Kimbe Bay West New Britain has fantastic diving. You should include this destination in your PNG trip, especially if you are into underwater photography.

A chain of dormant volcanoes forms the scenic boundaries of Kimbe Bay, encompassing hundreds of submerged reefs and more than a dozen islands. Scientists studying the region have already identified more than 900 species of fish and 400 species of corals. Willaumez Peninsula on one side and the main land of West New Britain on the other side are sheltering Kimbe Bay which is of impressive size and beauty.

You can dive in this area all year round. However, the best season is middle of August to end of December and again between February and May/June. In August it can be quite windy. Diving is ideal for intermediate to advanced divers. As the reef tops are shallow, snorkellers will enjoy the reefs.

Kimbe Bay: Very sheltered and the diving is usually very calm and relaxing. There are a lot of outstanding dive sites (more than 190 reefs). The reefs are rising from approx. 600 meters (1800 feet). Drift dives are possible and offered sometimes. When Dolphins are in the area, they offer snorkelling with them, by towing people behind the boat. All dives in this part of the world are exceptional.

Recent marine surveys in Kimbe Bay have recorded over 350 species of reef building corals, and over 900 species of fish. The reefs are a photographer's paradise. Pristine and colorful corals are home to a variety of fish, crustacean and invertebrate life. Many of the reefs have resident schools of barracuda, tuna and jacks. Almost all diving is done in the far western end of Kimbe Bay.

East New Britain is dominated by active volcanoes. The capital, Rabaul, lies shadowed by Matupit Volcano on the Gazelle Peninsula. Spread around the rim of Simpson Harbour, Rabaul was the scene of major WWII battles. Wrecks lay scattered among coral reefs as well as on the land presenting a reminder of bloody conflicts of the past.

Following the recent devastating volcanic eruptions, Rabaul has re-opened.

For divers Rabaul offers a superb counterpoint to Walindi. Where Walindi has the reefs, Rabaul has the wrecks ranging in depth from five to fifty meters.

Simpson Harbour boasts a multitude of ships and air craft wrecks from World War 11, when Rabaul served as the main Japanese Naval base in the South Pacific. Those wrecks accessible to scuba divers offer a unique experience enhanced by exhilarating reefs, walls and drop offs.

Rabaul diving is all year round with the harbour never suffering any more than a surface chop. Visibility is often staggering, and currents non existent.

Water temperature is 30 Celsius and varies very little even on the deeper wrecks.

The better diving months are April - June and October - December.