PNG June vs December

[divv]

Hey folks, sorry if a similar thread has come up - I did check but maybe I missed something.
I am looking at doing a Papua New Guinea/ Raja Ampat liveaboard trip either late June or December (those being my only options due to work and study commitments).
In June I am looking at FeBrina (Mid Year Itinerary, diving Kimbe Bay and Fathers Reefs OR Witu Islands - weather depending); in December either FeBrina (Witu Islands Itinerary, diving Kimbe Bay and Witu Islands) or Black Manta (Misool, Fam, Batanga, Yangeffo Island, Dampier Strait, Blue Magic).

Has any one here any of these trips and would you recommend /not recommend these times to go?
Thanks
Diane

 

[Wingy]

I dived PNG in April - supposedly after the monsoon season but rain is a part of life in most of PNG - wet season is Dec - March, Dry is May to October..April and November are anyones guess. Port Moresby gets very dry but the south and northern provinces and islands generally get a lot more rain all year round. You are going to get wet anyway so the only real factor is transport. Leaving Alotoa in April was a race against a massive downpour that washed the roads away and our PMV almost off the road. Febrina is a nice boat although I dived on a private boat but a friend has nothing but good things to say about Febrina. Have not heard any bad reports on Black Manta either. Its a tricky country - but well worth it