Scuba Diving in Rabaul

Rabaul

Papua New Guinea Local Destinations Rabaul Hotels and Resorts Kabaira Beach Hideaway Rapopo Resort PNG Map Diving in Rabaul PNG Travel Tips Rabaul is located in East New Britain Province, a 2 hour flight from Port Moresby. Rabaul Harbour was formed when an ancient volcanic caldera partially collapsed thousands of years ago, allowing the sea to enter. The harbour is ringed by several smaller volcanoes, most of which are dormant or extinct. However, in September 1994, two of the volcanoes simultaneously erupted covering the town in layers of thick, grey ash. Following the eruptions the airport and local businesses were relocated to Kokopo some 20 kilometres south-east of Rabaul. At night you can witness the fantastic sunsets and glowing lava of Tarvuvur in the distance.   Scuba Diving in Rabaul Within Rabaul Harbour, there are numerous Japanese naval ships that were sunk during WW II. Visibility is between 5 and 15 meters with water temperatures of 30C. On the North Coast there are coral reefs and a few more wreck dives where the visibility is between 15 and 30 meters with 30C water temperatures. Some of the more popular dive sites in Rabaul Italy Maru: The 5859 ton transporter was built in 1919 in the Kawasaki shipyard, Kobe. She was sunk by U.S. Navy aircraft, on the 27th of December 1942 and lies on her starboard side in 54 metres of water. Yamato Maru: A 4395 ton cargo carrier sunk on 18 April 1943. Truck bodies are still visible. The Lighthouse: A huge, coral bommie 6-7 metres tall with swim- throughs, giant sponges, sea whips and schools of reef fish. Reimers Wall: Over-hangs, swim-throughs and canyons around the open side of the reef. The drop-off plummets to 50m before easing away. Submarine Base: A sheer drop-off (250m plus) close to shore. The natural, sheer wall covered in soft corals is the edge of a vast caldera. Barrel sponges, sea-fans and whips decorate the wall.   Hotels and Resorts in Rabaul Rapopo Plantation Resort Located on a working cocoa and coconut plantation 5 minutes drive from the town of Kokopo. The resort is situated on the beach front overlooking Pigeon Island and the volcano, Mount Tavurvur. From the balcony of the luxury, seaside units, you can witness the spectacular views of Mount Tavurvur and the magnificent sunsets at day’s end.   Kabaira Beach Hideaway     Critters, WW2 wrecks, adventure dives to remote islands and exciting Papua New Guinea reef dives - Kabaira Beach Hideaway offers you exclusive personalised diving, all from a laid back beachfront resort. Set right on the beach with views across Ataliklikun Bay, and of those much sought after tropical sunsets, it is a great place to escape from civilization.