Dive Sites in Papua New Guinea
59 dive sites40 liveaboard-only sites

Dive Sites in Papua New Guinea

Diving in Papua New Guinea means pristine coral reefs and legendary wrecks — from Kimbe Bay to Father's Reefs. Every dive site in Papua New Guinea with depth, current, certification level and best season, plus the liveaboard itineraries that actually dive them.

Diving in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is one of the world's great liveaboard destinations, with 59 mapped dive sites covering reefs, walls, drifts, channels and wrecks.

Every site below shows depth range, certification level, current, access and the best season, so you can judge at a glance whether it fits your experience. Start with the full site list, then explore dive sites by type, the nearest decompression chambers and the marine life you can expect in Papua New Guinea.

All 59 dive sites in Papua New Guinea

All 59 dive sites in Papua New Guinea

Depth range, certification level, dive type, access and current at a glance.

Open any site for its full profile, best season and the liveaboards that dive it in Papua New Guinea.

59 dive sites

Susan's Reef

Papua New Guinea

Susan's Reef is a highlight of Kimbe Bay, located on New Britain Island in Papua New Guinea, celebrated for its pristine condition and rich biodiversity.

Suitable for
Beginner
Current
Moderate
Access
Liveaboard only
Depth
5–20 m
Theme
Reef / Seamount

Kimbe Island

Papua New Guinea

Kimbe Bay, situated on New Britain Island in Papua New Guinea, is renowned globally as a premier dive destination.

Suitable for
Intermediate
Current
Strong
Access
Liveaboard only
Depth
5–33 m
Theme
Reef / Seamount

Rabaul Submarine Wrecks

Papua New Guinea

Rabaul, situated on the eastern tip of New Britain Island in Papua New Guinea, offers a compelling dive experience shaped by its significant World War II history and active volcanic geology.

Suitable for
Advanced
Current
Strong
Access
Liveaboard only
Depth
5–250 m
Theme
Wall / Wreck

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 Guinea.

Suitable for
Intermediate
Current
Strong
Access
Liveaboard only
Depth
5–30 m
Theme
Reef / Seamount

Dive sites by type

Wrecks, walls, drifts, caves and pinnacles in this area.
Reef diving36 dive sites
Reef diving
Wall diving18 dive sites
Wall diving
Wreck diving14 dive sites
Wreck diving
Drift diving10 dive sites
Drift diving
Pinnacle diving8 dive sites
Pinnacle diving
Seamount diving7 dive sites
Seamount diving
Muck diving7 dive sites
Muck diving
Channel diving2 dive sites
Channel diving
Cave diving1 dive sites
Cave diving

Decompression chambers in Papua New Guinea

Verified hyperbaric facilities that cover the diving areas of in Papua New Guinea. Always confirm availability locally before a trip and dive with valid insurance.

LocationFacilityRelevant for
Port MoresbyPNG Divers Association recompression chamber (twin-lock multiplace)National referral for PNG dive areas: Port Moresby, Milne Bay, Kimbe Bay, New Britain

Marine life you can see in Papua New Guinea

The species most often logged on Papua New Guinea's dive sites.
21 dive sites
Nudibranch
20 dive sites
Barracuda
17 dive sites
Grey Reef Shark
17 dive sites
Whale Shark
16 dive sites
Whitetip Reef Shark
15 dive sites
Green Turtle
13 dive sites
Oceanic Manta Ray
13 dive sites
Pygmy Seahorse
13 dive sites
Seahorse
12 dive sites
Coral
12 dive sites
Hawksbill Turtle
12 dive sites
Soft Coral

Liveaboards diving in Papua New Guinea

Liveaboard diving in Papua New Guinea means more dive sites per trip: these vessels run real, bookable departures with cabins for solo divers, buddy teams and small groups. Compare boat size, cabin layout, dive deck and nitrox, then check the cheapest price per day before you book. Every Papua New Guinea dive safari below is confirmed with live availability and current operator pricing.

Oceania liveaboard diving in Papua New Guinea – view trips, cabins and prices

Oceania

Papua New Guinea

$333
Febrina liveaboard diving in Papua New Guinea – view trips, cabins and prices

Febrina

Papua New Guinea

$389

Conditions & practicalities

Diving in Papua New Guinea: seasons, conditions and logistics

59 dive sites in Papua New Guinea — here is what the season data says about the best months, water temperature, visibility and currents, plus how divers usually get there and which fees to budget for.

Best months
May–Oct
Water temperature
26–29 °C
Visibility
15–30 m
Currents
No data yet
Getting there
Most divers fly into the nearest international airport and continue by transfer or domestic flight to the departure port; liveaboards usually leave the evening before day one.
Permits & fees
Marine park fees, port taxes and nitrox are rarely included in the trip price — budget a few hundred dollars extra and check the visa rules before booking.

FAQ

Diving in Papua New Guinea FAQ

When is the best time to dive in Papua New Guinea?
The peak diving season in Papua New Guinea is generally October to May (best conditions vary by region), with the best visibility, marine life activity and weather conditions. See our month-by-month best-time-to-dive guides for full details.
Do I need a liveaboard to dive in Papua New Guinea?
A liveaboard gives you access to remote dive sites in Papua New Guinea that day boats cannot reach, plus 3–5 dives per day in maximum comfort. For the best dives in Papua New Guinea, a liveaboard is the recommended choice.
What certification do I need to dive in Papua New Guinea?
Most Papua New Guinea liveaboards require Open Water as a minimum, with Advanced Open Water and 30+ logged dives recommended for currents and deeper sites. Some expert routes require Tech or 100+ dives.
How much does a Papua New Guinea liveaboard cost?
Liveaboard prices in Papua New Guinea typically range from €1,500 to €6,000+ per week depending on vessel category, route length and season. Browse the boats below for live pricing.
Do I need a visa for Papua New Guinea?
Visa requirements vary by your nationality. Always check the latest entry rules with the destination's official government source before booking flights.
Is diving in Papua New Guinea safe for beginners?
Many Papua New Guinea sites are beginner-friendly, but some routes feature strong currents or deep walls suited only to experienced divers. Check each vessel's recommended experience level.
Plan your trip

Ready to dive in Papua New Guinea?

Explore the Papua New Guinea destination guide or search liveaboards that visit these sites.