Dive Site: Bev's Reef

About Bev's Reef

Bev's Reef is a vibrant reef system located near Tufi on the northern coast of mainland Papua New Guinea, situated amidst a region characterized by stunning fjords. This site is particularly renowned for its active manta cleaning station, making it a sought-after destination for encountering these majestic pelagics. The reef's topography includes a wall dive, offering clear blue waters teeming with corals, diverse reef fish, and colorful sea squirts. Divers can explore a rich variety of marine life, including nudibranchs, schools of fusiliers and snappers, and whitetip reef sharks. The area is also frequented by a distinct, very friendly manta ray that is known to visit Bev's Reef and the nearby Marion's Reef. The Tufi region, where Bev's Reef is located, is part of the Coral Triangle, an area celebrated for its exceptional marine biodiversity. The reef exemplifies this richness with its pristine conditions and abundant life, a benefit of the low fishing pressure and local conservation efforts in the area. This ensures a healthy ecosystem that supports both macro critters and larger pelagic species, alongside fantastic soft and hard corals. Bev's Reef offers an accessible and enjoyable dive experience suitable for various skill levels. The site is characterized by relatively mild currents, making for easy diving conditions. It forms part of a mid-distance reef system from the Tufi resort. Visibility in the Tufi area generally averages around 30 meters, enhancing the appreciation of its underwater wonders. Divers can expect a relaxed experience while observing the reef's diverse inhabitants and the occasional friendly manta.

Dive site facts: Bev's Reef

Depth

5–600 m (to reef base), 5–7 m (reef top)

Typical dive

10–25 m, 50–60 min

Current

Mild

Visibility

30+ m

Water temperature

26–29°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Open Water Diver

Dive type

Reef, pelagic, macro, cleaning station

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Oro Province, Tufi

Coordinates

-2.55, 150.73

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Bev's Reef are generally gentle, making it suitable for a relaxed dive experience. These mild currents contribute to the health of the reef and attract schooling pelagics and filter feeders like manta rays. While drift dives can be planned, conditions typically allow for comfortable exploration of the reef's varied topography. Visibility remains excellent, often exceeding 30 meters, and water temperatures are consistently warm, ranging from 26-29°C. Divers should be aware that currents can occasionally bring in more significant pelagic activity, adding to the dynamic nature of the site.

Marine life & sighting chances

Manta Ray

common

Rhinopias scorpionfish

occasional

Barracuda

occasional

White-tip reef shark

common

Fusilier

common

Snapper

common

Nudibranch

common

Anemonefish

common

Sea squirt

common

Reef fish

common

Crinoid

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Bev's Reef typically begin with a boat drop directly onto the reef, often following a well-drawn dive site map provided by local guides. Divers descend to explore the vibrant coral walls and slopes, observing the diverse macro life and schooling reef fish. A common route involves slowly winding along the wall at depths between 15-25 meters, keeping an eye out for larger pelagics in the blue. The site is known for its manta ray cleaning station, where divers can often observe these majestic creatures. The dive concludes with a safety stop in the shallower sections of the reef, which are adorned with healthy corals, often around 5-7 meters, before ascending to the surface for boat pickup.

Underwater photography

Bev's Reef offers fantastic opportunities for both macro and wide-angle photography. For wide-angle shots, a fisheye or wide-angle lens will capture the impressive coral formations, schooling fish, and the graceful manta rays that frequent the cleaning station. When photographing manta rays, maintain a respectful distance and let them approach you. For macro enthusiasts, the reef teems with subjects like the elusive Rhinopias scorpionfish, nudibranchs, and various anemonefish. A macro lens with a diopter can be particularly effective for capturing intricate details of smaller critters. Good buoyancy control is essential to avoid disturbing the delicate corals and silt, especially when focusing on macro subjects.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Magic Passage

  Magic Passage stands out as Madang's premier channel dive, a site where powerful tidal currents create a rich environment, drawing in a…

• Fathers Reef

  Fathers Reefs, located northeast of Kimbe Bay off New Britain Island in Papua New Guinea, are a series of offshore reefs formed from the…

• Planet Rock

  Planet Rock is a renowned offshore seamount situated approximately 3 kilometers from Madang, Papua New Guinea.

• Bradford Shoals

  Bradford Shoals is a prominent seamount located in the outer reaches of Kimbe Bay, off the northern coast of New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

• Witu Islands - Circle of Stars

  Lama Shoal, evocatively named 'Circle of Stars' or 'Crack-A-Fat Reef,' is a premier dive site within the remote Witu Islands of Papua New…

Getting there & logistics

Access to Bev's Reef is primarily through Tufi Resort, located in Oro Province, Papua New Guinea. The resort is remote, accessible only by air via a 60-minute flight from Port Moresby, serviced exclusively by Tropicair twice a week on Mondays and Fridays. Guests benefit from private check-in at Tropicair's terminal, ensuring a smooth travel experience. Dive trips are typically organized directly by Tufi Resort, which provides all necessary equipment and guided excursions to various local dive sites, including Bev's Reef and Veale's Reef. Due to its isolated nature, there are no park fees as the resort operates on a system of payments to local reef owners, ensuring conservation efforts.

Safety & environment

Diving at Bev's Reef is generally considered safe, with local guides providing thorough briefings and supervision. However, due to its remote location, comprehensive dive insurance covering medical emergencies and evacuation is highly recommended. The nearest recompression chamber would likely be in Port Moresby, necessitating a medical evacuation by air in the event of a serious incident. Divers should always adhere to safe diving practices, maintain proper buoyancy control to protect the pristine corals, and follow all instructions from their dive masters. Be mindful of marine life, particularly the venomous Rhinopias, and observe from a respectful distance without touching.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Bev's Reef FAQ

Liveaboards diving Bev's Reef

These liveaboards may visit Bev's Reef 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