diving in png

[mjh]

Sad news, this is posted at the Mike Ball website

Paradise Sport Leaving Papua New Guinea

We have decided to close our PNG operation; this will take effect from January 26th 2007.

I would like to thank those who have helped us promote this fantastic destination and apologize for any inconvenience this disappointing news will cause. It has been a very difficult and sad decision.

We will have enjoyed 10 fabulous years in PNG and have made many friends and have many dedicated loyal PNG staff.

Please email our reservations department if you have any additional queries.

Kind regards,
Mike Ball

 

[stonefish35]

This is indeed a sad news :11:

 

[Allison Finch]

I'm not surprised they are leaving. Running a business in PNG is a nightmare. Especially if you are an ex-pat. Just try getting a part to fix something on your dive boat there.......

 

[AlaskaDiver]

PNG was the best diving in the world (IMHO). Paradise Sport was one of the best liveaboards out there and according to their engineer, one of their best boats of the fleet. I can only surmise that not many folks are intereseted in coughing up the cash to travel the distance to get to PNG. Also, MB had to pay a guard to wtch the boat in some locations as we moored overnight. There were a few places where the 'piracy' was so high, we could only go there in the day time. All in all, for us it was the trip of a lifetime - albeit very expensive. The staff at MB was great. The cultural experiences were interesting. The marine creatures were amazing to see. Unfortunately, I think the local people will ultimately suffer as they relied on tourist visits for income. I am still impressed with how abosultely poor a person can be and be full happiness. The exerience was one I will never forget.

 

[silent running]

any one out there have any good ideas for diving in PNG in December...am thinking of the MIke Ball Boat Paradise Sport and that would be diving Milne Bay:06: http://www.scubaboard.com/images/smilies/Standard Smiles/06.gif

Hello ikan, another idea for your Dec. trip would be the Golden Dawn, which goes out to the Eastern Fields reef system during this time. It's the only boat that does. I've been all over PNG and E.F. is definitely one of my favorites. Capt. Craig the owner/operator just sent me a picture of a nice sized Tiger Shark from his last trip there. Lots of big stuff, great viz, very healthy environment-it's about 90 miles South East of Moresby. Nothing above water though, just a big reef system.

Golden Dawn is my favorite liveaboard of the 8 that I've been on. She's a very seaworthy 80ft full displacement mono hull with active stabilisers. She's very nicely appointed and well thought out. The food is never short of great and the Capt is a very active diver. Check the MV Golden Dawn website for the schedule, I think there's space still available on the charter going out in the first part of Dec. Happy trails, -Andy