Dive Site: The Hump

About The Hump

The Hump is a prominent submerged volcanic pinnacle situated near Watom Island, within the vibrant dive region of Rabaul, Papua New Guinea. This site marks the boundary between the Bismarck Sea and the Pacific Ocean, benefiting from nutrient-rich currents that fuel an astonishing array of marine life. Its unique topography, shaped by volcanic activity, features a sea fan-smothered structure that attracts a diverse ecosystem. Diving at The Hump offers a thrilling experience focused on pelagic encounters. The site is renowned for attracting large schools of fish and various pelagic species, making it a dynamic environment for observation. The submerged volcano provides a natural magnet for marine predators and schooling fish, thriving amidst the strong currents typical of the area. While The Hump is primarily celebrated for its large animal action, the vibrant soft corals and sea fans adorning its structure also create a visually stunning backdrop. These healthy coral formations are a testament to the site's rich ecosystem and the consistent flow of nutrients. Divers can expect excellent visibility, allowing for expansive views of the underwater landscape and its bustling inhabitants. The practical dive experience at The Hump often involves drift diving due to the strong, fast-moving currents. It's a site that demands advanced diving skills, including proficiency in current management and careful gas planning. The rewards, however, are immense, offering an unparalleled opportunity to witness Papua New Guinea's spectacular pelagic biodiversity.

Dive site facts: The Hump

Depth

30–30 m

Current

Strong, often ripping

Visibility

Excellent (20-40m)

Water temperature

26-31°C

Entry

Boat / Negative entry

Level

Advanced

Dive type

Pinnacle, drift, pelagic

Region / port

Rabaul, East New Britain

Coordinates

6.3573° S, 149.4135° E

Conditions & Currents

Diving at The Hump typically involves strong, often ripping currents, a characteristic driven by its location where different current systems combine and vast volumes of water move between the Pacific Ocean and the Bismarck Sea. Divers should be prepared for fast-moving water, necessitating advanced skills in drift diving techniques and cautious gas management. While currents can be variable, their presence is a key factor in attracting the site's abundant pelagic life. Visibility is generally excellent, often exceeding 20 meters, though this can be influenced by plankton blooms that attract large marine animals. Entries are typically negative or swift descents from a liveaboard or day boat, with careful planning for ascent and safety stops to avoid being swept away.

Marine life & sighting chances

Reef sharks

Year round · common

Schooling reef fish

Year round · common

Barracuda

Year round · common

Marine turtles

Year round · common

Pelagic sharks

common

Dogtooth tuna

common

Spanish mackerel

common

Soft corals

common

Sea fans

common

Manta rays

September (Milne Bay) · occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at The Hump typically involves a negative entry or quick descent from a liveaboard tender, directly into the currents sweeping the submerged volcanic pinnacle. Divers often begin by descending to an appropriate depth along the Hump's slopes, exploring the sea fan-covered structure while drifting with the flow. The main objective is to observe the abundant pelagic life attracted by the strong currents, including schools of barracuda, trevally, and various shark species. The dive progresses as a drift, allowing divers to cover a significant portion of the site without excessive finning. Buoyancy control is crucial, especially when maneuvering close to the reef to appreciate the soft corals while remaining clear of the strong currents. The safety stop is generally conducted mid-water, either deploying a SMB for pickup by the support vessel or using a reef hook if conditions allow, ensuring divers are collected safely downstream from the site.

Underwater photography

For capturing the pelagic action at The Hump, wide-angle lenses are highly recommended due to the excellent visibility and the expansive subjects like schooling fish and sharks. External strobes are essential to bring out the vibrant colors of the soft corals and sea fans, especially when shooting into the blue. Due to strong currents, maintaining stable buoyancy is critical for sharp images; consider using a reef hook for stationary shots if permitted and safe. When photographing marine life, maintain a respectful distance and avoid chasing animals. Focus on compositions that highlight the dynamic environment and the interplay between the reef and its larger inhabitants.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• George's Wreck

  A Japanese minelayer offering a deep wreck dive, beginning shallow and extending to 65 meters.

• Atun

  A deliberately scuttled fishing vessel wreck near Little Pigeon Island, also known for pelagics.

• Johnnies Jetty

  A macro hotspot in Kokopo, known for critters like frogfish.

Getting there & logistics

Access to The Hump is primarily via liveaboard trips departing from major hubs in Papua New Guinea, or day boats from Rabaul. International flights typically arrive at Jacksons International Airport (POM) in Port Moresby, followed by domestic connecting flights to regional airports such as Rabaul (RAB). Liveaboards often incorporate The Hump into itineraries exploring the Bismarck Sea, New Ireland, and New Hanover regions, with trip lengths typically ranging from 7 to 10 days. There are no specific permits mentioned for this individual site, but divers should ensure their liveaboard or tour operator handles any necessary marine park fees. Land transport infrastructure is limited, making liveaboards the most practical way to reach remote sites like The Hump.

Safety & environment

For diving at The Hump, comprehensive dive insurance covering emergency medical treatment and evacuation, including recompression, is essential. The nearest recompression chamber facilities are limited and evacuation from remote areas like Rabaul can be complex and time-consuming. Divers must be proficient in advanced diving techniques, particularly drift diving and current management, due to the site's strong, often unpredictable currents. A surface marker buoy (SMB) and a reef hook are highly recommended pieces of safety equipment. Always dive with a reputable operator, follow your dive guide's instructions rigorously, and maintain excellent buoyancy control to prevent accidental contact with the reef or being swept away.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

The Hump FAQ

Liveaboards diving The Hump

These liveaboards may visit The Hump 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