TRAVELSPECIAL
The Pai II , supposedly the most dived wreck in PNG . It was sunk as an artificial reef by diving pioneer Bob Halstead in the 1980s
For underwater photographers , it ’ s still feasible to bring a fisheye lens during the wet season , but most divers would opt for their macro lens to make life easier ! However , the availability of nutrients in the water column meant filter feeders such as mobula rays and whale sharks can often be seen in the waters nearby .
During the dry season , visibility may improve , but the strong south easterly trade winds ( known as ‘ Guba ’ in the local language ) mean it will be gusting at 20-30 knots during the afternoon and evenings . During these months , it ’ s important to go diving in the early mornings and to choose sites that are sheltered from the wind . These secondary sites still boast some spectacular marine life of all sizes , and wrecks were sunk in those locations by the late diving legend Bob Halstead back in the 1980s , to provide more diving alternatives
Friendly neighbourhood dive club
If you google ‘ Port Moresby ’, you ’ re likely to find quite a few stories warning travellers to steer clear of the capital on account of crime rates in uncontrolled areas . In fact , Port Moresby boasts two dive operators and a very active club . So as soon as the first weekend came after my arrival , off I went to join the local dive club – Port Moresby Sub- Aqua Club , or POMSAC .
One of the many sea fans at End bommie
One of the picturesque swim-throughs at the Basilisk Passage
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