PNG trip planning- finding a (budget) liveaboard or resort?

[InDaWata]

Hey everyone!

Im looking into going to PNG this December, and I cant find much information (three letters is too short for the search, apparently!).

Are there any reliable places or liveaboards which arent 5 star resorts or luxury yachts? I dont need all that to dive- just a functioning boat and compressor, really.

 

[marinediva]

SUGgest you search in the full name or even the area you wish to go.
Getting there is cheap enough from Australia with Air Nuigini offer by far the best deals and probably the most diver friendly carrier to travel.

Accomodation in PNG is not cheap, and although you may find round that time things will be a little cheaper than normal as it is the off season. Most expats leave to go home for holidays, and places are a little more low key.

Be warned you are not diving in the best of times, with sometimes low vis, and not the best of weather, in saying that it would depend on where you go.

I do not know much about the north east area around Milne Bay, but can suggest you try looking at Dive Adventures dive site.

In regards to Madang area, I can recommend the diving and a google search of Madang diving will bring up heaps of info. There are a number of accomodation styles to choose, but would tend to recommend Jais Aben for the budget traveller. It seems from their web site they may have stopped the dive shop, so suggest you get in touch with them regarding their operation.

The last I heard guest there were using the dive shop at Madang Resort, but be aware it is a good 30 mins drive between the two resorts. I can recommend the dive operation at Madang resort and you will find they offer deals on dive packages. Accomodation there is expensive but you may find some good deals if you ask for the xmas period.

Madang has some great dive spots. Both macro and very large marine life are scattered in the area. There is also shore diving available. Personally I would keep away from southern Png
and keep to choosing from areas such as Madang, Milne Bay or Alotau. Places like Kavieng and Rabaul are fantastic diving but can get expensive unless in a group.

Of course you could also do some searching on some Aust dive club web sites and find a trip going which would make the whole thing much cheaper.
Would also read some forums on Dive OZ regarding travelling in PNG with you gear,
they will also be helpful in regards to searching for a suitable place to dive.

Hope you find this helpful

 

[Valwood1]

Hey everyone! Im looking into going to PNG this December, and I cant find much information (three letters is too short for the search, apparently!). Are there any reliable places or liveaboards which arent 5 star resorts or luxury yachts? I dont need all that to dive- just a functioning boat and compressor, really.

Lissenung Island Resort (off of Kavieng, New Ireland) is a nice spot for land-based diving; it certainly isn't a 5 star luxury resort, but it also isn't inexpensive. I have a trip report on it somewhere on scubaboard.

 

[Damselfish]

Im looking into going to PNG this December, and I cant find much information (three letters is too short for the search, apparently!).

to search on a 3 letter word, just do it like PNG*

 

[InDaWata]

Excellent!
Thanks everyone.

So the time of year is terrible. Like, better try going another time of year terrible, or most likely just some bad vis terrible? What would the best time of year be?

Like most people, I like seeing the big stuff- but I really get a kick out of sticking my head in the sand for the lil ones. Also love seeing WWII wrecks- any recommendations for places to go?

It seems like such a huge area, its really hard to decide. ha!

 

[marinediva]

It is monsoon season.
very hot, am not sure where you are coming from, but if it not the tropics you may find it overwhelming hot. Everything and Everyone slows down. The vis is not good because of the rain and nightly, morning and afternoon storms. The best thunderstorms I have ever seen are in Madang. The best time for vis is winter May June July Aug Sept.

There is plenty of big stuff in Madang, and a couple of wrecks and ww2 planes to dive on.
As for the other areas I am not informed enough to give a good opinion.
Research is the key.

Diversion Dive Travel - Packages try this link for some PNG packages

and more wreck info.

 

[MooreaMike]

If you are in Australia or NZ already and can be flexible, Tawali in Milne Bay often will offer very good prices on last minute specials. Also, great variety of diving. Was there last Oct-Nov for 2 weeks. Went to a couple of sites no one ever goes to, thanks to becoming friends with the divemasters (and a little cash on the side).

 

[funscuba]

Hey everyone!

Im looking into going to PNG this December, and I cant find much information (three letters is too short for the search, apparently!).

Are there any reliable places or liveaboards which arent 5 star resorts or luxury yachts? I dont need all that to dive- just a functioning boat and compressor, really.

Yeah, me too am interested in diving in papua new guinea and really don't need all these 5 stars accommodations and luxury boats that take you for diving.
So, really any cheap places where I could stay at and dive at affordable prices, or everything is only meant for the riches ?
Not even a guest-house or staying in cheap rooms ??

 

[Valwood1]

Yeah, me too am interested in diving in papua new guinea and really don't need all these 5 stars accommodations and luxury boats that take you for diving. So, really any cheap places where I could stay at and dive at affordable prices, or everything is only meant for the riches ? Not even a guest-house or staying in cheap rooms ??

My limited experience (including a fairly-thorough review of PNG websites prior to my trip) was that there are no bargain diving spots in PNG; it certainly is much more expensive and has many fewer options than, say, Bali. and that was true for both accommodations and diving.

 

[addexdiver]

Try Mike Ball Dive Expeditions. I dove them on the GBR and it was fantastic. I know they had an operation out of PNG but am not sure if they still do. First Class and for a reasonable price.