Loloata Private Island Resort

Often overlooked by divers heading on to Milne Bay or Kimbe Bay, Port Moresby holds a real surprise: genuinely rewarding diving right on its doorstep. The area has a distinctly local flavour, with a strong following among the capital's expat community who regularly explore the 29+ dive sites on offer. Many of the best sit along the offshore and sunken barrier reefs, and in the right conditions they can be absolutely stunning.

What to expect at Loloata

Set in Bootless Bay, Loloata Private Island Resort carries a strong reputation built over almost 40 years of diving on the island. Today it pairs a fully equipped dive shop, fast boats and an experienced team of instructors and guides with several dive sites less than a 30-minute boat ride away, including MV New Marine and Suzie's Bommie.

A selection of PADI courses means it suits both first-timers learning to dive and certified divers upgrading their skills. Marine life ranges from sharks and turtles to whales and ocean fish — and it's a great spot to see and photograph the rare and beautiful Rhinopias.