to bring is for meals in town, souvenirs, personal items, gratuities and the beer kitty for the raft trip if you drink.
Watut River Rafting & Sea Kayaking Expedition – Papua New Guinea Reviews
Off the Grid!
One EPIC trip checked off my Bucket List. Water By Nature owned by Hamish McMaster has reached a new zenith in adventure travel. My trip to PNG was nothing less than extraordinary. The main thrust of this journey was an exploratory trip down the legendary Watut River which hadn’t been run in about 20 years. So along with Hamish and 4 guides, eight wonderful guests embarked on our trip. We were completely prepared for the unexpected and were not disappointed. The whitewater was spectacular, the villagers were peaceful and plentiful, and the scenery changed from hour to hour. The second part of the trip was a sea kayaking expedition. The ocean was Azure blue and 85-90 degrees. The kayaking was challenging but crazy fun. For the last week of my trip we stayed in luxuriously rustic lodges in the Highlands and Sepik River areas visiting local tribes, villages, clans, sub-clans, and families steeped in traditions from long ago. There aren’t enough superlatives to describe this odyssey.
Breaking New Ground
I joined Hamish and the WBN Team on this trip in 2017, which was the first attempt by a rafting company to raft the Watut in 10 years – we weren’t sure what to expect from the river or the local inhabitants.
We were given a great send off by the local villagers where we put into the river – lots of excitement, with kids running everywhere. It soon became clear that the trip was going to be good, with the river offering some good rapids and the locals being extremely hospitable and allowing us to camp on their land by the riverside during the night.
The WBN team took our safety extremely seriously and we had two experienced kayakers with us, acting as safety team and scouts, to ensure the river was safe for us to go down, with no surprises.
It always rained during the night, so sleeping under the stars was not possible, but the WBN Team were great, cooking some great food and we were great entertainment for the local villagers who seems transfixed with everything we were doing.
The second week saw us sea kayaking – this is not really my thing, but it was enjoyable hoping from island to Island and meeting the communities who lived on each and sharing a meal with them and having a chat around a camp fire.
This is a great trip for anyone for has an adventurous soul..!!!
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