Dive Site: Bermuda Drop

About Bermuda Drop

Bermuda Drop is a notable wall drift dive located near Kavieng, Papua New Guinea, offering an experienced diver a journey along an impressive underwater cliff. The site features a striking wall ascending from a sandy seabed, characterized by numerous overhangs that provide shelter and intrigue. While large coral formations may be less dominant directly on the wall, vibrant coral gardens flourish, attracting a variety of smaller, interesting marine creatures. This site is primarily known for its topographical features and the potential for a dynamic drift experience, although the sun's angle can sometimes render the wall darker. Visibility is generally good, ensuring clear views of the underwater landscape. The dive offers encounters with smaller critters such as crabs, shrimp, and nudibranchs, making it appealing for macro enthusiasts. It is also home to a pair of notable giant clams, adding a unique highlight to the exploration. Access is typically via boat, with the site being farther out from the shore compared to some other local dives. The drift dive nature, combined with depths reaching 26 meters, makes it suitable for experienced divers who are comfortable with current. The site’s location near Kavieng places it in a region famed for its diverse dive offerings, from pelagic action to macro havens.

Dive site facts: Bermuda Drop

Depth

26 m

Current

Drift

Visibility

9–26 m

Water temperature

26–31°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Experienced

Dive type

Wall, drift

Region / port

Kavieng, New Ireland Province

Coordinates

6.4543° S, 149.5445° E

Conditions & Currents

Bermuda Drop is specifically identified as a wall drift dive, indicating the presence of currents that guide divers along the underwater wall. While current strength can vary, the nature of a drift dive implies moderate to potentially strong water movement, which necessitates appropriate experience and comfort with such conditions. Entry is typically from a boat, and divers will drift with the current along the wall, exploring its features. Visibility at the site generally ranges from 9 to 26 meters, which can provide clear views, though the sun's position may affect light penetration on the wall itself. Due to the drift profile, careful dive planning, including ascent and safety stop procedures with the current, is crucial for an enjoyable and safe dive.

Marine life & sighting chances

Crabs

occasional

Shrimp

occasional

Nudibranchs

occasional

Giant Clams

occasional

Barracuda

common

Snapper

common

Bumphead Parrotfish

occasional

Anemonefish

occasional

Leaf Scorpionfish

rare

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Bermuda Drop begins with a boat entry, positioning divers to initiate a drift along the wall. The dive profile involves descending along the wall, which features overhangs and slopes down to a sandy seabed at 26 meters. Divers typically follow the current, allowing for a relaxed progression along the wall, observing the coral gardens and looking for macro life such as crabs, shrimp, and nudibranchs. A notable highlight is the presence of giant clams. The dive concludes with a safety stop typically conducted in the shallower sections, drifting as appropriate, before surfacing for boat pick-up. Careful attention to bottom time and no-decompression limits is advised due to the depth.

Underwater photography

Bermuda Drop offers opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography, though the site's darker sections and the focus on smaller critters may favor macro setups. For the dramatic wall topography and overhangs, a wide-angle lens can capture the scale of the site. However, to highlight the crabs, shrimp, nudibranchs, and giant clams, a macro lens is highly recommended. External strobes or video lights are essential to enhance colors and combat the potentially dim lighting on the wall. Due to the drift nature, maintaining stable buoyancy is critical for sharp macro shots and to avoid disturbing the delicate marine life. Patience is key for photographing shy subjects on this dynamic wall.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Albatross Passage

  Known for strong currents and pelagic encounters, located 30 minutes from resort.

• Echuca Patch

  A large ridge with a Korean fishing boat wreck, attracting barracudas and jacks.

• Nusa Blowholes

  Features swim-throughs and a cave with crayfish, whitetip sharks, and nudibranchs.

• The Bottleshop

  A prime muck dive site in Kavieng harbor, excellent for macro photography.

• Peter's Patch

  A vibrant site with abundant coral and schools of rainbow runners and batfish.

• Nautilus Reef

  Features excellent hard coral sections, with currents sometimes requiring more effort.

Getting there & logistics

Bermuda Drop is accessed from Kavieng, located on the northwest tip of New Ireland in Papua New Guinea. Divers typically reach Kavieng by flying into Kavieng Airport (KVG), with connections often through Port Moresby (POM). Liveaboards, such as the MV FeBrina, or land-based resorts like Lissenung Island Resort, operate out of this region and offer dives to sites including Bermuda Drop. Day trips from resorts are common, with Bermuda Drop being a boat dive farther out from the coast. Trip lengths vary, but a typical liveaboard itinerary can last 7-10 days, allowing for exploration of multiple sites in the Kavieng area and beyond. There are no specific park fees mentioned for this site, but general dive operator costs and potentially marine park fees for the wider region apply.

Safety & environment

For diving Bermuda Drop, it is crucial to have dive insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation and recompression chamber treatment. The nearest recompression chambers for Papua New Guinea are typically located in larger regional centers like Port Moresby or even in Australia, implying potentially long and complex evacuation procedures. Divers must be experienced and comfortable with drift diving, as currents are a defining feature of this wall dive. It is essential to carry a surface marker buoy (SMB) for all dives, especially drift dives, to signal the boat upon ascent. Always dive with a reputable operator who provides clear briefings, maintains well-serviced equipment, and adheres to strict safety protocols. Always check your air supply frequently and plan your gas for the entire dive, including potential safety stop in current.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Bermuda Drop FAQ

Liveaboards diving Bermuda Drop

These liveaboards may visit Bermuda Drop 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