PNG Diving

Tufi * Loloata * Milne Bay

Papua New Guinea is home to some of the worlds most spectacular diving. Located in the centre of the Asia-Pacific region, it has twice as many marine species as the waters of the Red Sea and ten times as many as the Caribbean. PNG has become known as the “underwater photographers’ paradise” with many international award-winning photos being taken in PNG waters.

Significantly, Papua New Guinea is located in the coral triangle of tropical marine diversity with the highest diversity of tropical fish and coral in the world. PNG is surrounded by the Bismarck, Coral and Solomon Seas whose constant movements feed and enrich the marine environment. From tiny colourful nudibranchs to schooling barracuda to the magnificent whale shark or tropical orca – divers encounter a stunning array of species.

The immense diversity of dive sites includes barrier reefs, coral walls (drop-offs), fringing reefs, sea grass beds and coral atolls. Wreck dive sites provide a collection of ships and aircraft from WWII. The water temperature varies from 26 ° C along the edge of the Coral Sea, to 30° C in the Bismarck Sea.

Diving in PNG is possible all year round although optimal seasons vary depending on different geographic locations. Diving is offered by resorts/dive centres and live-aboard dive boats. Land-based operations offer resort courses and have fully equipped dive shops with gear for hire.

The majority operate on small to medium sized properties with an emphasis on personal attention in a relaxing environment. While the range in size of live-aboard dive boats is between 45’ and 120’ with differing levels of amenities, the excellent quality of diving service is synonymous with each operation. Several operators offer nitrox and rebreathers and most boats have facilities for cameras and E6 processing.