Dive Site: Rabaul Submarine Wrecks

About Rabaul Submarine Wrecks

Rabaul, situated on the eastern tip of New Britain Island in Papua New Guinea, offers a compelling dive experience shaped by its significant World War II history and active volcanic geology. Once a major Japanese naval base, its natural harbor, formed by a partially submerged caldera, now safeguards an impressive array of over 60 WWII wrecks, including submarines, support ships, and aircraft. While a 1994 volcanic eruption blanketed the town and parts of the harbor in ash, many prominent wrecks located outside the immediate harbor area remain largely untouched, resting dramatically on black sand seabeds. The dive sites span a range of depths, from accessible wrecks like the Hakkai Maru at 25-30 meters to deeper vessels such as the Italy Maru for experienced divers. Beyond these historical artifacts, Rabaul's marine environment is remarkably diverse. You can explore dramatic drop-offs like Submarine Base, which plummets over 250 meters along the caldera's edge, or submerged volcanoes like The Hump, adorned with sea fans and attracting pelagic species. Healthy coral reefs are vibrant with reef sharks, marine turtles, schooling reef fish, and barracuda throughout the year. Typically, Rabaul offers excellent visibility, particularly in areas like Tavui Point with its stunning cliffs, though some inner harbor wrecks might have reduced clarity. The region provides a unique combination of historical wrecks, thriving coral ecosystems, and notable macro hotspots like Johnnies Jetty, celebrated for its frogfish population. Liveaboard expeditions often adjust routes to New Britain's northeast and south coasts to ensure optimal weather and diving conditions, promising encounters with both large pelagics and intricate macro life. Diving is primarily conducted from liveaboards, which allow access to more remote and less crowded sites. These trips typically offer three to four guided dives per day, including dawn and night dives, enhancing the overall exploration of Rabaul's un

Dive site facts: Rabaul Submarine Wrecks

Depth

10–60 m

Typical dive

12–40 m, 50–60 min

Current

Mild to Moderate

Visibility

21–40 m

Water temperature

27–29°C

Entry

Liveaboard tender

Level

Advanced Open Water recommended for deeper wrecks

Dive type

Wreck, Reef, Wall, Macro

Night dive

Possible on liveaboards

Region / port

East New Britain Province

Coordinates

-4.21, 152.2

Conditions & Currents

Currents in Rabaul are generally mild, especially around many of the protected wreck sites within the caldera. However, sites like The Hump, a submerged volcano, can experience stronger currents that attract pelagic action, making it suitable for divers comfortable with drift diving. Visibility is typically excellent, often ranging from 21-30 meters and extending up to 40 meters in certain areas. Water temperatures are consistently warm, averaging 27-29°C, minimizing the need for thick exposure suits. Dive operations from liveaboards frequently adjust itineraries to account for local conditions, ensuring access to the best visibility and calmest seas, especially along the northeast and south coasts of New Britain.

Marine life & sighting chances

Reef Sharks

Year-round · common

Marine Turtles

Year-round · common

Schooling Reef Fish

Year-round · common

Barracuda

Year-round · common

Frogfish

occasional

Nudibranchs

common

Moray Eels

common

Banded Shrimp

occasional

Batfish

common

Blue-spotted Stingrays

occasional

Lionfish

common

Octopus

occasional

Triggerfish

common

Giant Trevally

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

A typical dive at a Rabaul wreck site begins with a tender drop close to the wreck's mooring or a negative entry if currents are present. For a site like the Hakkai Maru, descent is made along the main structure, reaching the deck at approximately 25 meters. You'll explore the large support ship, observing the impressive cannon at the stern. The route often involves a circuit around the perimeter, allowing views of the ship's massive size and marine growth. Penetration is possible on some wrecks, like the Manko Maru, but only with appropriate training and guidance. For deeper wrecks such as the Italy Maru, the dive might involve a direct descent to 45 meters, limiting bottom time. Ascent is usually gradual, with a safety stop conducted on the wreck's shallower sections or a nearby reef, utilizing the clear visibility for final observations of marine life before surfacing.

Underwater photography

Rabaul offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography, so carrying two setups or choosing wisely based on the specific dive plan is beneficial. For the impressive WWII wrecks, a wide-angle lens is essential to capture the full scale of vessels like the Hakkai Maru or the intact Pete's Bi-Plane. External strobes are highly recommended to bring out the vibrant colors of corals and marine life encrusting the wrecks, especially in deeper sections where ambient light diminishes. For macro enthusiasts, especially at sites like Johnnies Jetty, a dedicated macro lens will capture the intricate details of frogfish, nudibranchs, and other critters. Due to the black sand seabed at many wreck sites, good buoyancy control is crucial to avoid stirring up sediment and compromising visibility for yourself and other photographers. Always maintain respectful distances from marine life and historical artifacts.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• 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…

• Restorf Island

  Restorf Island, nestled within Kimbe Bay on the north coast of New Britain, Papua New Guinea, stands as one of over 200 recognized dive…

• Kimbe Island

  Kimbe Bay, situated on New Britain Island in Papua New Guinea, is renowned globally as a premier dive destination.

• Wongat Island

  Wongat Island, situated off the coast of Madang in Papua New Guinea, offers unique diving experiences focused on both historical wrecks and…

• Fathers Reef

  Fathers Reefs, located northeast of Kimbe Bay off New Britain Island in Papua New Guinea, are a series of offshore reefs formed from the…

Getting there & logistics

Access to Rabaul typically involves flying into Tokua Airport (formerly Rabaul Airport), located about 20 kilometers from Rabaul in Kokopo. Direct flights are available from Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea's capital, as well as regular flights from Kavieng and Hoskins. Most diving in Rabaul is conducted via liveaboards, which offer multi-day itineraries, often 8 to 10 nights, exploring various sites around New Britain. Liveaboards provide comprehensive packages, including accommodation, meals, and multiple daily dives. Some land-based resorts in Kokopo, like Rapopo Plantation Resort, also offer diving packages. While there are no specific national park fees mentioned for Rabaul, liveaboard and resort costs generally cover diving permits and local logistics.

Safety & environment

Diving in Rabaul, as with any remote destination, requires careful safety planning. The nearest recompression chamber is likely in Port Moresby, meaning any serious diving accident would necessitate a significant evacuation, potentially involving a domestic flight. Therefore, comprehensive dive insurance covering emergency medical evacuation is absolutely essential. Site-specific hazards include overhead environments in wreck penetrations, which should only be attempted by appropriately certified and experienced divers with proper equipment. Always dive with a reputable operator, follow your dive guide's instructions, and adhere to conservative dive profiles. Be mindful of potential unexploded ordnance on or near wrecks, and never touch or disturb historical artifacts. Malaria prophylaxis should be considered for visits to East New Britain.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Rabaul Submarine Wrecks FAQ

Liveaboards diving Rabaul Submarine Wrecks

These liveaboards may visit Rabaul Submarine Wrecks 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