Dive Site: Banana Bommie

About Banana Bommie

Banana Bommie is a prominent and highly regarded dive site situated at the northern mouth of Milne Bay in Papua New Guinea. This large, oval-shaped bank measures approximately 100 meters long and 30 meters wide, rising to within six meters of the surface. Its walls descend steeply to depths of 30-40 meters, where they meet a sandy seabed interspersed with coral blocks of varying sizes. The most captivating section of Banana Bommie is its east wall, characterized by attractive rifts that harbor a high concentration of marine biodiversity. Divers explore dense black coral bushes, massive barrel sponges, and a multitude of gorgonian types in various colors. These formations provide shelter for small hawkfish, while glassfish dart through crevices, and alcyonarians sway gracefully with the currents. The site is characterized by significant activity, with continuous schools of fish circulating around the bank and along the upper reef. Divers can observe vibrant crinoids attached like flowers at various depths. While commonly offering encounters with large tuna, carangids, and fusilierfish in the open water, a stationary group of batfish at 20-30 meters often allows close approach. Grey Reef Sharks are also occasionally sighted here. Access to Banana Bommie is typically via boat, with entries often made from an anchored vessel into the channel formed by a previous shipwreck. The dive can be managed regardless of current direction, making it an accessible yet rewarding experience for those seeking both vibrant reef life and potential pelagic action. It is frequently combined with other Milne Bay sites on liveaboard itineraries.

Dive site facts: Banana Bommie

Depth

0–40 m

Current

Present, moderate

Visibility

25–40 m

Water temperature

26–31°C

Entry

Boat / negative entry possible

Level

Advanced

Dive type

Reef, pinnacle, big animals

Region / port

Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea

Coordinates

6.3793° S, 149.4805° E

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Banana Bommie are generally present and can come from either the northeast or southeast, influencing the dive plan and entry point. When the current flows from the northeast, dive boats typically anchor in a channel of dead coral, allowing divers to enter directly into the water at six meters. The dive then proceeds along the east wall, keeping it to the diver's left, descending to sandy areas at 30 meters. Should the current flow from the southeast, the boat will anchor at the northernmost tip of the reef, and the dive follows an altered, slightly longer route to reach the same key areas. While currents can be a factor, the dive is not considered difficult. The presence of surface current mandates careful planning, but it also attracts schooling fish and larger pelagics, creating dynamic encounters. Divers should be comfortable with drift diving techniques and managing thei

Marine life & sighting chances

Batfish

common

Trevally

common

Grey Reef Shark

occasional

Garden Eels

common

Hawkfish

common

Glassfish

common

Tuna

occasional

Carangids

common

Fusilierfish

common

Crinoids

common

Anemonefish

common

Blennies

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Banana Bommie typically begin with a boat entry, often directly into the water from a vessel anchored in a channel of dead coral. The initial depth for entry is usually around six meters. Divers then proceed towards the most active and interesting section, the east wall, keeping it on their left side. The descent can continue along the wall to sandy areas reaching 30-40 meters, where garden eels are commonly observed. Along the wall, divers will navigate through dense black coral, barrel sponges, and gorgonians, which host various smaller fish. The dive progresses as you ascend, moving into shallower sections where a vibrant array of crinoids and schooling fish are abundant. The presence of current dictates the exact route; if flowing from the northeast, the dive follows a specific path along the wall; if from the southeast, the boat anchors at the northern tip, and a slightly longer route is taken. Towards the end of the dive, attention shifts to the upper reef where anemones with clownfish and blennies can be found. The return is made to the point of departure, with any necessary decompression stops facilitated on the anchor chain or a trapeze set at three meters below the surface.

Underwater photography

Banana Bommie offers exceptional opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography, depending on your focus. For capturing the expansive reef architecture, dense black coral bushes, massive barrel sponges, and schools of fish like trevally and fusilierfish, a wide-angle lens is ideal. Consider using external strobes to illuminate the vibrant colors of soft corals and crinoids, especially when shooting into the deeper blue or against the strong overhead light. For macro enthusiasts, patience is key. Explore the rifts and crevices along the east wall to find small hawkfish nestled in black coral and blennies peeking from their dens. A macro lens will bring out the details of these smaller subjects and the textures of the diverse invertebrate life. Given the potential for currents, maintaining excellent buoyancy control is crucial to avoid silting and to keep your subjects in focus. Always respect marine life by maintaining a safe distance and avoiding harassment, especially with the approachable batfish.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Dinah's Beach

  Known as the original muck diving site with unique macro life.

• Deacon's Reef

  Features immense coral pinnacles rising from deep waters.

• Wahoo Point

  Popular for large pelagic encounters, including hammerheads and mantas.

• Lauadi

  A pebble and black-sand beach entry site, ideal for muck and macro.

• The Hump

  A site noted for schooling fish and soft corals.

Getting there & logistics

Diving Banana Bommie typically involves liveaboard expeditions that depart from Alotau, the provincial capital of Milne Bay. Travelers usually fly into Jacksons International Airport (POM) in Port Moresby, then take a connecting domestic flight with Air Niugini to Alotau's smaller airport, which is about 40 km from the town. Liveaboard schedules are often coordinated with these flight arrivals and departures, minimizing the need for overnight accommodation in Alotau itself. Milne Bay is celebrated for its diverse diving, allowing liveaboards to offer itineraries that combine bommies, walls, and muck dives. Trip lengths can vary, with some expeditions lasting around 10 days, allowing ample time to explore multiple sites like Dinah's Beach and Deacon's Reef in addition to Banana Bommie. There are no specific permits or fees mentioned for this particular dive site, but liveaboard costs will encompass all diving activities and facilities. Some land tours exploring local culture or WWII wrecks can be arranged from Alotau.

Safety & environment

For diving in Papua New Guinea, including Banana Bommie, it is crucial to have comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation, as recompression chambers are not immediately available at every dive location. The nearest recompression chamber is likely in a major city, necessitating medical evacuation in severe cases. Milne Bay's dive operators and liveaboards adhere to strict safety protocols, but divers must also take personal responsibility for their safety. Site-specific hazards at Banana Bommie include currents, which can vary in strength and direction, requiring divers to be proficient in current management and buoyancy control. Always follow the dive brief provided by your guide, especially regarding entry and exit procedures. Maintain awareness of your depth and no-decompression limits, particularly when exploring deeper sections or during longer dives, and always perform a safety stop. Divers should be well-hydrated and report any discomfort to the dive crew immediately.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Banana Bommie FAQ

Liveaboards diving Banana Bommie

These liveaboards may visit Banana Bommie 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