SCUBA TOURS WORLDWIDE - Representing the world's finest diving

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea | Golden Dawn | MV Febrina | Walindi Plantation Resort | Sample Itinerary |

Papua New Guinea, still known as a last frontier for travellers is a land of great diversity. From the green and fertile highlands to the swampy plains and the lush coastal rainforests, PNG has a remarkable range of habitats and a unique and exotic flora and fauna. Equally, the underwater world of PNG offers a great variety of wreck and reef diving, and, many would say, more underwater species than any other region in the world.

 

In World War II, the Japanese captured much of Eastern New Guinea and many of the relics of the war now lie beneath the waves to make fascinating dives. From the Black Jack B52 bomber of Milne Bay to the pygmy sea horses and mimic octopus, Papua New Guinea has diving to suit all.

Liveaboards - The Golden Dawn

The Golden Dawn runs an exciting and diverse schedule of sailings to some of the most remote reefs of PNG taking advantage of the best weather conditions in different regions. Generally, from November through to February she operates out of Port Moresby cruising to the Eastern Fields and Portlock Reefs in the Coral Sea. During March and April Golden Dawn offers mantas in southern Milne Bay area, and from May to August she heads north to dive the WWII wrecks of Madang or explores the dives and islands of the Bismarck Sea, between Kavieng and Wewak.

 

The 24m Golden Dawn accommodates 10 divers in five airconditioned cabins. She is an attractive and comfortable vessel with a spacious dive platform at the rear. Diving takes place either from the main vessel or from the two inflatable tenders and Nitrox is available.

Liveaboards - The Star Dancer

Based at the fabulous Walindi Plantation Resort, the Star Dancer liveaboard embarks on superb cruises to explore the wonders of Kimbe Bay, the Witu Islands and the pristine Fathers Reefs. At seasonal times of the year the itinerary changes to offer dive cruises to the little visited South Coast of New Britain, Rabaul and the surrounding areas.

 

The Star Dancer is a 120' steel monohull vessel accommodating up to 16 guests in a high level of comfort. All guest staterooms have ensuite bath facilities, individual air-conditioning controls and most have scenic window views. Up to 5 dives per day are possible and Nitrox is available.

Liveaboards - The Febrina

The MV FeBrina is a superbly equipped 72' steel vessel, fully air-conditioned and fitted with every convenience to accommodate 12 guests in great comfort. The FeBrina's many itineraries include areas of Kimbe Bay and surrounding waters along the northern coast of New Britain, such as the Witu Islands to the north west and Fathers Reefs to the north east of Kavieng. These waters are home to prolific and diverse marine creatures and corals.

 

At seasonal times of the year the liveaboard moves south to dive the South Coast of New Britain. Four to five dives per day are normally possible, most conducted from FeBrina's spacious dive deck with easy access via the water level dive platform, and Nitrox is available.

Walindi Plantation Resort

Walindi Plantation is a small dive resort, situated on the shores of Kimbe Bay, Northern New Britain which is the largest of Papua New Guinea's islands. Walindi's accommodation consists of 12 self contained, comfortable bungalows spread along the beach front, and surrounded by rainforest gardens.

 

The bungalows are constructed of local materials and timbers, with thatched roofs. They are all fully screened, with private bathroom, a kitchenette with tea and coffee making facilities, and ceiling fans. There are also 3 cliff-top Plantation Lodge rooms. Facilities at the resort include a tennis court and swimming pool.

 

Walindi Diving have three dive boats operating from the resort daily. The day boats take 6-8 divers each out to the many beautiful Walindi Reefs and Kimbe Bay. The reefs are a photographers paradise, with an incredible array of marine life, from the smallest to the largest creatures and corals. Generally, divers will head out for two dives, leaving at 9am and returning at 4pm, with lunch provided on one of the deserted islands nearby. On request, three dives per day can be organised, subject to boat availability, and night dives can also be arranged. Nitrox is available.

Sample Itinerary

Papua New Guinea is a distant and remote land and the logistics of getting there can be quite complicated. We have great experience in putting together itinereraies to any part of New Guinea - including inland jungle treks to the mountains and tribal villages - so please do call us for advice on an itinerary that would most suit your needs and expectations. The following is a sample itinerary to join the Golden Dawn liveaboard on a Kavieng to Kavieng cruise:

Day 1 – PM Depart UK on a direct flight on Singapore airlines to Singapore.
Day 2 – AM Arrive Singapore and connect on Air Niugini to Port Moresby.
Day 3 – AM Very early arrival to Port Moresby. Transfer to Hotel and spend the day exploring the city.
Days 4-13 – Early morning check-in for flight to Kavieng. Transfer to Golden Dawn for 10 nights wonderful diving around New Ireland and New Hanover islands.
Day 14 – Disembark from vessel in the morning and transfer to Hotel in Kavieng for one night hotel accommodation.
Day 15 – AM Depart Kavieng for Port Moresby. Transfer to a hotel for one night in Port Moresby.
Day 16 – PM Check in for flight to Singapore and onward connection to London.
Day 17 – AM Early arrival to UK.