Dive Site: The Quarry

About The Quarry

Wongat Island, situated near Madang in Papua New Guinea, offers a compelling mix of historical intrigue and vibrant marine ecosystems. This area is notable for housing a significant World War II relic, a B-25 bomber, which intentionally ditched in a shallow strait between Wongat Island and the mainland. This preserved aircraft, with its crumpled nose and visible machine guns, has transformed into an artificial reef, inviting divers to explore its past as marine life thrives within its structure, including parrotfish grazing on corals and angelfish swimming through bomb bay doors. In addition to the bomber, the site features the "Henry Leith," a 33-meter coastal freighter scuttled for divers in the 1980s, resting at 20 meters on the island's western side. This wreck is completely overgrown with a diverse array of corals, such as black coral trees, soft corals, gorgonians, and sea whips. Its holds contain remnants of a truck, winches, and other equipment, providing ample opportunities for exploration. The area teems with marine life, including trevally, batfish, snappers, lionfish, and sweetlips, alongside smaller creatures like nudibranchs, shrimps, and longnose hawkfish. Dives around Wongat Island combine historical exploration with rich biodiversity, making it an appealing destination for both wreck enthusiasts and marine life observers. The dive sites are generally accessible, with the Henry Leith offering an easy dive suitable for many skill levels. Wrecks are found in calm, protected waters, ensuring excellent conditions for exploration and underwater photography, with depths varying from the shallow bomber to the 20-meter freighter. A typical dive lasts between 45 and 60 minutes, and the site is suitable for all diver levels. Your dive begins with a short boat ride to the sheltered site, followed by a giant stride entry and a calm descent towards the sandy slope where the bomber rests. You'll typically explore the plane's rear section first, moving along the fuselage to observe its intact structure, including the cockpit and machine guns.

Dive site facts: The Quarry

Depth

15–22 m

Typical dive

15–22 m, 45–60 min

Current

Mild to none

Visibility

25–40 m

Water temperature

27–30°C

Entry

Boat / easy descent

Level

All levels

Dive type

Wreck, reef, history

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Madang, Papua New Guinea

Coordinates

-6.3693, 149.4985

Conditions & Currents

The dive sites around Wongat Island, particularly near the B-25 bomber, are well-protected within the Madang Lagoon, resulting in typically mild to non-existent currents. This calm environment ensures a relaxed and safe diving experience, accommodating divers of all skill levels, including those new to wreck exploration. Excellent visibility is generally maintained due to the sheltered nature of the lagoon, allowing for unhurried exploration without concerns about drift or strong water movement. Entry and exit points are usually straightforward, making for comfortable surface intervals. Water temperatures range from 27 to 30°C, and visibility typically measures between 25 and 40 meters, enhancing the overall dive experience.

Marine life & sighting chances

Tropical reef fish

common

Soft corals

common

Batfish

occasional

Fusiliers

occasional

Sweetlips

occasional

Bannerfish

occasional

Squirrelfish

occasional

Snappers

occasional

Surgeonfish

occasional

Barrel sponges

occasional

Gorgonians

occasional

Whip corals

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at The Quarry typically begins with a short boat ride from a local dive center in Madang. Upon arrival at the sheltered site, you'll make a giant stride entry, initiating a calm descent towards the sandy slope that characterizes this location. Depths range from 15 to 22 meters, allowing for extended exploration time. The dive route generally involves navigating around the remnants and structures that have been colonized by marine life, observing the vibrant reef fish and corals. You'll have ample opportunity for photography due to the excellent visibility and minimal current. As your bottom time or air supply dictates, you'll begin a slow, controlled ascent along the slope, concluding with a safety stop typically performed near the top of any reef structure or along the shallow fringing corals of the nearby island before surfacing.

Underwater photography

The Quarry is an excellent site for wide-angle photography, especially if capturing the full scope of any historical wreckage or the general topography that gives the site its name. The clear, calm waters and abundant marine life also make it suitable for macro photography of critters nestled among the corals and structures. Consider bringing a fisheye or wide-angle lens to frame the larger scenes, and a macro lens for detail shots of nudibranchs, shrimps, or colorful reef fish. Natural light is often sufficient in the shallower areas, but strobes will enhance color and detail, particularly at deeper points or when capturing subjects under ledges. Maintaining good buoyancy is crucial to avoid stirring up the sandy bottom and to protect the delicate corals that have grown on the historical elements.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Wongat Island

  Home to the B-25 bomber wreck and Henry Leith freighter.

• Henry Leith

  A scuttled coastal freighter at 20m, overgrown with corals.

• B-25F Black Jack Bomber Wreck

  A WWII bomber resting on a sandy slope, 15-22m.

• Barracuda Point

  Known for dense schools of trevally and barracuda.

• Fathers Reef

  Series of coral pinnacles with abundant shark sightings.

Getting there & logistics

To reach The Quarry, you'll typically fly into Jacksons International Airport (POM) in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, from international hubs like Singapore or Australia. From Port Moresby, connecting flights on local carriers such as Air Niugini will take you to Madang, the main regional hub. Dive operations, like Niugini Dive Adventures, are based at resorts in Madang, which is conveniently located near major dive sites in the Madang Lagoon and within an hour of offshore islands. Day trips are common, with dive packages often bundled with accommodation for 3 to 6 nights, including 6 to 10 dives. An environmental and safety fee of US$7.00 per diver per day is compulsory and collected upon departure.

Safety & environment

For dive emergencies in Papua New Guinea, recompression chambers are available, with the nearest likely located in Port Moresby, though evacuation realities can be challenging depending on the remote location. It is strongly advised that all divers carry comprehensive dive insurance that covers medical emergencies, recompression, and emergency evacuation. At The Quarry, the calm and sheltered conditions minimize inherent risks, but standard safe diving practices must always be followed. Conduct rules include maintaining neutral buoyancy to avoid contact with the delicate marine life and historical artifacts, and respecting the underwater environment. Always dive with a reputable operator and a qualified dive guide who is familiar with the site and local conditions.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

The Quarry FAQ

Liveaboards diving The Quarry

These liveaboards may visit The Quarry 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