Papua New Guinea
Diving Papua New Guinea is not for the faint of heart-or wallet. Unless you are coming from Australia, it's a very long journey to get there. But the rewards are great for those who do: electrifying reefs, shark encounters, World War II wrecks and unique cultural experiences. Located north of Australia in the confluence of major ocean currents from Japan, the Indian Ocean, the South Pacific and the Great Barrier Reef, PNG is awash in an astounding mix of 900 species of fish and 400 species of coral that make it one of the world's most desirable destinations for underwater photographers. Much of the diving revolves around pinnacles-submerged volcanic peaks now overgrown with colorful, healthy corals, but there are also big animal encounters and abundant wrecks to choose from. Many visitors dive PNG by live-aboard, a good choice in a destination with 600 islands spread across the Bismarck, Coral and Solomon Seas.
Dive In
Weather: Tropical year-round with temps in the mid- to upper 80s.
Average Water Temp: Ranges from the mid-70s to mid-80s, depending on the season.
Average Visibility: 80 feet with days of 150 to 200 feet from October to May.
Travel Savvy: A valid passport is necessary for U.S. and Canadian travelers. You can get a 60-day tourist visa on arrival, but it's best to obtain one in advance from the PNG Embassy at (202) 745-3680 or at www.pngembassy.org. Departure tax is $17.
Destination Links: www.pngtourism.org.pg.
Diving Papua New Guinea is not for the faint of heart-or wallet. Unless you are coming from Australia, it's a very long journey to get there. But the rewards are great for those who do: electrifying reefs, shark encounters, World War II wrecks and unique cultural experiences. Located north of Australia in the confluence of major ocean currents from Japan, the Indian Ocean, the South Pacific and the Great Barrier Reef, PNG is awash in an astounding mix of 900 species of fish and 400 species of coral that make it one of the world's most desirable destinations for underwater photographers. Much of the diving revolves around pinnacles-submerged volcanic peaks now overgrown with colorful, healthy corals, but there are also big animal encounters and abundant wrecks to choose from. Many visitors dive PNG by live-aboard, a good choice in a destination with 600 islands spread across the Bismarck, Coral and Solomon Seas.
Dive In
Weather: Tropical year-round with temps in the mid- to upper 80s.
Average Water Temp: Ranges from the mid-70s to mid-80s, depending on the season.
Average Visibility: 80 feet with days of 150 to 200 feet from October to May.
Travel Savvy: A valid passport is necessary for U.S. and Canadian travelers. You can get a 60-day tourist visa on arrival, but it's best to obtain one in advance from the PNG Embassy at (202) 745-3680 or at www.pngembassy.org. Departure tax is $17.
Destination Links: www.pngtourism.org.pg.
