One of the best things about a trip to Papua New Guinea is arriving. Unless you’re coming from nearby Australia, you’ve probably spent the last 30 sleepless hours on planes and in airports. I endure the long journey with anticipation and have done so some 30 times. Truth be told, I’m addicted!

So many places to choose from, the mainland and the scattered islands that make up this amazing country is surrounded by 3 distinct seas – the Coral, Solomon and Bismarck. I’ve had the pleasure of diving in them all and each area has its own personality. Kimbe and Milne Bay are known by many divers but there are other destinations that always intrigue me. From the green fingers stretching out to sea in the Tufi area in Oro Province or the island dotted Louisiade Archipelago, there is always something to discover.
But for me, not only is the underwater world diverse and colorful, so is the culture. With over 800 different languages spoken in Papua New Guinea, the lifestyles of each tribe has a dependence on the environment – none more important than the coastal communities that depend on the health of the oceans.

I’ll never get enough nor will I see everything of this country during my lifetime. But I can try! Trip number 31 is just around the corner.

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