PNG - Choose LOB - Region in August

[Rusty Tank]

Hi,

After reading the board extensively (especially the PNG LOB threads we are still not sure which Live Aboard to choose in PNG in August.


Due to other obligations we have to plan our trip in august and the following LOBs fit our schedule:
MV Stardancer: sailing the Walindi - Rabaul (Kimbe Bay - Fathers - Rabaul) route;
MV Golden Dawn: sailing the Wewak - Wuvulu- Wei - Wewak route
and
MV Febrina: saling the Rabaul, Fathers Reefs, Kimbe Bay route.

All above LOB are between 8-10 days. We would like to do a little shorter and be able to do some land activities as well, but apperently there are only longer trips available.

Although we are both taking photos which LOB would you recommend if we want to have the best chance to see pelagics (sharks, manta's etc).

These sites were very helpfull in narrowing down the descision to choose a LOB intead of land based.
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/pacific-islands/181010-png-august-milne-bay-star-dancer.html

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/pacific-islands/163307-png-liveaboard.html

 

[caymaniac]

My guess would be that the Golden Dawn would have the most pelagics to view, the trip I took was Kimbe Bay, Fathers and Witu's on the StarDancer. The pelagics we saw were white tips, silver tips, gray whalers, and dolphins and some big dog toothTuna. Others have reported Orcas and even whale shark, but I think you have to hit it right for those sightings

 

[Rusty Tank]

Thanks for the input Caymaniac, I'll have a closer look at the Golden Dawn.
I also found the Spirit of Niugini, they are diving the Northern part of the Milne bay, any experience there?

 

[okidoki]

Hi Rusty,

I am looking for info regarding PNG as well but it is hard because it seems not to many ppl have been there yet if i hear more from the other forum sites i will share it with you.