Tufi

Tufi is the closest settlement to the Tufi Fjords and their main access point. The landscape, offshore reefs, and tapa culture each offer a different perspective to consider when planning a trip. You can look at the fjord scenery, underwater world, and cultural context separately before deciding whether Tufi is right for your trip.

Fjord landscape and reefs

In the area around Tufi, the Tufi Fjords form a network of deep volcanic sea inlets along the headlands of Cape Nelson. They cut into steep, rainforest-covered cliffs. The landscape therefore combines sea inlets and forested slopes, rather than describing just a single fjord. A series of reefs lies 5–10 nautical miles offshore. The reef structures known as “bommies” rise from depths of up to 600 meters to 5–7 meters below the surface. These figures refer to two different measurements: the reefs’ distance from the coast and the depth range of the reef structures.

Underwater life and macro diving

According to PADI, the Tufi Fjords are suitable for macro diving. Visitors can observe gobies, nudibranchs, shrimp, and clams, among other things. The focus on macro diving draws attention to small marine creatures, adding a different perspective to the broad-scale view of the fjords. If you are considering Tufi for its natural environment, this distinction can help you weigh your interests: the coastline and underwater observations are two different things to explore around the settlement.

Cultural connections and festival

Tapa cloth and facial tattoos are essential parts of traditional Tufi culture. This is a distinct cultural connection alongside the landscape and the sea. For travelers who take cultural themes into account when choosing a destination, it offers another perspective on Tufi. The 2020 edition of the Tufi Tapa and Tattoo Festival was scheduled to take place at Tufi Station on Cape Nelson in Northern (Oro) Province. This brings together a general cultural connection and a specific event planned for 2020.

Getting there and choosing where to stay

Visitors reach the Tufi Fjords area by domestic flights to Tufi Airstrip or by boat from nearby coastal communities. The travel options differ by mode of transport and point of departure. Check which connections are available for your travel dates. The flight option goes to Tufi Airstrip; the boat option starts in nearby coastal communities. When comparing the options, it is important to distinguish the destination from the point of departure: the flight destination is specified, while the boat’s departure location is given. Tufi is the closest settlement and the main access point to the fjords; the reefs and sea inlets lie in the area around the destination of Tufi.

Discover more destinations: Pakanakapiaka, Hewiia, Port Moresby, Mount Hagen, Lorengau, Rabaul, Madang, Omili

For the broader travel overview: Papua New Guinea.