Alotau
Papua New Guinea · Milne Bay · 10 m
Description
Alotau is the capital of Milne Bay at the eastern tip of the mainland and the base for what many divers consider the best water in Papua New Guinea, a province of six hundred islands where reefs, walls and muck sites sit close together. Milne Bay was the site of the first land defeat of Japanese forces in the Pacific, and wrecks lie in the harbour. The November canoe festival brings decorated war canoes and kundu drums from across the province. Liveaboards run from the wharf to the outer atolls. Most people arrive by air and stay on a boat rather than in town.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 3 to 8 days (optimal 4 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: October – March
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Diving the reefs and walls of Milne Bay
- Muck diving on the black sand slopes
- Kenu and Kundu canoe festival (November)
- Milne Bay battle memorial
- Liveaboard trips to the outer atolls
- Samarai island and its colonial ruins(Day trip)
- Alotau market and the shell money
- Wreck dives in the harbour
- Village visits along the north coast
Getting there
- Airports:
- GUR
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry