Lissenung Island Reef - Rabaul & New Britain

Lissenung Island Reef is a genuinely pleasant house reef, wrapping around a good portion of the island. It’s a shallow dive, sticking mostly between two and ten metres, which makes it an absolute win for photographers keen on macro subjects and anyone looking for a relaxed night dive. We’ve spent hours here, poking around for pygmy seahorses and spotting a surprising number of different clownfish species. Keep an eye out for cockatoo waspfish tucked amongst the corals; they blend in remarkably well. It’s a gentle introduction to PNG’s reef life, ideal for shaking off travel rust or just enjoying a calm swim.

Location
Rabaul & New Britain, Papua New Guinea, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-2.570000, 150.850000
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
2-10m

Best Time to Dive in Rabaul & New Britain

The warmest water temperatures in Rabaul & New Britain occur in January, averaging 30.6°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 30.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 30.6°C (air: 27.1°C)
  • February: 30.6°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • March: 30.6°C (air: 26.8°C)
  • April: 30.6°C (air: 26.7°C)
  • May: 30.6°C (air: 27.0°C)
  • June: 30.6°C (air: 26.8°C)
  • July: 30.6°C (air: 26.8°C)
  • August: 30.6°C (air: 26.8°C)
  • September: 30.6°C (air: 27.1°C)
  • October: 30.6°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • November: 30.6°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • December: 30.6°C (air: 26.9°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Rabaul & New Britain

Nearest Dive Centres to Lissenung Island Reef

Marine Life in Rabaul & New Britain

Home to 203 recorded species including 176 reef fish, 17 sea snails & nudibranchs, 3 clams & mussels, 3 sharks & rays, 2 other, 1 octopus & squid.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Lissenung Island Reef

Based on average water temperature of 30.6°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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving on Lissenung Island Reef?
The typical depth range for diving on Lissenung Island Reef is between 2 and 10 meters. This makes it an accessible reef dive suitable for various experience levels, including those interested in photography and night diving.
What kind of marine life and corals can divers expect to see at Lissenung Island Reef?
Divers exploring Lissenung Island Reef can expect to encounter a rich variety of marine life. The reef is home to seahorses, six different species of clownfish, cockatoo waspfish, and crocodile fish. All told, an impressive 350 different species of fish call this small house reef their home, making it a fantastic spot for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
How challenging is diving at Lissenung Island Reef for different skill levels?
Diving at Lissenung Island Reef is rated as intermediate in difficulty. This suggests that divers should have some prior experience beyond basic certification to comfortably enjoy the site. Its suitability for photographers and night diving indicates generally manageable conditions for those with intermediate skills.
What are the best months or seasons to dive Lissenung Island Reef for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best months or seasons for optimal diving conditions at Lissenung Island Reef. For general information on seasonal diving in Papua New Guinea, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What dive certifications are needed to explore Lissenung Island Reef?
While specific certifications are not explicitly listed, given that Lissenung Island Reef is rated as intermediate difficulty, divers should ideally possess at least an Open Water certification. An Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience would likely enhance your comfort and enjoyment of this diverse reef.
What are the usual water conditions, currents, and visibility like at Lissenung Island Reef?
The provided data does not include specific details regarding the usual water conditions, currents, or visibility at Lissenung Island Reef. It is always recommended to check with local dive operators for the most current conditions before planning your dive.