The instructions are in the game after you pick your explorer and your island. This is (sort of) how you play: -arrow keys to move and jump -down arrow to dig -m to see map -you lose 1 of your 10 lives if you step in a trap Note: the treasure and traps are programmed in a way that each game is different and the number of traps you step in could be infinite. =)
This game is partly based off of the board games Forbidden Island and Forbidden Desert. They're really great games and you should try them. Also: I'm working on fixing the lives, but usually they work (sometimes.)