Diving Waterfall Bay… This large bay is one of the two main locations for diving on the south coast of New Britain. With the other being Linden Harbor further down the coast to the south-west.
Both offer some similar things – excellent diving in remote locations with just enough adventure to make life really interesting!
Diving Waterfall Bay – The Mocklon Islands
The Mocklon Islands (there are two – one large and one small) are located on the eastern tip of Waterfall Bay, near Cape Kwoi. Which means they are exposed to the powerful Solomon Sea currents from the south.
Rich with nutrients from the deep basins of the Solomon Sea, those currents feed and nourish the vibrant, healthy fringing reefs around the islands.
You could easily spend a couple of days diving the Mocklon Islands… There are several different sites to choose from, with the time of day and prevailing currents dictating the choice of which to dive.
Away from the fringing reefs are large sandy areas that slope down in to the deep surrounding waters of the bay. Dotted across those areas are patches of intense and quite beautiful hard cabbage corals. Which act like an oasis in a sandy desert and are packed with lots of small reef fish and critters.
Diving Waterfall Bay – Matong Jetty
This small but pleasant village is located on the eastern side of Waterfall Bay, not far from the Mocklon Islands. It is well worth taking the time to go for a walk around Matong as the village is well kept and the people are open and friendly. The villagers are particularly proud of their school, which has received quite a lot of support from AusAid.
But it’s the jetty at Matong that will get your full attention… And you have two choices when diving it – put on your macro lens and go fossicking for critters in the accumulated flotsam and jetsam.
Or you can go wide-angle and take advantage of the endless stream of young models vying for your attention! The jetty seems to be the place to go after school, with all the kids doing acrobatics off it. So, when divers turn up with underwater cameras, it generates a great deal of excitement!
It does not seem to matter that they cannot see the actual results… Their reflection in the dome port is enough to keep them energized for hours! Signalling them to come closer, to fill the frame, has them almost bumping in to the dome.
The sheer exuberance of the kids at Matong village jetty is what makes the place so special. Sure, the photo-opportunities are great but not unique, but rarely will you find such willing and enthusiastic models!
Back To: The South Coast of New Britain