Advanced Diving in Papua New Guinea

Tufi

Tufi, located in the southeast of New Guinea, saw its share of WWII fighting between the Japanese and Allied forces. Today, divers can see the remnants of the area's battles below the surface.

For any military buffs looking to enjoy the more advanced diving in Papua New Guinea, SS's Jacob wreck may just tickle your fancy. The ship was taken out by Japanese bombers in 1943 as it transported troops and weapons from Milne Bay to Oro Bay. The wreck now lies below 40 metres, making it strictly an advanced dive, but it is also one of the prettiest wrecks in the area.

Tufi is also known for dramatic underwater fjords offering superb muck diving opportunities, while the offshore reefs house the bigger fish...

New Ireland

To the east of New Guinea lies the Bismarck Archipelago. One of the biggest islands in the archipelago, New Ireland, is a magnet for advanced divers seeking thrilling currents. The island is separated from neighbouring New Hanover Island by a narrow channel, and it's here that you will find the Albatross Passage dive site.

On an incoming tide, Albatross Passage can feature an interesting current making it among the more advanced diving in Papua New Guinea. However, strong currents bring patrolling grey reef sharks, devil rays, eagle rays and big dogtooth tuna to the passage. The walls are also home to some cool macro critters, including nudibranchs and leaf scorpionfish, but the current may make it tricky to stop and admire them.

If you're looking for a deeper dive, the Deep Pete seaplane wreck is a must-dive. The former Japanese WWII plane rests at 40 metres, hence the 'deep' epithet, and its coral-encrusted frame offers unique photography opportunities.

New Britain

Another island from the Bismarck Archipelago, New Britain's main claim to diving fame lies in Kimbe Bay. This remote slice of paradise is home to some of the most colourful soft coral formations on the planet alongside a plethora of reef fish and pelagics, including grey reef and whitetip reef sharks. However, if you're looking for the best advanced diving in Papua New Guinea's New Britain province, a liveaboard trip into the Bismarck Sea is just the ticket.

Venturing into the Bismarck Sea allows you to discover the delights of Fathers Reefs and the Witu Islands. These remote regions are characterized by volcanic seamounts, coral-topped pinnacles andnutrient-rich currents, providing all the right ingredients for some seriously spectacular diving. If you can only do two dives, the deep, natural archway at The Arch and Leslie's Reef are not to be missed.

Leslie's Reef is known for its high chances of silvertip shark encounters in the deep.A ridge begins at 24 metres, stretching away from the main pinnacle, reaching down below 35 metresto where the silvertips like to hang out...

If you're keen to experience the advanced diving in Papua New Guinea, our team of dive travel experts are on hand to help put you in the right place at the right time. Having dived extensively throughout the region, we'll ensure you maximise your chances of spotting your bucket-list macro critters or favourite pelagics...