Overview
The Hermit Islands — known locally as Maron — are a small, remote group of low-lying coral atolls situated in the Bismarck Sea, administratively part of Manus Province, Papua New Guinea. The group consists of roughly a dozen islands and islets arranged around a central lagoon, with a combined land area that is modest by any measure. The total resident population is very small and lives primarily through subsistence fishing and gardening.
The islands see very few visitors outside of occasional live-aboard dive expeditions and rare independent travelers willing to navigate the logistical challenges of reaching them. There is no tourism infrastructure in the conventional sense — no hotels, no restaurants catering to outsiders, and no scheduled transport links. What the Hermits offer instead is something increasingly rare: an almost completely undisturbed reef ecosystem, quiet lagoon anchorages, and a pace of life that has changed little over generations.
Visitors should approach the Hermit Islands with a spirit of self-sufficiency, cultural sensitivity, and genuine respect for the communities that call these atolls home. This is not a destination for passive package tourism — it rewards those who come prepared and with realistic expectations about comfort and access.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Papua New Guinea has its own visa and entry requirements that apply to all international visitors, including those heading to remote island groups like the Hermits. Do not rely on general summaries for current rules. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section for a current overview, and verify directly with the Papua New Guinea Immigration & Citizenship Authority before travel.
Health Precautions
Malaria is present in Papua New Guinea, including in low-lying coastal and island areas. Consult a travel medicine clinic well in advance of your trip — prophylaxis, vaccinations, and mosquito protection measures are strongly recommended. Dengue fever is also a risk. Medical facilities in the Hermit Islands are essentially nonexistent; the nearest substantive medical care is on Manus Island (Lorengau) or in Port Moresby. Carry a comprehensive first-aid kit and any prescription medications you may need for the duration of your stay.
What to Bring
- All food and drinking water you intend to consume (or reliable water purification equipment)
- Fuel for any outboard motors if arriving by private boat
- Cash in Kina; there are no ATMs or banking facilities on the islands
- Snorkeling and diving equipment if applicable — do not assume rental gear is available
- Gifts that are practical and respectful for host communities (fishing line, hooks, and similar supplies are often appreciated — verify locally what is appropriate)
- A VHF radio and satellite communication device; mobile network coverage is unreliable to absent
Getting There
Getting to the Hermit Islands requires deliberate planning and flexibility. There are no scheduled commercial flights to the group. The most common approaches are:
By Live-Aboard Vessel
The majority of visitors arrive aboard dive-focused live-aboard boats that depart from Manus Island (Lorengau) or occasionally from further afield in Papua New Guinea. This is the most logistically straightforward option, as the vessel serves as accommodation and transport simultaneously. Check with live-aboard operators who cover the Bismarck Sea and confirm current itineraries, as schedules and routes vary by season and operator.
By Charter Boat or Private Yacht
Yachts transiting the Bismarck Sea occasionally stop at the Hermits. The lagoon offers protected anchorage, and the islands appear on cruising charts used by offshore sailors. If arriving by private or chartered vessel, ensure you have appropriate charts, safety equipment, and clearance documentation from PNG customs and immigration before heading to an outer island group.
By Local Boat from Manus
In principle, irregular boat transport links the Hermits to Lorengau on Manus Island, but these services run on no fixed schedule and depend on community need and weather. This option is genuinely uncertain and unsuitable for travelers with fixed return dates. Verify current options locally in Lorengau before attempting this route.
Flying into Manus Island via Momote Airport (MAS) — served by domestic flights from Port Moresby and Kavieng — is the typical first leg for most visitors before arranging onward water transport.
Getting Around
Within the Hermit Islands group, movement between islands is by small outboard-powered boat or canoe. There are no roads of note, and inter-island distances across the lagoon are short. If you are not arriving on a live-aboard, arrange any local boat transport through community contacts or the vessel you chartered. Walking is possible on individual islets, most of which can be crossed on foot in minutes.
There is no formal transport infrastructure — no taxis, no ferries, no rental vehicles. Self-sufficiency in terms of movement is essential.
Where to Stay
There are no guesthouses, hotels, or formal accommodation options on the Hermit Islands. Overnight stays are typically aboard a live-aboard vessel anchored in the lagoon. Independent travelers who have made prior arrangements with local community members may be able to arrange homestay-style accommodation, but this must be organized well in advance through personal contacts or community liaisons — it cannot be assumed or improvised on arrival.
Camping on the beach may be possible in some areas but requires permission from the relevant community and land custodians. Approach any accommodation arrangement with humility and ensure you are not placing a burden on host families by bringing all necessary supplies for yourself.
Things to See & Do
Diving and Snorkeling
The Hermit Islands are considered one of the more pristine marine environments in the Bismarck Sea. The reefs surrounding the atoll have seen minimal fishing pressure compared to more accessible areas, and underwater visibility can be exceptional. Divers report healthy hard and soft coral coverage, diverse reef fish, and encounters with pelagic species. Because there are no dive operators based on the islands, visitors must arrive equipped and experienced. Live-aboard trips typically bring their own divemasters and equipment.
Lagoon Exploration
The central lagoon offers calm, clear water suitable for kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply anchoring and swimming. The shallow sandy areas inside the atoll are visually striking and largely undisturbed.
Birdwatching
The islands support seabird colonies and forest bird species typical of Melanesian atolls. Species composition reflects the islands' isolation. Birders should bring binoculars and relevant field guides covering Papua New Guinea's avifauna.
Cultural Engagement
The resident communities maintain traditional ways of life. Respectful, low-key interaction — where welcomed by locals — offers a window into a subsistence lifestyle that is increasingly rare. Do not photograph people without explicit permission, and follow any guidance given by community members about areas or activities that are off-limits.
Food & Drink
There are no restaurants, cafes, or shops selling prepared food on the Hermit Islands. Visitors arriving independently must bring all provisions. Live-aboard operators provide meals as part of their packages.
Fresh coconuts and local fish may occasionally be available through community exchange, but travelers should never assume they can source food locally. Drinking water must be treated or brought in quantity — the islands have no piped water supply. A quality water filter or purification tablets are essential items for any independent visitor.
Practical Information
Money
Kina (PGK) is the currency. Bring sufficient cash for your entire stay, including any community fees, local purchases, or contributions to host families. There are no ATMs, card payment facilities, or banking services.
Communications
Mobile coverage is unreliable and may be absent on the Hermit Islands. A satellite phone or satellite messenger device (such as those using the Iridium or Globalstar networks) is strongly recommended for emergency communication. Inform someone onshore of your itinerary and expected return before departing for the islands.
Emergency Services
Formal emergency services do not have a presence on the Hermit Islands. The nearest substantive help is in Lorengau on Manus Island. The Papua New Guinea coast guard and maritime rescue services operate in the broader region, but response times to remote outer islands would be lengthy. Verify current emergency contact numbers for PNG maritime and medical services before departure — do not rely on numbers that may be outdated.
Electricity
There is no mains electricity supply. Live-aboards have their own generators. Independent visitors should bring solar chargers or battery packs for device charging.
Customs and Permissions
PNG law requires that visitors entering outer island areas have proper immigration and customs clearance. Do not bypass formalities. Community permissions — separate from government clearance — may also be expected before landing on certain islands. Inquire through your operator or a reputable PNG-based logistics contact.
Safety
The Hermit Islands present safety considerations that are primarily environmental and logistical rather than crime-related. The resident communities are small and generally welcoming to respectful visitors, but the isolation itself is the primary risk factor.
- Medical emergencies in this location are extremely serious given the distance from care. Do not travel here with unmanaged health conditions, and ensure any diving is done within safe limits.
- Sea conditions in the Bismarck Sea can change rapidly. The dry season (May–October) generally offers more predictable conditions, but maritime weather should always be monitored closely.
- Navigation hazards around coral atolls are significant — reef passages require care and appropriate charts.
- Carry a personal locator beacon (PLB) registered with the relevant authority. This is a basic safety requirement for anyone traveling to remote offshore locations in PNG.
- Check your government's current travel advisories for Papua New Guinea before departure.
Local Culture & Etiquette
The communities of the Hermit Islands belong to the broader Melanesian cultural sphere and maintain strong connections to traditional land and sea tenure customs. Land and reef areas are owned and managed according to customary law, and visitors should recognize that arriving on an island without community acknowledgment or permission may be considered a serious breach of local protocol.
Christianity — predominantly in its Catholic and Protestant forms — has been present in the region for well over a century and coexists with traditional practices. Dress modestly when onshore, particularly in village areas. Loud or disruptive behavior is unwelcome. Small, practical gifts offered respectfully are generally appreciated more than cash.
Always ask before photographing people, homes, or ceremonial objects. If community members indicate that certain areas are restricted or that a fee is expected for access, comply without argument — these arrangements reflect legitimate customary rights.