MV Golden Dawn [FB]

Golden Dawn has six air-conditioned cabins; five twin and one master double cabin. There is a spacious lounge area with a television and VCR. With the number of technical divers increasing and the interest in re-breathers, Golden Dawn has been fitted with specialised equipment and services to meet this need. In order to offer clients the kind of varied and exciting diving that is consistent with Papua New Guinea's reputation for world class underwater action, Golden Dawn moves between different locations in the country allowing divers to experience optimum diving conditions for each region.

The Eastern Fields & Coral Sea November to December & April to May

The waters of the barrier reef system around Port Moresby teem with beautiful flora and fauna including mantas, sharks and turtles. If you are lucky you might encounter the rare Great Hammerhead as well as his smaller Scalloped brothers or possibly Whale Sharks that have been seen right in the harbour mouth! Further offshore, in the clear waters of the Coral Sea, Golden Dawn is pioneering dive operations at the spectacular Eastern Fields, a submerged atoll rising from over 1,200 metres. Most of this reef system is still unexplored and in pristine condition. Being close to the eastern approaches of the Torres Strait the currents in this area attract the pelagic marine life such as schools of large Dog Tooth, Yellow Fin, and Blue Fin Tuna. Eagle, and Manta rays can be found patrolling the walls, as well as schools of Horse Eye Jacks in their balling formations and schools of spiralling Barracuda.

Mantas in Southern Milne Bay March, June & October

There are a number of varied dives on this schedule, from strong current to 'muck' dives, although the highlight is the mantas. Large coral boulders, with a healthy cover of soft corals, are scattered over a sandy bottom, in shallow waters. Big Sweet Lips, Groupers, Hump Headed Parrotfish and even Dugong make an appearance and the Giant Mantas come in to be cleaned. There are at least a dozen individuals in the three to four metre range, and you can get so close you will fill a fish eye lens.

Northern Papua New Guinea June to September from Madang or Wewak

The coastline and surrounding volcanic islands of Madang offer some truly great diving. One newly discovered site 'Julien's Reef,' is rich with corals and large schools of barracuda and mackerel and other pelagic species. The number of Hammerhead sightings on this itinerary has been numerous, with Tiger Sharks also making an appearance. The night anchorages offer truly classic muck dives. The Wewak departure starts with some coastal wreck diving, amongst vessels of the Japanese armed merchant fleet, sunk in a surprise attack during WWII. Continuing north the outer islands of Ninigo and Hermits provide true atoll style diving with great visibility and calm warm waters.