Tawali Leisure and Dive Resort

Activities

Diving Activities

At the southeastern tip of the main island of New Guinea lies the province of Milne Bay and what many consider to be some of the best all-around scuba diving  in Papua New Guinea.  Milne Bay is the home of scuba diving in Papua New Guinea, where it all began from mid 1990’s by Bob Halstead.  The spectacular dive sites of Milne Bay put Papua New Guinea into the world’s class map of scuba diving.

Sprinkle in to this mix some of the many WWII wrecks in the area, such as the Black Jack B17F Flying Fortress bomber just off the beach at Cape Vogel, and some of the superb reefs, and it’s easy to understand Milne Bay is on the “must do” list for most divers.

Among the famous  dives sites are Coral Garden and Deacon’s Reef that was constantly recognized by Paradise Magazine as No.1 dive sites in PNG.  Add to this the Lawadi or Dinah’s Beach which is the birthplace of muck diving and recognized as top macro dive site in the world. Visit www.indopacificimages.com to know more about diving in Milne Bay.

Tawali is in a great location both physically and geographically, with pristine surroundings and its position on the north coast, which provides shelter from the prevailing SE winds most of the time. This means there is always access to the dive sites all year round.

The visibility at most of the dive sites becomes optimal during the wet season, from June through to August, and remains good to excellent all the way through mid December.  October to mid of May is dry season with occasional rain. Water temperatures vary from 25 to 29 degrees in the dry season down to about 25 degrees in the wet season.

Click on the dive locations (numbered icons) on the map below and discover countless beautiful diving sites that await you in PNG!

Main Wharf/House Reef

The house reef is best done in tow seperate dives, one forme each wharf. There have been a large variety of critters found at Tawali since we opened our doors. Stargazers, Epaulet Sharks, Octopus, Ghost Pipe Fish, Sea Horses, Mandarin Fish and Harlequin Shrimps to name but a fer, It’s one of those places that the more you are in the water the more you see. To dive this just check with the dive team or contact reception.

Sponge Heaven
A sheer wall starting at 2′ below the surface dropping to 200+” Honey combed with small caves. Huge variety of sponges and home to a variety of Nudibranchs, including the large Spanish Dancer. Beautiful night dive.

Wahoo Point

A small point located on the North side of the mainland with a shelf form 15′ to 50′ in depth and dropping with a sheer wall down to 200+’. This site is frequently visited by Hammerheads, Manta Rays, occasionally Whale Sharks, Mini Whales and on two occasion, Orcas. The site also hosts a variety of anenomies, a school of Barracuda and very large Elephant ear sponges. A great place for wide angle photography.

Michelle’s Reef (Reef & Muck)

Located on the North Coast, this dive site provides both macro and wide angle. A shallow wall dropping off to 25 feet. Beautiful swim-through with gorgonians growing off the wall and sea bed. Able to shoot up into the jungle canopy from 20 feet of water. Also ideal for macro, a large variety of nudibranchs, Pagasus fish and on occasions Mimic octopus.

Barracuda Point

Barracuda Point is located approximately 8 minutes away on our 22 feet punts. This reef has a shelf which drops to a depth of approximately 100 feet at the point. The shelf plays host to a variety of schooling fish and can be frequented be pelages such as Mantas, Hammerheads and Whale Sharks. On the shelf critters such as Rhinopias and Hairy Ghost Pipefish may be seen. Currents here are mild to moderate in generally calm seas.

Coral Garden

Located on the north coast, this site is only ten minutes in one of the small skiffs. This site has a wonderful collection of hard corals most of which are in shallow waters. This site offers both the diver and snorkeller a great insight into corals. Current is slight to mild.

Deacon’s Reef

Deacon’s Reef is located on the North Coast approximately 10 minutes away on our 22 feet punts. This site is a spectacular wide angle opportunity for photographers. The 10 meters (30 feet) shelf is located under the jungle canopy and gorgonians grow only feet away from the rainforest. This is a truly beautiful reef. An eye should always be kept out in the blue for visits from Whale Sharks. Hammerheads and Mantas. Currents are mild to moderate in generally calm waters.

Lawadi Beach

This site is located in front of a 400-500 meter long pebble beach. The seabed shelves off at approximately 15-20 degrees to about 6 meters (20 feet) then drops abruptly on a 45-50 degree slope to 100 meter plus (300 feet). Critters can be found at this sight from the maximum recommended depths to as shallow as 1 meter (3-feet) – Octopus, Cuttlefish, Lion Fish, a variety of Ghost Pipe Fish. Mimic Octopus, Frog Fish, Coleman Shrimps, and a variety of Nudibranch. The current here is very mild-to-mild.

Twin Tower

Traveling to this dive sites takes approximately 1hour and 20minutes. Located along the north east coast. This fringing reef slopes down to a depth from 10 – 12m and a gully around 25m+. It has two big bommies connected to the main reef. Grey reefs sharks normally sighted along the drop off with schooling Barracuda’s. Divers are told to keep a look out for hammer head shark and devil rays when crossing from the bommies back to the  main reef. Safety buoys required.

Cobb’s Cliff

This is a steep drop off on one side down to 150 feet+ rising to 20 feet below the surface and dropping back in the centre to a sandy lagoon at 60 feet. The site is frequently visited by large pelages such as manta Rays and hammerhead Sharks. The reef has also hosted a variety of macro subjects such as leaf Scorpion Fish, Rhinopias, Blue Ribbon Eals, Elegant Fire Gobies and so much more. Currents here are mild to strong. A safety sausage is required.

Witches Cauldron

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Donec quam felis, ultricies nec, pellentesque eu, pretium quis, sem.

Boi Boi Waga Island

Just off the coast of the New Guinea mainland’s eastern tip lies Boi Boi Waga Island. Snorkelers and scuba drivers visit the island because of its soft white beaches, calm waters filled with a variety of marine life, e.g. Sea anemones, Razor-fish, Headshield slugs. Boi Boi Waga offers visitors the feeling of being on their own private tropical island. The island is uninhabited. Boi Boi Waga’s brilliantly white beaches are framed by the emerald tropical forests of the island’s interior. The small island is a treasured location by both fishermen and scuba drivers.

 

Cherie’s Reef

This is a beautiful drift drive along a slope that is covered with large Gorgonians and littered with large schools of fish. Here we often find the particular gorgonian, Murasela, which hosts the infamous PigmySea Horse, Bargabanti. Divers drop in up stream in the current and can enjoy a casual drift along the reef back to the boat. Fish life here is fantastic. Current here is mild to very strong. A safety sausage is required.

Linda’s Reef 1

A coral mound coming up from 120 feet water. As its name suggests, this coral mound in 120 feet of water plays host to a variety of Crinoids. The font slope of this reef is covered with a variety of black coral trees. Just away from the slope there are huge schools of Fusiliers, Anthias and Jack – excellent for wide-angle photography. This reef poses an excellent oppurtunity also for some small crittters such Pigmy Sea Horses, Rhinopias and Hairy Ghost Pipe Fish. Currents here are mild to very strong. A safety sausage is required

Linda’s Reef 2

Typical of over 30 dive sites in close proximity, this coral mound comes up from 150 feet of water, Large schools of fish cover the frontface with soft coral gardens along the slope facing the south. Both macro and wide-angle photographers can be more than satisfied. This reef is fed by mild to strong currents. A safety sausage is required.

Crinoid City

Coral mound coming up from 120 feet of water. As it’s name suggests, it plays host to a variety of crinoids. The front slope of this reef is covered with a variety of black coral trees. Off the slope, huge schools of fusiliers, anthias and jacks circle. Excellent for wide angle.

Laura’s

Laura’s reef is located north side of Nuakata Islands. It takes approximately an hour and 30 minutes to get to the dive site. Depth range from reef top 12m -50m+. Divers can expect mild to strong currents on this dive. Big pelagic mostly seen at the north eastern side of the reef. School of barracuda, rain bow runners, grey reefs, white tips. Reef hooks and safety buoys required.

Little China

A coral mound coming out of 150 feet of water. Typical of over 30 dive sites in close proximity. Large schools of fish over the front face, soft coral gardens where both macro and wide angle photographers can be more than satisfied.

Jason’s Reef

A small coral mound located in 150 feet of water. This mound has large schools of Banner fish and Fusiliers as well as many pelagics. Also on this mound is the sought after Rhinopious or Wendy Scorpion fish.

 

Fids Rid

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Donec quam felis, ultricies nec, pellentesque eu, pretium quis, sem.

 

 

Wompas

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Donec quam felis, ultricies nec, pellentesque eu, pretium quis, sem.

 

Calypso

Diving this long ridge from the main reef about 5m – 30+m and disappears into the blue. Beautiful coral heads covered with crinoids at the top and patches of bright yellow cabbage corals. Some unique spices such as Lacy scorpion fish, Leafy scorpion fish, schooling barracuda’s and grey reef sharks can also be spotted along the drop offs. Currents can be mild to strong.

 

Nancy’s Reef

Nancy’s reefs is located on the south eastern tip of the main reef. A slopping pinnacle attached to the main reef. Normally mild currents running from the north side. A variety of schooling anthias swimming into the currents, with beautiful soft corals and sponges hanging of the wall. Large pelagic can be also sighted on this reef. Depth 7m- 50M+.

 

 

Boirama Island

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Donec quam felis, ultricies nec, pellentesque eu, pretium quis, sem.

 

Samarai Wharf

The old town of Milne Bay.

 

Guna Bara Bara

It is around 4 hours one way boat trip from Tawali, this is where Manta Ray Cleaning station is located.

 

Kwato Mission

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Donec quam felis, ultricies nec, pellentesque eu, pretium quis, sem.

 

 

Molly’s Gotto

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Donec quam felis, ultricies nec, pellentesque eu, pretium quis, sem.

 

 

Mike’s Ridge

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Donec quam felis, ultricies nec, pellentesque eu, pretium quis, sem.

 

Itamarino Island

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Donec quam felis, ultricies nec, pellentesque eu, pretium quis, sem.

 

 

Iria Island

 

P38 Fighter Plane Wreck

This P38 Bomber Lightning dive site was only discovered in 2004. Sitting in 27 metres/90 feet of water, the plane’s nose and guns point toward a nearby reef. The plane is intact except for the propellers, which broke off, but were later recovered and placed near the wreck.

Panasesa Island

 

Gabugabutau

Ship Pass West

 

Ship Pass East

South Wall Conflicts

 

Pelagic Point

The dive has relatively strong current and because of this there are large quantities of fish patrolling a steep wall dropping off to 130 feet. Sharks are often sighted on this site. The top of the reef which is approximately 215 feet, has a large number of bommies hosting a magnificent variety of sea life, ie, crabs, rays, not to mention all the fish.

 

Observation Point

A famous muck dive site, a true rubble dive. Sand slopes going down 100′ host snake eels, Star Gazers, Pipe fish, Flamboyant cuttle fish, Mimic Octopus, Spanish Dancers, Cuttle fish, Fire urchins with Coleman shrimp and the Buggs Bunny Scorpion fish.

 

Esa’ala

An island where the mother of all caves can be found. 

 

Double Tower

Wongs

Black Jack

 

The WWWII US Bomber, nicknamed “Black Jack”, was built in Seattle on July 23, 1943. The right hand side of the nose had 2 playing cards painted on it; Jack and Ace making 21 in poker.

The Bomber is in 50m depth on a white sandy bottom. Bottom time allowed is only 10 mins. The rest of the bottom time of this dive is taken up with the ascent and stringent safety stops along the way. A special dive profile with compulsory safety steps is required, followed by minimum surface interval of four hours. 

Leisure Activities

Skull Cave

Maybe not everybody’s idea of fun, but it’s not everyday you can stand in the darkness surrounded by piles of skulls is it? The skull caves are one of the “tourist attractions of Milne Bay and a visit to them, together with a side trip to the nearby village & waterfall is a good way to spend a non diving afternoon.

Waterfall

The skull cave is underground and reached using a wooden stairway constructed by the local villages who use presence of visitors to show & sell their handicrafts and will be waiting for you when you re-emerge.
After the skull cave, guest will proceed then to the waterfalls located Guides will take you on a forty minute hike up through the lush forest to beautiful waterfalls where guests can take a break for a snack and dip in the pool before heading down.
Duration: 2 hours (10 mins. by boat going to the village & 15 rainforest walk)

Bird Watching

As dawn awakes for this 30 mins. hike up s hill, standing under the dense forest and waiting for the beautiful birds of Paradise to come out and dance to attract thier female partners. You may also see different species along the way.

Duration: 3 hours (15 mins. by boat going to the village & 30 rainforest hike. 4 am departure from resort)

Rainforest Hike

Take guide bush walks into the rainforest or walk along the coast through local villages. There is even an extended day hike across the mountain ridge rising behind the resort, where you can view the entire coastline and the defense rainforest canopy. Take a pair of binoculars to view the cockatoos, hornbills and parrots along the way.

Duration: 2 hours forest experience

Dei Dei Hotspring

The Dei Dei hotspring in Fergusson Island is a sight to marvel with a certail mystical twist. Visitors to the place are awed by nature’s force and for those who do not believe in “black magic” a little convinced that there could be something out there.

Duration: 12 hours (Whole day trip- 5 hours travel by boat and 20 mins. walk)

Coastal Village Walk

Experience the village cultures, traditions and their lifestyles. You will be able meet friendly locals along the way. 

 

Duration: 2 hours

Mumu (Traditional Stone Cooking) Demonstration

Mumu is an earth oven that operates by heating stones which are afterward put or arranged around on the food, covered with banana leaves firmly to prevent steam to escape during the process of cooking. The food usually consists of sweet potatoes, yams, bananas, taro, and chicken or pork. These ingredients are mixed together and placed inside freshly cut leaves from a banana tree. The banana leaves are wrapped tightly so that no air can leak out, and just before the package is sealed, coconut grease is poured into the package to flavor the ingredients. The package is then placed on the pile of hot rocks and covered with additional rocks and coconut husks.

Picnic & Snorkelling at Boi Boi Waga Island

Boi boi waga is a small island surrounded by a white sand beach. Located near the East Cape, the tip of mainland PNG, you will lose yourself in the pristine and clear water of the island.

Duration: half-day or whole day trip (30-40 minutes boat ride)

Snorkelling at Coral Gardem

Chosen as No. 1 best dive sites in Milne Bay, Coral Garden is also a must place to visit for Snorkellers. Amaze yourself for beautiful varieties of corals and fish that you will see in Coral Garden.

Duration: 1-2 hours (15 minutes boat ride)

Fishing

Tawali’s location is ideal for fishing.  The pristine water surrounding the resort is abundant of  many varities of big yellowfin tuna, wahoo, trevally, mackerel, and barracuda.

Duration: 3-4 hours

Cultural Experience

PNG as one of most culturally diverse countries in the world, Tawali is best location to experience what PNG can offer. Tawali offers village experience, visit local village, traditional cooking, basket weaving, face painting, traditional dance entertainment and sailing on traditional canoe guided by a local.

For non-divers, you can check our other packages here.

Special Trips

Samarai/Ebuma

Visit the historical island that once the Capital Town and called Pearl of the  Pacific. Another 10 mins. boat ride from Samarai island, lies the quiet island of  Ebuma.  You will be welcome by the white sandy beach.

Dobu Island, Esa'ala

Famous for their war canoes and paradise for the Bird’s Enthusiast. Another 30 mins. boat ride from Esa’ala District is Dobu Island. The island is shaped as an extinct volcano which erupted centuries ago. This is also the home of “Mother of all Caves- The mysterious Esa’ala cave” inspired by the movie Sanctum.

Sewa Bay

The gorgeous still bay of Sewa is a famous tourist destination. It’s all green, with large rainforest canopies that remain a natural habitat. Nature walk and tracking are very refreshing trips that takes you through the woods and up to the ghost mountain. Sewa bay island’s are pristine with the hidden sandy beach, rocky points, and off-shore reefs reaching to the blue lagoons.

Normanby Island

This islands takes it pride for their  unique warm bubble bath  that comes directly from the sea.  Another 25mins. rainforest walk, you will arrive on the breathtaking waterfalls. 

Tawali Resort Map