Resort Report: Tawali Leisure & Dive Resort

“Some of the most biologically diverse and environmentally pristine reefs in the Coral Triangle.” That's how a scientific survey conducted by the Australian Institute of Marine Science described the waters of Papua New Guinea's (PNG) Milne Bay.

This news is no surprise to the fortunate few who have visited Tawali Resort, and it's a good reason for everyone else to learn about this bucket-list destination.

Milne Bay is a large expanse of sheltered water located at the eastern tip of the island of New Guinea. It is a remote and sparsely populated region, with just a handful of small fishing villages scattered along shorelines and on small offshore islands. These waters were a favorite of dive pioneer Bob Halstead, who is best known for bringing PNG to the attention of the international diving community, and for popularizing the activity of muck diving.

The only land-based dive operation in this remote region is the Tawali Leisure & Dive Resort. This is a true dive outpost, but that doesn't mean guests will be roughing in with cold showers, simple local fare and muggy bedrooms. Set in lush natural landscaping, Tawali is a four-star property with an away-from-it-all vibe offering lustrous hand-crafted bungalows with civilized comforts such as air conditioning, WiFi connectivity, private ensuite baths, a swimming pool and upscale dining.

Getting to Tawali Resort will require going the extra mile. Travelers begin with a flight into PNG's international airport at Port Moresby, followed by a one-hour commuter flight to Alotau village, a 90-minute van transfer and a 20-minute boat ride. The reward for this travel time is exclusive access to one of the world's most pristine underwater environments.

Tawali is located on the northern shore of a long peninsula that forms Milne Bay. This setting shelters nearby dive sites from prevailing southeast winds and waves, ensuring calm conditions on the two dozen sites regularly visited by the resort's dive boats.

Tawali is known for the pristine condition of surrounding waters and the variety of available diving experiences. The coral-encrusted hours reef offers house of snorkeling and diving exploration on shallows that lead to a steep outer wall patrolled by mobula rays. This site also holds a wealth of macro treasures such as pygmy seahorses and offers nightly mandarinfish performances.

Muck diving enthusiasts have numerous critter-rich sites to enjoy. Just minutes from the resort is the famous site known as Diana's Reef, where a landscape of black sand and mud provides habitat for nudibranchs, anemones, pipefish, octopus and a menagerie of crabs, shrimp and other invertebrates. In recent years Tawali has also attracted a growing number of blackwater enthusiasts who submerge under cover in dark waters to capture images of things that only come out at night.

Divers who prefer coral gardens, walls and dramatic formations are equally rewarded. Coral Gardens is a shallow site that lives up to its name with an extensive collection of multi-hued hard corals. Deacon's Reef delivers a smorgasbord of underwater topographies that begin shoreline coral clefts that lead to a landscape of walls, gullies, sunlit grottoes and fish-attracting pinnacles. A bit farther offshore pinnacles and plateaus such as those found at Tania’s and Barracuda Point teem with fish life and attract mantas and hammerhead sharks, plus the chance for an occasional whale shark.

While diving is the main attraction at Tawali there's plenty more to experience on the surface. More relaxed activities include visits to local villages, birdwatching excursions and hikes to a jungle waterfall. Adventurous types can go on an island-hopping cruise, try offshore fishing, immerse in natural hot springs or venture underground to visit Skull Cave, which houses the preserved craniums of revered ancestors.

Caradonna works with Tawali Resort and can create bespoke dive and travel packages that guide you every step of the way from home to arrival at the resort. You can get all the details from one of our experienced agents by calling 800-329-9989 or sending a note to sales@caradonna.com.