Vanimo Things to Do

Vanimo is renowned for the long sandy beaches along each side of the peninsula on which it sits. Some of the beaches further along the coast are noted for their great surfing when weather conditions are right, but the rocky beaches in these areas makes them more suitable for experts than beginners.

Both of the main hotels in town, the Sandaun and the Vanimo Beach hotels are located just off the beach and provide suitable accommodations and meals for visitors. I cannot remember which of the two it was that I stayed in during my trips to Vanimo, but I also don't recall any bad experiences!

The north coast of Papua New Guinea between Vanimo and the nearby village of Aitape was struck by a major disaster on July 17, 1998. This was the result of a large tsunami generated by a Magnitude 7.1 earthquake just off the coast here, with the resulting waves killing an estimated 3000-4000 local villagers in their thatched huts located on the low shores and lagoons in this part of the country.