Rapopo Diving

Papua New Guinea’s Rapopo Plantation Resort and Conference Venue located on the exotic shores of this South Pacific Island, is a haven of landscaped gardens, tropically themed décor and cool comfort. 

For the visitor to Papua New Guinea, a stay at Rapopo Plantation Resort, once the site of a Japanese fighter air strip is a must. Centrally located on the Gazelle Peninsula on the Island of New Britain, one of the most beautiful islands in the South Pacific. Looking across Simpson Harbour, the rim of an ancient volcano to Rabaul, the area is a wonderland above and below water. Rapopo is just ten minutes from the spectacular Tokua Airport and the township of Kokopo.

Floors are polished local timbers or tiles and rooms are fully air-conditioned. The Plantation Restaurant and Bar overlook the Bay and is just one place to sip a chilled beverage.  Our chefs will tantalize your palate – sweet reef fish, crabs and lobsters together with succulent fruit and tropical vegetables grown in the local rich black volcanic soils. Your day’s catch can be served as your palate demands – you may wish to arrange a romantic candle lit dinner on our beach or beside our beautifully landscaped pool and aquatic bar. 

The crystal waters of East New Britain hold some of the most fascinating dive features in PNG. From the historical World War II wrecks to the spectacular and immaculate coral reefs, there are countless photo opportunities and the added thrill of diving near an active volcano.

Explore the underwater relics of 65 Japanese war ships lying in silent repose in the crystal waters of Simpson Harbour. Snorkel from Rapopo’s private beach, take a helicopter flight to the Pigeon Islands or just laze around the pool, pampered by Rapopo’s friendly and attentive staff. Tour the once beautiful Rabaul, now a devastated victim of nature’s volcanic wrath, “Pompeii” by the sea!  

The PADI trained diving crews provide the most professional, affordable and safe scuba service in the country. We cater to the needs and interests of all enthusiasts. As local operators, the dive crews’ knowledge and understanding of the area are unmatched and offer the opportunity for unique personal tours. Our regularly serviced equipment, including fins, masks, snorkels, BCDs, regulators and dive computers are available for hire.

Diving
The surrounding reefs and islands offer excellent diving. Many of these dive sites are located in the Bismarck Sea close to the coastline which is less than 15 minutes drive North of Rabaul. Very few of these sites require more than a 20-minute boat trip.

George's Wreck
Just a 30 min boat ride and less than 50 metres from the mainland coast line is "George's Wreck", a Japanese cable layer converted to a mine sweeper. The vessel is upright, with the bow at 12m & the stern at 60m and an abundance of resident marine life around the bridge at 35 metres. This wreck is very well preserved & encrusted in vibrantly coloured coral throughout....a sensational dive. The macro life in 6-8m at the end of the dive leaves the underwater photographers with a difficult choice...to take the macro or wide-angled lens?

Submarine Base
An exceptional wall dive dropping near vertically to greater than 275m.

Pete's Bi Plane
Is a Japanese Mitsubishi Bi-Plane, which lies in 30 metres and is frequented by curious moray eel amongst other marine life.

The Hump
Is a plateau on the summit of a huge underwater volcano forming part of the caldera with gardens of pristine gigantic gorgonian fans and plenty of pelagic life.

The Duke Of York Islands
World famous for its amazing reefs and scattering of scuttled tanks in excellent condition. This is just a small selection of the dives available, all of which are easily accessible in clear tropical waters. Such is the abundance of pristine and healthy marine life that new spectacular dive sites are constantly being discovered throughout the area.