Diving in Papua New Guinea in December

Conditions in December

Thinking about diving Papua New Guinea in December? While PNG offers incredible diving year-round, December sits squarely in the region's wet season, which can influence your experience. Expect warmer air temperatures, often hovering around 28-32°C (82-90°F), and higher humidity. The biggest factor is the increased rainfall, which, while usually occurring in short, heavy bursts rather than continuous downpours, can affect land-based activities and lead to slightly choppier surface conditions in some exposed areas. However, much of PNG's best diving is located in sheltered bays and fringing reefs, offering some protection.

Underwater conditions during December are generally favorable. Water temperatures are beautifully warm, typically ranging from 28-30°C (82-86°F), meaning many divers will be comfortable in just a 3mm shorty or even a rash guard. Visibility can be a mixed bag; while it can still reach an impressive 20-30 meters (65-100 feet) on many sites, localized run-off from heavy rains, particularly near river mouths or heavily vegetated coastlines, might reduce it temporarily. Currents are often manageable and site-dependent, with experienced guides adept at navigating and utilizing them to your advantage for drift dives, especially around sites known for pelagic action.

What you will see

December in Papua New Guinea is a fantastic time for encounter-rich dives, especially if you're keen on seeing larger marine life. The warmer waters can bring healthy populations of schooling fish, making for spectacular visual feasts. You'll often come across various reef sharks – white-tip, black-tip, and grey reef sharks – patrolling the reef edges and deeper channels. While manta encounters are never guaranteed, December is a reasonable time, particularly in certain regions, for spotting these graceful giants as they feed in current-rich areas. Keep your eyes peeled for barracuda tornadoes, trevally hunting schools of baitfish, and the occasional silvertip shark cruising by.

Beyond the pelagics, Papua New Guinea truly shines with its astonishing biodiversity, and December is no exception. Macro enthusiasts will be in absolute heaven. Imagine finding pygmy seahorses clinging to gorgonian fans, an incredible array of nudibranchs in every color imaginable, and countless species of crabs and shrimp meticulously hidden in the coral. The fringing reefs are bursting with vibrant hard and soft corals, providing homes to an endless parade of reef fish. You'll encounter clownfish tending their anemone homes, parrotfish munching on coral, and inquisitive angelfish darting through the vibrant seascape. Look closely into crevices for moray eels and lionfish, and don't forget to explore the sand flats for garden eels swaying in the current.

Top dive sites this month

For December diving, the Bismarck Sea and Milne Bay regions generally offer excellent conditions and diverse encounters. In the Bismarck Sea, diving around New Britain, particularly the area around Walindi Plantation Resort and further east towards Kimbe Bay, is often exceptional. Kimbe Bay is famous for its pristine coral reefs and dramatic pinnacles like South Emma and Christine's Reef, where you can expect schooling fish, barracuda, and reef sharks. The shelter of the bay typically means better visibility even during the wet season. Further east, sites like Inglis Shoal are renowned for big pelagic action, including regular shark sightings and strong currents that attract the larger species.

In Milne Bay, the diving is superb, with a focus on macro life, incredible biodiversity, and beautiful coral gardens. Sites around Tawali Resort, like Deacon's Reef or the famous muck diving haven of Crinoid City, are excellent choices. You'll find an astonishing variety of weird and wonderful critters here, from flamboyant cuttlefish to various species of pipefish and unique nudibranchs. The protected nature of the bay also means calmer waters and good visibility, making it a reliable destination in December for both wide-angle and macro photography opportunities.

Practical tips for your trip

Given the warm water temperatures in December, a 3mm shorty wetsuit is usually more than adequate, with many comfortable in just a rash guard for sun protection. A full 3mm suit might be preferred by those who chill easily during multiple dives. This month generally suits divers of all levels, from beginners on sheltered reef dives to advanced divers looking for exhilarating drift dives with pelagics. Liveaboard availability tends to be good in December as it falls outside the peak season, offering a more relaxed atmosphere on board and potentially better deals. However, it's always wise to book in advance, especially if you have specific dates or a particular liveaboard in mind.

When packing, remember your reef-safe sunscreen, a good wide-brimmed hat, and insect repellent for evenings on deck or ashore. A light rain jacket is also a good idea due to the wet season. While most liveaboards provide towels, an extra quick-dry towel can be handy. Be aware that travel within PNG can sometimes be affected by weather during the wet season, so build a little buffer into your travel plans if possible, especially for domestic flights. Also, while stunning, PNG is a developing nation, so be mindful of local customs, dress respectfully when visiting villages, and always consider travel insurance that covers diving and potential medical emergencies.