4 Things to Expect When You Live Aboard in Papua New Guinea

(MV Spirit of Niugini)(MV Spirit of Niugini)

Jungle-clad volcanic islands, historical sites & diverse culture—if you’re looking for reasons to visit Papua New Guinea, these should already convince you to go and book a trip. But if you’re looking for more thrills, how does a live aboard trip sound for you ocean-loving bravehearts? Being a marine biodiversity hotspot, there are a lot to discover in this Oceanian country.

Here are four things that await you in the bountiful waters of PNG:


Barrier Reefs


PNG’s lagoons housing an impressive roster of barrier reefs are a must-see for every diver and macrophotography enthusiast. Suzie’s Bommie in New Guinea, for instance, is home to pygmy seahorses and other schooling pelagics perfect for your next underwater photography. Vanessa’s Reef in New Britain, on the other hand, boasts of a natural amphitheater made of giant seafans while Tom, Dick & Harry offers three reefs in one that you can explore. New Ireland also has a fair share of PNG’s stunning barrier reefs including the Albatross Passage, Silvertip Reef, and Chapman’s Reef.


Coral Gardens


Looking for vivid colors under the sea? PNG’s coral gardens create multitudes of underwater sanctuaries for you to discover. Take a plunge beneath Madang’s waters and explore the Magic Passage where various shapes and colors make up its lush coral gardens. Cape Nelson Fjords in Tufi also offers a plethora of marine creatures residing in its calm waters. Meanwhile, witness red sea whips, barrel sponges and gorgonian fans form the spectacular Deacon’s Reef.

Wreck Dive Sites


When you live aboard in PNG, exploring the wreckages lying beneath the country’s waters is a must. This island in the western Pacific Ocean was once a WWII base so expect to see remnants of history such as the B-17 Black Jack Bomber, one of the best wrecks in PNG. Other dive-worthy wrecks include the Pacific Gas & B25 Mitchell Bomber in New Guinea, the Mitsubishi Zero Wreck & George Wreck in New Britain, and the Deep Pete Wreck & Sanko Maru Wreck in New Ireland.

Muck Dive Sites


Discover bizarre creatures lying beneath the barren seafloor of PNG in another of the country’s underwater treasures. Find pygmy lionfish in the slopes of Dinah’s Beach or play hide-and-seek with the twin-spot gobies, crocodile fish, nudibranchs and other resident critters of Tufi Jetty & House Reef. Lauadi is a good spot if you want to see the occasional hammerhead sharks. Or you might also want to visit the Observation Point at night to witness fire urchins, octopus, and snake eels waiting to be photographed.



Bonus site: Ever wanted to see manta rays gracefully gliding under the sea? Spot a couple of them at Gona Bara Bara aka Giants@Home. This diving site near the China Strait and Samarai Island is a reliable spot to swim with the majestic manta rays.



Exploring the waters of PNG is truly worth the shot so pack your things ready and visit the second largest island in the world today. Looking for a place to stay? Check out Tawali Dive Resort to get the best live aboard package in PNG. See it here.


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