Kavieng is a small, friendly town on the northern tip of New Ireland - a long thin island to the east of Papua New Guinea that separates the mighty Pacific Ocean from the Bismark Sea.
This tranquil retreat was the scene of intense fighting towards the end of the Second World War between the Japanese & Allied forces.
Around the region are a wide variety of world class dive sites, from pristine reefs, to current-fuelled channels and even some great wreck dives.
Highlights
Best diving spots
Just a short distance from Kavieng, Albatross Passage is a narrow channel separating two islands. When the tide is running, this channel is an incredible drift dive attracting huge numbers & variety of big fish.
Eagle Rays, Mobulas & Manta Rays glide effortlessly in the current, while numerous Grey Reef Sharks gather close to the mouth of the channel. Enormous Dogtooth Tuna and Barracuda also look for a meal in the fast-flowing water and any number of Shark species can turn up too. At the northern end of the passage is a ridge covered in beautiful soft corals. If the current allows you to explore the ridge, all manner of smaller reef species can be found, including Leaf Scorpionfish & Pygmy Seahorses.
Also just a few minutes from Kavieng is another large ridge starting in about 15m of water - known as Ecucha Patch. Here, an enormous school of Barracuda often engulfs divers and impressive numbers of Trevally often join in the show. Large Tuna are frequently encountered and various species of Shark are not uncommon. Towards the north of the ridge, a scuttled Korean fishing boat that strayed into Papuan waters lies perfectly balanced on its side. Huge Queensland Groupers can often be seen around this wreck and the healthy covering of coral on the wreck is a tribute to the speed at which life can take root in this area.
In Kavieng Harbour are three WWII plane wrecks that make for very interesting dives. The Catalina Wreck was an American reconnaissance plane that exploded soon after take off. Sadly, there were no survivors. It now rests in around 20m of water. While parts of the plane are scattered over a wide area, it is still possible to sit inside the cockpit of the plane and cast your mind back to a bygone age. There is also a Japanese bi-plane that is in excellent condition and provides a refuge to numerous smaller critters, plus another Japanese Sea-plane that makes for an interesting dive.
T’s Reef is a very popular dive, with impressive Gorgonians and a resident school of curious Batfish. At Byron Strait, known by some as Eagle Ray Passage, two pinnacles teem with life and provide a backdrop to the numerous Eagle Rays that often dance in the current.
Similar to Albatross Passage, when the tide flows, a whole host of other large creatures can be spotted here, including Oceanic Whitetips and Bronze Whaler Sharks. A little further afield, Kaplaman has a series of underwater pinnacles that almost break surface, where a huge variety of life can be seen.
The area is blessed with numerous other outstanding dive sites just waiting to be explored. On many sites, currents can be strong as water flows rapidly between the Pacific & the Bismark Seas, so certain dives are only recommended for more accomplished divers seeking adrenalin.
When to dive
The best time to dive here is between May & December, but diving is excellent all year. From January to March, there is a higher chance of bad weather.
Getting there
Kavieng has a small airport and can be reached by plane from Port Moresby, PNG's capital. The flight time is around one and a half hours.
Activities
The locals are proud of their traditions and lifestyle and encourage visitors to learn & experience their culture during their stay. There are also some beautiful beaches in the area to explore.
Resort and liveaboard options
There are a few resorts in the area, offering traditional style bungalows. Accommodation tends to be basic but very friendly & comfortable. Just off from Kavieng is Lissenug Island Retreat, a small resort set on its own tiny, idyllic island. There are occasional liveaboard options.
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These volcanic islands are less renowned for diving than Lembeh or Bunaken nearby, but are equally fascinating.
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Tubbataha Reef
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The Similan Islands in Thailand are the country's most famous diving destination, offering great visibility, stunning corals and prolific marine life.
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Layang Layang
Layang Layang is a remote atoll in the South China Sea, around 300 kilometres off the coast of Borneo.
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Tioman & Aur
Around 40km off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, not far from Singapore is the picturesque island of Tioman.
A popular holiday resort for Malaysians & Singaporeans, the steep-sided jungle clad slopes of the island rise straight out the water and smaller islets dot the coastline, making for a spectacular tropical dive spot.
A little to the south is the tiny island of Aur, which while difficult to reach, has good diving.
East Kalimantan
