Walindi Dive Center

Walindi Dive Center is situated in the heart of Kimbe Bay, Papua New Guinea, an area renowned for hosting more than half of the world's coral species. Established in 1983, the centre operates from the Walindi Plantation Resort, providing a base for divers to access a vast array of marine environments.

The region is defined by its spectacular volcanic landscapes and a marine ecosystem that remains largely unvisited by the crowds. From steep walls and deep-sea pinnacles to resident schools of pelagics, the variety of diving available here is exceptional.

The centre is a family-run operation with a long history in the region, spanning four decades. It maintains a strong commitment to the local community and marine conservation, working alongside the Mahonia Na Dari NGO and conducting research programmes in collaboration with James Cook University.

As a PADI affiliated centre, they offer a structured approach to training and exploration. The staff is local and experienced, ensuring that the dive operations are integrated with the surrounding environment and the needs of the local community.

The centre offers a comprehensive range of PADI training programmes. This includes the Open Water Diver course for those beginning their journey, as well as various other certifications to progress through the levels.

Whether you are looking to start your training or complete advanced specialties, the instruction is tailored to the local environment and the specific requirements of the PADI curriculum.

The centre operates three custom-built aluminium boats equipped with Suzuki Marine motors. These vessels are designed to handle the various conditions of Kimbe Bay while providing a stable platform for divers.

On day trips, you will find refreshments such as water, coffee, and tea provided on board, along with picnics for longer excursions. The boats are also equipped with dedicated rinsing buckets for your camera housings and masks, as well as protected storage for your personal effects.

The shore-based facilities include a dedicated compressor room where Nitrox is available for divers. A full range of diving equipment is available for hire, allowing you to travel light if you prefer.

The centre provides a service where staff assist with the handling, installation, and daily cleaning of your kit. For those staying at the resort, the facility is designed to be sustainable, operating off-grid with generators and UV-filtered water from underground boreholes.

The marine life in Kimbe Bay is defined by incredible density and variety. You will regularly encounter large schools of Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), rainbow runners, Bigeye trevally (Caranx), and various species of Jack (Carangidae). Pelagics such as Dogtooth tuna (Gymnosarda unicolor), tuna (Thunnus), and Grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) are resident in the area, with hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini) and whitetip sharks appearing more seasonally.

The reef structures themselves are spectacular, covered in a rich tapestry of gorgonian sea fans, red sea whips, and massive barrel sponges. You will see diverse hard corals, colourful crinoids, and various species of sea anemones providing homes for pink anemonefish, clownfish (Amphiprion), and orange clownfish.

For macro enthusiasts, the area is a treasure trove. Look closely for various nudibranchs (Chromodoris willani), dorid nudibranchs, shrimp (Caridea), and octopus. The sandy patches and reef crevices are also home to garden eels, goby-shrimp, crabs (Brachyura), and scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae).

Currents across the various sites in Kimbe Bay can vary significantly, ranging from calm, still water to moderate flows along the ridges and walls. This variability means that some sites may require more experience to navigate comfortably.

The dive sites range from shallow reef flats to deep offshore pinnacles, offering opportunities for all levels of certification. Divers should always be prepared for the specific conditions of the site they are visiting, particularly when diving the more exposed offshore shoals.