West New Britain · Papua New Guinea

Kimbe Bay

Reefs with more than 900 fish species in the Coral Triangle, seamounts near the coast and warm rivers at the foot of the volcanoes of West New Britain.

Islands Region

In the photo: Islets and reefs of Kimbe Bay

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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Get to know the place

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.

Kimbe Bay opens on the north coast of New Britain, between the Willaumez Peninsula to the west and the volcanoes of the Hoskins area to the east. Kimbe, the capital of West New Britain, sits at the head of the bay, surrounded by oil-palm plantations and forests that rise into the mountains.

The bay is part of the Coral Triangle and its reefs shelter more than 900 fish species. Seamounts and walls drop to deep water a short distance from shore, and dive boats reach them quickly, among corals, schools of barracuda and, sometimes, passing dolphins and whales.

On land, the landscape is volcanic. Rivers warmed by underground springs run through the forest, such as the warm Garu River, and on the Willaumez Peninsula are the Pangalu hot springs, near Talasea. Mount Ulawun, one of the country’s most active volcanoes, appears on the horizon to the east.

The region receives few visitors, most of them divers, who stay in lodges along the bay or on boats that spend several days at sea.

This destination brings together 1 city: Kimbe.

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One destination, many paths

The cities on this trip

Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.

Where Kimbe Bay is

Boundaries: Papua New Guinea National Statistics Office / OCHA ROAP / geoBoundaries (CC BY 3.0 IGO). Adapted by Cidade Turismo.

How to get there: Kimbe Bay

✈ Aeroporto de Hoskins (HKN), in Hoskins · 42 km to Kimbe

Flights from Port Moresby and other cities arrive at Hoskins Airport (HKN), east of Kimbe. From Hoskins, the road leads to Kimbe and the bay lodges, which usually arrange transfers.

Nova Bretanha Ocidental · Kimbe Bay Capital

Kimbe

Kimbe is the capital and largest settlement of West New Britain, at the head of Kimbe Bay, with one of the country’s largest ports and oil-palm plantations around it. It is the base for diving on the bay’s reefs and for land trips to the warm Garu River in the forest to the west and the Pangalu hot springs near Talasea on the Willaumez Peninsula.

The local experience

Things to do in Kimbe Bay

Kimbe · West New Britain · Reefs and diving

Kimbe Bay

A bay on the north coast of New Britain, in the Coral Triangle, with reefs that shelter more than 900 fish species and seamounts a short distance from shore.

Kimbe · West New Britain · Hot spring

Garu Hot River

A river warmed by volcanic springs that runs through the forest west of Kimbe, in the Garu wildlife management area, with natural pools for bathing.

Kimbe · West New Britain · Hot spring

Pangalu Hot Springs

An area of thermal springs and heated ground near Talasea, on the Willaumez Peninsula in West New Britain.

Before you go

Practical information

A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.

When to go

The climate is hot and humid year-round, and the heaviest rains usually fall from December to March. Diving takes place throughout the year, and sea conditions vary with the seasonal winds; confirm with operators.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

How many days to stay

For diving, four to seven days, with two or three dives per day. Non-divers can combine snorkeling, boat trips, the warm Garu River and the Pangalu springs in two or three days.

Which city to stay in

Lodgings are on the bayfront near Kimbe, most with dive operations. In the town of Kimbe there are simpler options near the port and shops. There are also dive boats with cabins that spend several days on the bay’s reefs and nearby islands.

Respect the place

Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.

Get your questions answered

Frequently asked questions about Kimbe Bay

Why is Kimbe Bay known for diving?

For its variety of corals and fish, with more than 900 recorded species, and for the seamounts and walls close to shore, reachable by boat in a short time.

How many days to stay in Kimbe Bay?

Four to seven days for diving. For snorkeling and land excursions, two or three days are usually enough.

Can you visit Kimbe Bay without diving?

Yes. There is snorkeling on shallow reefs, boat and kayak trips, the warm Garu River and the Pangalu hot springs near Talasea.

What is the nearest airport to Kimbe Bay?

Hoskins Airport, east of Kimbe, with flights from Port Moresby. Bay lodges usually provide transfers.

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Kimbe Bay

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.