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Hotels, dive operators, gear, and how to get here are on the Kimbe Bay location page.
Overview
Submerged ridge between two larger reefs, capped at 5 m and dropping past a 35 m ledge into the deep. The signature feature is a saddle at 15 to 22 m densely packed with red whip gorgonians (Ellisella sp.) and elephant ear sponges, draped in crinoids of every color. The east side falls away as a sheer wall; the west slopes through staghorn gardens and anemonefish patches. Long nose hawkfish hold in the deeper fans, and pygmy seahorses cling to the gorgonians. Often called the most photographed reef in Papua New Guinea.
Briefing note
The reef is part of the Walindi Plantation Resort house sites in Mahonia Na Dari conservation area. Reef hooks are not needed; current is generally mild.
What you'll see
5 species curated- year-roundBargibant's pygmy seahorse
- year-roundLong nose hawkfish
- year-roundPink anemonefish
- year-roundCrinoid squat lobster
- year-roundRed whip gorgonian
Conditions
| Month | Water | Visibility | Current |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 28–30 °C | 12–20 m | mild |
| Feb | 28–30 °C | 12–20 m | mild |
| Mar | 28–30 °C | 15–25 m | mild |
| Apr | 28–30 °C | 20–30 m | mild |
| May | 28–31 °C | 25–35 m | mild |
| Jun | 27–29 °C | 25–35 m | mild |
| Jul | 27–29 °C | 25–30 m | moderate |
| Aug | 27–29 °C | 25–30 m | moderate |
| Sep | 27–29 °C | 25–30 m | mild |
| Oct | 28–30 °C | 25–30 m | mild |
| Nov | 28–30 °C | 20–30 m | mild |
| Dec | 28–30 °C | 15–25 m | mild |
Season calendar
Peak season highlighted · current month outlined
Gear for this site
Beyond the basic kit- Macro lens or magnifier — Pygmy seahorses on the gorgonians are smaller than a fingernail.
- Dive light — Picks color out of the deeper red sea whips and finds crinoid squat lobsters tucked into the fans.
Next step
Book your trip to Kimbe Bay
Hotels, liveaboards, dive operators, gear recommendations, and travel logistics for the whole region.
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