Dive Site: Wongat Island

About Wongat Island

Wongat Island, situated off the coast of Madang in Papua New Guinea, offers unique diving experiences focused on both historical wrecks and vibrant marine ecosystems. The island is known for housing the wreck of a B-25 bomber, an Allied aircraft from WWII that made an intentional ditching in a shallow strait between Wongat Island and the mainland. This wreck, a poignant relic, lies with its nose crumpled, machine guns still visible, having been transformed into an artifical reef. Its cockpit escape hatch is open, inviting divers to ponder its history as parrotfish graze on coral-encrusted barrels and angelfish swim through bomb bay doors. Another significant wreck dive near Wongat Island is the "Henry Leith," a small coastal freighter scuttled for divers in the 1980s, resting at 20 meters on the island's western side. This 33-meter vessel is an easy dive, completely overgrown with diverse corals including black coral trees, soft corals, gorgonians, and sea whips. Its holds contain remnants of a truck, winches, and other equipment, offering plenty to explore. The wreck teems with marine life such as trevally, batfish, snappers, lionfish, and sweetlips, alongside smaller creatures like nudibranchs, shrimps, and longnose hawkfish. Diving around Wongat Island provides a blend of historical intrigue and rich biodiversity, making it a compelling destination for those interested in both wreck exploration and marine life observation. Dive sites here are generally accessible, with the Henry Leith offering an easy dive suitable for many. The wrecks are found in calm waters, providing excellent conditions for exploration and underwater photography, with depths ranging from the shallow bomber to the 20-meter freighter.

Dive site facts: Wongat Island

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

-5.21, 145.85

Conditions & Currents

The dive site at Wongat Island, particularly around the B25 bomber, is well-sheltered within the Madang Lagoon, meaning currents are typically mild to non-existent. This calm environment ensures a relaxed and safe dive, making it suitable for divers of all levels, including those new to wreck diving. Visibility usually remains excellent due to the protected nature of the lagoon. Divers can enjoy an unhurried exploration of the wreck without concerns about drift or strong water movement. The entry and exit points are generally straightforward, allowing for comfortable surface intervals near the island's picturesque beaches.

Marine life & sighting chances

Tropical reef fish

common

Batfish

occasional

Fusiliers

occasional

Sweetlips

occasional

Bannerfish

occasional

Squirrelfish

occasional

Snappers

occasional

Surgeonfish

occasional

Soft corals

common

Barrel sponges

occasional

Gorgonians

occasional

Whip corals

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at the Wongat Island B25 bomber begins with a short boat ride from the dive center, arriving at the sheltered site near the island. A giant stride entry from the boat leads you to a calm descent towards the sandy slope where the bomber rests. The plane lies at depths between 15 and 22 meters, allowing for extended bottom times. You'll typically begin exploring the rear section of the plane, moving forward along the fuselage to observe its intact structure, including the cockpit and machine guns. Pay attention to the vibrant reef fish that have colonized the wreck. The dive progresses around the plane, offering views from various angles, with plenty of time for photography. As your bottom time or air supply dictates, you'll slowly ascend the sandy slope, often concluding with a safety stop near the top of the reef or along the island's shallow fringing corals before surfacing.

Underwater photography

The B25 bomber at Wongat Island is a prime subject for wide-angle photography, capturing the full scope of the intact aircraft and its surrounding marine life. A fisheye or wide-angle lens will allow you to frame the entire plane, especially against the clear blue water. Given the relatively shallow depth, natural light is often sufficient, but strobes will enhance color and detail, particularly when shooting into the wreck's interior or highlighting fish. For macro enthusiasts, look for smaller critters that have made the bomber their home, or explore the nearby reef sections. Maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid disturbing the sandy bottom or fragile corals, ensuring clear shots and preserving the site. Consider bringing a focus light for internal shots or if planning a night dive, where the wreck truly comes alive.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Henry Leith

  A spectacular night dive location with prolific soft corals, situated near The Bomber.

• Barracuda Point

  Known for large schools of barracuda and other pelagics where reefs drop into deep water.

• Magic Passage

  A channel through the outer barrier reef, home to schools of fish, gorgonians, and soft corals.

• Planet Rock

  A volcanic seamount three kilometers offshore, known for pelagic action and large predatory fish.

• The Quarry

  A shore-accessible reef that drops off vertically to over 600 meters.

• FS-172 Boston

  A US Army freight and store ship wreck at 30 meters on a coral drop-off.

Getting there & logistics

Madang is the primary hub for diving Wongat Island. International flights typically arrive at Port Moresby (POM), from where you'll take a domestic flight to Madang (MAG). Niugini Dive Adventures, based at the Madang Resort, provides all necessary dive services, including boats and guides to reach Wongat Island and other local sites. Dive packages often combine accommodation with daily dives, with options for 3, 5, or 6 nights offering 6, 8, or 10 dives respectively. Environmental and safety fees are typically collected upon departure. While Wongat Island is a local dive, the region also offers opportunities to visit more remote offshore islands like Bagabag and Karkar for those seeking extended itineraries.

Safety & environment

Diving at Wongat Island is generally considered safe due to its sheltered location and mild conditions. However, standard dive safety practices are paramount. Ensure you have comprehensive dive insurance that covers medical evacuation and recompression chamber treatments, as the nearest recompression chamber may be several hours away. The closest chamber is in Port Moresby, necessitating air evacuation in serious cases. Always dive within your training limits and follow your dive guide's instructions. Report any equipment issues immediately. While currents are usually minimal, always be aware of your surroundings. Stay hydrated and be mindful of sun exposure during surface intervals. There are no known specific hazards unique to the Wongat Island B25 bomber site beyond general wreck diving considerations, such as avoiding penetration unless specifically trained and accompanied.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Wongat Island FAQ

Liveaboards diving Wongat Island

These liveaboards may visit Wongat Island 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