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Scuba Diving Trips in Papua New Guinea

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Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea, located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, is a land of remarkable beauty and cultural diversity. This island nation is renowned for its stunning landscapes, pristine rainforests, and a tapestry of indigenous cultures that thrive in its rugged terrain. Its cultural mosaic is showcased through traditional ceremonies, art, and the warmth of its people.

One of the crown jewels of Papua New Guinea’s natural wonders is its world-class diving. Beneath the crystal-clear waters of the Coral Triangle, divers can explore some of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on the planet. The country’s extensive coral reefs, drop-offs, and underwater caves are teeming with an astonishing variety of marine life, including colorful corals, schools of tropical fish, sharks, and unique species like the elusive mandarinfish. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a novice, Papua New Guinea offers an immersive underwater experience that is nothing short of awe-inspiring. The combination of its rich cultural heritage and unparalleled diving opportunities makes Papua New Guinea a truly unforgettable destination for adventurous travelers.

What To Expect

Scuba Diving

Diving in Papua New Guinea is a dream come true for underwater enthusiasts. This remote and untouched paradise boasts some of the world’s most pristine and diverse marine ecosystems. With its position within the Coral Triangle, divers can explore a kaleidoscope of vibrant coral gardens, intricate seascapes, and an abundance of marine species that seem to defy description. From the ghostly wrecks of World War II to the surreal beauty of underwater caves, Papua New Guinea offers a range of diving experiences that cater to all skill levels.

You might see:

  • Nudibranchs
  • Sea snakes
  • Sea horses
  • Reef sharks
  • Cuttlefish
  • Mandarin fish

Recommended Specialty Courses

  • Boat diving
  • Wreck diving
  • Perfect buoyancy
  • Coral ID
  • Underwater photo & video
papua new guinea

Walindi Dive Center

Walindi Resort has a full-service dive centre where our day boats are docked and prepared each day to venture out into Kimbe Bay.  The dive centre features a compressor room for refilling tanks including Nitrox and a gear hire room with a full range of dive equipment available for rent.

From the moment you arrive, Walindi Resort does all the heavy lifting so guests can spend more time relaxing and enjoying the beautiful dive sites.  Walindi takes care of your equipment, sets it up, packs it down and washes it each day, all guests have to do at the end of the day is step off the boat.  All gear is also fully washed, dried and returned prior to check out.  

walindi dive center

Walindi Plantation Resort

Walindi Plantation Resort incorporates 20 accommodation units, day dive boats and links with two liveaboard dive boats. Terrestrial outreach such as bird watching, WW2 history, village visits, thermal hot river swimming, volcano climbs as well as scuba diving and snorkeling have expanded the footprint of the resort to include many PNG traditional resource owners.

Bungalows are free standing “bure” style accommodation, built in local timbers and materials.  They are nestled in the tropical gardens of Walindi with ocean views.  The bungalows are fan cooled and fully screened.  They each have a private verandah and ensuite facilities and are accessed by paths winding through the rainforest gardens.  Bungalows can be reserved as a single, twin, double or triple.  

walindi

MV Oceania

Join us on board our liveaboard dive vessel MV Oceania, a 27 metre catamaran based in the waters of the Bismarck Sea, Papua New Guinea. Having just undergone an extensive refit Oceania is fresh and modern, but still comfortable and designed with the modern diver in mind.

Guest cabins are a combination of twin share and queen bed rooms, all en-suite and above deck with an ocean view. Cabins and common areas inside are all individually air-conditioned, or guests can relax outside on the spacious sun deck for a leisurely surface interval.

mv oceania

Culture

Papua New Guinea’s culture is exceptionally diverse, with over 800 distinct languages and a wealth of indigenous traditions. Traditional practices, such as intricate tribal rituals, unique art forms, and vibrant dances, play a central role in daily life, reflecting the profound connection between the people and their land. The country’s cultural richness and the resilience of its traditions make it a captivating destination for those seeking a deep and immersive cultural experience.

papua new guinea

Cultural Immersion

Interact with indigenous communities and learn about their rich traditions, customs, and rituals. Attend local festivals and events to experience traditional dances, music, and art.

papua new guinea

Hiking and Trekking

Papua New Guinea offers some of the most challenging and rewarding treks in the world, including the Kokoda Track and the Kokoda Trail. These journeys take you through stunning landscapes and provide insight into the nation’s history.

papua new guinea

Wildlife Watching

Explore the country’s diverse ecosystems and spot unique wildlife, such as tree kangaroos, birds of paradise, and cassowaries. Birdwatching enthusiasts will find PNG to be a paradise with hundreds of bird species.

What prior travelers say

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“All the fun without any of the hassle! We used to book our own private trips but going through Diventures gives us the opportunity to go to try out new places without having to do all the research and logistics. And with the added bonus of making awesome new friends along the way!”

– Kathleen K.

Traveler Photos

Know Before You Go

Dive Insurance

Dive insurance is required on all Diventures trips. We recommend purchasing DAN dive insurance. 

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not required but is highly recommended for all Diventures trips. We recommend purchasing DAN trip insurance.

Electricity

Papua New Guinea operates on 240V, meaning if you are traveling from the United States you will need an adapter.

Passport

Must be valid 6 months beyond the dates of your trip.

Insect Repellent

Please be sure to bring it with you! Mosquitos are most active in the early morning hours and around sundown. We also recommend bringing a mosquito bed net if your accommodation does not provide you with one.

Water

The water in Papua New Guinea is not safe to drink. We recommend only drinking bottled water.

Dress Code

Casual, comfortable, and conservative clothes are key. For men, wear long pants, knee-length shorts and short-sleeved shirts. For women, dresses, skirts and t-shirts are commonly worn.

Credit Cards

Most major credit cards are accepted at some locations and at the ATM, but we advise having cash as well.

Money

Kina is the official currency of Papua New Guinea. American and Australian Dollars are the best foreign cash to bring, but for smaller villages they may only accept Kina.

Temperature

The mean annual maximum temperatures range from 86-90°F with the minimums between 73-75°F.  Water temperatures range from 78°F – 85°F throughout the year. 

Language

Papua New Guinea is unique in that it has over 800 active languages. The official languages are Tok Pisin, English, Hiri Motu, and Papua New Guinean Sign Language.

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