Rabaul PNG Diving?

[gumnut]

Because of the damage to the reef that was done by the volcano eruptions in the '90s in Rabaul, I am trying to decide whether to dive there. I certainly don't want to add anymore problems to the environment by diving Rabaul. Has anyone been there recently who could let me know the pros and cons? I am only going to be there for one day in April.

Appreciate any advice...thanks.

 

[silent running]

Hello gumnut, it looks like there is only 1 dive op in Rabaul. Don't know anything about it. I think I remember hearing the eruptions have affected only the shallower wrecks and the inshore reefs. I have not been to Rabaul yet, but plan on going to dive some of the deeper wrecks in Simpson Harbour trip after next. But I have been told there is still plenty of good diving outside the harbour, which should be fairly easy to access. The Lonely Planet guide should give you a good idea of the possibilities. But always check with the local dive op to get the most current info. Good luck, -Andy

 

[Allison Finch]

Been there love it. The wrecks in the bay are badly damaged, but other diving is great. I would suggest a liveaboard as opposed to a land op. The volcano is still erupting and makes land life unbearable, at times. the ash gets really OLD!! A liveaboard can also get you to the nearby areas of Gazelle bay and the Duke of York Islands. These areas are just being explored and are awesome!

 

[baitballer]

I dived for a week around rabual and had some great dives. The wrecks within the harbour have been covered by silt so they do not have much life however some of the other wrecks outside the harbour are fantastic. For example the 'Georges wreck' start in about two meteres of water next to a volcano in a small bay and drops to about 60m plus. It is completly covered in life and makes fora a truly fantastic dive. Other great dives around Rabaul inlude the wreck of a Zero and a float plane both of which are virtually intact except for being covered in life.

The wrecks within the harbour whilst covered in silt do make for interesting dives just because of the history etc behind them. Some of the reefs in the locals area that were not directly damage by the eruption are also very good and even in areas where there was damage it makes you feel good seeing how quickly the reefs are recovering.

If you are in Rabual make sure you put in the effort to go and see the old town that was covered by ash. It is amazing, like something from a sci-fi film. Another must is the remains of the Japanese occupation. Tunnels with landing craft etc in them have to be seen to be believed and if you do go and see the WWII sites and dive the wrecks try to go to the museum to tie it all together. They have photos taken from the US bombers showing the wrecks you have dived actually sinking etc.

As you can probaly tell I am a huge fan of the area and all of PNG. Have a great time.

 

[gumnut]

Thanks everyone.
I can't wait to get there. Definitely hope to see the tunnels and have time to dive!