Dive Shop
Walindi's dive shop is located right on the premises. It has three dedicated aluminium dive vessels which allow divers to split up into smaller groups and guarantees uncrowded diving experiences in pristine waters. There are not more than 6-8 divers on each boat. Dives are supervised by one of the resident dive masters. Aluminium tanks and dive gear is stored on land right next to the quay where the dive boats are moored.
On a typical day the divers go out diving with speed boats in the morning and spend the whole day out at sea. Two dives are offered. Lunch will be taken in picnic style on one of the many beautiful islands. No anchors are thrown in sensitive areas. All dive sites do have permanent moorings. A third dive or night dive may be possible on request.
Dive Region
The reefs of Kimbe Bay are a photographer's paradise. Pristine and colourful corals are home to a variety of fish, crustacean and invertebrate life. Many of the reefs have resident schools of barracuda, tuna and jacks. Almost all diving is done at the far western end of Kimbe Bay. Willaumez Peninsula on one side and the main land of West New Britain on the other side are sheltering Kimbe Bay which is of impressive size and beauty.
Characteristics of the West New Britain area include the huge range of giant soft coral species, the abundance of barrel and elephant sponges and the prolific marine life. Coral can grow to enormous sizes in Kimbe Bay, as it is so well sheltered there. Sometimes plate corals just collapse under their own heavy weight, because they grow bigger here than normally. Additionally whale, orca and dolphin encounters are not unusual here.
In Kimbe Bay the diving is sheltered and usually very calm and relaxing. There are a lot of outstanding dive sites (more than 190 reefs). The reefs are rising from approx. 600 metres (1800 feet). Drift dives are possible and offered sometimes. When dolphins are in the area, they offer snorkelling with them by towing people behind the boat. All dives in this part of the world are exceptional.
Everything that is part of the tropical ecosystem exists in this bay. Dolphins, sometimes even orcas and dugongs but also tiny decorator crabs and most rare nudibranchs are to be seen there. These waters are home to prolific and diverse marine creatures and corals. Within Kimbe Bay one can find everything, starting with massive coral reefs, atolls and older reefs, close to the coast, were the coral growth is very well supported. The fish life is very colourful and rich. Recent marine surveys in Kimbe Bay have recorded over 350 species of reef building corals, and over 900 species of fish.
You can dive in this area all year round. However, the best season is from September to late December and again between February and May/June. In August it can be quite windy. Visibility is usually around 50 metres, water temperatures range between 27-30C (85-90F). Weather is tropical, with only little seasonal variation. Diving is ideal for intermediate to advanced divers. As the reef tops are shallow, snorkellers will also enjoy the reefs.
