Papua New Guinea Diving

Papua New Guinea is a diver's paradise, offering some of the most pristine and biodiverse marine environments on Earth. With legendary sites like the coral reefs of Kimbe Bay, the WWII wrecks of Rabaul, and the pristine waters of Milne Bay, this is a destination for serious underwater adventurers. The remote location means fewer divers and healthier reefs, but also requires careful planning. Whether you're drifting over vibrant coral gardens or exploring submerged aircraft, PNG delivers an immersive, wild experience that few places can match.

Highlights & What to See

• Kimbe Bay – A biodiversity hotspot with over 60% of the world's coral species; expect walls of soft corals, pygmy seahorses, and schooling barracuda.
• Rabaul's WWII Wrecks – Dive the remains of Japanese ships and planes in Simpson Harbour, including the famous Yamato-class battleship and Zero fighters.
• Milne Bay – Muck diving capital of PNG, known for bizarre critters like frogfish, ghost pipefish, and blue-ringed octopus.
• Kavieng – Offers both spectacular pelagic action at the Albatross Passage and healthy reef dives with turtles and sharks.
• Lissenung Island – A tiny resort island with exceptional macro life and a resident dugong.
• Tufi Fjords – Unique fjord-like inlets with steep coral-covered walls and excellent visibility.

Suggested Time to Spend

Diving in Papua New Guinea is best done as a dedicated trip of at least 10 to 14 days. With most liveaboards and land-based resorts located in remote areas, travel connections can be time-consuming. A two-week itinerary allows for exploring two different regions, such as a week in Kimbe Bay and a week in Milne Bay, or a liveaboard journey covering the wreck sites of Rabaul and the reefs of Kavieng. For shorter stays, focus on one area like Milne Bay for muck diving or Kimbe Bay for reef diving.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Moresby – The capital, with excellent shore diving at Bootless Bay and the chance to see the famous 'Moresby shark feed'.
• Mount Hagen – Combine diving with a cultural trip to the Highlands; visit the Mount Hagen Market and traditional sing-sing festivals.
• New Ireland Province – Extend your dive trip to the lesser-explored reefs and WWII wrecks off the island's coast.
• East New Britain – After diving Rabaul, explore the volcanic landscapes and hot springs of the Gazelle Peninsula.
• Solomon Sea – Some liveaboard itineraries cross into the Solomon Islands, offering additional wreck and reef diving.

Please check official sources for current details.