Dive Site: Kimbe Island

About Kimbe Island

Kimbe Bay, situated on New Britain Island in Papua New Guinea, is renowned globally as a premier dive destination. This deep basin, framed by a range of active volcanoes, is a veritable hotbed of marine biodiversity within the Coral Triangle, harboring an astounding 400 coral species and over 860 reef fish species. Its unique geological setting, combined with nutrient-rich upwellings, fosters a thriving ecosystem where approximately 70% of all Indo-Pacific marine species can be found. The underwater topography is incredibly varied, ranging from shallow fringing reefs that hug the coastline to dramatic plunging walls and deep offshore seamounts. These seamounts, such as Bradford Shoals and Joelle's, rise from abyssal depths to within meters of the surface, acting as magnets for large pelagic species. While localized coral bleaching events have occurred in the past, the reefs show remarkable resilience and recovery, maintaining their structural integrity and vibrant appearance with prolific red whips and colorful sponges. Divers can anticipate encounters with a vast array of marine life. Signature experiences include witnessing huge schools of barracuda forming swirling vortexes, observing various reef sharks patrolling the walls, and spotting diverse pelagic fish like jacks, mackerel, and tuna. Macro enthusiasts will delight in finding nudibranchs, shrimp, pygmy seahorses, and intricate crabs nestled within the corals. The area also hosts a Japanese Zero WWII wreck, adding a unique historical dimension to the diving. Most diving is facilitated by liveaboards or day boats from Walindi Plantation Resort. While many sites are suitable for open water divers, offshore seamounts and areas with stronger currents are best enjoyed by advanced divers with relevant experience. The consistently warm water temperatures and generally good visibility make for comfortable and rewarding dives year-round, although specific months offer optimal conditions for calm seas and clearer w

Dive site facts: Kimbe Island

Depth

5–40 m

Typical dive

15–30 m, 50–60 min

Current

Variable, mild to strong

Visibility

10–30 m

Water temperature

26–31°C

Entry

Boat / Liveaboard

Level

Open Water to Advanced

Dive type

Reef, pelagic, macro, wreck

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

West New Britain

Coordinates

-5.56, 150.15

Conditions & Currents

Currents in Kimbe Bay are highly variable, often gentle in sheltered bay areas but can be strong around offshore seamounts and pinnacles. These currents bring vital nutrients, attracting abundant pelagic life, but require experienced diving techniques. Divers should be prepared for potential drift dives, especially at sites like Bradford Shoals or Kimbe Island Bommie.

Marine life & sighting chances

Barracuda

common

Grey reef shark

common

White-tip reef shark

common

Scalloped hammerhead shark

occasional

Batfish

common

Jack

common

Mackerel

common

Nudibranch

common

Shrimp

common

Pygmy seahorse

occasional

Snapper

common

Dolphin

occasional

Tuna

common

Eagle ray

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives in Kimbe Bay often begin with a backward roll or giant stride entry from a tender directly over a reef or seamount. Many sites feature a central pinnacle or a wall that drops to significant depths, allowing for a spiral descent around the structure. At sites like Bradford Shoals, you'll start on the twin summits, then explore the surrounding walls where pelagics cruise in the current. Reef dives, such as at Hanging Gardens or Susan's Reef, involve leisurely explorations of coral gardens, overhangs, and bommies. The typical depth ranges from 5-30 meters, allowing for ample bottom time to explore both macro life in the shallows and larger schools deeper down. Dives usually turn when half your air is consumed or after 30-40 minutes, ascending slowly along the reef contour. The safety stop is typically performed in the shallower sections, often around 5-7 meters, where vibrant coral gardens and small fish provide a scenic backdrop.

Underwater photography

Kimbe Bay offers superb opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography due to its diverse marine life and pristine coral structures. For wide-angle, a fisheye or wide rectilinear lens is ideal to capture the sprawling coral formations, massive sea fans, and impressive schools of barracuda and pelagic fish. Utilize natural light in the shallower areas for vibrant colors, and consider strobes for deeper shots to bring out the true hues of the corals. For macro subjects, including nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, and unique invertebrates, a dedicated macro lens with a diopter is essential. Practice excellent buoyancy control to avoid damaging delicate corals and to maintain clear shots in the sometimes-strong currents. Be patient when approaching marine life; many critters are accustomed to divers but still require a gentle, non-intrusive approach.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Fathers Reef

  Iconic site with massive bommies and barracuda tornados.

• Bradford Shoals

  Advanced seamount dive known for pelagic action and sharks.

• Susan's Reef

  Photographer's paradise with pygmy seahorses and vibrant soft corals.

• Witu Islands - Circle of Stars

  Offers a mix of critter-crammed black sand slopes and scenic seamounts.

• Lama Shoal

  Lama Shoal, also known by the evocative name Crack-A-Fat Reef, stands out as a premier dive site within the Witu Islands of Papua New…

Getting there & logistics

To reach Kimbe Bay, fly into Port Moresby (POM), then take a domestic flight to Hoskins (HKN), the capital of West New Britain. From Hoskins, Walindi Plantation Resort is approximately a 45-minute drive. Most divers choose between land-based resort stays at Walindi, which offers daily boat dives, or liveaboard experiences on vessels like MV Fabina or MV Oceania, which often combine Kimbe Bay with more remote sites like Fathers Reef or the Witu Islands. Typical trip lengths vary from 7 to 10 days. Park fees are generally included in dive package costs. Liveaboards provide access to offshore pinnacles that are harder to reach by day boat, maximizing your diving opportunities across the bay's extensive reef system.

Safety & environment

While diving in Kimbe Bay is generally safe, divers should be aware of specific considerations. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Port Moresby, necessitating comprehensive dive insurance that covers medical evacuation. Evacuation procedures typically involve transfer to Hoskins airport and then a flight to Port Moresby, which can take several hours. Site-specific hazards include potential strong currents around offshore seamounts, requiring good buoyancy and current diving experience. Always follow your dive guide's instructions, especially regarding entry techniques and reef etiquette. Avoid touching or disturbing marine life and corals. Be mindful of boat traffic when surfacing in open water areas. Ensure all dive gear is in good working condition, as repair facilities can be limited.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Kimbe Island FAQ

Liveaboards diving Kimbe Island

These liveaboards may visit Kimbe Island 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