A port unlike any other: moored inside a flooded volcanic caldera, with a smoking cone on the horizon and buried streets from the catastrophic 1994 eruption. Rabaul is equal parts ghost town, WWII time capsule, and raw Pacific drama.
Most cruise ships berth at Rabaul Main Wharf on the edge of Simpson Harbour — you step ashore directly. A small number of very large vessels may anchor and tender.
💡 Pro move: Volcanic ash can blow across the harbour on windy days — carry a light face covering and wear closed shoes.
Rabaul Main Wharf in Simpson Harbour is a deep-water commercial pier; most cruise ships dock directly.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines (Princess, Holland America, Carnival, P&O) | Rabaul Main Wharf, Simpson Harbour📍 | Docked |
| Larger or charter vessels (occasional) | Simpson Harbour anchorage📍 | Tendered |
Rabaul's big draws — active volcano, WWII underground tunnels, and dramatic cultural ceremonies — all require transport and are best done on a guided excursion.
Boat to the foot of Rabaul's smoking cone, watch volcanic gases vent, and dip into geothermal hot springs where locals harvest megapode bird eggs from the warm ash. One of the most visceral shore-day experiences in the Pacific.
Find Rabaul volcano tours →Explore the vast network of hand-dug tunnels the Japanese built to hide barges, ammunition, and hospitals. Admiral Yamamoto's reinforced-concrete command bunker is a highlight, with a map of Simpson Harbour still visible on its domed concrete ceiling.
Find Rabaul WWII tours →The Kokopo Museum holds Japanese planes, tanks, and occupation-era relics; the Bitapaka War Cemetery (about 45 min out) is a beautifully maintained Commonwealth memorial for over 1,000 Allied soldiers.
Find Kokopo history tours →The Baining people dance barefoot through roaring bonfires wearing towering bark-cloth spirit masks. Widely considered one of the most spectacular cultural ceremonies in the world — not to be missed if your ship offers it.
Find Baining Fire Dance tours →Simpson Harbour is a watery graveyard of WWII Japanese ships and planes that have become thriving artificial reefs. Submarine Base at Tavui Point offers sheer coral walls and outstanding visibility.
Find Rabaul wreck diving tours →The local market near the wharf is a sensory burst of tropical fruit, fresh seafood, and handicrafts. A short walk into old Rabaul reveals half-buried houses and streets swallowed by volcanic ash — a haunting open-air memorial.
Explore on foot →Rabaul is not a walking port — most attractions require transport — but a short circuit from the wharf gives a taste of the ghost town and local market.
Walk from the Rabaul Main Wharf along Mango Avenue toward the Rabaul Market. Browse local produce and handicrafts, then continue into the ghost-town streets to see ash-covered ruins. Turn back at the old Rabaul Hotel remnants.
Climate normals for Rabaul, East New Britain, Papua New Guinea (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 84°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 26 | 5:50 AM | 6:10 PM |
| Feb | 84°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 26 | 5:58 AM | 6:12 PM |
| Mar | 84°F / 29°C | 76°F / 24°C | 27 | 5:56 AM | 6:03 PM |
| Apr | 84°F / 29°C | 76°F / 24°C | 26 | 5:51 AM | 5:51 PM |
| May | 84°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 26 | 5:50 AM | 5:45 PM |
| Jun | 84°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 21 | 5:55 AM | 5:48 PM |
| Jul | 84°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 20 | 6:00 AM | 5:54 PM |
| Aug | 84°F / 29°C | 76°F / 24°C | 19 | 5:56 AM | 5:54 PM |
| Sep | 84°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 19 | 5:44 AM | 5:48 PM |
| Oct | 85°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 21 | 5:31 AM | 5:42 PM |
| Nov | 85°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 25 | 5:26 AM | 5:44 PM |
| Dec | 84°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 29 | 5:35 AM | 5:57 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
The wharf (Mango Avenue Waterfront) is close to the town center, main market, and waterfront area. A handful of sights are accessible on foot.
Formal taxis are scarce. Some local minivans (PMVs) meet cruise ships and can be hired for point-to-point trips or hourly sightseeing. Negotiate fares before boarding.
Cruise line and local operator tours cover Tavurvur Volcano, WWII tunnels, Kokopo, and cultural villages. Strongly recommended given limited independent transport infrastructure.
Local operators such as Rabaul Historical Tours (rhtpng.com) and PNG Tour Guides offer private vehicle hire with a guide for flexible half-day or full-day itineraries.
Upcoming cruises that call at Rabaul, East New Britain, Papua New Guinea. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.