Dive Site: Henry Leith

About Henry Leith

The Henry Leith is a compelling wreck dive situated off Madang, Papua New Guinea, specifically on the western side of Wongat Island within the sheltered Madang Lagoon. This small coastal freighter was intentionally scuttled in the 1980s to create an artificial reef for divers, and it now rests at a maximum depth of 20 meters, making it an easy and enjoyable dive for many. Measuring 33 meters in length, the vessel offers abundant exploration opportunities. Divers can peer into the bridge, inspect the rudder, investigate various hatches, and discover the remains of a truck and other equipment within its hold. The wreck's structure is largely intact and provides a fascinating blend of human history and natural colonization. Over the decades, the Henry Leith has transformed into a thriving ecosystem, completely overgrown with a magnificent array of corals. You'll encounter large black coral trees, radiant gorgonians, soft corals, and dense forests of sea whips. This rich coral growth attracts a wide variety of marine life, establishing the wreck as a vibrant habitat for numerous fish species. The sheltered location within the calm Madang Lagoon ensures typically mild to non-existent currents and generally excellent visibility, creating ideal conditions for unhurried exploration and underwater photography. The site is often combined with other dives around Wongat Island, including the nearby B-25 Mitchell Bomber wreck, offering a diverse historical and biological experience.

Dive site facts: Henry Leith

Depth

10–20 m

Typical dive

15–20 m, 50–60 min

Current

Mild to none

Visibility

25–40 m

Water temperature

27–30°C

Entry

Boat / easy descent

Level

Intermediate

Dive type

Wreck, reef

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Madang, Papua New Guinea

Coordinates

6.3313° S, 149.5835° E

Conditions & Currents

The Henry Leith is located within the calm, sheltered waters of the Madang Lagoon, particularly near Wongat Island, which typically results in mild to non-existent currents. This protected environment ensures a relaxed and safe dive experience, making it suitable for divers across various skill levels. The minimal water movement allows for unhurried exploration of the wreck without concerns about drift. Entry and exit procedures are generally straightforward from the boat, often concluding with safety stops in the shallow fringing corals or reef tops. Visibility usually remains excellent due to the lagoon's sheltered nature, enhancing the overall dive quality.

Marine life & sighting chances

Trevally

common

Batfish

common

Snappers

common

Lionfish

common

Sweetlips

common

Nudibranchs

common

Shrimps

common

Longnose hawkfish

occasional

Flatworms

occasional

Black coral trees

common

Soft corals

common

Gorgonians

common

Sea whips

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at the Henry Leith typically begins with a boat ride from the dive center to the sheltered waters on the western side of Wongat Island. Upon arrival, you'll make an easy descent to the wreck, which rests on the seabed at 20 meters. The dive usually starts by exploring the bow section, where winches and other equipment are visible. You can then proceed along the 33-meter length of the freighter, investigating hatches and peering into the bridge. The hold contains remnants of a truck and other items, offering interesting details. The wreck's surfaces are completely encrusted with diverse corals, attracting numerous fish species. As you explore, maintain neutral buoyancy to protect the delicate coral growth. The maximum depth of 20 meters allows for good bottom time. The dive often concludes with a gradual ascent to a safety stop in the shallower areas nearby, possibly around the fringing reefs of Wongat Island, before surfacing.

Underwater photography

The Henry Leith wreck provides excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. For wide-angle shots, consider a fisheye or wide-angle lens to capture the entire 33-meter vessel, especially when positioning yourself to show its relationship with the surrounding coral growth. Natural light is often sufficient in the relatively shallow 20-meter depth and clear lagoon waters, but strobes are highly recommended to bring out the vibrant colors of the soft corals, gorgonians, and black coral trees that densely cover the wreck. When focusing on the details of the vessel, such as the bridge or the contents of the hold, external lights can help illuminate darker areas. Macro photographers will find plenty of subjects among the smaller critters that inhabit the wreck, including nudibranchs, shrimps, and longnose hawkfish, often found nestled within the corals. Maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid disturbing the delicate coral ecosystems and silting the wreck.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• The Bomber

  A B-25 Mitchell Bomber wreck near Wongat Island, providing a historical complement to the Henry Leith.

• Magic Passage

  A popular channel dive known for its walls covered in corals and masses of pelagic fish.

• Planet Rock

  A seamount located offshore, renowned for large schools of pelagic fish and sharks.

• Barracuda Point

  A vibrant wall dive attracting schools of trevally, barracuda, and other reef fish.

• The Quarry

  A reef section with a dramatic drop-off to over 600 meters.

Getting there & logistics

Diving the Henry Leith typically begins from Madang, a coastal village on the main island of New Guinea. The primary access point for divers is the Madang Resort, which houses Niugini Dive Adventures, a local dive center that organizes boat trips to various sites, including the Henry Leith. Guests generally fly into Madang's local airport (Madang Airport, MAG) after connecting through larger hubs like Port Moresby (POM). Trips to the Henry Leith are usually day trips, often combined with other nearby sites like the B-25 Bomber at Wongat Island. Most itineraries involve staying at a land-based resort, though liveaboards use Madang as a jumping-off point for broader regional cruises. No specific marine park fees or permits beyond standard dive operator costs are typically mentioned for this site.

Safety & environment

For divers exploring the Henry Leith in Madang, Papua New Guinea, comprehensive dive insurance is strongly recommended, covering emergency medical care and evacuation. The nearest recompression chamber facilities are limited in PNG, with primary chambers located in Port Moresby and Rabaul, meaning evacuation for severe cases could be lengthy and complex. Divers should be self-sufficient and follow all instructions from their dive guides. Site-specific hazards are minimal due to the sheltered lagoon conditions, with mild to non-existent currents, contributing to a safer diving environment. However, proper wreck diving procedures should always be followed, especially if entering the wreck, to avoid entanglement or disturbing sediments. Always dive within your certified limits and conduct thorough pre-dive safety checks.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Henry Leith FAQ

Liveaboards diving Henry Leith

These liveaboards may visit Henry Leith 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