Dive Site: Witu Islands - Circle of Stars

About Witu Islands - Circle of Stars

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. This seamount rises from significant depths and functions as a dynamic cleaning station, attracting an abundance of marine life and offering some of the most vibrant pelagic action in the Kimbe Bay area. The site's exposure to consistent, nutrient-rich currents fosters a prolific ecosystem, testament to which is its past feature on the Cousteau Society's 50th-anniversary calendar. The topography of Lama Shoal is defined by its current-swept environment, nurturing a profusion of soft corals, gorgonian fans, black corals, and hydroids. While the reef itself doesn't reach extremely shallow depths, the continuous flow of water ensures an active and thriving underwater landscape throughout the diveable range. This constant influx of nutrients supports both the resident reef dwellers and the large pelagic species that frequent the shoal. Divers here can anticipate an exhilarating experience, often surrounded by massive schools of barracuda, bigeye trevally, and rainbow runners. Dogtooth tuna and Spanish mackerel are frequently observed cruising the reef face, occasionally creating dramatic feeding frenzies. Beyond the pelagics, the intricate reef structure supports a diverse array of smaller invertebrates and unique coral formations perfectly adapted to the strong currents. The site provides a prime opportunity for high-energy marine interactions and exceptional visibility, typically ranging from 25 to 40 meters, with comfortable water temperatures between 28 to 31°C. Accessed primarily via liveaboards operating out of Kimbe Bay, Lama Shoal demands attentive diving due to its currents but rewards with a spectacular display of both schooling fish and healthy reef-resident species. It is a highlight of any Witu Islands itinerary, offering a unique blend of biodiversity and dynamic underwater encounters.

Dive site facts: Witu Islands - Circle of Stars

Depth

5–30 m

Current

Strong and consistent

Visibility

25–40 m (80–130 ft)

Water temperature

28–31°C (82–88°F)

Entry

Tender / negative entry

Level

Advanced recommended, current experience essential

Dive type

Pelagic, schooling fish, reef exploration

Region / port

Witu Islands, Bismarck Sea

Coordinates

-4.92, 148.98

Conditions & Currents

Lama Shoal is renowned for consistent, often strong currents that sweep over the seamount, making it an action-packed dive. These currents are the primary reason for the abundance of marine life, bringing essential nutrients and attracting large schools of pelagic fish. Divers should be prepared for potential drift dives or to actively fin against the current, and entry is typically made by tender with a negative descent to quickly get below the strong surface currents and avoid being swept away from the reef. The strength and direction of the currents can vary, requiring attentive diving and experience in such conditions. Good buoyancy control is crucial for managing the currents and ensuring a safe, enjoyable dive.

Marine life & sighting chances

Barracuda

common

Bigeye Trevally

common

Rainbow Runner

common

Dogtooth Tuna

occasional

Spanish Mackerel

occasional

Soft Corals

common

Gorgonian Fans

common

Black Corals

common

Hydroids

common

Grey Reef Shark

occasional

Whitetip Reef Shark

occasional

Eagle Ray

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Lama Shoal typically commences with a negative entry from a tender, swiftly descending to the reef to bypass strong surface currents. Divers usually explore the seamount, staying close to the reef structure for shelter while observing the schooling pelagics in the open water. The dive often follows the reef's contours, utilizing its natural protection and allowing observation of the rich soft corals and hydroids. Due to consistent currents, the dive might be a drift along a specific section or an out-and-back profile depending on conditions. Turnaround time is dictated by air consumption and bottom time, with the safety stop conducted in mid-water, potentially using a drift line or holding onto a safety stop bar deployed from the tender, ensuring efficient pickup.

Underwater photography

Lama Shoal is an exceptional location for wide-angle photography, capturing impressive schools of barracuda, trevally, and rainbow runners, along with cruising dogtooth tuna and Spanish mackerel. A wide-angle lens is essential to encompass the sheer volume of fish and the vibrant soft corals and gorgonian fans adorning the seamount. Given the strong currents, maintaining stable buoyancy is critical for sharp images; consider a high shutter speed to freeze fast-moving subjects. Strobes are invaluable for accentuating the true colors of the corals and marine life. Photographers must be mindful of their position relative to the current to avoid disturbing the environment and ensure safety while composing dynamic shots.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Fathers Reef

  Iconic bommies and barracuda tornados

• Bradford Shoals

  Prominent seamount with abundant pelagic activity

• Susan's Reef

  Exceptional macro and wide-angle photographic opportunities

• Restorf Island

  Picturesque scenery both above and below the surface

Getting there & logistics

Access to Lama Shoal, located within the Witu Islands, is primarily via liveaboard itineraries departing from Kimbe Bay, New Britain Island. Kimbe Bay is serviced by flights into Hoskins Airport (HKN), typically connected through Port Moresby (POM). Liveaboards often spend 7 to 10 days exploring the diverse dive sites of Kimbe Bay and the Witu Islands. While there are no specific park fees mentioned for Lama Shoal itself, liveaboard packages typically cover all necessary permits and fees for the region. The remote nature of the Witu Islands ensures pristine conditions and minimal diver traffic, offering an exclusive dive experience as part of a broader Papua New Guinea itinerary.

Safety & environment

Diving at Lama Shoal, due to its consistent and often strong currents, requires advanced diving skills and experience with current diving techniques. Comprehensive dive insurance covering medical emergencies and potential evacuation is highly recommended. The nearest recompression chamber is likely in Port Moresby, necessitating air evacuation in case of a serious incident. Divers must adhere strictly to dive guide instructions, maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid damaging delicate corals, and be prepared for negative entries. Always remain aware of your surroundings, especially in the presence of large pelagic species and rapidly changing currents, ensuring a safe and responsible dive.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Witu Islands - Circle of Stars FAQ

Liveaboards diving Witu Islands - Circle of Stars

These liveaboards may visit Witu Islands - Circle of Stars 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