Dive Site: Inglis Shoals

About Inglis Shoals

Inglis Shoals is one of Kimbe Bay's iconic seamounts, a renowned dive site located on the northern coast of New Britain, Papua New Guinea. This seamount is celebrated for its rich marine biodiversity, drawing large pelagic species to its waters. It is one of three iconic offshore seamounts in Kimbe Bay, accessible when conditions allow, offering dramatic topography that plunges to significant depths. The shoals rise dramatically from very deep water, cresting at approximately 11 meters below the surface. Its unique structure acts as a self-contained ecosystem, attracting an impressive array of marine life. The site features thriving coral communities, despite its exposure to currents, supporting a rich food chain from small reef fish to large predators. Divers can expect to encounter plentiful schooling fish, various shark species, and other large marine animals. The strong currents present at the shoals contribute to the vibrant ecosystem, bringing nutrient-rich waters that sustain the extensive marine populations. Diving here offers an exhilarating experience, showcasing the pristine and largely undamaged marine environment for which Kimbe Bay is famous.

Dive site facts: Inglis Shoals

Depth

11m (top) to deep water

Current

Strong

Visibility

25–40 m

Water temperature

26–31°C

Entry

Liveaboard / Tender

Level

Advanced, current experience essential

Dive type

Seamount, pelagic, reef

Region / port

Kimbe Bay, New Britain

Coordinates

6.2753° S, 149.5835° E

Conditions & Currents

Inglis Shoals is known for its exposure to currents, which can be vigorous, bringing in nutrient-rich waters and attracting schooling fish and pelagic predators. Divers frequently encounter a strong current here, which makes the site an adrenaline dive but also contributes significantly to the abundance of marine life observed. Entry techniques may involve negative entries to quickly descend to the reef, depending on the current strength. Due to the potential for strong currents and deeper average dive profiles, experience with current diving is highly recommended. Visibility at the shoals is generally excellent, often ranging from 25 to 40 meters, though strong currents can sometimes introduce particulate matter. Divers should be mindful of their gas consumption and plan their dive profiles accordingly, especially given the depths and potential for drift.

Marine life & sighting chances

Scalloped Hammerhead Shark

occasional

Grey Reef Shark

common

Silvertip Shark

occasional

Dogtooth Tuna

common

Barracuda

common

Bigeye Trevally

common

Moray Eel

common

Whale Shark

occasional

Schooling Jacks

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Inglis Shoals rises to approximately 11 meters, with dive profiles typically beginning with a descent into the blue, often using a negative entry due to potential currents. Divers explore the seamount's flanks, paying close attention to schools of fish and passing pelagics such as barracuda, trevally, and various shark species. The dive progresses along the reef, moving with or against the current as dictated by conditions, maximizing the chances of encountering active marine life. Depths can extend beyond typical recreational limits if divers are exploring the deeper sections, but the majority of the action occurs around the top and upper slopes. Safety stops are performed in the shallower sections or while drifting, monitoring buoyancy and remaining aware of the boat's position for pick-up.

Underwater photography

Inglis Shoals is ideal for wide-angle photography, capturing the dramatic seamount topography, large schools of fish, and pelagic encounters like sharks and tuna. A wide-angle lens, such as a fisheye or rectilinear wide-angle, is essential to encompass the expansive schools and the surrounding blue water. Strobes are beneficial for adding color and definition to foreground subjects, even in clear conditions. Given the potential for strong currents, photographers should prioritize stable buoyancy and body positioning to secure shots. Focus on capturing the interactions between predators and prey, and the overall spectacle of abundant marine life drawn to the shoals.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Bradford Shoals

  Another iconic Kimbe Bay seamount known for attracting marine life.

• Joelle’s Reef

  A third spectacular seamount in Kimbe Bay, often dived with Inglis Shoals and Bradford Shoals.

• South Emma

  A Kimbe Bay site with diverse marine life, including anemones, barrel sponges, and a swim-through.

• Susan’s Reef

  Features stunning corals and is known for its healthy marine ecosystem within Kimbe Bay.

• Fathers Reef

  Situated further northeast, known for seamounts, pinnacles, and thrilling pelagic spectacles.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Inglis Shoals, located in Kimbe Bay off New Britain Island, is primarily via liveaboard vessels such as the MV Oceania or FeBrina, which typically operate out of Walindi Plantation Resort. Divers usually fly into Port Moresby, then take a connecting flight to Hoskins, followed by a 45-minute car transfer to the resort or liveaboard departure point. Trips often last 7 to 10 nights, combining offshore seamounts with fringing reefs and other Kimbe Bay sites. Dive packages usually include accommodation, meals, and multiple dives per day. No specific permits beyond standard visa requirements for Papua New Guinea are generally needed for diving, though liveaboard operators manage local dive site fees.

Safety & environment

The nearest recompression chamber is located in Port Moresby, approximately an hour's flight from Hoskins. In the event of a diving emergency requiring recompression, evacuation would involve a combination of boat transfer to shore, car to Hoskins airport, and then an air transfer to Port Moresby, highlighting the remoteness and potential delays. Therefore, comprehensive dive accident insurance is not just recommended, but essential for all divers. Site-specific hazards at Inglis Shoals include strong and unpredictable currents, which necessitate good buoyancy control and careful dive planning, especially for gas management and ascent. Divers should always follow guide instructions, maintain buddy contact, and respect the natural environment. While urban areas in PNG can have security concerns, dive tourists generally experience safe travels when following operator guidelines and staying within established itineraries.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Inglis Shoals FAQ

Liveaboards diving Inglis Shoals

These liveaboards may visit Inglis Shoals 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