Located on the northern tip of New Ireland, which is a long, thin island that separates the Bismark Sea from the Pacific Ocean, Kavieng is the second largest of Papua New Guinea’s outer Islands. With beautiful golden beaches settled perfectly beneath towering cliffs and jungle covered mountains, this area is spectacular above the water, as well as below. The area is famous for its reefs, walls, and lagoons, and is home to a spectacular array of marine flora and fauna. Here are just a few favorite sites, to whet your appetite.
Albatross Passage
A fantastic drift dive along a narrow channel between two islands, Albatross Passage is an excellent place to encounter an incredible variety of pelagic fish, as they are sucked in and out of the area each time the tide rushes in and out. With a deep sand plateau at 130 feet, the area is particularly attractive to eagle and manta rays, as well as mobulas and several species of shark. Gray whaler sharks here are accustomed to being fed by hand, if the current allows, and you’ll also see barracuda and enormous dogtooth tuna hunting for smaller fish.
At the northern end of Albatross Passage, you will find a magnificent ridge wreathed in a splendid array of soft corals. If you visit while the current is light, you can encounter reef fish of all types here, as well as plenty of critters.
This is a fast paced dive for adventurous, experienced divers only. If you love sharks and enjoy rocketing along at high speed, then this dive is for you!
Ecucha Patch
Located a short five minute boat ride from Kavieng, Ecucha Patch is a fantastic ridge that rises from the seabed at 140 feet, to within forty feet of the surface. With the wreck of a Korean fishing boat that was impounded and then intentionally sunk, plus thousands of schooling barracuda and jacks, along with yellowfin tuna, all kinds of sharks, and a plethora of other fish, this is an absolutely astonishing dive in open water. Although it is not recommended for novices, it is perfect for intermediate divers and offers those with more experience plenty of opportunities for deeper exploration.
Besides the larger reef occupants that you’ll find here, there are loads of anemones filled with clownfish, plus plenty of soft coral and sponge growth, all of which is punctuated by swirling red whip coral, which sways in the light current, as though beckoning you to stay a little longer.
Steffen Strait
With a strong current, overhead shipping traffic, and maximum depth at about 50 meters, Steffen Strait is not for the faint of heart, nor is it for divers without plenty of experience. The area has several reefs, including Peter’s Patch and Helmut’s Reef, plus several smaller patch reefs near its mouth.
Here, you will find a splendid traffic jam of huge pelagic fish, including trevally, jacks, massive dogtooth tuna, sharks, and rays. Along the reefs, you can find spectacular deep water coral growth and some amazing creatures, including Golden Cowries, which are hard to find in most other places.
T’s Reef
This is a fantastic site for all divers to explore, as there is plenty to see in depths ranging between ten and forty meters. You’ll find a forest of massive gorgonians in every conceivable color, plus masses of crinoids and spectacular sponge and soft coral growth. This veritable explosion of color acts as a magnificent backdrop for all the marine life you will find here, including groups of curious batfish, angelfish, damsels, and others.
Blow Holes
Formed of eroded limestone, and sometimes called the Nusa Blowholes, this site offers magnificent caverns and overhangs coated in lovely soft yellow corals. You’ll find nurse sharks and white tip reef sharks napping in the sand, and this is a great place to see turtles, since they love nibbling on yellow soft coral. With plenty of fish, including Maori wrasse, parrotfish, damsels, and a few types of butterfly fish in residence, the site is also home to curious looking manta shrimp, as well a nudibranchs.
Dive during calm conditions, as the surge can sometimes pound the coastline here, causing white spray to fly through the blow holes and making diving nearly unbearable. Maximum depth is 12 meters, and when conditions are perfect, this is a site all divers can enjoy.
Much of the best diving in Kavieng can be accomplished via day trips. There are lovely resorts on New Ireland, and there are quite a few liveaboards, as well, which afford the opportunity to dive as much as you want. Be sure to book your trip in advance, as this area is quickly becoming more popular!