Diving in Milne Bay

Explore 12 dive sites in Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Milne Bay

The warmest water temperatures in Milne Bay occur in January, averaging 31.0°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 31.0°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 31.0°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • February: 31.0°C (air: 28.0°C)
  • March: 31.0°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • April: 31.0°C (air: 27.8°C)
  • May: 31.0°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • June: 31.0°C (air: 27.1°C)
  • July: 31.0°C (air: 26.8°C)
  • August: 31.0°C (air: 26.6°C)
  • September: 31.0°C (air: 26.8°C)
  • October: 31.0°C (air: 27.4°C)
  • November: 31.0°C (air: 27.8°C)
  • December: 31.0°C (air: 28.2°C)

Marine Life in Milne Bay

Home to 254 recorded species including 208 reef fish, 12 sea cucumbers, 8 hard corals, 6 sea snails & nudibranchs, 6 sharks & rays, 5 clams & mussels.

Recommended Packing List for Milne Bay

Based on average water temperature of 31.0°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 31°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Milne Bay

  • Baniara Island - Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)

Getting to Milne Bay - Nearest Airports

  • Gurney Airport (GUR), Gurney - 85 km away, approx 108 min travel time
  • Port Moresby Jacksons International Airport (POM), Port Moresby - 432 km away, approx 486 min travel time
  • Girua Airport (PNP), Popondetta - 340 km away, approx 386 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres