Dive Site: Bradford Shoals

About 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. This isolated reef rises dramatically from significant depths to within 20 meters of the surface, creating a magnet for diverse marine species. The Shoals are a testament to the rich biodiversity of the Coral Triangle, an area considered the hard coral capital of the world, with Kimbe Bay itself boasting over 400 species of coral and 860 species of reef fish. The topography of Bradford Shoals features extensive flat plates of hard corals adapted to maximize light at its shallower depths, along with numerous colonies of Leather Coral. From its twin summits, the reef slopes down to a lip at approximately 27 meters, before plunging into almost sheer vertical drop-offs. These unique formations provide both sanctuary and hunting grounds, attracting a wide array of marine life, from vibrant reef fish to powerful pelagic predators. Diving here offers an exceptional experience, characterized by encounters with large schools of barracuda, jacks, and tuna, alongside patrolling reef sharks. The consistent currents that sweep across the seamount deliver vital nutrients, sustaining this thriving ecosystem. This site is frequently visited by liveaboards and day boats operating out of Walindi Plantation Resort, known for its pristine and uncrowded dive experiences. Bradford Shoals is a key highlight among the three iconic seamounts in Kimbe Bay, alongside Inglis Shoals and Joelle's Reef, offering spectacular diving conditions particularly for those interested in large marine animal encounters and breathtaking coral landscapes.

Dive site facts: Bradford Shoals

Depth

20–60 m+

Typical dive

20–27 m, 50–60 min

Current

Mild to moderate, occasionally strong

Visibility

10–30 m

Water temperature

27–30°C

Entry

Tender / negative entry

Level

Advanced Open Water Diver recommended

Dive type

Seamount, pelagic, coral reef

Night dive

Possible, but less common

Region / port

Kimbe Bay, New Britain

Coordinates

-5.32, 150.39

Conditions & Currents

Bradford Shoals, as a seamount on the outer edge of Kimbe Bay, experiences mild to moderate currents, and occasionally stronger ones, which are fundamental to its rich marine life. These currents bring vital nutrients, attracting large pelagic species and creating dynamic drift opportunities for divers. Visibility typically ranges from 10 to 30 meters, with sites further offshore often providing clearer water. While currents are a defining feature, they are generally manageable, making the site suitable for divers with some experience in moving water. Entry is typically by tender, and divers often descend into the current to begin their drift along the reef, with safety stops performed in shallower, less exposed areas or via liveaboard pickup.

Marine life & sighting chances

Barracuda

common

Big Eye Trevally

common

Dog Tooth Tuna

common

Grey Reef Shark

common

Whitetip Reef Shark

common

Pink Anemonefish

common

Butterflyfish

common

Damselfish

common

Leather Coral

common

Unicorn Fish

common

Fusiliers

common

Hammerhead Shark

rare

Dive profile & how the dive runs

A typical dive at Bradford Shoals begins with a negative entry from a tender directly into the blue, aiming for the reef's summit at around 20-22 meters. Divers then follow the reef structure, often drifting with the current, exploring the flat hard coral plates and the vibrant reef fish that inhabit them. The route typically descends to the reef lip at about 27 meters, where schools of barracuda, trevally, and tuna are frequently observed, alongside patrolling grey and whitetip reef sharks. The dive progresses along the wall, offering opportunities for wide-angle photography of the schooling pelagics against the backdrop of healthy corals. The turn point is determined by air consumption and current direction. Safety stops are conducted in shallower water, often between 5 and 7 meters, before ascending to the surface for pickup by the tender.

Underwater photography

Bradford Shoals is a prime location for wide-angle photography, capturing the expansive hard coral formations and massive schools of pelagic fish. A wide-angle lens is essential for documenting the impressive barracuda and trevally schools, as well as the reef sharks that frequent the drop-offs. External strobes are highly recommended to bring out the vibrant colors of the corals and reef fish, especially in deeper sections. Due to the potential for currents, maintaining excellent buoyancy control is crucial to avoid disturbing the delicate coral ecosystems. Be prepared for fast-moving subjects; a quick autofocus system can be advantageous when pelagics sweep past unexpectedly.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Inglis Shoals

  Another iconic seamount in Kimbe Bay, known for coral density and pelagic action.

• Joelle’s Reef

  A slightly shallower seamount with abundant barracuda and healthy coral.

• Restorf Island

  Features dramatic wall dives and encounters with manta rays and grey reef sharks.

• Susan's Reef

  A spectacular pinnacle bursting with soft corals and abundant reef fish.

Getting there & logistics

Diving Bradford Shoals typically involves a liveaboard trip or day trips from Walindi Plantation Resort in Kimbe Bay, New Britain. The nearest airport is Hoskins Airport (HKN), which can be reached via domestic flights from Port Moresby (POM). Liveaboards like the MV Febrina and MV Oceania offer itineraries that include Kimbe Bay and its surrounding seamounts. Trips usually range from 7 to 10 days, allowing ample time to explore various sites. Marine park fees are generally included in liveaboard packages. Day boats from Walindi Plantation Resort provide access to Bradford Shoals and other local sites within an hour's ride.

Safety & environment

The nearest recompression chamber to Kimbe Bay is located in Port Moresby, making emergency evacuation a potentially lengthy process. Therefore, comprehensive dive insurance with emergency evacuation coverage is not just recommended, but essential for all divers. Divers should be proficient in drift diving and comfortable with varying current strengths, as strong currents can occasionally be encountered. Always dive with a surface marker buoy (SMB) for safety in case of surfacing away from the boat. Respect local marine life and avoid touching corals. Listen carefully to dive briefings, as local conditions and site-specific protocols are key to a safe dive.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Bradford Shoals FAQ

Liveaboards diving Bradford Shoals

These liveaboards may visit Bradford Shoals 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