Dive Site: Lama Shoal

About 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 Guinea. This seamount rises from significant depths, serving as a dynamic cleaning station and a magnet for marine activity, distinguishing it in the Kimbe Bay area. Its cover photo once graced the Cousteau Society's 50th-anniversary calendar, a testament to its rich ecosystem and abundant marine life. The shoal's topography is characterized by its exposure to consistent currents. These nutrient-rich flows sweep across the reef, fostering a profusion of life, from vibrant soft corals and gorgonian fans to black corals and hydroids that thrive in the current. The site's status as a cleaning station further amplifies the diversity of fish congregating here, making it a bustling underwater hub. While the reef itself doesn't reach extremely shallow depths, the constant flow of water ensures an active environment throughout the diveable range. Divers at Lama Shoal can expect an exhilarating experience, often surrounded by large schools of barracuda, bigeye trevally, and rainbow runners. Dogtooth tuna and Spanish mackerel are frequently observed cruising the reef face, occasionally scattering the smaller fish in dramatic feeding frenzies. Beyond the pelagics, the attached reef matrix teems with smaller invertebrates and unique coral formations adapted to the strong currents. The site offers a prime opportunity for encountering high-energy marine interactions. Liveaboards from Walindi Plantation Resort in Kimbe Bay typically include Lama Shoal in their itineraries, often as part of trips exploring the Witu Islands. The site demands attentive diving due to the currents but rewards with exceptional visibility and a vibrant display of both schooling fish and reef-resident species.

Dive site facts: Lama Shoal

Depth

Not specified

Current

Strong and consistent

Visibility

80–130 feet (25–40 meters)

Water temperature

82–88°F (28–31°C)

Entry

Tender / negative entry recommended

Level

Advanced recommended, experience with currents essential

Dive type

Pelagic, schooling fish, reef exploration

Region / port

Witu Islands, Bismarck Sea

Coordinates

-5.54, 150.32

Conditions & Currents

Lama Shoal is renowned for consistent, often strong currents that flow over the seamount, making it an action-packed dive. These currents are a primary reason for the abundance of marine life, bringing 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 avoid being swept away from the reef.

Marine life & sighting chances

Barracuda

common

Bigeye Trevally

common

Rainbow Runner

common

Dogtooth Tuna

occasional

Spanish Mackerel

occasional

Gorgonian Fans

common

Black Corals

common

Soft Corals

common

Hydroids

common

Grey Reef Shark

occasional

Whitetip Reef Shark

occasional

Killer Whale

rare

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving Lama Shoal typically begins with a negative entry from a tender, directly descending to the reef to quickly get below the strong surface currents. Divers usually explore the seamount, staying close to the reef structure to shelter from the main current flow while observing the schooling pelagics that frequent the open water around the shoal. The dive often follows the contours of the reef, utilizing its natural protection and allowing observation of the rich attached soft corals and hydroids. The consistent current means that the dive might be a drift along a specific section or an out-and-back profile if conditions allow. Turnaround time is usually 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 divers are not swept away from the pickup point.

Underwater photography

Lama Shoal is a prime location for wide-angle photography, focusing on the impressive schools of barracuda, trevally, and rainbow runners, as well as the cruising dogtooth tuna and Spanish mackerel. A wide-angle lens is essential to capture the sheer volume of fish and the vibrant soft corals and gorgonian fans that adorn the seamount. Due to the strong currents, maintaining stable buoyancy is critical for sharp images; consider using a high shutter speed to freeze the fast-moving subjects. Strobes will help bring out the true colors of the corals and fish. Photographers should be mindful of their position relative to the current to avoid disturbing marine life and to keep themselves safe while composing shots of the dynamic pelagic action.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Fathers Reef

  Iconic bommies and barracuda tornados, often combined with Witu Islands itineraries.

• Bradford Shoals

  Seamount known for pelagic action and shark encounters, requiring advanced diving skills.

• Susan's Reef

  Excellent for macro and wide-angle, with pygmy seahorses and vibrant soft corals.

• Witu Islands - Circle of Stars

  Part of the wider Witu Islands group known for schooling fish and soft corals.

• Observation Point

  Observation Point, situated on Normanby Island in Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea, stands out as a premier destination for macro diving.

• Restorf Island

  Offers picturesque scenery both above and below the surface.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Lama Shoal is typically via liveaboard vessels departing from Walindi Plantation Resort in Kimbe Bay, New Britain. To reach Walindi, divers generally fly into Jacksons International Airport (POM) in Port Moresby, then take a connecting domestic flight with Air Niugini to Hoskins Airport (HKN), followed by a transfer to Walindi. Liveaboard trips to the Witu Islands, which include Lama Shoal, often range from 7 to 10 days. There are no specific permits mentioned for Lama Shoal itself, but dive operators will handle any necessary fees for the overall itinerary. These trips combine dives within Kimbe Bay with offshore sites like Lama Shoal, offering a comprehensive experience of the region's diverse marine environments.

Safety & environment

The nearest recompression chamber to Lama Shoal is in Port Moresby, making medical evacuation a significant concern due to the remote location. It is imperative that divers maintain adequate insurance coverage, including emergency medical and evacuation services. Lama Shoal's strong and consistent currents pose the primary hazard; divers must be proficient in drift diving and current management. Always dive with an experienced guide familiar with the site's conditions. Maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid damaging the delicate corals. Be aware of fast-moving pelagics during feeding frenzies, and adhere strictly to dive computer limits and safety stop protocols, especially when dealing with variable current conditions during ascent.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Lama Shoal FAQ

Liveaboards diving Lama Shoal

These liveaboards may visit Lama Shoal 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