Papua New Guinea: June 2-15, 2027 *

Venture off the beaten path and discover the pristine wonders of Papua New Guinea—a diver’s paradise and a nature lover’s dream. Beneath its turquoise waters lie some of the most beautifully kaleidoscopic coral reefs on Earth - teeming with vibrant marine life and dramatic drop-offs. On this trip we dive MV Oceania’s ‘Signature Itinerary, - visiting the breathtaking reefs Kimbe Bay, Witu Islands, and Fathers Reefs. Scuba diving here is nothing short of world-class. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a curious explorer, Papua New Guinea offers a rich underwater world that few places can rival.

Above the surface, this island nation is equally spectacular. Towering volcanoes, dense rainforests, and remote highland valleys offer endless opportunities for nature hikes, wildlife encounters, and cultural immersion. Our group will begin their New Guinean adventure at Walindi Plantation Resort. While taking in the beautiful views and peaceful grounds, enjoy some rest and relaxation and a few dives to shake off the rust!

Traveling in a group not only enhances safety and logistics in this rugged destination but also turns each adventure into a shared memory—from dancing with the locals during a sing-sing to navigating jungle trails together. Papua New Guinea is not your average getaway—it’s a raw, unforgettable experience best enjoyed with kindred spirits and a spirit of adventure.

The idea to develop Walindi Plantation Resort came after Max and Cecilie Benjamin travelled overseas for a diving holiday in 1978 where they immediately recognised the outstanding marine biodiversity of Kimbe Bay in their own backyard. They commenced business on the shores of Kimbe Bay in 1983 and this family owned resort has now reached three generations.

The central resort area is the social hub of Walindi. Here you will find the tropical and airy reception, Casuarina Restaurant, lounge and bar area (Planter's Bar), swimming pool, sundeck, Blue Taro Boutique and a comprehensive reference library with TV. Complimentary wireless internet is available in this central building.

Bungalows are free standing "bure" style accommodation, built in local timbers and materials. They are nestled in the tropical gardens of Walindi with ocean views. The bungalows are fan cooled and fully screened. They each have a private verandah and ensuite facilities and are accessed by paths winding through the rainforest gardens. Bungalows can be reserved as a single, twin, double or triple.

The drive for environmental education of all concerned, strong environmental protection policies such as using only permanent marine moorings at dive sites plus community consultation practices is central to the resort’s operation ethos today and for the foreseeable future.

Kimbe Bay is a marine biodiversity hotspot, often cited as part of the “Coral Triangle.” Home to over 860 species of reef fish and around 400 coral species, diving here is like swimming through a living aquarium. Seamounts and coral pinnacles rise from the depths, supporting everything from macro critters like pygmy seahorses to big pelagics like barracuda, tuna, and the occasional hammerhead.

Further northwest, the Witu Islands offer remote and rarely visited dive sites with a mix of black sand muck diving and vibrant coral walls. Located around volcanic seamounts, these sites support a variety of life—from cryptic nudibranchs and mimic octopus in the sand to larger species like turtles and reef sharks cruising along steep drop-offs. The combination of volcanic activity and ocean currents creates fertile grounds for marine life and excellent visibility.

To the northeast, Fathers Reefs are a chain of offshore atolls and submerged reefs where nutrient-rich currents bring in big fish action. These sites are famous for their pelagic encounters: dogtooth tuna, grey reef sharks, eagle rays, and even occasional whale sharks.

The liveaboard dive vessel MV Oceania is a 88ft / 27m catamaran based in the waters of the Bismarck Sea, Papua New Guinea. Having just undergone an extensive refit Oceania is fresh and modern, but still comfortable and designed with the modern diver in mind.

Guest cabins are a combination of twin share and queen bed rooms, all en-suite and above deck with an ocean view. Cabins and common areas inside are all individually air-conditioned, or guests can relax outside on the spacious sun deck for a leisurely surface interval. Diving on Oceania is made easy with staff on hand to assist with dive gear both entering and exiting the water. A water level duck board at the back of the boat means entry and exit is a breeze. A purpose fitted tender is also used during some dives. Nitrox is available at an additional cost.

• 2-5 June, 2027 Walindi Plantation Resort - 3 nights bungalow accommodations,all meals, airport transfers and all hotel taxes, 2 days of 2-tank boat diving (June 3 & 4).

• 5 -15 June, 2027 MV Oceania, Papua New Guinea (Signature Itinerary) - 10 nights twin share accommodations, all scheduled diving (up to 4 dives per day), tanks, weights, all meals and snacks, teas, coffee and roundtrip airport transfers from the Hoskins airport, Environmental & Safety fee.

• Airfare and additional overnights

• Diving and Travel insurance (highly recommended)

• Nitrox

• Incidental charges: Individual group members will be responsible for their own charges including but not limited to beverages and bar bill, telephone, internet usage, sightseeing, equipment rental of any sort, gratuities and any other items of a personal nature.

• Scuba certification card required for each diver.

• We recommend all divers purchase DAN membership.

• We highly recommend all travelers purchase travel insurance.

• A passport is required for travel.

**All rates quoted by Scuba Center include a 3% discount for cash/check payments.

Reservations / Deposit Information:

• $500 deposit is required at registration