🇵🇦Snorkeling, Freediving, and Scuba in Papua New Guinea

Quick Facts

  • Best season: Year-round (varies by region)
  • Typical visibility: 10-30m depending on location
  • Entry types: Shore diving, Boat diving
  • Highlights: Explore Papua New Guinea's underwater world

Welcome to the ultimate guide for snorkeling, freediving, and scuba diving in Papua New Guinea. With 4 documented dive spots across 15 regions, Papua New Guinea offers diverse underwater experiences for all skill levels. From vibrant coral reefs to mysterious wrecks, from shallow snorkeling bays to deep freediving drops, discover what makes Papua New Guinea a must-visit destination for underwater enthusiasts. Our community-driven platform provides real-time conditions, detailed spot information, and local insights to help you plan your perfect diving adventure.

4
Dive Spots
15
Regions

Regions in Papua New Guinea (15)

Dive Spots in Papua New Guinea (4)

Dom’s Reef (Bawame)

Dom's Reef, also referred to as Bawame, is a shore-accessible dive site located at coordinates -9.112000, 149.311700. The site features depths ranging from 5 meters to over 40 meters, making it suitable for divers of various experience levels. Conditions at the site typically present little to no current, allowing for a comfortable diving experience. Marine life is abundant, with sightings of various reef fish, turtles, small sharks, clownfish, and nudibranchs.

-9.1120, 149.3117

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Honeymoon Reef

Honeymoon Reef is located approximately 25 minutes by boat from Tufi Dive Resort. This dive site features a large tabletop structure with depths ranging from 5 to over 45 meters. Divers may encounter a mild current, which is manageable for most. The reef is home to a variety of marine life, including Moray Eels, Clown Fish, Sharks, Painted Crayfish, and Nudibranchs.

-9.1638, 149.3707

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PT Boats 67 & 119

The dive site PT Boats 67 & 119 features the historic wrecks of two Patrol Torpedo boats that sank due to an accidental fire on March 17, 1943. Divers can enter from the shore at the Tufi wharf and descend gradually to a depth of 47 meters. Along the descent, divers will encounter an old army jeep, followed by two torpedo tubes before reaching the wrecks of the PT boats. While the deeper areas may have limited marine life, divers can observe various species such as Ghost Pipefish, Lionfish, and Painted Crayfish during their ascent and decompression.

-9.0820, 149.3145

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Tufi Dive Resort House Reef

The Tufi Dive Resort House Reef offers a shore entry leading to a wall dive that ranges from depths of 5 meters to 40 meters. This site is characterized by warm, protected waters and is suitable for diving throughout most of the year, typically experiencing minimal current. Divers can expect to encounter a diverse array of marine life, including various species of Gobies, Nudibranchs, Mandarin Fish, Ghost Pipe Fish, and Banded Pipe Fish, making it an excellent location for underwater macro photography.

-9.0809, 149.3157

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is snorkeling good in Papua New Guinea for beginners?
Papua New Guinea offers various snorkeling spots suitable for different skill levels. Many locations feature calm, shallow waters perfect for beginners, while others provide more challenging conditions for experienced snorkelers. Check individual spot descriptions for difficulty ratings.
Where can I find easy shore entry freedives in Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea has numerous shore-accessible freediving spots. Look for beaches, coves, and rocky points marked with "shore entry" in our dive map. Popular areas often feature gradual slopes and clear water, ideal for freediving practice.
What months have the calmest water and best visibility in Papua New Guinea?
Water conditions in Papua New Guinea vary by region and season. Generally, check local weather patterns and avoid monsoon or storm seasons. Our spot descriptions include seasonal visibility information to help you plan your trip.
Do I need a guide for diving in Papua New Guinea?
Guide requirements in Papua New Guinea depend on the specific location and your experience level. Some marine parks require guided dives, while many spots allow independent diving. Always check local regulations and consider hiring guides for unfamiliar or challenging sites.
What safety considerations should I know about when diving in Papua New Guinea?
Key safety considerations for Papua New Guinea include understanding local currents, boat traffic, and marine life. Always dive within your limits, check weather conditions, use proper signaling devices, and respect local regulations. Some areas may have specific hazards noted in spot descriptions.
What marine life can I expect to see in Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea's waters host diverse marine ecosystems. Depending on the region and season, you might encounter tropical fish, coral reefs, larger pelagics, or unique endemic species. Check individual spot descriptions for specific marine life highlights.