Dive Site: Deacon's Reef

About Deacon's Reef

Deacon's Reef is a renowned dive site located on the Solomon Sea side of the peninsula forming Milne Bay's north coast in Papua New Guinea. Situated near the village of Lauadi, it is celebrated for its exceptional marine biodiversity within the Coral Triangle and its historical significance for early PNG diving pioneers. The site, named after Australian underwater photographer Kevin Deacon, showcases stunning coral formations and a rich ecosystem that captivates divers. The topography primarily features a gently sloping wall, descending from shallower depths, with much of the most captivating life concentrated around 12 meters. Immense coral pinnacles also rise close to the surface, adorned with pristine corals. While the maximum reported depth is around 25 meters, the vibrant activity often occurs higher on the reef, making it accessible for varied dive profiles. The reef is characterized by large gorgonian fans, green tubastrea coral trees, and bright red sea whips, providing a habitat for thousands of anthias and various reef fish. Barrel sponges and diverse macro life are abundant among the coral formations. Occasional encounters with larger pelagic species are also possible in the blue water, adding an element of surprise to the dive experience. Diving Deacon's Reef is generally considered easy, often involving a snorkel from an anchored liveaboard or entry from a small resort boat tied to trees overhead. Its versatility supports both wide-angle photography focusing on extensive coral gardens and macro exploration for unique critter sightings, making it a highlight of Milne Bay.

Dive site facts: Deacon's Reef

Depth

12–25 m

Typical dive

12–18 m, 50–60 min

Current

Very mild to mild

Visibility

Good, year-round

Water temperature

26–30°C

Entry

Tender / boat tied to shore

Level

Open Water Diver

Dive type

Reef, wall, macro, wide-angle

Region / port

Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea

Coordinates

10.2565° S, 150.6994° E

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Deacon's Reef are typically described as very mild to mild, contributing to a comfortable dive experience suitable for various skill levels. However, its location on the Solomon Sea side of the peninsula means it benefits from nutrient-rich currents, which fuel the vibrant marine life and coral growth. These currents are part of a 'pelagic superhighway,' occasionally bringing larger marine creatures into view. Entry is usually via tender or from a resort boat, often tying up to trees, and the easy-to-swim-around nature of the site means divers can comfortably navigate the sloping reef. Visibility remains generally good throughout the year, even though other muck diving sites in Milne Bay might see reduced visibility during the rainy season.

Marine life & sighting chances

Gorgonian fans

common

Green tubastrea corals

common

Anthias

common

Red sea whips

common

Barrel sponges

common

Small reef fish

common

Invertebrates

common

Pelagic species

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Deacon's Reef typically begin by entering the water directly from a small boat tied to shoreline trees or by snorkeling around from an anchored liveaboard. The dive proceeds along a gently sloping wall, adorned with extensive hard and soft corals. The initial focus is often around 12 meters, where large gorgonian fans and green tubastrea coral trees are abundant, surrounded by schools of anthias. Divers can explore the vibrant reef contours, scanning for diverse macro life nestled among the formations, or look into the blue for potential pelagic encounters. The site gradually descends to a maximum of approximately 18-25 meters, but much of the interest remains in shallower sections. The easy-to-swim-around nature of the site allows for relaxed exploration before gradually ascending along the slope, conducting a safety stop among the profuse coral gardens near the surface.

Underwater photography

Deacon's Reef offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography due to its diverse topography and marine life. For wide-angle shots, consider a fisheye or wide rectilinear lens to capture the grandeur of the immense gorgonian fans, green tubastrea coral trees, and vibrant coral pinnacles. Positioning yourself to include the natural light filtering through the shallow canopy can enhance these shots. For macro photography, a 60mm or 100mm lens is ideal for documenting the rich invertebrate life, small reef fish, and unique critters hidden within the corals. Good buoyancy control is crucial to avoid damaging the pristine corals. Using strobes will help bring out the true colors of the corals and marine organisms, especially when shooting wide-angle or in deeper sections.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Lauadi

  Located near the village of Lauadi, Deacon's Reef is often dived in conjunction with the muck diving site known for critters like octopus and ghost pipefish.

• Wahoo Point

  A short boat ride away, known for encounters with larger pelagics like hammerheads, mantas, and even whales.

• Coral Garden

  Another Milne Bay site renowned for its beautiful coral formations.

• Nateara Reef

  A neighboring reef offering diverse marine encounters in the Milne Bay region.

• Suzie's Bommie

  A popular bommie in Milne Bay known for its vibrant marine life.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Milne Bay typically involves flying into Port Moresby (Jackson's Airport), then taking a domestic flight to Alotau, the provincial capital. Air Niugini operates daily flights from Cairns, Brisbane, and Sydney to Port Moresby, and onward flights to Alotau. Many liveaboards base their schedules around Air Niugini's flight times. Liveaboards operating in Milne Bay are a primary way to visit Deacon's Reef, offering comprehensive itineraries. Alternatively, Tawali Dive Resort, located on the north coast of Milne Bay, provides boat access to the site. Dive trips in Milne Bay often combine coral reef diving with famous muck diving opportunities, offering a diverse experience.

Safety & environment

Diving in Papua New Guinea requires adherence to high safety standards and comprehensive travel insurance covering dive accidents and evacuation. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Port Moresby, necessitating potentially lengthy medical evacuation in case of a serious incident. Divers should ensure their insurance policies cover air ambulance and hyperbaric treatment. While Deacon's Reef itself is generally easy with mild currents, divers should always be aware of their surroundings, particularly looking into the blue for occasional pelagic encounters. Proper buoyancy control is essential to protect the delicate corals. Always dive within your training limits and follow the guidance of your dive guide.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Deacon's Reef FAQ

Liveaboards diving Deacon's Reef

These liveaboards may visit Deacon'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