Life on the Water: How the Year Unfolds Aboard FeBrina
ITINERARIES & WEATHER PATTERNS
At MV FeBrina, our diving program follows the seasonal weather patterns of Papua New Guinea, allowing us to make the most of the sea and weather conditions in different regions throughout the year.
March – Witu Islands & Kimbe Bay
Our FeBrina diving year usually begins in March with shorter itineraries visiting Kimbe Bay and the Witu Islands. This is a pleasant time to be on the water, with generally light north-westerly winds providing comfortable cruising and diving conditions. The Witu Islands are a particular highlight, with beautiful coral reefs, volcanic islands and spectacular black-sand bays.
April – June | Signature and Kavieng Itineraries
April through June generally brings light winds, favourable seas and some of the best conditions for longer voyages. Water temperatures can reach around 30–31°C in April and May, making for wonderfully warm tropical diving.
Our Signature Itineraries visit three of our most popular diving regions, Kimbe Bay, Witu Islands and the North Coast Reefs. These 9- and 10-night itineraries combine the exceptional coral reefs and marine biodiversity of Kimbe Bay with the remote beauty of the Witu Islands and the spectacular underwater landscapes of Father’s Reefs and other north coast areas.
Our Kavieng trips run between Kimbe Bay and Kavieng, including the New Hanover area and Witu Islands. These trips offer an extraordinary variety of diving, from pristine coral reefs and dramatic channels to volcanic islands, pelagic encounters and tiny macro subjects. Witu Islands are surrounded by exceptionally clear water, healthy coral reefs and dramatic underwater terrain.
June – August | Mid-Year Itineraries
During June, July and August, the south-easterly trade winds become more established, so we generally return to shorter itineraries of around 8 days. These trips focus on two major diving areas, combining Kimbe Bay with EITHER North Coast sites OR the Witu Islands.
North Coast dive sites are known for dramatic underwater landscapes of walls, pinnacles, bommies, channels and caves, surrounded by deep blue water. The area is renowned for its abundant fish life.
We also offer Walindi to Rabaul itineraries during this period, allowing us to visit the Bainings region and other sites along the North Coast. The Bainings offer remote, less-visited diving along the rugged northeast coast of New Britain. It’s an area for divers who enjoy exploration, variety and getting off the beaten track.
September – December | Our Optimal Months
From September through December, conditions generally allow us to venture further afield. with the opportunity to explore regions including Kimbe Bay, Witu Islands, New Hanover and Kavieng.
Slightly cooler water temperatures can mean an increase in sightings of some of the smaller and more unusual marine life. October and November are typically characterised by light breezes, plenty of sunshine and very little rain, apart from occasional evening showers. It’s a great time to be on the water.
We also offer dedicated Witu Islands itineraries in late November and early December, combining the reefs of Kimbe Bay with the spectacular coral gardens and black-sand bays of the Witu Islands.
Exploratory Itineraries:
Throughout the year, FeBrina also undertakes a small number of specialist and exploratory itineraries throughout the Bismarck Sea and further afield. There is still plenty to discover in PNG, and our guests get pretty excited on those exploratory trips up here.
FeBrina is a favourite with dive clubs, photography groups and private charters, with our range of itinerary options suitable to a wide range of diving interests. Our friendly reservations team can help you choose a trip based on the style of diving adventure you’re looking for.
Looking for More?
We also recommend looking at itineraries aboard our partner liveaboard, MV Oceania, particularly the Rabaul to Milne Bay (Alotau) voyages operating in February and March. These trips offer exceptional opportunities for divers who enjoy macro photography.