Dive Site: Atun

About Atun

Atun is an advanced dive site located near Rabaul in Papua New Guinea's East New Britain province, celebrated for its unique blend of volcanic geology, abundant pelagic encounters, and rich Coral Triangle biodiversity. This site is named after the tuna that frequently visit its waters, offering divers a glimpse into the dynamic marine life of the Bismarck Sea. The underwater landscape is characterized by dark basaltic formations, rocky ridges, walls, and boulder fields, all shaped by Rabaul's volcanic history, creating dramatic structures that are vividly contrasted by lush marine growth. Positioned at the eastern entrance to Blanche Bay, near Little Pigeon Island, the site features a former Taiwanese tuna fishing vessel, the Atun Wreck. Deliberately scuttled in 1983, this intact fishing boat now rests on its keel at 21 meters, becoming a thriving artificial reef. Its mast rises to within 8 meters of the surface, making it an accessible wreck for advanced divers seeking both structural exploration and marine life observation. Nutrient-rich volcanic waters contribute to an impressive coral diversity, with soft corals reaching spectacular sizes and vibrant growth covering the volcanic substrates. Pelagic species like yellowfin and skipjack tuna, barracuda, and trevally are common, alongside reef sharks and eagle rays. The site also hosts a variety of macro life, including nudibranchs, mantis shrimp, and pipefish, all thriving in an environment where volcanic activity occasionally introduces localized temperature and chemistry variations. Atun requires advanced diving experience due to its depth, potential for strong currents, and the need for attentive gas management. The excellent visibility typical of the site, particularly near the wreck, enhances the experience of navigating its unique topography and observing its diverse inhabitants. Diving here offers a comprehensive experience that combines historical context, geological wonder, and prolific marine life in a

Dive site facts: Atun

Depth

20–25 m

Typical dive

18–25 m

Current

Moderate to strong

Visibility

18–30 m

Water temperature

27–30°C

Entry

Boat dive

Level

Advanced

Dive type

Wreck, reef, pelagic, macro

Region / port

East New Britain, Rabaul

Coordinates

5.1950° S, 145.8230° E

Conditions & Currents

Atun is an advanced dive site, primarily due to the potential for powerful currents, especially during tidal transitions. While some reviews report mild or no current, divers should be prepared for moderate to strong flows that can change rapidly, necessitating experience with drift diving techniques. The site's position in open waters can lead to varying conditions, requiring attentive gas management due to the typical depth of 25 meters. Visibility is generally excellent, often ranging from 18 to 30 meters, but this can be influenced by volcanic activity or nutrient-rich upwellings that fuel the site's biodiversity. Divers should plan entries and exits carefully, typically from a boat, and be proficient in advanced diving skills.

Marine life & sighting chances

Yellowfin Tuna

common

Skipjack Tuna

common

Barracuda

common

Trevally

occasional

Manta Ray

occasional

Whale Shark

occasional

Reef Shark

occasional

Green Sea Turtle

occasional

Octopus

occasional

Nudibranch

common

Mantis Shrimp

occasional

Soft Coral

common

Hard Coral

common

Seahorse

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Atun typically involves a boat entry to position divers strategically on the site's volcanic structure. The dive often commences near the intact fishing vessel wreck, the Atun, which rests on its keel at approximately 21-25 meters near Little Pigeon Island. Divers will explore the wreck's structure, noting the mast rising to within 8 meters of the surface and observing the soft coral growth in the wheelhouse and a healthy black coral tree. After exploring the wreck, the route usually follows the volcanic terrain of rocky ridges and walls, ascending gradually. This allows for encounters with pelagic species drawn to the nutrient-rich currents and observation of the diverse reef communities. The dive progresses along contour lines or drift patterns, maintaining a prudent depth to conserve bottom time. The safety stop is typically conducted in the shallower reef areas or mid-water, depending on current conditions, before a boat pick-up.

Underwater photography

Atun offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. For wide-angle, focus on the dramatic volcanic topography, the vibrant soft corals adorning the wreck and reef, and the schools of pelagic fish like tuna, barracuda, and trevally. The intact Atun wreck, especially with its mast, provides a compelling subject. Wide-angle lenses are ideal for capturing the grandeur of the site's structure and the scale of pelagic encounters. For macro enthusiasts, bring a close-focus or macro lens to seek out nudibranchs, mantis shrimp, seahorses, and pipefish residing on the wreck and in reef crevices. Be prepared for varying current conditions, as this can affect stability for detailed shots. Using strobes is highly recommended to bring out the vivid colors of the corals against the dark volcanic backdrop and to properly illuminate smaller subjects.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Rapopo Wreck

  Advanced site with pelagics near Rabaul.

• Johnnies Jetty

  Excellent macro site in Kokopo.

• George's Wreck

  Japanese minelayer wreck, part of the extensive WWII wrecks in Rabaul.

• The Hump

  Submerged volcano attracting pelagic action near Watom Island.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Atun is primarily from Rabaul or Kokopo in Papua New Guinea's East New Britain province, following flights into Jacksons International Airport (POM) in Port Moresby. From Port Moresby, connecting domestic flights are necessary to Hoskins (HKN) airport, serving Kimbe Bay, which is the gateway to Rabaul. Dive operators in the Rabaul area will arrange transfers and boat dives to sites like Atun. Trips often combine wreck diving in Rabaul's Simpson Harbour with reef and pelagic sites. A typical dive trip duration can vary, but liveaboards or resort stays of 7-10 days are common for exploring the region. While no specific permits or fees are mentioned for Atun, general park fees or local community fees might apply in other areas of PNG, and divers should confirm with their operator.

Safety & environment

Diving at Atun is considered advanced due to its depth, exposure to potentially strong currents, and the dynamic nature of marine conditions near Rabaul. Divers should have appropriate certification and experience in varying currents, and advanced gas planning is essential given the 25-meter depth. The nearest recompression chamber is typically located in Port Moresby, necessitating emergency evacuation by air in case of a serious dive incident, which can be time-consuming and costly. Comprehensive dive insurance covering emergency medical treatment and evacuation is therefore strongly advised. Site-specific hazards include sharp edges on the wreck, potential for rapid current changes, and boat traffic in the area. Divers should always follow their dive guide's instructions and maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid damaging delicate corals or disturbing marine life.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Atun FAQ

Liveaboards diving Atun

These liveaboards may visit Atun on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Oceania

Papua New Guinea

16 guests27 m

$333/day

Febrina

Papua New Guinea

12 guests22.25 m

$389/day