Destination

Kimbe Bay

Papua New Guinea

If you want to know what a pristine marine ecosystem was like before there were people, look no further than Kimbe Bay in Papua New Guinea. The reefs here are not just healthy they are astonishing in their diversity. This relatively tiny seascape is home to 860 reef fish species, 400 types of coral and at least 10 species of cetacean. It is one of the most exciting emerging destinations in the Coral Triangle.


OVERVIEW

Kimbe Bay is sometimes described as the Coral Crucible – a term that aims to convey just how optimal the conditions are here for reefs to flourish. And flourish they most certainly do. The coral reefs in Kimbe Bay are not just healthy they are astonishing in their diversity. A relatively tiny seascape is home to 860 reef fish species, 400 types of coral and at least 10 species of cetacean. A whopping 60% of all Coral Triangle reef species can be found in Kimbe Bay and it’s considered one of the most important repositories on earth.

STAY

Most of the accommodations in Kimbe Bay are homestays and guesthouses, with the notable exception of Walindi Plantation Resort – the go-to destination for sports diving in the area. A number of liveaboards ply Kimbe Bay’s waters, including Walindi’s own vessel, the MV Febrina.

PLAY

Dive photographer Don Silcock described his experience of Kimbe Bay as “like diving in a fully stocked aquarium” – except that you never know what you’re going to encounter next. It’s a bucket list destination for any serious diver. One of the more notable dive features are Kimbe’s sea mounts that rise from the depths to within 15 or 20 metres of the surface and are frequented by…well pretty much whatever you’re not expecting!

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