NEW BRITAIN, PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Year:2006

Volcanoes and reefs - the edge of discovery

Season: Year-round diving

Visibility: 15-40 metres

Water temperature: 28-30°C

Mysterious Papua New Guinea lies south of the equator and some 450 miles north of Australia. This far-off land of lofty volcanoes, snow-covered peaks, magnificent cloud forests, dense rainforests, dry savanna, mangrove swamps, coastal lagoons and palm-fringed beaches attracts the adventurous traveller. Majestic mountains and volcanoes are nature's legacy from an unusual and violent geological history. The diverse range of habitats on these stunning islands supports over 700 species of birds including the wonderfully colourful and iridescent birds of paradise whose feathers are still worn by the warriors of the stone-age tribes that inhabit the central highlands. Papua New Guinea stands totally apart from the usual holiday destination. Those divers with a spirit of adventure and a yearning for discovery should look no farther than Papua New Guinea and in particular the island of New Britain.

The Bismarck Sea and the Solomon Sea surround New Guinea's largest satellite island, New Britain. Here you will find that there are thrilling new dive sites with more species of fish than anywhere else in the world and occasional sightings of Killer Whales (orcas) and Sperm Whales! The rich life of the rainforests is mirrored by the vibrant coral 'jungles' under the sea. Fringing reefs have formed off the islands with coral growths also developing on the deep underwater pinnacles of once-active volcanoes. These underwater mountains rise from the bed of the ocean floor at depths of 4,000 metres to peak just below the surface of the water and well within range of the sport diver. Fortunately for us, pollution, over-fishing and deforestation have not yet spoiled these wonderful waters, which are still teeming with life. The vibrant soft corals in every shade of pink, red, purple and gold are home to a medley of small tropical fish. Hard corals in weird and wonderful formations support an incredible and rich diversity of invertebrates ranging from jewel-like anemones to the intelligent and ever-changing octopus. Conservation is held to be of great importance in New Britain and so the reefs and wrecks of this area are in pristine condition, free of diver damage and pollution's dreadful degradation.

KIMBE BAY

Almost 200 reefs and dive sites are sprinkled throughout Kimbe Bay. All are pristine and undamaged. More than two-thirds of all Indo-Pacific fish species are found in the waters of Kimbe Bay and it has been said that no other dive area in the world can match this incredible diversity! As yet, comparatively few divers have explored these reefs and there is a rigid policy of conservation to preserve this unpolluted underwater paradise. To research and monitor the ecology of Kimbe Bay and west New Britain, the European Union supports a Nature and Marine Research Centre adjacent to the Walindi Plantation Resort.

Some immense seafans can be found at Valerie's Reef , a deepish dive with the mooring in 18 metres, but worth a visit simply to witness the size of these soft corals. This is surely a place where many photographs have been shot, for here the seafans can dwarf the diver, some being 3 or 4 metres in diameter!

At Susan's Reef a descent to 28 metres may reward the diver with wonderful views of Twin-spot Gobies. Two of these charming creatures live here and they frequently perform for divers. They appear from their burrow and move slowly over the sand like miniature hovercraft. Amazingly their twin spots appear like the eyes of a crab and in conjunction with the movement of their fins they look just like a crab sitting gobbling a tasty morsel. This is certainly an excellent strategy for keeping predators away! Keep looking out for nudibranchs in every colour and size, for this is the place to find them. The end of the dive on the reef top is often a veritable treat for, as well as clouds of anthias, you may encounter a small group of Shrimpfish (or Razorfish) hovering upright in the staghorn coral. Heads firmly down and tails up, these fish seem to move in parallel, hovering up and down between the 'horns' of the coral.

Everyone has a favourite dive site and ours at Kimbe Bay is Ann-Sophie's Reef , in the channel between Taora Island and the tip of the Williamez Peninsular. This is one of the most distant dive sites in Kimbe Bay, but the people at Walindi will usually lay it on if you are keen enough to put up with the longer-than-usual boat journey (about an hour and a half each way): this fabulous place is usually well worth the effort! The top of the reef is in about 4 metres, but falls away down a wall to 25 metres. It is possible to circumnavigate the reef in one dive, but there is so much to see that few divers will make it all the way round. Descending the reef, one encounters a living wall of barracudas and Big-eye Trevallys, shimmering in the strong sunlight. This is 'action-painting' with a difference as one causes the school to move and alter direction with a simple movement of the hand or body. This is a real chance to be a part of the living reef! At the base of the wall is a sandy 'garden' full of Garden Eels of the less usual Black or Many-toothed variety. Watch the blind Shrimp Gobies and their shrimpy shovelling friends, or turn to see a Coachwhip Trevally with its beautiful trailing dorsal fin stretching behind. Crunching their way along the reef can be seen and heard the truly extra-terrestrial looking Bumphead Parrotfish with their huge teeth agape. Watch out behind as the 'fall-out' from these huge fish can be quite significant!

About 40 minutes boat ride from Walindi lies Inglis Shoal , a seamount which rises to about 12 metres from the surface. The reef top is covered with plate and other hard corals along with some interesting varieties of soft coral. Several species of triggerfish occur here along with Clarke's and Spine-cheeked anemonefish and, of course, their anemone hosts. The amazing crocodile fish with its beautiful but weird eyes and huge 'grinning' mouth can be found resting amongst the coral. The reef top soon changes to a vertical reef wall. A deeper dive here, perhaps to 35 or 40 metres can reward the diver with a view of a Scalloped Hammerhead! Schools of Chevron and Blue-lined Barracudas contain the occasional 'rogue' Great Barracuda, while Grey Reef Sharks, Dogtooth Tuna and Wahoo regularly pass-by.

It is impossible to describe or to name all the species that can be found on these reefs; colourful little fairly basslets, smart triggerfish and bright snappers are simply just a few of the estimated 3,500 species found in these waters. Even new species of fish are being identified - the latest being the Walindi Wrasse! Large predators come in search of the smaller fish, so tuna, barracudas and sharks can be seen in good numbers. Some of the most thrilling sights for the diver are the occasional dolphins, dugongs and even whales that are seen from time to time cruising the reefs. Even a lunch stop snorkel at one of the tiny islands in Walindi Bay holds more treats. Amazing nudibranchs, including the gorgeous Flabellina exoptata with its red 'horns' and the string-like Pteraeolidia ianthina , can be seen adorning the walls of the swim-throughs. The entire area is simply brimming with wonderful creatures and wonderful sights, making Walindi a destination not to be missed.

FATHER'S REEF, LOLOBAU ISLAND & THE DUKE OF YORK ISLANDS

There are so many wonderful dive sites in the waters off eastern New Britain that Star Dancer now spends its time exploring this amazing area that is surely destined to become one of the most sought-after diving areas on earth. Surrounded by towering, still-active volcanoes, the town of Rabaul at the tip of the Gazelle Peninsula saw some fierce fighting in the Second World War and even now is slowly recovering from the damaging ash-falls from the 1994 volcanic eruption. Star Dancer departs from Rabaul and cruises out to explore remote Father's Reef and the reefs off Lolobau island with their superb series of offshore seamounts (the tips of ancient volcanoes) which attract big marine animals as well as smaller fish. From there she make her way east to the Duke of York Islands, with their primitive local culture and beautiful beaches.

Fish life is rich and varied, ranging from sharks, including hammerheads, rays and tuna through massive schools of barracudas and jacks to tiny anthias. The reef walls in this area are often spectacular and coral and sponge growth is incredibly diverse. Strange reef creatures, ranging from nudibranchs to frogfish and Crocodilefish, attract the underwater photographer. The volcanic origins of much of the area are reflected by the presence of caves and lava tubes. Turtles and dolphins are regularly sighted and, as elsewhere in New Britain, there is always the chance of a dugong or a whale.

Leslie's Knob, on Father's Reef is a wonderful table-topped seamount which comes to about 7 metres from the surface. As one sinks down to the seamount, large schools of fusiliers surround the diver, but there just a few metres away can be seen schooling Big-eye Trevallys and huge Dogtooth Tuna. Dropping down to 30 metres, Grey Reef Sharks roam in the more gloomy depths. Watch your gauges here for you are likely to be distracted by the shear quantity of things to see. Tightly packed schools of Chevron Barracudas face into the oncoming current, their eyes constantly watching out for danger from the sharks below! Ending your dive on the flat top of the seamount offers the chance to search for Scorpion Leafish and other small creatures.

For lovers of large fish, Norman's Knob , another seamount, is a great dive. Wahoo, up to two metres in length, can sometimes be seen here in 'families' of three or more. These smart, streamlined mackerel-like fish cruise like Great Barracudas. Lionfish with their veil-like, but venomous spines are common, as are Rainbow Runners and bannerfish. For lovers of nudibranchs there are several species to be found here. Large schools of friendly and inquisitive Teira Batfish cruise very close to divers. These large black, silver-grey and yellow fish make superb subjects for the photographer as they follow divers close to the surface and can pose against the sunlight!

Swim along a ridge that drops to about 25 metres from the main reef and you will soon arrive at the arch on Father's Arch . The arch itself is covered in soft corals and seafans with schooling fish. If, however, you stay on the main reef a trip to 30 metres or more and a careful search of the seafans might be rewarded by the sight of a miniscule Pygmy Seahorse. Bring your magnifying glass for a good look at these tiny perfect seahorses with their tails usually wrapped tightly around a seafan. On the top of the reef there is much opportunity to watch beautiful Fire Gobies and perhaps shrimp gobies with their shrimpy partners endlessly undertaking earthworks!

Killybob's Knob on Fairway Reef is a double-headed seamount. The boat anchors on the smaller pinnacle, which is adjacent to a longer ridge, the walls of which are adorned with huge seafans. These are well worth checking out, for this is just the type of location where Pygmy Seahorses may be found! Drop down to 35 metres to witness elegant and powerful Silvertip Sharks cruising by. At shallower depths, when the huge schools of Rainbow Runners meet and meld with the huge schools of Big-eye Trevallys, one can wriggle right inside the wall of fish to take an honoured place within the vortex as they circle. Watch as a small legion of Rainbow Runners peel from the 'herd' and tackle a visiting Grey Reef Shark. Thirty to forty small individuals head off the invader by encapsulating him from the main school and buffet the agitated shark until, failing to dislodge its 'armour', it retreats, still hungry (this time!).

In the wide Makada Harbour at the Duke of York Islands lie the Two Tanks , jettisoned from their Japanese transporter and positioned one in front of the other just as if they were 'frozen' as they proceeded along the ocean floor. This shallow dive (about 4 metres) offers great diving for the underwater photographer and the fish watcher. The two Japanese tanks are complete with turrets and can make a superb subject for the underwater photographer with a wide-angle lens. On the coral rubble around the tanks many species of corallimorph can be found (watch out for this seemingly harmless 'anemone' as it can cause a severe and painful rash if it comes into contact with skin, even through a lycra suit!) and also small and fascinating pipefish with their long, snaky bodies, pretty eyes and beautiful little snouts.

MILNE BAY

The province of Milne Bay, at the easternmost end of the Papuan mainland and the focus of some FeBrina cruises, comprises more than 500 islands and reefs. Captain John Moresby was the first European to enter Milne Bay thinking, incorrectly, that he had discovered a new route between Australia and China. The main city, Alotau, is on the mainland with the Solomon Sea to the north and the Coral Sea to the south. Tidal movement of these two great seas flush clear, deep, ocean water into the plankton rich lagoons, resulting in optimal conditions for marine growth. Reefs comprise both hard and soft corals and a simply fabulous collection of creatures, weird and wonderful. Searches will yield ghost pipefish, clownfish, mantis shrimps, frogfish, nudibranchs, sea moths, sea slugs, sea fans and sea whips. In fact, pretty much sea anything can turn up. Welcome to 'muck diving' - the art of finding and enjoying fascinating reef dwellers. It is said that the rather in-elegant phrase 'muck diving' was first coined in Milne Bay. Some prefer the term 'critter diving'. But there is more than muck diving in Milne Bay. Kathy's Corner has a dugong living in the area, and you could be lucky and catch a glimpse of her (or him!). Turtles are common here and make excellent subjects for wide-angle studies. A night dive will reveal flashlight fish which have bio-luminescent patches beneath their eyes that flash in the dark. Gorgeous, fancy, crimson Spanish Dancers flash their 'skirts' at night divers.

When baitfish arrive at Banana Bommie , the predators arrive too, literally out of the blue. Dogtooth Tuna, Spanish Mackerel (or Cero) and other predators turn up and plunge into the mass of baitfish to eat their fill. The sloping reef wall levels off to a sandy sea floor at around 30 metres. Garden eels sway tantalizingly and tempt one to try and creep up on them. Glorious, dark red Spine-cheeked Anemonefish venture a short way from their anemone hosts before wriggling back to those soft, safe tentacles, while Barramundi Cod in their smart black and white 'outfits' peer from their coral homes. Banana Bommie is well known as a dive site with huge variety and one which should satisfy any diver's appetite.

The wreck of the Muscoota in Discovery Bay is not far from Alotau and can be done as one of the first or one of the last dives. Draped in soft coral and encrusted with sponges, the wreck is home to some big schools of fish. Check out the deck as a Tassled Wobbegong shark is often seen resting there. The tip of the bow still peeps out of the water and the rudder is at a very diveable 24 metres, so one can explore the wreck in just one dive. Coal, still visible in the open holds, is a reminder of the ships history as a coal refuelling barge. The internal sections of the boat are silt-filled and difficult to access.

Milne Bay has such variety that its fame as a muck diving destination may be rather unfair. Manta cleaning stations, Whale Sharks, several wrecks, a good population of sharks and some exciting drift dives provide much variety. From seahorses and shrimpfish to wobbegongs and dugongs, Milne Bay diving is hard to beat.

WALINDI PLANTATION RESORT

Walindi Plantation Resort, located beside Kimbe Bay on the north coast of New Britain, has been described as having the best reef diving from a resort, anywhere in the world and is widely considered to be the world's premier diving resort! Enclosed by mighty volcanoes and majestic peaks towering above the dense lowland rainforest, Walindi Plantation Resort is set amidst a palm-oil plantation. The pleasant Plantation House Rooms are situated in the main building and have en-suite bathrooms. Twelve comfortable fern-draped bungalows with en-suite bathrooms are set in the beautiful and well-tended tropical gardens of this 800 acre plantation and each has its own magnificent sea views across Kimbe Bay. The swimming pool and tennis courts provide alternative relaxation when the diving is over and the well-stocked bar is the place to meet fellow divers and exchange fishy tales in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Three small dive boats whisk divers to the dive sites in about 40-60 minutes and, between dives, picnic lunches are taken aboard or on a small island. Up to three boat dives are available daily. Shore diving is available, payable locally, and costs US$10 per tank before 1730, US$20 per tank after that. Night boat dives can be arranged locally, subject to availability, and cost US$70. Nitrox is available, payable locally, at a cost of US$10 per tank. Walindi's extraordinary reputation, particularly amongst underwater photographers, led to the development of Walindi Photo, a full service photo-centre offering camera rentals, a well stocked retail shop and all levels of photography instruction.

Walindi Plantation Resort is reached by flying from Port Moresby to the small town of Hoskins on New Britain, followed by a road transfer of just under an hour to the shores of Kimbe Bay.

Plantation House Room

(1 January-31 March, 1-19 December)

£468 (non-divers: £285) for 5 nights

£586 (non-divers: £342) for 6 nights

£704 (non-divers: £399) for 7 nights

£822 (non-divers: £456) for 8 nights

Plantation House Room

(all other times)

£552 (non-divers: £315) for 5 nights

£694 (non-divers: £378) for 6 nights

£836 (non-divers: £441) for 7 nights

£978 (non-divers: £504) for 8 nights

Beachfront Bungalow

(1 January-31 March, 1-19 December)

£568 (non-divers: £385) for 5 nights

£778 (non-divers: £462) for 6 nights

£934 (non-divers: £539) for 7 nights

£1090 (non-divers: £616) for 8 nights

Beachfront Bungalow

(all other times)

£747 (non-divers: £510) for 5 nights

£928 (non-divers: £612) for 6 nights

£1109 (non-divers: £714) for 7 nights

£1290 (non-divers: £816) for 8 nights

Includes:

" 5, 6, 7 or 8 nights full board accommodation (breakfast, lunch and dinner) on a twin/share basis at Walindi Plantation Resort, including unlimited laundry service.

" 3, 4, 5 or 6 days diving (2 boat dives daily), dive guide, cylinders and weights.

Important: These prices include local tax at 8%.

Airport Transfers: £16 per person each way.

Supplement for an additional day of diving: £61 between 1 January-31 March and 1-19 December, £79 at all other times.

Supplement for 3 boat dives: £24 per day between 1 January-31 March and 1-19 December; £26 per day at all other times.

Additional Nights:

Plantation House Room

£118 (without diving: £57) between 1 January-31 March and 1-19 December

£142 (without diving: £63) at all other times

Beachfront Bungalow

£156 (without diving: £77) between 1 January-31 March and 1-19 December

£181 (without diving: £102) at all other times

Single Occupancy Supplement:

Plantation House Room: £23 per night

Beachfront Bungalow: £40 per night between 1 January-31 March and 1-19 December; £51 per night at all other times.

Deposit: £200

FE BRINA

The refurbished Fe Brina , usually skippered by Alan Raabe, a larger-than-life character and a great pioneer of New Guinea diving, is a smaller, more intimate boat offering a maximum of 12-14 passengers accommodation in 7 cabins, each with a porthole view. The Owner's Stateroom has a double bed, private head and shower and a porthole view. The two Deluxe Cabins have one lower single bed and one upper single bed, private head and shower and a porthole view. The two Deluxe Twin Cabins each have two lower single beds and two upper single beds, a washbasin and a porthole view. The two Single Cabins have one lower single bed and one upper single bed, a wash basin and a porthole view. The Deluxe Twin Cabins and the Single Cabins share two bathrooms. Towelling robes are provided for your stay on the boat. Clean towels are provided daily and clean sheets are provided mid-week. Complimentary toiletries are placed at the wash basin and each cabin has a built-in hairdryer. A crew of seven is on hand to look after the divers. All the cabins are located on the lower (Dolphin) deck and have individually-controlled air-conditioning. Fresh towels are provided daily and personal laundry is done every day at no extra charge.

The dive deck features a water fountain, mask defogging station, weight belt area, two showers, and a supply of fresh towels. Special rinse tanks for cameras are situated on the dive deck. Dive information is displayed on a large board which shows depth and marine life information. Of special interest to underwater photographers is the spacious multi-tiered, carpeted photo-table complete with cleaning materials. A full camera and video rental service is available at daily or weekly rates. The boat has a photo pro on board who will assist you with your photography and also, if you wish, take a customized video of your diving holiday. Fe Brina offers Nitrox facilities and a range of courses including PADI Advanced Open Water certification and Paul Humann Fish and Creature Identification. A full range of diving equipment is available for rental.

After diving most people head for the sundeck where they can relax (either in or out of the sun) and help themselves to iced drinks and delicious snacks. Freshly baked breads and biscuits show up in the morning and appetizers are served in the afternoon. Beverages and snacks are available at all times in the salon (along with a well-stocked bar). Meals are one of the highlights of the day. Hot breakfasts are cooked to order. Lunch is usually a buffet-style spread and dinner is waiter served. Wine is served with dinner.

In March and April Fe Brina offers cruises in Milne Bay (MB) and from Milne Bay to Rabaul (R) in New Britain. From May to December FeBrina offers a series of cruises from New Britain to the Witu Islands or between Kimbe Bay and northern New Ireland, or in New Ireland, departing from Walindi (W) in New Britain or Kavieng (K) in New Ireland. In July and August the cruises depart from and return to Rabaul and explore northeastern New Britain and the Duke of York Islands.

2006 Cruise Schedule: 8 nights cruises: 5-13 June (W/W), 15-23 June (W/W), 24 June-2 July (W/W), 26 July-3 August (R/R), 5-13 August (R/R), 25 August-2 September(R/R), 21-29 October (W/W). 9 nights cruises: 15-24 December (W/W). 10 nights cruises: 28 March-7 April (MB/MB), 11-21 April (MB/MB), 22 April-2 May (MB/R), 3-13 May (W/W), 14-24 May (W/W), 25 May-4 June (W/W), 14-24 July (W/R), 5-15 September (R/W), 18-28 September (W/W), 29 September-9 October (W/W), 10-20 October (W/W),12-22 November (K/W), 23 Nov-3 December (W/W), 5-15 December (W/W). 12 nights cruises: 30 October-11 November (W/K).

All cruises

£181 per night in a Deluxe Twin Cabin

£193 per night in the Owner's Stateroom or a Deluxe Cabin

Includes:

" Airport transfers.

" 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 nights cruise on Fe Brina on a twin/share basis with full board, including soft drinks and wine.

" 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 full days of diving (up to 4 or 5 dives per day, including night dives) plus one or two dives on the last day, cylinders and weights.

Important: The cruise prices include local tax at 8%. In addition, there is a recompression chamber support fee of £2 per night (subject to change) which must be prepaid.

Additional Cruise: A 10% discount applies.

Single Occupancy Supplement: If you are travelling alone and are willing to share a twin cabin with a fellow passenger of the same sex you can avoid paying any supplement, even if the boat operator cannot find you a cabin-mate! If you prefer to have a cabin to yourself you can have a Single Cabin at a rate of £245 per night.

Deposit: £550 (8-9 nights cruise); £700 (10-12 nights cruise).

Important: Additional hotel nights in Walindi (or Kavieng or Rabaul) may be required by those travelling from London to join Fe Brina , depending on the cruise dates. Please see the Walindi Plantation Resort (or Malagan Beach Resort in New Ireland) entry for the cost of additional nights there (with or without diving). Please contact our office regarding Rabaul.

STAR DANCER

Decked out in the now famous blue and white Dancer livery, Star Dancer carries a maximum of 16 passengers in 8 staterooms each with private head and shower. The two Master Staterooms have a queen size bed, private head, bath and shower and picture window views. The five Deluxe Staterooms on the Main Deck have two single beds or one king size bed, private head and shower and picture window views. The Owner's Suite on the Dolphin Deck has one queen size bed, private head, bath and shower and porthole views from either side of the cabin. Towelling robes are provided for your stay on the boat. Clean towels are provided daily and clean sheets are provided mid-week. Complimentary toiletries are placed at the wash basin and each cabin has a built-in hairdryer. Eight crew offer superb service at all times, from morning coffee in your room to taking your tank at the dive platform on your return to the boat or providing hot towels at the end of a night dive.

The dive deck features a water fountain, mask defogging station, weight belt area, two showers, and a supply of fresh towels. Special rinse tanks for cameras are situated on the dive deck. Dive information is displayed on a large board which shows depth and marine life information. For safety and convenience a special hanging bar is raised and lowered from the dive platform and is maintained at a constant 5 metres below the boat during dives. Of special interest to underwater photographers is the spacious multi-tiered, carpeted photo-table complete with cleaning materials. A full camera and video rental service is available at daily or weekly rates. The boat has a photo pro on board who will assist you with your photography and also, if you wish, take a customized video of your diving holiday. Star Dancer offers Nitrox facilities at an extra charge and a range of courses including PADI Advanced Open Water certification and Paul Humann Fish and Creature Identification. A full range of diving equipment is available for rental.

After diving most people head for the sundeck where they can relax (either in or out of the sun) and help themselves to iced drinks and delicious snacks. Freshly baked breads and biscuits show up in the morning and appetizers are served in the afternoon. Beverages and snacks are available at all times in the salon (along with a well-stocked bar). Meals are one of the highlights of the day. Hot breakfasts are cooked to order. Lunch is usually a buffet-style spread and dinner is waiter served. Wine is served with dinner and after dinner drinks are always offered.

Star Dancer offers a series of 7-10 nights cruises from Kimbe Bay in New Britain to Fathers Reef and the Witu Islands or between Kimbe Bay and northern New Ireland, or in the Rabaul and Duke of York Islands region of eastern New Britain, departing from Walindi (W) or Rabaul (R) in New Britain or Kavieng (K) in New Ireland throughout the year.

2006 cruise schedule: 7 nights cruises: 2-9 August (R/R), 19-26 August (R/R). 8 nights cruises: 6-14 July (R/R),15-23 July (R/R), 24 July-1 August (R/R), 10-18 August (R/R), 27 August-4 September (R/R). 9 nights cruises: 11-19 December (W/W). 10 nights cruises: 16-26 January (R/R), 31 January-10 February (R/R), 11-21 February (R/R), 22 February-4 March (R/R), 5-15 March (R/R), 17-27 March (R/R), 2-12 April (W/W), 13-23 April (W/W), 24 April-4 May (W/W), 4-14 May (W/W), 16-26 May (W/W), 27 May-6 June (W/R), 7-17 June (R/W), 18-28 June (W/R), 5-15 September (R/W), 15-25 September (W/W), 26 September-6 October (W/W), 7-17 October (W/W), 17-27 October (W/W), 28 October-7 November (W/K), 8-18 November (K/W), 19-29 November (W/W), 30 November-10 December (W/W).

Cruises departing between 16 January-17 March

£164 per night

Cruises departing between 2 April-11 December

£184 per night

Includes:

" Airport transfers.

" 7, 8, 9 or 10 nights cruise on Star Dancer on a twin/share basis with full board, including soft drinks, wine, beer and spirits.

" 5, 6 , 7 or 8 full days of diving (up to 4 or 5 dives per day, including night dives) plus one or two dives on the last day, cylinders and weights.

Important: The cruise prices include local tax at 8%. In addition, there is a port charge of £44 for all cruises, a recompression chamber support fee of £2 per night and a fuel surcharge of £7 per night (subject to change) which must be prepaid.

Divers aged 59 or over (and BSAC members of any age): A 10% discount applies (this discount is also applicable to those actively serving in the military, police or fire service).

Non-divers: A 10% reduction applies.

Additional Cruise: A 10% discount applies.

Single Occupancy Supplement: If you are travelling alone and are willing to share a twin cabin with a fellow passenger of the same sex you can avoid paying any supplement, even if Peter Hughes cannot find you a cabin-mate! If you prefer to have a cabin to yourself a 65% supplement applies and the deposit requirement is doubled.

Deposit: £600 (7-8 nights cruise); £850 (9-10 nights cruise).

Important: Because of the remoteness of PNG and the distance to the nearest hyperbaric chamber in Australia, Peter Hughes' requires all divers travelling on Star Dancer to hold DAN (Divers Alert Network) membership and insurance cover. For DAN contact details, see the Travel Insurance section of our Booking Information.

Important: Additional hotel nights in Walindi (or Kavieng or Rabaul) may be required by those travelling from London to join Star Dancer , depending on the cruise dates. Please see the Walindi Plantation Resort (or Malagan Beach Resort in New Ireland) entry for the cost of additional nights there (with or without diving). Please contact our office regarding Rabaul.

Overnights in Port Moresby: The comfortable Airways Hotel is adjacent to Port Moresby airport. The cost of a night on a twin/share, room-only basis is £30 (single occupancy supplement: £30).

FLIGHTS

The airfares shown here were typical economy fares available at the time of going to press. We will quote you the airfare applicable, based on current fare levels and booking class availability, at the time of booking. Our quote, which will include all taxes and fuel supplements applicable at the time of quotation, as well as our service charge, may be higher or lower than the airfares indicated here. The usual airfare deposit is £100.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES

Depart on Wednesday or Sunday evening from London (Heathrow) by Singapore Airlines, arriving at Singapore the following afternoon. Connect with an Air Niugini evening flight to Port Moresby, arriving on Friday or Tuesday morning respectively in time for an onwards local flight to Hoskins on the island of New Britain (or Rabaul or Kavieng on the island of New Ireland if visiting there). On the return journey, after returning from Hoskins (or Rabaul or Kavieng), you will leave Port Moresby on Monday or Thursday afternoon and travel via Port Moresby to arrive at Singapore the same evening. After connecting with a Singapore Airlines evening flight, you will arrive at London (Heathrow) on Tuesday or Friday morning respectively.

Wednesday and Sunday flights are also available from Manchester at no extra charge.

£1180 for departures 1 January-30 June (excluding Easter)

£1222 for departures 16 August-9 December

£1281 for departures at Easter, 24-31 December

£1340 for departures at 1 July-15 August

£1416 for departures 10-23 December

Includes:

" Scheduled flights London (Heathrow)/Singapore/London (Heathrow) by Singapore Airlines.

" Scheduled flights Singapore/Port Moresby/Singapore by Air Niugini.

Travel via Australia: It is also possible to fly to Port Moresby via Australia, with a stop-over in Australia, at slightly higher fares. Please contact our office for rates.

INTERNAL FLIGHTS

Port Moresby-Hoskins (one-way): £82 for scheduled flight Port Moresby/Hoskins or vice versa by Air Niugini. (£98 if not booked in conjunction with Singapore/Port Moresby flight.)

Port Moresby-Rabaul (one-way): £85 for scheduled flight Port Moresby/Rabaul or vice versa by Air Niugini. (£102 if not booked in conjunction with Singapore/Port Moresby flight.)

Port Moresby-Kavieng (one-way): £85 for scheduled flight Port Moresby/Kavieng or vice versa by Air Niugini. (£102 if not booked in conjunction with Singapore/Port Moresby flight.)

Port Moresby-Milne Bay (one-way): £80 for scheduled flight Port Moresby/Milne Bay or vice versa by Air Niugini. (£96 if not booked in conjunction with Singapore/Port Moresby flight.)

SINGAPORE STOP-OVERS

Why not take the opportunity to explore Singapore as part of your holiday? Singapore Airlines fly between London and Singapore daily and stop-overs are available at no additional airfare. We can arrange your hotel accommodation: for details please see the Southern Thailand entry in this brochure.

COMBINING NEW BRITAIN WITH NEW IRELAND OR LOLOATA ISLAND

Why not extend your holiday in PNG and visit New Ireland? The Kavieng area offers a superb range of dive sites with a remarkable variety of 'macro life' as well as good numbers of big fish, including sharks. See the New Ireland brochure entry for details. A small additional airfare will be applicable and additional hotel nights in Walindi or Kavieng may be required between liveaboard cruises. Alternatively, why not visit Loloata Island near Port Moresby. Stopovers in Port Moresby, for a visit to nearby Loloata Island, are available at no additional airfare.

Other holidays in Australia & The South Pacific