Travel Journal from October/November 2019 in Papua New Guinea

Travel Journal from October/November 2019 in Papua New Guinea

**Exploring the Vibrant Underwater World of Kimbe Bay, Papua New Guinea**

Kimbe Bay, located in the heart of the Coral Triangle, is a diving paradise that attracts divers from around the world. With its rich coral diversity, pristine conditions, and abundance of marine life, it is considered one of the global centres of marine biodiversity.

The legendary boutique liveaboard, M/V FeBrina, has been operating in PNG since 1991, providing divers with an unparalleled experience. Under the guidance of the veteran captain, Alan Raabe, who is knowledgeable about the local marine life, divers embarked on a journey to discover the wonders of Kimbe Bay.

The first stop was Flamenco Reef, where despite less than ideal weather, divers were rewarded with sightings of brilliant bi-color dottybacks, juvenile regal angelfish, coral groupers, and interesting nudibranchs. The adventure continued at Fathers, where Jaynes Gulley offered clouds of damselfish, small reef fish, crimson-colored soldierfish, squirrelfish, unusual dottybacks, and friendly hawksbill turtles.

Normans Knob, another pinnacle visited, was exceptional due to the presence of a pair of sleek 7 ft. silvertip sharks. Divers also had the opportunity to explore the unique black-sand muck site called The Crater on Witu Island, where various frogfish, nudibranchs, and shrimp could be found.

Walindi, a world-class dive resort located on a palm oil plantation, offered a rich variety of tropical fish, sharks, and stunning coral formations. Lissenung Island, with its unique position providing access to both the Bismarck Sea and Kimbe Bay, featured diverse reef habitats where divers could encounter a mix of large pelagic species and colorful reef fish.

The marine environment in Kimbe Bay supports prolific fish populations and some of the healthiest corals globally, thanks to conservation efforts in the area. Divers could expect to see diverse sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, colorful tropical fish, and healthy coral ecosystems reflective of the Coral Triangle’s biodiversity hotspot.

The dive crew, including Digger and Josie, experienced divemasters on M/V FeBrina, ensured that every dive was an unforgettable experience. Digger, in particular, served as a great critter-spotter, dive guide, and model, demonstrating excellent photographic instincts to coach and assist everyone with their underwater shooting.

For those seeking a land-based adventure, four members of the group continued their adventure by spending several days exploring the main islands central highlands, based at the renowned Rondon Ridge resort, and visiting with tribes who had no knowledge of the outside world just several generations ago.

In conclusion, Kimbe Bay offers a diving experience like no other, with its vibrant reefs around Walindi and nearby islands such as Lissenung Island. Whether you are a seasoned diver or a beginner, Kimbe Bay promises an underwater adventure filled with diverse marine life and stunning coral formations.

1. The M/V FeBrina, a legendary liveaboard in Papua New Guinea, offers divers an unparalleled experience exploring Kimbe Bay's coral-rich waters.
2. Divers on board the M/V FeBrina, under the guidance of Captain Alan Raabe, navigated through Flamenco Reef, spotting bi-color dottybacks, regal angelfish, coral groupers, and various nudibranchs.
3. A visit to Fathers revealed abundant marine life, including damselfish, reef fish, soldierfish, squirrelfish, dottybacks, and friendly hawksbill turtles.
4. At Normans Knob, divers encountered sleek 7 ft. silvertip sharks, while The Crater on Witu Island offered up various frogfish, nudibranchs, and shrimp in a unique black-sand muck site.
5. Walindi dive resort, nestled on a palm oil plantation, offers access to diverse tropical fish, sharks, and stunning coral formations, making it a world-class diving destination.
6. Lissenung Island provides access to both the Bismarck Sea and Kimbe Bay, featuring diverse reef habitats where divers can encounter a mix of large pelagic species and colorful reef fish.
7. In addition to the underwater wonders, Kimbe Bay provides opportunities for land-based adventures, such as exploring the main islands' highlands and visiting tribes with no knowledge of the outside world at Rondon Ridge resort.

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