Dive Site: Nusa Blowholes

About Nusa Blowholes

Nusa Blowholes is an intriguing dive site situated on the northern tip of Nusa Lavu Island, near Kavieng in Papua New Guinea. This site is renowned for its eroded limestone formations, featuring numerous caverns, overhangs, and swim-throughs that create a distinct underwater landscape. The location is strategically positioned, exposing it to dynamic tidal flows which bring rich nutrients, contributing to its vibrant marine ecosystem. While some areas experience strong currents, they also support a thriving environment. The topography transitions from exposed reef areas to sheltered limestone structures, with depths suitable for varied exploration. The limestone surfaces and overhangs are draped in colorful soft corals, particularly notable for their yellow hues, offering a striking contrast against the clear waters when visibility is optimal. These sheltered spaces provide refuge for a variety of marine life, making it a captivating site for divers who appreciate both geology and biology. Marine life at Nusa Blowholes includes frequent sightings of white-tip reef sharks, often found resting within the protective ledges and swim-throughs. Painted lobsters are commonly observed sheltering in the crevices, alongside a rich abundance of nudibranchs that add splashes of color to the coral-encrusted surfaces. The dynamic environment supports both resident reef species and occasional pelagic visitors drawn by the nutrient-rich currents. Diving Nusa Blowholes typically involves a drift along the site, allowing divers to explore the natural formations and observe the marine inhabitants that call these caves and overhangs home. It offers a unique experience, combining geological exploration with vibrant reef diving, making it a distinctive site within the Kavieng region.

Dive site facts: Nusa Blowholes

Current

Mild to vigorous

Visibility

20–40 m

Water temperature

25–30°C

Entry

Tender / Negative entry possible

Level

Intermediate to Advanced

Dive type

Reef, drift, cave, swim-throughs

Region / port

Kavieng, New Ireland

Coordinates

6.3843° S, 149.5495° E

Conditions & Currents

Nusa Blowholes is characterized by dynamic current conditions, ranging from mild to potentially vigorous, influenced by the complex tidal flows of the Kavieng region. The site benefits from waters that flow from both the Pacific Ocean and the Bismarck Sea, with up to six tides occurring daily, necessitating careful dive planning. These currents, while stimulating marine growth and bringing in nutrients, can create strong drifts that require experience to navigate effectively. Visibility at the site is generally good, often ranging from 20 to 40 meters, though it can be affected by stronger currents that might stir up detritus from surrounding mangroves or introduce clearer oceanic waters. Entry is typically via tender, and a negative entry may be employed if currents are particularly strong. Divers should be prepared for potential drift dives, leveraging the current to explore the exten

Marine life & sighting chances

White-tip reef shark

occasional

Painted lobster

occasional

Nudibranchs

occasional

Soft corals

occasional

Crayfish

common

Spotted rays

occasional

Turtles

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Nusa Blowholes typically involves a controlled drift along the eroded limestone formations. The dive usually commences with a descent into the blue, often near the entrance of a swim-through or cave, depending on current conditions. Divers then explore the various caverns and overhangs, maintaining excellent buoyancy to navigate the intricate structures draped with yellow soft corals. The route often follows the contours of the reef, allowing divers to observe white-tip reef sharks resting under ledges and painted lobsters tucked into crevices. The dive progresses through several such formations, gradually ascending as the current guides the group. Attention is focused on the abundant nudibranchs and smaller reef inhabitants found on the colorful walls. The safety stop is typically performed in the shallower sections of the reef, allowing for final observations of the coral ecosystem before surfacing.

Underwater photography

Nusa Blowholes offers compelling subjects for both wide-angle and macro photography. For capturing the scale of the limestone caverns and swim-throughs, particularly with divers or resting white-tip reef sharks in frame, a wide-angle lens is highly effective. To properly illuminate the vibrant yellow soft corals and reveal the colors within the shadowed overhangs, external strobes are essential. When focusing on the abundant nudibranchs, painted lobsters, and other cryptic creatures, a macro lens will capture their intricate details. Pay close attention to buoyancy control to avoid disturbing the delicate soft corals within the confined spaces and to maintain stability for sharp images. Given the potential for currents, practice your drift photography techniques to ensure clear shots.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Echuca Patch

  A patch reef with significant pelagic activity and adjacent to the Der Yang Wreck.

• Der Yang Wreck

  A Taiwanese fishing boat wreck near Echuca Patch, often dived in combination.

• The Bottleshop

  A renowned muck dive site within Kavieng Harbour, excellent for macro subjects.

• Albatross Passage

  A passage known for strong currents and diverse pelagic action.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Nusa Blowholes is typically facilitated from Kavieng, the provincial capital of New Ireland, Papua New Guinea. Divers usually reach Kavieng via domestic flights from Port Moresby, which itself is accessible by international flights. From Kavieng, resorts like Lissenung Island Resort, located about a 20-minute boat ride from Kavieng Harbour, operate daily dive boats to sites like Nusa Blowholes. Liveaboards operating in the Kavieng area also include this site in their itineraries. Dive trips to Kavieng typically range from one week. There are no specific park fees mentioned for Nusa Blowholes itself, but general dive operator fees cover access and guided dives. This site is frequently combined with other Kavieng highlights such as the Der Yang Wreck, Echuca Patch, and muck diving sites in the harbor.

Safety & environment

The nearest recompression chamber facilities in Papua New Guinea are located in Port Moresby, making medical evacuation a complex and potentially lengthy process for divers in Kavieng. Therefore, comprehensive dive insurance that includes medical evacuation and recompression coverage is absolutely mandatory. Divers should be aware of the site-specific hazard of potentially strong and unpredictable currents; local dive guides are essential for timing dives with appropriate tidal conditions. While navigating the swim-throughs and caverns, maintain strict buddy protocols and exercise excellent buoyancy control to prevent injury or damaging the delicate marine life. Always dive within your training limits and communicate any discomfort or issues immediately to your dive guide.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Nusa Blowholes FAQ

Liveaboards diving Nusa Blowholes

These liveaboards may visit Nusa Blowholes 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