Diving Port Moresby... Simply stated, the capital city of Papua New Guinea has a terrible reputation and is often cited as being one of the more dangerous cities in the world. Rightly or wrongly, that reputation often means divers considering a trip to PNG will either opt to go somewhere else, or try to get through Port Moresby as quickly as possible.
But what is the reality – is Moresby really the near-death experience it is often painted as?
There is no absolute answer as a lot depends on where you are in Port Moresby.
And there is no doubt that certain parts of the city are extremely dangerous and there is no way you should even consider going there.
But… there are a dodgy and dangerous parts of every city.
For sure Port Moresby is not for everybody. But it is the main (and currently only) international gateway in to Papua New Guinea.
Therefore if you want to experience what the country has to offer, both above and below the water, there is really no choice but to go there.
So your options are to try and transit through Port Morseby as quickly as possible. Or make the most of the situation and sample the surprisingly good diving to be had around Port Moresby!
The question I get asked most is “is it safe to go to Papua New Guinea“… So much so that I have written a whole section called Understanding Papua New Guinea to help people better understand both the country and the risks. For what it is worth, my opinion is that the risks associated with Port Moresby can be managed safely with some common sense and a degree of caution.
The sections below describe specific aspects, areas and dive sites of Port Moresby.
Diving Port Morseby – A Guide
Port Moresby Diving
Port Moresby Diving… The capital of Papua New Guinea is overshadowed and often completely overlooked by divers passing through on their way to Milne Bay, Kimbe Bay or Kavieng. And, contrary to what you might expect so close to a capital city, there really is some …
Port Moresby Dive Sites
Port Moresby Dive Sites… The city is located on a headland overlooking the superb natural anchorage of Fairfax Harbor. And enjoys excellent access to the rich waters and multiple dive sites of the surrounding area. There are several sites in Fairfax Harbor itself, but the main ones are in the …
The Pacific Gas Wreck
The Pacific Gas Wreck… On a good day, and in the right conditions, this is one of the best wreck dives in Papua New Guinea. However those conditions really do make or break a day out from Port Moresby to dive this site. The Pacific Gas is located on Horeshoe Reef, part of the offshore …
Port Moresby 101
Port Moresby 101… The capital city of Papua New Guinea and the principal international gateway in to the country. Port Moresby is located on a quite spectacular headland that faces out in to Gulf of Papua. POM, as it is usually described locally, is the largest city in the South Pacific with a …
Transit in Port Moresby
If your final destination in Papua New Guinea is one of the main diving locations there is no choice but to transit in Port Moresby. As the capital is the only international gateway in to the country. Port Moresby poor reputation means that most travelers try to minimize the time spent in transit …
Things to do in Moresby
Things to do in Port Moresby… While I have to say that Papua New Guinea’s capital is not one of my favourite places, it’s also not the near-death experience it is often painted as. Provided, that is, you understand the risks and use common sense… To be honest, the first few times that I …
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