Amazing Port Moresby?
If you search for Port Moresby on a search engine, it is not suprising that words such as crime, dangerous, most unliveable would pop up after browsing a few websites. The sad truth is, they do exist here and it is something you would hear (and possibly encounter them) every day. However I would say the underwater world in Port Moresby is truly amazing and often some of the best sites are only known by the local expat communities.
Uncharted waters
Not just there's many potential dive sites that are yet to be discovered even within 1-2 hours away from Port Moresby, the nautical charts indeed does show unchartered waters and many areas were surveyed over half a century ago. With the help of high resolution satellite images, potential dive sites are identified with a significantly higher success rate.
endemic species
Port Moresby stands proudly to be a place where rare, photogenic species can be found within its nearby waters such as the lacy scorpionfish (Rhinopias aphanes), Papuan epaulette shark ( Hemiscyllium hallstromi) and the Melanesian Hypselodoris nudibranch (Hypselodoris melanesica).
AT A GLANCE
MV Macdhui
The most famous wreck in Port Moresby due to her historical significance in WWII and the sinking of the Macdhui was filmed (available on Youtube). Part of the wreck is above the water line, max depth 18m and with suprisingly prolific coral growth on the wreck and in the vicinity despite it is being used as a dumping ground for many.
New Marine 7
The most intact of the New Marine fishing boat fleet wrecks in Port Moresby. now resting upright at a muddy bottom at 22m.
Hiri Chief
A former Steamships landing craft that was sunk as an artificial reef in the recent decades. Now resting on her starboard side at 25m.
Basilisk Beacon
A very popular dive site during the day and night just 15 minutes away from downtown Port Moresby. Featuring a steep drop off to well over 50m with vibrant coloured sea fans and prolific coral reefs at 5-20m.
Fish Trap
Named after a metal cage (i.e. the fish trap) placed at 15m. Featuring a photogenic swim throughs and short tunnels on the main reef.
Nudibranch passage
A steep coral reef slope known for a large variety of nudibranchs which is also a popular night dive location.
The finger
A finger shaped reef at the southern tip of the Basilisk passage. Due to its proximity to the open sea, large shoals of fusiliers, batfish reside on the seaward facing side of the reef. White tip sharks frequently patrols around the coral reef slopes and encounters of other pelagics such as turtles and schooling barracudas are possible.
Hammerhead reef
Located on the western side of the Basilisk passage. A near vertical drop off with prolific coral coverage where hammerhead, grey reef sharks are often spotted patrolling in the blue.
Christmas tree bommie
Named after a large coral head decorated with christmas tree worms. The dive typically start with a wall dive where eagle rays and sharks can be spotted passing by in mid water.
Pruth garden
A scenic reef dive near the wreckage of the SS Pruth. A site ideal for photographers featuring a magnificent anemone strategically located on top of a sharp rock and a resident colony of razor fish near the red sea whips. There's also plenty of macro subjects on the reef slope. Hammerheads can be spotted on this site.
Fans of Karen
Probably the best kept secret in Port Moresby. This is an area known for strong current resulting in an array of very large sea fans growing from 10-35m on this wall.
Three Crack Bommie
A series of cracks from the reef wall decorated with hard and soft corals which form several 20-30m swim throughs.