Explore the Islands Region
The island region of Papua New Guinea lies east of the main island and includes multiple islands with some diving hotspots. These islands all have a tropical paradise island feel with luscious greenery and sandy beaches bordering sparkling turquoise waters with many diving opportunities. Some of the main diving destinations include Kimbe Bay and Rabaul on the island of New Britain, Kavien on New Ireland, Father Reef, Witsu Island, Bougainville Island, Manus Island and New Hanover. Island Region is a warm diving destination, with temperatures ranging between 22 and 32 degrees Celsius, and water temperatures ranging between 28 and 29 degrees Celsius. Diving is possible year round and visibility is above average here, due to the volcanic waters.
Diving in this region means divers of many interests are bound to see and experience something exciting. Whether divers are hoping to dive into history and check out an array of different kinds of wrecks from WWII planes to fishing boats, or whether they hope to see flourishing reefs filled with an assortment of Soft Corals, Hard Corals, Sea Fans, Gorgonians and more. Species which inhabit these reefs range from the camouflaged Scorpionfish to the graceful Sea Turtles. The volcanic topography has created some unique rock formations including seamounts, arches, channels, and steep sea walls which attracts many shark species including Grey Reef Sharks. The dive sites are at different depths so accessible to divers of all many different levels. Divers can reach these dive sites either by boarding a liveaboard or by getting in touch with the local dive centres and dive resorts. This is a dive region not to be missed!
Places to Explore
New Ireland
New Ireland is one of the islands of Papua New Guinea, which lies east of the main island. This remote paradise island is a relaxing destination above water, and an adventure fueled destination below water. With nutrient rich, crystal clear, volcanic water, the marine life in here flourishes alongside the multiple wrecks, channels, walls and reefs. The main diving destination on this island is Kavieng, where divers can experience some unforgettable dives. The local dive resorts will help guide divers to the best of the best of the underwater world here.
New Britain
New Britain is one of the islands in the Island Region of Papua New Guinea. The luscious greenery on land is a beautiful contrast with the turquoise waters. These waters are filled with a wide array of different types of dives which are bound to excite divers of all interests. The warm, clear waters hold an assortment of wrecks, large volcanic seamounts, flourishing reefs and steep walls. The main towns from which diving is done include Rabaul and Kimbe, with other popular destinations being Witu Island and Fathers Reef. Divers can explore these waters either by booking with the local dive centres and dive resorts or by boarding a liveaboard.
Top Islands Region Dive Sites
1. Goru Arches
Located in Witsu Island, Goru Arches features two impressive arches encrusted with vibrant sea fans and soft corals. The site offers a colorful dive with easy adventure level, suitable for scuba diving. It's a must-visit for its stunning underwater formations.
2. Susan’s Reef
Found in Kimbe, Susan’s Reef is recognized as the most vibrant and photographed dive site, featuring two large seamounts with stunning pink sea whips and pygmy seahorses. Ideal for easy to advanced scuba diving, it is a visual feast for all divers.
3. George Wreck
In Rabaul, the George Wreck is a Japanese WWII minelayer lying between 12 and 60 meters. It accommodates divers of all levels with abundant marine life inhabiting the wreck. Suitable for both scuba and freediving, it's perfect for historical exploration.
4. Albatross Passage
This narrow channel in Kavieng has strong currents, bringing large pelagic species, sea turtles, and rays. It's for advanced scuba divers seeking adventure and the thrill of drift diving. It's a vibrant passage with abundant marine life.
5. Shaggy Reef
Located in Father's reef, Shaggy Reef is a hotspot to see different shark species, including silvertip and grey reef sharks. Suitable for advanced scuba divers, it offers a thrilling dive experience with a focus on marine life diversity.
6. Der Yang
A Taiwanese fishing boat scuttled in 1988, Der Yang in Kavieng is now encrusted with hard and soft corals, providing a colorful wreck dive. It's an easy to moderate dive site, perfect for scuba divers interested in wreck and coral exploration.
7. Tom, Dick and Harry
These are three reefs in Rabaul connected by a 15-meter deep ridge, each offering unique marine life. A dive here promises a colorful and thrilling experience, suitable for easy scuba diving, showcasing a variety of underwater habitats.
