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Papua New Guinea

Plan your dives in Papua New Guinea

✅ 16 dive sites • 📸 0 photos • 🗓 Best months: May to November; this period offers dry weather and optimum visibility.

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About Diving in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea is a hidden gem for scuba diving enthusiasts, offering a vibrant underwater tapestry that is both diverse and breathtaking. The country's dive sites are renowned for their pristine coral reefs, abundant marine life, and dramatic underwater landscapes. Divers can expect to encounter everything from WWII wrecks to steep drop-offs and colorful coral gardens. The atmosphere is one of adventure and discovery, as each dive offers a new and unique experience. Typical sites include the famous Milne Bay, known for its muck diving and rare critters, and the pristine reefs of Kimbe Bay. The best time to dive is between May and November when the weather is dry, and visibility is at its peak. Interesting facts include the country's position within the Coral Triangle, boasting some of the highest marine biodiversity in the world.
Diving Overview
Papua New Guinea offers world-class diving with a mix of stunning coral reefs, historical wrecks, and rich marine biodiversity. It's part of the Coral Triangle, home to an incredible variety of marine species.
Diving Conditions
  • Water Temperatures: 27-30°C (81-86°F)
  • Visibility: 10-40 meters (33-130 feet) depending on location and season
  • Currents: Generally mild, but can vary with some sites experiencing stronger currents
  • Skill Level: Suitable for all levels, though some sites may require advanced skills due to depth or currents
Top Dive Sites
  1. Milne Bay (Southeast Papua New Guinea)
    Renowned for muck diving and rare critters such as the flamboyant cuttlefish and mimic octopus.
  2. Kimbe Bay (New Britain Island)
    Features over 900 species of fish and 400 types of coral, making it a biodiversity hotspot.
  3. Tufi (Northeast Oro Province)
    Known for fjord-like inlets and excellent visibility, offering a mix of coral walls and WWII wrecks.
Marine Life
Divers can encounter an array of marine life including manta rays, barracudas, hammerhead sharks, and sea turtles. The area is also famous for its macro life, offering sightings of pygmy seahorses and exotic nudibranchs.
Reef Type
Fringing, barrier, and patch reefs
Reef Condition
Generally pristine, with some areas showing resilience and recovery from environmental stresses.
Conservation
Papua New Guinea has several marine protected areas, including Kimbe Bay and the Tufi Conservation Area. Divers are encouraged to follow local guidelines to protect the fragile marine ecosystems, such as not touching corals and practicing responsible diving.
Best Time to Dive
May to November; this period offers dry weather and optimum visibility.
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