The Diver’s Guide to Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is, in a true sense of the word, a diver’s paradise.  This smattering of islands to the northeast of Australia boasts a largely undisturbed and pristine underwater world. Unlike many other dive destinations that have become overrun with tourists, the corals here remain intact, and marine life thrives. It’s a dream for backpackers looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Whether you’re an experienced divemaster or you’ve just got your Open Water, these essential dive spots will take your breath away.

Kimbe Bay 

This magical area is sometimes called the “coral capital” of the world, and you’ll see why the second you enter the water. This bay is home to a jaw-dropping 900 species of fish and 400 types of coral. If you’re lucky, you might even see Hammerhead Sharks at Inglis. It’s one of the most biodiverse dive sites not just in Papua New Guinea but on our great blue planet. The best spots include:

• South Emma reef: Colorful soft and hard coral walls literally teeming with life.
• Susan’s reef: Gorgeous coral gardens with red sea whips and massive gorgonian fans.
• Inglis shoals: A deep sea mount that attracts large pelagics like barracuda and trevally.

Tifu Fjords

Tufi is unlike any other diving destination in the world. Here, the rainforest meets the reef, where drowned river valleys known as ‘fjords’ blend rich biodiversity and WWII wrecks. If you’re into muck diving, you’ll also get a chance to spot rare, weird, and wonderful macro critters like ghost pipefish and nudibranchs.

If impressive underwater landscapes are more your thing, there are plenty of overhangs and deep walls that descend into the blue. WWII relics also litter the seabed, with sunken aircraft and shipwrecks to explore. Here are some of the top spots:

• Mulloway: The reef drops off to depths of over 200m while a strong current sweeps plankton through, providing a spectacular feeding frenzy display for divers holding onto a nearby rock. 
• B17 Bomber 'Blackjack': At 46 meters, here you’ll find one of the world’s best aircraft dives. Head to the nearby village to hear stories from the elders who rescued the crew when it crashed back in 1943.

Milne Bay 

Milne Bay is a non-negotiable, can’t-miss diving destination if you’re in PNG. It’s famous for giant manta rays, whale sharks, and abundant coral gardens. Historic WWII wrecks are options here, too. Head to Black Manta Point for your best chances of sighting graceful mantas as they soar through the marine scenery. For overwhelming splashes of bright corals, Deacon’s Reef is a world-class bucket-list spot. Once that’s ticked off, Wahoo Point is a great site for seeing hammerhead sharks and big pelagic fish like tuna.

Endnote

Papua New Guinea is a dream come true for divers, regardless of your experience of dive style. Whether you’re into tropical coral walls, mesmerizing mantas, or dramatic shark feeding grounds with deep sea drop-offs, there’s something here for everyone. It’s one of the last remaining untouched areas of natural beauty, with the added bonus of WWII history beneath the waves.