Lissenung Island Resort

© Lissenung Island Resort

Lissenung Island Resort, a 20 minute boat ride from Kavieng in New Ireland Province, is the ideal base for a PNG diving adventure. Situated only two degrees south of the equator, this is the South Sea, where the water is always warm, averaging a balmy 28-30° Celsius (82-86°F).

The Resort is located on a small private island with coconut palms and a beautiful white sandy beach. Think of your own Pacific hideaway with all the basic necessities provided for an enjoyable stay: Simple bungalows with airy verandahs and mosquito screened bedrooms, great meals and, of course, fantastic diving!

There are 7 rooms, accommodating a maximum of 14 guests on the island. Two double rooms have their own private facilities, with shared showers and toilets for the other 5 double/twin rooms. Wifi internet is in all rooms. Although the water is not heated, the warm environment usually ensures a pleasant water temperature. Every room has ceiling fans, fly-screens, mosquito nets, a large desk (for photographers to work on their cameras) and cupboard space. After the diving, you can relax in the comfortable chairs on your own verandah.

The 24-hour electricity supply in each room allows to re-charge the batteries to your camera and other electronical equipment. The two dive boats depart every morning at 9am, whisking 6 and 8 divers respectively out to the fascinating dive sites. Well-maintained and regularly serviced dive equipment, including dive computers, can be hired through the fully equipped dive shop. Experienced dive guides will accompany you on your dives and point out the weird and wonderful that this area has to offer.

The main house offers comfortable chairs on a sandy floor and it is here where cold drinks and delicious meals await you. Seafood, such as fresh fish, crabs and crayfish (lobster) feature high on a menu where set meals are served, rather than actually giving out a menu to choose from. Special dietary requirements are catered for. Wine, beer and softdrinks can be purchased. Spirits are extremely hard to buy anywhere in PNG, so guests are welcome to bring their own duty free spirits (there are plenty of mixers).

It is the unique location of the tiny little islands between the open South Pacific Ocean and the Bismarck Sea that has created an underwater wonderland.

The change of tides can produce some strong currents, which flush clear waters from the deep sea over the abundant reefs and through tiny passages. It is during those currents that the pelagic action is happening and you can expect to see sharks, tunas, mackerels, huge schools of jacks and barracudas and with some luck schooling Eagle Rays and Mobula Rays. However, the diving is very varied and also includes wall, wreck and muck diving and ensures that every diver leaves the island a happy diver!

Dietmar, the owner, has been running the dive operation for over 10 years and is an expert in picking the right dive spots at the right time. PADI dive courses from Open Water through to Instructor are offered on the island.

Last but not least there is a great bonus feature: Located just off the beach is a fantastic house reef. You get free shore diving on Lissenungs house reef while staying at Lissenung Island Resort!

Interesting for day (for free as many as you like before 6pm) as well as night dives (night dives are guided on request and will be charged locally).

Diving here is year-round, with January to March subject to sudden rainsqualls and thunderstorms. Typically tropical, these storms are often replaced by blue skies that return as quickly as they departed. Best months are usually April to June and September through to December.

You can easily circumnavigate the whole island in 10-15 minutes. It is covered with tropical vegetation providing plenty of shaded areas to escape the tropical sun, and also offers a small but very pretty white sand beach where you can relax. Lissenung Island has the nicest beach of all dive resorts in PNG and the best house reef.

If you are dreaming of a nice island in the Pacific to relax and dive and get the illusion to be alone on the planet, Lissenung is the ideal place for such a dream. The sunset can be watched from your own deck-chair, right on the beach, with a nice glass of wine in hand.

SNORKELING

About 2/3 of Lissenung Island is surrounded by a beautiful reef. The best place to start is in front of the dive shop where you turn left immediately and follow the reef. This area is a conservation zone and there are a multitude of fish. You can also join one of the dive boats for the morning, as many of the dive sites also offer fantastic snorkeling.