Diving in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea evokes a strong sense of exoticism and is still relatively new as a travel destination. Volcanoes, tropical forests and boat trips on the Sepik and Karawari rivers, along with birds of paradise and orchids, make the country a unique destination. For divers, the sea offers special underwater flora and fauna.
- Coral Triangle
- Largest biodiversity
- Bird of Paradise
- Wrecks from WWII
Papua New Guinea is the last wilderness on earth
In the interior, there are still tribes that no Westerner has seen and who live off what the forest yields. A very fascinating jungle with beautiful flora and fauna, such as the bird of paradise, is combined with a population that sometimes still lives as in the stone age. Volcanoes, tropical forests and boat rides on the rivers.
Diving in Papua New Guinea
Diving in Papua New Guinea is an unforgettable experience because of the pristine coral reefs, the rich marine biodiversity and the many shipwrecks found there. Papua New Guinea, located in the western Pacific Ocean, is one of the most remote and pristine dive sites in the world. Below is a detailed description of what to expect while diving in Papua New Guinea.
Dive sites: Papua New Guinea has numerous dive sites scattered throughout the country, but the most popular spots are: Milne Bay, Kimbe Bay, Tufi and Kavieng.
Coral reefs: Papua New Guinea is known for its spectacular coral reefs that are among the most pristine in the world. The reefs are colorful and full of life and provide habitat for a huge variety of fish, coral species, mollusks and other marine animals.
Animals: Papua New Guinea is home to more than 3,000 species of fish and 700 species of coral. Divers can look forward to large schools of reef fish, sharks, rays, cuttlefish, seahorses, anemone fish and more. There are also rare and unique species such as mandarin fish and pygmy seahorses found only in this region.
Wreck diving: Papua New Guinea is also one of the world’s top destinations for exploring World War II wrecks. There are hundreds of shipwrecks and aircraft wrecks to be found that are in relatively shallow water and therefore easily accessible to divers. The wrecks are an important part of the region’s history and offer a unique diving experience.
Weather conditions: Weather conditions in Papua New Guinea are good year-round, with temperatures ranging between 25 and 34 degrees Celsius. The best time to dive is between April and December, when water temperatures are most pleasant and underwater visibility is best. The water temperature is between 25 and 29 degrees year-round.
Diving in Papua New Guinea offers an unforgettable experience for divers of all levels.
Also experience this diving trip?
MV Oceania Liveaboard • Diving in the Bismarck Sea
Explore the Bismarck Sea aboard the comfortable liveaboard MV Oceania. Over the course of 10 days, you’ll dive at the...
Also perhaps interesting
Where can you see manta rays in Indonesia?
Indonesia is one of the best destinations in the world for seeing manta rays. Komodo, Raja Ampat, and Nusa Penida each offer a unique manta ray experience.
Diving in the Komodo Islands in Indonesia
Komodo is a spectacular diving destination for those looking for manta rays, abundant marine life, and challenging currents. Discover the best time to visit, diving options, accommodations, and itineraries with EWDR.
Tips from Underwater Photographer Thomas Van Puymbroeck
Discover the best tips for underwater photography from photographer Thomas Van Puymbroeck and learn more about our annual photography trips.
Philippines trip report • Looking back on a diving trip in the Visayas
A special travelogue by Sebastiaan and Robbert, who went on an unforgettable diving trip together sixteen years ago. Old photos and memories bring those special underwater encounters back to life.
Diving in Sumatra: a complete guide
Diving in Sumatra combines colorful coral reefs with impressive natural scenery above water. Discover Pulau Weh, the Mentawai Islands, and the most beautiful spots for a complete diving trip.
10 Unique encounters every diver wants to experience at least once
The underwater world is full of extraordinary encounters. Discover which underwater encounters you shouldn’t miss and where you’re most likely to experience them for yourself.
Diving destinations where you’ll feel like you’re the only person in the world
At some diving destinations, you’ll practically have the reef all to yourself. Discover six remote destinations where peace and quiet are still the norm.
Diving in Morotai & Metita: a complete guide
Wondering what makes Morotai and Metita so special? In this blog, you’ll discover everything about this unspoiled diving destination in North Maluku.
Diving in Papua New Guinea: a complete guide
Diving in Papua New Guinea is a unique experience in the heart of the Coral Triangle. Discover colorful reefs, extraordinary marine life, historic shipwrecks, and pristine dive sites.
Diving with hammerhead sharks: What are the best destinations?
Discover the best destinations in the world for diving with hammerhead sharks. Find out where you’re most likely to encounter them, when the best time to travel is, and what diving certification is required.
Diving Trip to Raja Ampat: Resort or Liveaboard?
Are you trying to decide between a liveaboard and a dive resort in Raja Ampat? In this blog, we’ll explain the differences and help you determine which type of trip best suits your needs.
Diving in Mauritius: A Complete Guide
Mauritius offers colorful coral reefs, impressive shipwrecks, and a surprisingly diverse array of marine life. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know for a diving vacation in Mauritius.
Diving in Iceland: a complete guide
Diving in Iceland is all about the unique combination of the Silfra Gorge and rugged sea diving along volcanic shores. On a round-trip tour, you will not only discover the underwater world, but also one...
Read moreWhales, sharks, and manta rays: Key insights from the BCSS Impact Report 2025
The BCSS Impact Report 2025 highlights the rich marine life around the Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique. From humpback whales and manta rays to endangered sharks, the study confirms why this area is one of Africa’s...
Read moreDiving vacation with a non-diving partner? These destinations are perfect for both of you
Not every diving vacation has to revolve entirely around diving. These destinations offer plenty of above-water activities so divers and non-divers alike can have a great trip.
Diving with wild dolphins: where do you have the best chance?
Encounters with wild dolphins are among the most beautiful experiences you can have as a diver. Find out where worldwide you have the greatest chance of encountering these intelligent marine mammals in their natural habitat.
Diving with (tiger) sharks: how to prepare?
Diving with tiger sharks is less scary than many people think, provided you enter the water well prepared. With the right experience, calm demeanor and respect for the animals, these encounters often become unforgettable dives.
Our favorite diving destinations in the Caribbean
Not every Caribbean destination is known as a true diving hotspot. In this blog you’ll discover which islands are best suited for diving, where exactly you should be for big animals, wrecks or macro, and...
Read moreDiving destinations in the Caribbean
The Caribbean offers much more variety than just tropical reefs and clear water. In this blog you will discover which destination best suits your needs: from pelagic life and unique dives to adventure above water...
Read moreWhy some dive destinations fill up years in advance
Some dive destinations and liveaboards fill up quickly due to limited capacity, short peak seasons and high international demand. Especially popular itineraries and high-end liveaboards in destinations such as Raja Ampat, Galápagos, Socorro and Egypt...
Read moreDiscounted admission to Socorro: this is what you need to know about the new park fees
As of Jan. 1, 2025, park fees for Socorro doubled, but thanks to new exceptions and discounts, many travelers can save big. And that’s good news, because Socorro, with its manta rays, sharks and spectacular...
Read moreMetric vs imperial system in diving: what are the differences?
In Europe we usually dive with the metric system (BAR, meters and liters), while many American and Caribbean dive destinations work with the imperial system (PSI, feet and cubic feet). Especially in Florida, Mexico and...
Read moreDiving with hammerhead sharks in Mikomoto, Japan
Mikomoto Island in Japan is known for spectacular encounters with large schools of hammerhead sharks. In this blog you will read what to expect underwater, when you have the best chance and why this dive...
Read moreDiving in Japan: the different regions
Japan is a surprisingly diverse diving destination with huge differences between its regions. From hammerhead sharks and manta rays to ice diving and unique underwater landscapes, each region has its own character.





