East New Britain Province dive sites

Rabaul harbour contains a diverse collection of WWII Japanese wrecks including submarines, transport ships, barges, and aircraft. The most famous include a Japanese submarine, several large Maru transport vessels, and a near-intact Zero fighter plane. Some wrecks sit in shallow water suitable for recreational divers, while deeper wrecks require advanced certification. The volcanic eruption of 1994 buried some shallower wrecks in ash, but many remain accessible.

Rabaul has active volcanoes including Tavurvur, which erupted catastrophically in 1994, burying much of the old town. The volcanoes are monitored continuously by the Rabaul Volcanological Observatory, and an early warning system is in place. Dive operators maintain close contact with the observatory and adjust plans if activity increases. The volcanic landscape adds a dramatic dimension to the diving experience, and the mineral-rich water supports lush coral growth.

Air Niugini and PNG Air operate flights from Port Moresby to Tokua airport near Rabaul, with connections sometimes available from Lae or other PNG cities. The flight from Port Moresby takes approximately one hour and forty minutes. Several small dive operators in Rabaul offer guided wreck diving trips. Liveaboard vessels occasionally include Rabaul in their itineraries. Accommodation ranges from simple guesthouses to comfortable lodges in the Kokopo area.