Papua New Guinea
	Local Destinations
		Madang Kavieng Port Moresby Rabaul Tawali Tufi Walindi (Kimbe Bay) Local Liveaboards
	Hotels and Resorts
		Kabaira Dive Rabaul Rapopo Resort
	PNG Map
	Diving in Rabaul
	PNG Travel Tips

Rabaul is located in East New Britain Province, a 2 hour flight from Port Moresby.
Rabaul Harbour was formed when an ancient volcanic caldera partially collapsed thousands of years ago, allowing the sea to enter. The harbour is ringed by several smaller volcanoes, most of which are dormant or extinct. However, in September 1994, two of the volcanoes  simultaneously erupted covering the town in layers of thick, grey ash. Following the eruptions the airport and local businesses were relocated to Kokopo some 20 kilometres south-east of Rabaul. At night you can witness the fantastic sunsets and glowing lava of Tarvuvur in the distance.

Within Rabaul Harbour, there are numerous Japanese naval ships that were sunk during WW II. Visibility is between 5 and 15 meters with water temperatures of 30C. On the North Coast there are coral reefs and a few more wreck dives where the visibility is between 15 and 30 meters with 30C water temperatures.

Some of the more popular dive sites in Rabaul

Italy Maru: The 5859 ton transporter was built in 1919 in the Kawasaki shipyard, Kobe. She was sunk by U.S. Navy aircraft, on the 27th of December 1942 and lies on her starboard side in 54 metres of water.
Yamato Maru: A 4395 ton cargo carrier sunk on 18 April 1943.
Truck bodies are still visible.
The Lighthouse: A huge, coral bommie 6-7 metres tall with swim- throughs, giant sponges, sea whips and schools of reef fish.
Reimers Wall: Over-hangs, swim-throughs and canyons around the open side of the reef. The drop-off plummets to 50m before easing away.
Submarine Base: A sheer drop-off (250m plus) close to shore. The natural, sheer wall covered in soft corals is the edge of a vast caldera. Barrel sponges, sea-fans and whips decorate the wall.

Rapopo Plantation Resort

Located on a working cocoa and coconut plantation 5 minutes drive from the town of Kokopo. The resort is situated on the beach front overlooking Pigeon Island and the volcano, Mount Tavurvur. From the balcony of the luxury, seaside units, you can witness the spectacular views of Mount Tavurvur and the magnificent sunsets at day’s end.

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