Walindi Dive Center
Google 4.5/5 (149 reviews)
15 km away as the crow flies
Kimbe Bay · Papua New Guinea · Pacific
Max. depth · 25 mKirsty Jayne's Reef: Wall Diving in Kimbe Bay, PNG
Descend Kirsty Jayne's Reef to explore fringing walls adorned with hard corals and barrel sponges, culminating in a vibrant coral garden perfect for your safety stop.
What makes this site special
- Fringing walls descending from 5m to 25m.
- Reef crest covered in hard corals and barrel sponges.
- Damselfish (Pomacentridae) present in the shallows.
- Red sea whips and gorgonians at 17 metres.
- Spectacular schools of purple anthias (Pseudanthias tuka).
- Extensive coral garden between 5m and 15m.
Kirsty Jayne's Reef about the site
Kirsty Jayne's Reef stretches north to south, a prominent feature in Kimbe Bay. Most dives here will typically begin from the 'Christine' side. From the outset, you'll find the reef crest begins its gentle descent from a shallow 5 metres, gradually sloping down to a maximum depth of 25 metres. Both flanks of this narrow ridge present vibrant fringing walls, inviting exploration into their intricate ecosystems.
The crest of Kirsty Jayne's Reef is a canvas of hard corals, with numerous barrel sponges (Xestospongia testudinaria) adding to the texture and colour. Throughout this shallower section, you'll encounter a lively population of damselfish (Pomacentridae), darting among the coral formations. As you follow the reef's contour, it leads you to a short saddle before rising again to a depth of 17 metres, revealing a new collection of coral life.
Beyond the saddle, as the reef ascends to 17 metres, you'll discover remarkable formations of red sea whips, elegantly aligned in two distinct rows. This depth also showcases several gorgonian and olive whips, which act as a backdrop to swirling schools of purple anthias (Pseudanthias tuka). The sheer density and vibrant colour of these anthias against the fan corals create a visually striking encounter, a particular highlight of this section of the reef.
Returning towards the 'Christine' side, close to the boat, lies what many consider the most captivating aspect of Kirsty Jayne's Reef: an expansive coral garden. This garden thrives between 5 and 15 metres, its unrestricted growth providing a rich habitat. This shallow, protected area is not only teeming with life but also serves as an ideal and visually rewarding location for your safety stop, allowing a final immersion in the reef's beauty before ascending.
Diving conditions
Kirsty Jayne's Reef is accessible to divers of all levels, with dive depths ranging from 5 metres to a maximum of 25 metres. Plan your bottom time to appreciate the full spectrum, from the coral garden to the deeper wall sections.
Three dives not to miss
Map of hotels, dive sites and dive centres in Kimbe Bay
Dive centres in Kimbe Bay
Hotels in Kimbe Bay
Board a liveaboard from Kimbe Bay
2 liveaboards depart from Kimbe Bay another way to explore the region, over several days at sea.
Frequently asked questions about Kirsty Jayne's Reef
What level of diver is Kirsty Jayne's Reef suitable for?
Kirsty Jayne's Reef is accessible to divers of all levels. You can explore the shallow reef crest and coral garden, or continue along the fringing walls to deeper sections. The range from 5 metres to 25 metres lets you plan your dive around your experience and comfort while following the reef's contours.
How deep is Kirsty Jayne's Reef?
Kirsty Jayne's Reef descends gradually from 5 metres at the reef crest to a maximum depth of 25 metres. The extensive coral garden lies between 5 and 15 metres, while red sea whips and gorgonians appear at 17 metres. You can plan your bottom time across these different sections.
What can you see at Kirsty Jayne's Reef?
At Kirsty Jayne's Reef, you can see hard corals, barrel sponges and damselfish around the shallow crest. Deeper sections feature red sea whips, gorgonians, olive whips and schools of purple anthias. The site also includes an extensive coral garden between 5 and 15 metres, filled with reef life.
Where does a dive at Kirsty Jayne's Reef usually begin?
Dives at Kirsty Jayne's Reef typically begin from the Christine side. From there, you can follow the narrow ridge as it slopes from the shallow reef crest towards deeper wall sections. The reef stretches north to south, with both flanks offering fringing walls and varied coral habitats to explore.
