Tufi scuba diving offers a pretty special combination of options. Ranging from critter hunting in the accumulated flotsam and jetsam around the main wharf. To pristine offshore reefs that are rarely visited by anybody other than the resort’s guests.
With some very interesting WWII wrecks and fjord sponge gardens in between. Finally there is the superb above water scenery and interesting local village culture. It’s easy to understand why Tufi is such a special place!
Tufi Scuba Diving – Why So Good?
The north-east coast of the main island of New Guinea enjoys tremendous marine biodiversity because of the rich seasonal currents that run up and down the coastline. And, Tufi’s location at the eastern tip of Cape Nelson, puts it right in the path of those currents. Which are the catalyst for the beautiful offshore reefs and the vibrant marine ecosystems in the area.
The New Guinea Coastal Undercurrent sweeps up the north-west coast of New Guinea during the southeast monsoon season. Bringing with it cold-water, rich in organic nutrients, from the deep-water basins of the Coral Sea to the south and Solomon Sea to the east.
From December through to March each year, during the north-west monsoon (when the seasons reverse), the Northwest Monsoon Current flows down the coast. That Monsoon Current brings with it the nutrient dense waters of the incredibly powerful force of nature called the Indonesian Throughflow. The phenomenal flow of water from the Pacific Ocean in the north, to the Indian Ocean in the south.
Tufi Dive Resort
It’s hard to imagine a more picturesque setting than the one enjoyed by Tufi Dive Resort. As they say in the real estate game – location, location, location and the resort is superbly positioned on a high ridge overlooking Tufi fjord on Cape Nelson.
In the world of geology, coastal inlets like the ones on Cape Nelson are referred to as “rias”. Because a true fjord is created by glaciers – large but slow moving rivers of ice that carve out U shaped canyons over thousands of years. With the fjord being what remains after the climatic conditions change and the ice melts.
Whereas rias are created by volcanic eruptions, the lava flow which creates the long and narrow coastal inlets like the ones on Cape Nelson.
Located at the western tip of the cape in Oro Province, Tufi is the second largest of the 9 “tropical fjords” in the area. The dive resort is built on the site of the original pub and hotel that served the small expatriate community prior to independence.
The resort’s main lodge is a single story colonial style wooden building, with wide and very pleasant verandas, which houses the common lounge, the restaurant and the bar.
The accommodation consists of a number of self-contained bungalows distributed around the main lodge. There is also a very nice terrace and BBQ. Which overlooks Tufi fjord and provides superb views all the way to the extinct volcanoes in the distance.
Tufi Scuba Diving – Logistics
All diving at Tufi begins and ends at the dive shop. Which is located on the eastern side of the small bay which the dive resort and village overlooks.
The dive shop has it’s own dedicated jetty next to the main public wharf. So you can either walk down the rather steep hill, or catch a lift from the resort’s Toyota Troop Carrier.
Which is also the only vehicle in town…
Everything is well organized and the dive crew will have all your gear ready and loaded on the dive boat to be used that day.
A typical dive-day begins with breakfast around seven in the main lodge.
The dive boat departs at about 8.30 and it takes between 30 to 50 minutes to get to the offshore dive sites, which vary in distance from 5 to 10 nautical miles offshore.
Two reef dives are the norm. But if everybody is in agreement and the weather conditions allow it. The crew will bring extra cylinders for a third dive.
Afternoon and night dives are usually conducted directly in front of the dive shop jetty in the fjord.
The Best Times to Dive Tufi
The best time to dive Tufi is in October and November. Which is the doldrum period between the trade wind seasons and the diving conditions both offshore and onshore are optimum.
As a result there are calm and flat seas, great visibility and cooler water – which brings out the critters.
During the dry south-west monsoon season from May through to September the water in also clear due to the reduction in run-off.
But the winds can be strong, meaning it’s not always possible to get out to the offshore reefs.
The wet north-west monsoon from December to March brings calmer seas and means all the offshore reefs can be accessed.
But the significant river run-off from the rains impact the visibility both on the offshore reefs and in the fiords. Plus the rain increases the water temperature in the fiords which drives some of the critters deeper looking for cooler water.
Back To: The Complete Guide to Diving Tufi