Dive Site: End Bommie

About End Bommie

End Bommie is a renowned dive site located in Bootless Bay, near Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. This impressive site is characterized by walls richly covered with large seafans, which provide ideal habitats for many smaller, unique marine creatures. The bommie rises from the seafloor, acting as a magnet for a diverse array of fish and invertebrates, creating a vibrant underwater ecosystem. Diving at End Bommie typically involves exploring these coral-laden walls, where depths can reach up to 30 meters. The topography supports a variety of life across different zones, from the base to shallower sections. The strong currents often present here are a key factor in the site's rich biodiversity, bringing in ample food and attracting larger pelagic species. While the currents demand attention from divers, they contribute significantly to the site's reputation. End Bommie is particularly famous for frequent sightings of the Lacy Scorpionfish, a master of camouflage, along with Leopard Sharks. The combination of strong currents and abundant marine life makes this a dynamic and rewarding dive. The site is accessible year-round, with specific periods offering optimal visibility and conditions. It's often combined with other dives in the Port Moresby area, providing a comprehensive experience of the region's underwater treasures.

Dive site facts: End Bommie

Depth

Up to 30 m

Current

Strong

Visibility

20–40 m

Water temperature

25–30°C

Entry

Day boat / Liveaboard

Level

Intermediate to Advanced, current experience helpful

Dive type

Reef, wall, drift, macro, big_animals

Region / port

Port Moresby, Bootless Bay

Coordinates

6.4163° S, 149.4405° E

Conditions & Currents

End Bommie is known for potentially strong currents, which are a defining characteristic of the site. These currents are beneficial, bringing abundant nutrients that support a thriving marine ecosystem and attract larger marine life. Divers should be prepared for varying current strengths and directions, which may necessitate drift diving techniques. Efficient air management is essential, especially when exploring deeper sections or navigating against the flow. Visibility at End Bommie can be excellent, ranging from 20 to 40 meters, though strong currents can sometimes stir up sediment. Water temperatures are consistently warm, typically between 25°C and 30°C. Due to the currents, an intermediate or advanced certification with current diving experience is recommended to fully enjoy and safely navigate this vibrant site.

Marine life & sighting chances

Lacy Scorpionfish

common

Leopard Shark

occasional

Nudibranchs

common

Ghost Pipefish

occasional

Pygmy Seahorses

occasional

Barracudas

occasional

Trevally

occasional

Reef Sharks

occasional

Eagle Ray

occasional

Manta Ray

occasional

Sea Turtles

occasional

Octopus

occasional

Soft Corals

common

Hard Corals

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at End Bommie typically begin with a boat drop directly onto the bommie. Divers descend along the main coral formation, exploring its walls covered with large seafans. The dive plan often involves circling the bommie at various depths, starting deeper around 30 meters to search for species like Leopard Sharks and then gradually ascending. The strong currents may necessitate a drift dive profile, allowing divers to be carried along the reef. Particular attention is paid to finding the camouflaged Lacy Scorpionfish among the corals. The dive concludes with a gradual ascent, often incorporating a safety stop in shallower, sheltered areas before surfacing for boat pick-up.

Underwater photography

End Bommie presents excellent opportunities for both macro and wide-angle photography, though the often-strong currents require solid buoyancy control. For wide-angle shots, a fisheye or wide rectilinear lens is ideal to capture the expansive coral walls, large seafans, and schools of barracuda or trevally. For macro subjects, such as the site's famous Lacy Scorpionfish, pygmy seahorses, or diverse nudibranchs, a 60mm or 100mm macro lens is recommended. Close-focus wide-angle can also be effective for capturing smaller critters within their coral environment. Strobes are essential to bring out the vibrant colors of the soft corals and cryptic marine life. Patience is key when seeking out camouflaged species, and careful observation of your guide's hand signals can lead to rare finds.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Suzie's Bommie

  Another significant bommie dive known for pygmy seahorses and diverse marine life.

• Loloata Island

  A nearby resort and area offering a variety of dive sites, including muck dives, reefs, and pinnacles.

• The Pinnacles

  Comprises three coral outcrops known for diverse coral cover and schools of reef fish.

• Sandy Passage

  A drift dive site with regular sightings of eagle rays and mobulas.

Getting there & logistics

Access to End Bommie is primarily via day boat trips or liveaboards operating out of Port Moresby. The main international gateway is Jacksons International Airport (POM) in Port Moresby, with direct flights from Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong, Bali, and Japan. Divers typically stay at resorts in the Port Moresby area, such as Loloata Island Resort, which offers daily dive excursions within Bootless Bay. The dive center at Loloata operates two boats and serves over 30 moored sites within 10 to 30 minutes of the resort. Liveaboards also include Port Moresby in their itineraries. Dive gear bags can often be left at the dive center upon arrival, and divers are required to present certification cards and insurance details.

Safety & environment

Diving at End Bommie requires careful attention to safety protocols, especially given the potential for strong currents. Divers should ensure they are appropriately certified for intermediate to advanced conditions and have recent experience with current diving. A hyperbaric facility is available in Port Moresby, less than 30 minutes from Loloata Island Resort, for recompression needs. A fee of Kina 2 (approximately 0.50 US cents) is charged per dive towards its maintenance. All divers are strongly advised to have comprehensive diving insurance, such as DAN, to cover potential medical treatment costs, which can be significant. The dive center reserves the right to refuse diving to uninsured individuals. Always follow your dive guide's instructions, maintain good buoyancy control, and monitor air consumption closely.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

End Bommie FAQ

Liveaboards diving End Bommie

These liveaboards may visit End Bommie 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