Niugini Dive Adventures - Papua New Guinea




	Niugini Dive Adventures Papua New Guinea

Dinah's Beach (Normanby Island)

Location

Both these dives can be made from Dinah's Beach. The first, one of the most unusual in the Milne Bay area, is made right in front of the beach of the same name, on the northern coast in the bay, past Basilisk Point. The bed slopes to below 50 metres but the most interesting part is from the shore to a depth of 10 metres: the sandy bed has some coral oases full of life. The second dive, Deacon's Reef, is on the opposite side, at the end of the bay at the tip of Basilisk Point.

Dive parallel to the rocky coast-covered with virgin forest - that slopes down to the sea. The rocks descend to a depth of 8 metres, on a plateau that runs parallel to the coast.

Here there are large blocks of coral adorned with gorgonians and alcyonarians. Slightly farther out the plateau slopes down to 50-60 metres and then plunges to 300. In the break between the two dives you can make a quick visit to two lovely waterfalls set in the lush tropical forest.

Dive

This dive is made from the boat anchored in front of the beach, with the stern fixed by a cable to a palm tree. The bay guarantees good protection from the frequent south-easterly wind but the beach is considerably exposed to north-westerly winds and the open sea, factors negatively affecting conditions of visibility which can vary between 15 and 40 metres.

As the boat is anchored to the east of the bay, the dive is made parallel to the beach going west. Swimming in this direction you may encounter some blocks of coral, one of which is a so-called cleaning station. Several cleaner shrimps wait here for gropers, moray or other fish wishing to be liberated of their parasites to come and request their services. Swimming all around are numerous young fish including a number of emperor angelfish. Also worthy of note are the large anemones used by lively red clownfish as a hiding place. As you proceed you will come to a flat area formed of large blocks of coral and stones, where at least four different types of lionfish can be found. It is no chance that the area is called "Lioncity". There are also several families of octopus, some peeking out of their refuge and occasionally emerging to seek food or simply for a stroll.

All around swim numerous other species: puffer fish are common, as too Cuttlefish, hard to distinguish at first glance for their extraordinary camouflage. During this dive you can see ribbon moray and mantis prawns: both live in holes in the sea bed and, being so small, are extremely difficult to see.

As already mentioned, the most interesting subjects and habitats are to be found at a maximum depth of 10 metres, meaning you can spend far more time underwater in search of some unusual creature.

This dive presents no difficulties and is suitable for all levels. You must, however, beware of turkeyfish. They show no fear and will approach divers, especially at night, attracted by the bands of light, sometimes exploiting it to strike their prey. When the sea is calm, the clear water permits excellent night diving.