Albatross Passage, in my opinion… is the very best of all the many excellent sites on the Bismarck Sea side of Kavieng.
Often described as the area’s signature dive, its conditions and visibility fluctuate with the tide and prevailing currents. But when you catch it at the right moment, it’s hard to imagine a better coastal dive – it truly is superb.
The passage itself is a wide channel between the tip of New Ireland and Manne Island. One of the several large islands that partially bridge the 22km gap between New Ireland and New Hanover.
The passage is named after the gunship Albatross, which was used to subdue the local population and establish German colonial rule in New Ireland.
Diving Albatross Passage
The site is located on the south-western tip of the island of New Ireland. Where the passage ends at Cape Masala and it covers a big area. And is reminiscent of a large semi-circular amphitheater, that faces out in to the Bismarck Sea.
The sides of the “amphitheater” are terraced. With the upper terrace starting at about 10m, down to about 30m where there is a sandy plateau. Further terraces can be seen descending down in to the depths of the Bismarck Sea…
The wall of the upper terrace is rich in large gorgonian sea fans, black coral trees, soft and hard corals and sponges. All thriving on the rich currents. And in among all the marine growth are lots of small fish and critters – a macro photographers delight!
In the central area there is a large resident school of very photogenic yellow-tailed snappers. Which, if you approach them slowly and carefully, they will often let you get close and take a group photo!
On almost every dive at Albatross you will see numerous reef sharks cruising back and to out in the blue. And very often they will be joined by large dog-tooth tuna, schooling barracuda plus mobula and eagle rays.
You would literally need dozens of dives to fully explore and appreciate it all … It truly is a very special site!
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