The Incredible Dive Sites of Walindi Plantation Resort

Dive Site
Descriptions

The coral reefs around Walindi are extraordinarily rich. Over 400 species of reef building corals have been recorded in Kimbe Bay. This is more than half the total number of known coral species in the world. Over 900 species of fish have been recorded and this number will continue to grow as more research is done.

The coral reef communities around Northern New Britain have remained largely undamaged by human activity. We intend to keep it that way. We use moorings where possible to reduce damage from anchoring.

As a diver, your help in protecting the reef is imperative. You may only damage a small piece of coral, but when multiplied by many divers, this will amount to considerable damage. Dive carefully and use good buoyancy control, don't touch the reef. Never lean on the reef to take photographs. We will treat your cameras with the same respect with which you treat our reefs.

Walindi Diving has approximately 25 dive sites which are visited regularly from our shore-based dive boats. The nearest dive site is a short 5 minute boat ride and the furthest is only 75 minutes from our jetty.

These dive site descriptions are intended to give you some idea of what you are likely to find on the reefs around Walindi. A number of the more interesting fishes that have been observed at each site are listed, but of course they may not be seen on every dive. We can guarantee, however, that you will see vastly more than can ever be described in the brief overviews given here. Take your time and dive carefully. In this way you will be better able to appreciate what is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world.

There are several excellent publications that can assist you to identify many of the creatures you will see on your dives. We recommend:

Reef Fishes of New Guinea by Gerald Allen and Roger Swainston - This excellent field guide covers the majority of fishes you are likely to see.

Indo-Pacific Coral Reef Field Guide by Gerald Allen and Roger Steene - The most comprehensive field guide available for a wide range of marine animal and plant groups found in this area.

Checklist of Fishes from Kimbe Bay by Philip Munday and Gerald Allen - All the fishes known to date from this area are recorded in this list.

Hanging
Gardens

5 minute
boat ride
from the jetty

This vertical wall at hanging gardens has many ledges and overhangs and several large caverns. Hanging from the wall are masses of rope sponge (Gelliodes sp.) which give the site its name. These sponges reach at least 3m in length and many have crinoids clinging to them. At about 27 metres the wall meets a sand and rubble slope. On this slope you can find many gobies, including a small undescribed Cryptocentrus that has a pair of yellow lines running the full length of its body. In the undercut near the mooring, between 7 and 10 metres it is possible to find (Signigobius biocellatus) and Randals Shrimp Goby (Amblyeleotris randali).

At depths over 20 metres on Hanging Gardens and other reefs close to Walindi it is possible to find Cirrhilabrus walindii. This lovely small wrasse was first discovered on the reefs around Walindi. The female has a large black spot high on the caudal base. The male has a pair of black semicircular marks on the lower fins.

Along the wall and in the undercuts and caverns there are many small fishes and prolific communities of invertebrates. Take your time and look closely. Hanging Gardens is also an excellent location for night diving, when many of the nocturnal creatures come out of hiding amongst the caves and crevices.

At the back of the reef there is a large lagoon type area with sand and coral patches in shallow water. Mandarin Fish (Synchiropus splendens) are common amongst Porites cylindrica and coral rubble in the lagoon area. They occur on many of the reefs around Walindi but are notoriously difficult to find. If you spend enough time looking, especially late in the afternoon, you may get lucky.

Numundo Reef
(Bob's Knob)

10 minute
boat ride
from the jetty

This reef is protected from the larger ocean swells and as a result many of the more delicate corals thrive here. The diversity of corals on this reef is outstanding. In fact, this reef has one of the richest assemblages of hard corals in the bay. On the reef top, staghorn corals (Acropora species) are dense and vigorous. Cardinalfishes (Apogonidae), Squirrelfishes (Holocentridae) and Damselfishes (Pomacentridae) are abundant amongst the staghorn.

On the reef slope there are a number of coral pillars. Around these pillars you can find Lionfish (Pterois antennata and Pterois volitans) and the Double-Striped Dottyback (Pseudochromis bitaeniatus).

In deeper water near rubble patches it is possible to find small aggregations of the lovely Filamentous Wrasse (Paracheilinus filamentosus). The males have filamentous dorsal rays. See Coral Reefs, Natures Richest Realm, by Roger Steene for a good photograph.

Look carefully at the coral rubble in the shallow water near the island as one piece may turn out to be the Spiny Devilfish (Inimicus didactylus). This Scorpionfish walks over rubble areas with modified pectoral fin rays. It is an ambush predator, often burying itself in the sand and is so well camouflaged that it is hard to find even when you know where it is.

Schumann
Island

30 minute
boat ride
from the jetty

This popular lunch spot offers interesting diving and snorkeling. The shallow sandy bottom and coral outcrop habitats contain a multitude of fish species, many of which are rarely observed on the regular dive sites. It is often areas such as this, where some people don't bother to dive because it is "too shallow" or "too close to shore" or "not enough coral" where some of the most interesting and unusual creatures are found.

In the middle of the lagoon there are several small coral outcrops which hold an incredible diversity of life for their small size. A survey was conducted on the smallest coral head and over 40 species of corals and 65 species of fish were observed. This is quite remarkable for an area of only a few square metres.

Between the coral outcrops and the channel you can find the Panda Anemonefish (Amphiprion polymnus) amongst anemones on the open sand. These anemonefish will defend their territory against all corners and have been known to bite divers. Porcelain Crabs are sometimes seen around the edges of the anemones. Please don't touch the anemones as they are likely to retract quickly into the sand, leaving their symbionts temporarily stranded and exposed to predation.

On the sand it is also possible to find fishes such as Sand Divers (Trichonotus elegans) and the Curious Worm Fish (Gunnelichthys curiosus). Both types of fish will dart into the sand when approached but with a little care and patience it is possible to get quite close.

On the reef there are large numbers of Banded Pipefish (Corythoichthys intestinalis). You may find some with a long ventral projection which makes them look like they have swallowed something rather uncomfortable. These are males and the funny shape is the brood pouch where eggs are fertilized and incubated. On the reef tops there are many interesting species of Damselfishes (Pomacertridae) and Blennies (Blennidae).

Next time you have the opportunity to dive an area such as Schumann Island, think of it as a golden opportunity to find some of the interesting creatures that are not seen on the outer reefs. In some of the most bizarre and interesting finds come from places the average diver would never consider trying. Take your time and look carefully!

Restorf
Island

30 minute
boat ride
from the jetty

The waters around Restorf Island hold an incredible diversity of marine life. It would be possible to spend a week diving here and still find new things in the various habitat types around the island. Depth is from the surface, down to 32 m, and this site is excellent for snorkeling.

On the main reef there is a profusion of coral growth, especially gorgonian fax an black corals, with anemones occupied by Clown Anemonefish near the boat mooring. There is a great variety of reef fishes along the full length of the main reef. At the end of the reef, Gray Reef Sharks are often seen.

To the west side of Restorf, the reef slopes downward in a patchwork of loosely connected coral bommies, many serving as anchors for gorgonian fans, sea whips, barrel sponges, and elephant ear sponges. Among these live many species of smaller reef fish such as hawkfish, gobies and colorful anthias and numerous invertebrates including nudibranchs, shrimp, feather duster worms and an occasional octopus.

On the sandy flats between the island and the reef are large colonies of garden eels, at least four species of shrimp gobies, burrowing gobies, sand anemones, occasional flatheads and flounders. Watch out for the Titan Triggerfish over the sandy areas. Usually easy to spot, these fish excavate large depressions in the sand and rubble in which to lay their eggs. Observe from a distance, but don't get too close as the females have been known to bite divers when they are guarding eggs in the nest.

Susan's Reef

30 minute
boat ride
from the jetty

Dense stands of Red Sea Whips (Ellisella sp.) give Susan's Reef a unique aesthetic quality that sets it apart from other Walindi reefs. Susan's is a submerged ridge, connected to a much larger reef by a saddle, which creates a channel between the reefs. A stunning collection of corals is particularly rich at the southern end of the reef where it connects to the saddle. This area is crammed with hard and soft corals and a wide range of other phyla. The more obvious invertebrates include sponges, ascidians, bryozoans and a variety of annelid worms such as fan worms and Christmas tree worms. Particularly spectacular large gorgonian fans, red sea whips and elephant ear sponges, everything adorned with colorful crinoids, delight all who dive here.

Seemingly oblivious to the surrounding splendor, a multitude of fish life go about their business. In the channel between the reef, a photogenic pair of Longfin Bannerfish (Heniochus acuminatus) will often be seen posing beside one of the many gorgonians on the reef wall or on the sandy floor. A school of Razorfish (Aeoliscus strigatus) live in the red sea whips at 18 m near the southern corner of the reef. These fish swim head down in a bobbing manner, making them difficult to see amongst the sea whips. When danger approaches they turn their narrow body sideways making them even harder to see.

The larger of the two dark red sea fans at the southern end of the saddle is a particularly good place to observe Long Nose Hawkfish (Oxycirrhites typus). There are a variety of Butterflyfish (Chaetodontidae) and Angelfish (Pomacanthidae) commonly seen around the reef and the Pixie Hawkfish (Cirrhitichthys falco) is particularly abundant here.

Joy's Reef

30 minute
boat ride
from the jetty

The sheer wall on the inner side of this reef is crammed with a mix of sessile and mobile invertebrates. This is a favorite place for nudibranch hunting. If you have plenty of bottom time, the sand along the base of the wall is a particularly productive location for finding unusual nudibranchs. The sand is in 24-33 m so make sure you have enough time to safely explore the area. Also on the sand but out from the wall there are an interesting series of coral outcrops.

The Long Nosed Hawkfish (Oxycirrhites typus) is regularly observed on the walls near the reef top and in the central lagoon there are many large banded pipefish (Corythoichthys intestinalis).

Katherine's

30 minute
boat ride
from the jetty

Sheer walls on two sides and steep coral slopes on the other two sides. This dive has a wide range of scenery to please most palates.

Lumu Reef

35 minute
boat ride
from the jetty

The dive site at Lumu consists of a long, relatively shallow ridge extending north of the main reef. The walls on either side of the ridge are very steep to vertical. They are adorned with sponges and black corals. Along the walls, divers will encounter schools of fusiliers (Caesio sp.) and trevally (Caranx sp.) feeding in the currents. Gray Reef Sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) are also commonly sighted as they cruise the walls.

On top of the ridge is a rich hard coral garden with a small stand of red sea whips (Ellisella sp.) close to the main reef.

Donna's Reef

25 minute
boat ride
from the jetty

The most beautiful parts of this reef occur above 18 m. In 2-10 metres of water between the two bommies there is a magnificent formation of Acropora plate corals. They produce a layered pattern down the reef face. Use good buoyancy control and be extra careful as an entire plate formation can be destroyed by one wayward fin kick. On the southern end of the bommies in 5 m there are a number of damselfishes (Pomaceritridae) that "farm" algae and have a distinct territory that they will defend.

On the northeastern end of the bommies it is usually possible to find Lionfish (Pterois volitans). The Squarespot Anthias (Pseudanthias pleurotaenia) can be found under the mooring at around 18 m. Dive shallow and enjoy the corals on this dive.

Christine's
Reef

25 minute
boat ride
from the jetty

Christine's Reef is actually a collection of reefs joined by underwater ridges to form a large horseshoe shape complex. A photographer's paradise, Christine's features a beautiful collection of extremely large barrel sponges, many different gorgonian fan corals and red whip gorgonians, along with staghorn and plate corals in the shallower areas. As will all Walindi reefs, reef associated fishes are abundant and diverse. Commonly seen are Butterflyfishes, Angelfishes, Snapper and Surgeonfishes. A number of more cryptic fishes have also been seen at Christine's. They include Spiny Devilfish (Inimicus didactylus), Harlequin Ghost Pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus), and Crocodile Flathead (Cymbacephalus beauforti). To find these types of fish you need to look carefully and to have a bit of luck as well. On the sand you will probably also find a bizarre sea cucumber (Thelenota rubolineata). This "horny" sea cucumber has a maze of red lines that make it rather attractive than most of its relatives.

In the undercuts around the reefs large puffer fish such as the Map Puffer and the Starry Puffer are regularly seen. The smaller Blackspotted Puffer, which is one of the most common pufferfish in this area can be seen in a variety of colors from grayish to brown and yellow. The best diving on Christine's is from surface to 18 m.

Kirsty-Jayne's
Reef

25 minute
boat ride
from the jetty

Another collection of gorgonian fans, soft corals and pink and white seawhips. Pink seawhips are home to a school of razorfish. A rare bulb-tentacle anemone with a spine-cheek anemonefish can be found here.

North
Emma
Reef

50 minute
boat ride
from the jetty

The main feature of this dive is the deep bommie attached to the main reef by an even deeper saddle. The bommie at 36 m is covered in a vast array of different soft corals. Gorgonian sea fans white feeding polyps contrast with their red skeletal structures. Beneath the sea fans is an under story of leather coral, and a few colonies of burning bush soft coral.

Due to the depth, only a short visit to the bommie is possible. Returning to the main reef, a shallow circumnavigation is a pleasant way to complete the dive and provide an extended safety stop.

If only all safety stops could be this interesting. Many species of anemonefish reside in their respective anemones at North Emma, occurring at almost regular intervals along the almost sheer east wall. These include the White-bonnet Anemonefish (which is restricted to the NE region of Papua New Guinea and the Solomons), the Orange Anemonefish, the Pin Anemonefish and the Black Anemonefish in clumps of Porites coral.

North Emma has a rich growth of Acropora corals, and a wide variety of coral associated fishes can be seen, such as Butterflyfishes, Angelfishes, Damselfishes and a host of others. Unicornfishes, Trevalies and Fusiliers are abundant along the walls.

Turtles are often seen, and with care can be approached quite closely.

Vanessa's
Reef

30 minute
boat ride
from the jetty

Vanessa's is primarily dived to see the forest of large gorgonian fan corals (Subergorgia mollis) that run continuously along a current swept ridge at 25-30 m. Many of the fans are will over 2 m across and are truly magnificent to swim past, and for photographer's make picturesque backdrops for diver shots.

Lamarck's Angelfish can be found near the gorgonians. This unusual Angelfish can be distinguished by elongated caudal fins lobes, black stripes on the body and males have a yellow dot behind the head. The fans are also a good place to look for hawkfish, commensal shrimp and other macro subjects.

Not only are there gorgonians to see here, the rest of the reef is very interesting, with patches of sea whips, a sponge garden and Tubastrea coral. When a current is running you may see schooling barracuda and Gray Reef Whalers patrolling the drop off.

South Bay Reef
(Cecilie's Reef)

55 minute
boat ride
from the jetty

At about 20 metres on the sheer northern walls of South Bay Reef there is a profusion of the beautiful hydroid coral, (Stylaster elegans). It adorns the tops of small overhangs around the north point wall in an incredible abundance. Please be CAREFUL! Do not touch the Stylaster as it is very delicate, even your bubbles may break away small pieces.

Silvertip Sharks (Carcharhinus albimarginatus) are common around the South Bay, especially below 20 metres. The top of the reef is particularly interesting, especially amongst the patches of coral broken during the northwest season. In these rubble areas you can find many different species of fishes, especially various wrasses that search for food amongst the coral pieces.

The White-Bonnet Anemonefish (Amphiprion leucokranos) occurs in several locations on the top of the drop off. The anemonefish is only found in northeastern Papua New Guinea, primarily amongst the islands. In Kimbe Bay it can be found on a number of reefs.

South
Emma
Reef

45 minute
boat ride
from the jetty

If any dive site in Kimbe Bay can be said to have it all, it would have to be South Emma. The top of the bommie is around 12 metres deep and has profuse cover of hard corals, soft corals and sponges. The reef top is alive with small fishes, including many species of butterflyfish. Just some of the other interesting species are Fire Dartfish, Elegant Firefish, Two tone Dartfish, Twinspot Goby, Scribbled Leatherjacket, Tiger Blenny, Longnose Hawkfish and Clown Anemonefish.

Schools of Barracuda are seen over the top of South Emma bommie on most dives, as are Batfish and various trevallies. Gray Whalers commonly patrol the southern side of the reef.

There is a swim through at about 33 metres and hanging from the cave walls are many soft corals, including gorgonian fans and colorful sponges. Small schools of bigeye trevally often mill around the cave entrance. Ascending back towards the top of the bommie, you will pass stands of soft corals, thickets of sea whips and a cluster of barrel sponges.

Inglis Shoal

45 minute
boat ride
from the jetty

There are a number of isolated seamount type reefs rising from very deep water around Walindi. It is believed that these reefs have formed where corals have established on submerged volcanic peaks. As sea levels have risen the corals have grown vertically and sheer sided pinnacles are the result.

Inglis Shoal rises from very deep water to within 12 metres of the surface and is very rich in fish life. Pelagic fish species are common and include Dogtooth Tuna, Barracuda and Bigeye Trevally. Scalloped Hammerheads are regularly seen at Inglis Shoal.

Along the reef face, schools of surgeonfish and fusiliers are common. Around the top of the reef there are hundreds of species of fish. Amongst the most noticeable are the Clown Triggerfish with its dramatic colors and the Azure Triggerfish which swims off the reef edge with alternating undulations of its dorsal and anal fins. Near the reef top it is possible to find a school of (Pinjalo lewisi.) This fish belongs to the snapper family and are a deep red color, usually forming a dense school at the edge of the reef.

As well as the larger fish are the smaller species. Feeding in the current you can find various Fairy Basslet and Wrasses and living in the many anemones on the reef top there are a variety of anemonefishes.

Bradford
Shoals

75 minute
boat ride
from the jetty

This steep sided, deep water pinnacle rises to within 18 metres of the surface. Due to the topography and location of the shoal many interesting deep water fishes can be found here, some of which would not normally be seen by scuba divers. These include Burgess Butterflyfish, Blackspot Angelfish and Pinjalo. There are only two know species of Pinjalo and both can be found at Bradford Shoal, either individually, or in schools near the top of the shoal. There are also numerous species of the beautiful Anthias or Fairy Basslets. On the sheer walls you may be lucky enough to spot the lovely yellow and blue Harlequin Grouper.

Above the reef, schools of Bigeye Trevally, Barracuda and Rainbow Runner are common, and large Batfish regularly visit divers doing a stop on the mooring line.

The reef structure is predominantly flat plates of hard corals, an adaptation allowing maximum utilization of the reduced sunlight at that depth. There are also many colonies of Leather Coral.

Cape
Heussner

65 minute
boat ride
from the jetty

Strong currents occur around Cape Heussner and as a result it is usually possible to find a variety of pelagic fishes. The reefs around Cape Heussner slope onto a flat sandy bottom. Here garden eels are common and there are many different species of shrimp gobies. Large stingrays and a variety of shark species are regularly seen over the sand in this area.

When there is a current running the reef comes alive with small planktoniverous fishes feeding on minute food carried by the current. Anthias (Pseudanthias species) and Fusiliers (Caesio and Pterocaesio) are particularly abundant. As this area is subject to consistent current, large sponges and gorgonians are plentiful.

Kimbe
Island

60 minute
boat ride
from the jetty

Kimbe Island has a very high diversity of fishes and due to its more exposed location, a different community to reefs within the bay. The fringing reef of Kimbe Island generally drops quickly into very deep water and along the reef face schools of Surgeionfishes (Acanthuridae) and Fusiliers (Caesionidae) abound. In several areas coral ridges extend out from the island and on these many interesting fish species can be found. In particular many different species of wrasses and parrotfishes can be seen feeding amongst the shallower rubble patches.

Large schools of Bumphead Parrotfish (Bolbornetopon muricatum) are often seen feeding along the reef crest. They bite off large pieces of coral which are then crushed in their strong pharyngeal jaws. Large Humpheaded Wrasse (Chelinus undulatus) are also often seen. Further up the reef other interesting species such as the Tiger Blenny (Ecsenius axelrodi) and Clown Triggerfish (Balistoides conspicillum) can be found and you may be lucky enough to see the beautiful Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loriculus). Over 20 species of butterflyfish (Chaetodoritidae) have been recorded from the fringing reef around Kimbe Island.

Close to the island there are several lagoon areas, each about 12 metres deep. The fish in these lagoons are more characteristic of inshore reefs and make a dramatic contrast to the oceanic and exposed reef fishes, only metres away on the reef flat, crest and slope.

Kimbe Island
Bommie

60 minute
boat ride
from the jetty

This small, but spectacular pinnacle, rises to approximately 27 m from the surface, not far from Kimbe Island. The top of the pinnacle is a riot of sponges, sea whips, gorgonian fans, black corals and soft corals.

Pelagic fishes are abundant when there is a current running over the reef. Large schools of Barracuda circle the reef, Dogtooth Tuna, Rainbow Runners and various species of Trevally are usually present. A number of different reef sharks are also regularly seen.

Otto's Reef

45 minute
boat ride
from the jetty

This large reef, being isolated from any other reef or land mass, is entirely different to any other Walindi dive site.

The main attraction is the fish. On days when the current is creating eddies on the point, schools of barracuda, trevally, sea perch, fusilier, unicorn fish and surgeon fish mix with a variety of shark species, including on occasion, scalloped hammerhead and tuna, resulting in plenty of exciting action.

Along the wall south of the point are numerous ledges, overhangs and small caves. The area has a rich growth of many kinds of sponges as well as black coral, reef clams and ascidians. Within this encrusting community you can fin spider crabs, gobies and sponge-eating dorid nudibranchs.

The top of the reef supports a beautiful garden of hard corals that makes a wonderful after dive snorkel.

Robert's Reef

50 minute
boat ride
from the jetty

Lovely barrel sponges and colorful branching soft corals along with some small gorgonian fan corals dominate this reef.

50 minute
boat ride
from the jetty

The dive site at Paluma is a deep plateau that joins to the main reef at about 24 metres. Along the deep ridge you will also find many soft corals, positioned to feed in the current. They are in every conceivable size and color and are most abundant on the outer half of the ridge. Amongst the Dendronephythya soft corals are many small gorgonian fans, the occasional black coral tree and sea whips. A wide variety of fishes can be seen at Paluma, including many species of parrotfishes (Scaridae). Large schools of Green Throated Parrotfish (Scarus prasiognathos) are often seen feeding in unison as they move around the reef. When they bite the coral they ingest both the living polyps and portions of the calcareous skeleton. Large volumes of calcareous skeleton are ground up and expelled by parrotfishes, making them one of the major contributors to coral sand production.

55 minute
boat ride
from the jetty

Sharks are regularly sighted at Agu, mainly Gray Reef Whalers (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) and the occasional Hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini). Most are seen at the end of the southern point below 20 m and as with most sharks they tend to approach more closely when fewer people are in the water. The hard coral formations are attractive and extend into shallower waters around the mooring. The beautiful Yellow Masked Angelfish (Pomacanthus xanthometopon) will be seen on most dives.