MV FeBrina Liveaboard is one of Papua New Guinea’s longest-operating liveaboards, offering small-group diving expeditions throughout some of the country’s most diverse marine environments. Managed by Walindi Plantation Resort, the vessel has built a strong reputation for exploring remote reefs, offshore seamounts, volcanic islands, and world-class coral ecosystems that remain largely untouched by mass tourism.
Operating 8 to 11-day itineraries, MV FeBrina visits destinations including Kimbe Bay, West New Britain, the Witu Islands, Siassi Islands, East New Britain, Fathers Reefs, the Bainings, Rabaul, New Hanover, and Kavieng. These itineraries combine sheltered coral reefs with offshore pelagic dive sites, offering a wide variety of underwater environments across Papua New Guinea’s Bismarck Sea.
The 22-metre liveaboard accommodates a maximum of 12 guests, allowing for personalized service and flexible dive operations. With decades of local knowledge and an experienced crew, MV FeBrina continues to provide access to regions that remain among the most biologically diverse diving destinations in the Indo-Pacific.
Facilities & Meals
Designed for extended dive expeditions, MV FeBrina offers comfortable indoor and outdoor spaces where guests can relax between dives. The fully air-conditioned interior includes a comfortable saloon, dining area and lounge, while the shaded dive deck provides seating and equipment storage throughout the trip. Although the vessel does not feature a dedicated sun deck, guests can enjoy open-air seating on the bow or unwind in the shaded areas overlooking the water.
Meals are freshly prepared onboard and served throughout the day around the dive schedule. The menu features a variety of international dishes prepared using locally sourced ingredients where possible, with snacks, fresh fruit, tea, coffee and drinking water available between dives.
Activities
While diving is the primary focus aboard MV FeBrina, many itineraries also include opportunities to experience Papua New Guinea’s remote island scenery. Depending on the route, guests may visit isolated beaches, volcanic islands and traditional coastal villages, with occasional opportunities to observe dolphins, whales and other marine wildlife during crossings between dive locations.
Staying Connected
MV FeBrina operates in remote regions of Papua New Guinea where mobile coverage is limited or unavailable. Internet access is generally not provided, allowing guests to disconnect while exploring some of the country’s most isolated dive destinations.
We Think . . .
MV FeBrina is well suited to experienced divers seeking longer expeditions through Papua New Guinea’s less-visited dive regions. Its small guest numbers, knowledgeable crew and varied itineraries make it an excellent choice for underwater photographers, marine life enthusiasts and returning visitors looking to explore beyond the country’s better-known reefs.
MV FeBrina operates throughout the Bismarck Sea and surrounding waters of Papua New Guinea, exploring several of the country’s premier diving regions. Itineraries visit the coral-rich reefs of Kimbe Bay, the offshore seamounts of the Witu Islands and Siassi Islands, the volcanic coastlines of East New Britain, the renowned Fathers Reefs, the waters surrounding Rabaul, and the remote islands of New Hanover and Kavieng.
These regions form part of the Coral Triangle and are recognised for exceptional marine biodiversity, healthy coral reefs, frequent pelagic encounters, and a combination of reef, wall, seamount, muck and drift diving environments.
How to Get There
Embarkation ports vary depending on the itinerary selected.
Most departures begin or end at Walindi Plantation Resort near Kimbe in West New Britain, while selected itineraries operate from Rabaul in East New Britain or Kavieng on New Ireland Province.
International travellers typically fly into Port Moresby, before connecting to domestic flights serving Kimbe, Rabaul or Kavieng. Guests are encouraged to arrive at least one day before embarkation to allow for domestic flight schedules and any unexpected delays.
Detailed joining instructions, transfer information and embarkation times are provided prior to departure.
MV FeBrina accommodates a maximum of 12 guests in seven air-conditioned cabins spread across two accommodation decks. All cabins include ensuite bathrooms, wardrobe storage, mirror, hairdryer, fresh towels, daily housekeeping and personal laundry service. The small guest capacity provides a comfortable onboard atmosphere while allowing personalised service throughout each expedition.
Owner’s Stateroom
Located on the Forward Dolphin Deck, the Owner’s Stateroom is the vessel’s most spacious cabin. It features a double bed and a generous cabin layout with separate ensuite shower and toilet facilities, providing additional privacy and comfort during extended itineraries. The cabin also includes ample storage space and the standard onboard amenities provided throughout the vessel.
Deluxe Cabins
Two Deluxe Cabins are situated on the Forward Dolphin Deck. Each cabin is configured with a small double bed and an upper single bunk, making them suitable for couples, friends travelling together or solo travellers seeking additional space. Each cabin includes a private ensuite bathroom, individually controlled air-conditioning, wardrobe, mirror, hairdryer and daily housekeeping service.
Large Single Cabins
The two Large Single Cabins are located on the Aft Dolphin Deck and are designed primarily for solo travellers. Each cabin features a small double bed with an upper single bunk positioned at right angles, providing additional sleeping space if required. Ensuite bathroom facilities, storage, air-conditioning and daily laundry service are included, offering a practical option for individual guests on longer expeditions.
Single Cabins
Located on the Aft Dolphin Deck, the two Single Cabins provide comfortable accommodation for individual travellers. Each cabin contains a large single bed, private ensuite bathroom and porthole window, together with wardrobe storage, mirror, hairdryer and the vessel’s standard housekeeping services. Their compact design makes efficient use of space while providing a comfortable base between dives.
Diving Location Features
MV FeBrina explores some of Papua New Guinea’s most biologically diverse marine environments, with itineraries covering sheltered coral reefs, offshore seamounts, volcanic islands, walls, pinnacles and current-swept passages. The regions visited span the Bismarck Sea, where nutrient-rich waters support exceptional coral growth and abundant marine life throughout the year.
Kimbe Bay is renowned for its extensive coral reefs, volcanic seamounts and over 900 species of reef fish, while the Witu Islands and Fathers Reefs offer offshore dives where stronger currents attract schools of barracuda, trevally, reef sharks and other pelagic species. East New Britain combines reef systems with volcanic underwater landscapes and occasional muck diving opportunities, while New Hanover and Kavieng feature dramatic walls, channels and pristine reefs that remain relatively unexplored.
Marine life commonly encountered across FeBrina’s itineraries includes reef sharks, turtles, eagle rays, schooling jacks, barracuda, anthias, fusiliers and numerous macro species. Seasonal sightings of dolphins, whales and orcas may also occur during crossings between dive locations.
Best Time to Dive
MV FeBrina operates throughout the year, with itineraries scheduled to take advantage of favourable seasonal conditions across different regions of Papua New Guinea.
Water temperatures generally range between 27°C and 30°C, allowing comfortable diving year-round with a 3 mm wetsuit or similar thermal protection. Visibility commonly ranges from 20 to more than 40 metres, depending on the destination, tides and prevailing weather conditions.
Conditions in Kimbe Bay remain relatively consistent throughout the year due to its sheltered location, while offshore destinations such as the Witu Islands, Fathers Reefs and Kavieng may experience stronger currents that attract larger pelagic species. Seasonal weather patterns influence itinerary planning, allowing the vessel to operate across multiple regions while selecting dive sites best suited to prevailing sea conditions.
Dive Services
MV FeBrina is designed specifically for liveaboard diving, with dive operations organised to maximise time underwater while maintaining flexible schedules based on local conditions. Depending on the itinerary and weather, guests may enjoy up to five dives each day, including early morning, morning, afternoon and night dives.
The spacious dive deck provides direct access to the water via a large dive platform, allowing convenient entry and exit throughout the day. For selected drift dives and reefs that are inaccessible to the main vessel, a dedicated dinghy is used to transport divers safely to and from the dive sites.
The vessel supports underwater photographers with a dedicated camera preparation area featuring large work benches, storage shelves and both 110V and 220V charging outlets. Camera equipment can be assembled and maintained separately from general dive gear, making the vessel well suited to photographers travelling with larger camera systems.
Nitrox is available for certified divers at an additional cost, helping extend bottom times on repetitive dives. Standard aluminium 12-litre cylinders are supplied, with both DIN and Yoke valves available. Fifteen-litre cylinders are not carried onboard.
Dive equipment can be stored on the dive deck throughout each itinerary, with the experienced crew assisting with cylinder changes and general dive logistics between dives. Small guest numbers allow for personalised dive briefings and flexible dive planning, while experienced local dive guides provide detailed knowledge of each destination’s underwater conditions and marine life.
Safety equipment is carried onboard in accordance with Papua New Guinea liveaboard operations, and all diving activities are conducted according to weather, currents and local sea conditions to ensure safe and enjoyable diving throughout the expedition.
Dive Sites
Kimbe Bay
Kimbe Bay is recognised as one of Papua New Guinea’s premier dive destinations and forms the foundation of many MV FeBrina itineraries. Situated within the Coral Triangle, the bay supports one of the highest concentrations of marine biodiversity in the Indo-Pacific, with extensive hard and soft coral reefs, volcanic seamounts, walls and coral gardens.
More than 900 species of reef fish and over 400 coral species have been recorded in the bay, making it a favourite destination for underwater photographers and marine life enthusiasts. Dive sites range from sheltered reefs suitable for relaxed exploration to offshore seamounts where schools of barracuda, jacks, reef sharks and occasional pelagic species patrol the blue water. The relatively protected waters also provide consistently good visibility and comfortable diving conditions throughout much of the year.
West New Britain (Witu Islands & Siassi Islands)
West New Britain’s offshore islands provide a contrasting experience to Kimbe Bay, combining remote reefs with stronger currents and increased opportunities for encounters with larger pelagic species.
The volcanic Witu Islands are known for submerged pinnacles, reef walls and clear blue-water conditions where barracuda, trevally, tuna and reef sharks are regularly encountered. The area’s nutrient-rich waters also support colourful soft corals, large barrel sponges and dense schools of reef fish.
Further north, the Siassi Islands offer a collection of little-dived reefs, slopes and coral bommies surrounded by deep oceanic water. The remoteness of these islands means dive sites experience very little diver traffic, with healthy coral growth and abundant fish life characteristic of the region. During crossings between destinations, sightings of dolphins, pilot whales and occasionally orcas are possible.
East New Britain (Fathers Reefs, Bainings & Rabaul)
East New Britain combines offshore reef systems with volcanic coastlines, creating some of Papua New Guinea’s most varied diving environments.
The Fathers Reefs are among the region’s best-known offshore dive locations, featuring submerged seamounts, steep walls and current-swept reefs that regularly attract schools of pelagic fish, reef sharks and large trevallies. Strong water movement supports vibrant soft coral growth and excellent fish density throughout the area.
Closer to the mainland, the Bainings and Rabaul region offers a mix of coral reefs, volcanic formations and sheltered coastal dive sites. Nutrient-rich waters support an abundance of macro life alongside healthy reef ecosystems, providing opportunities to encounter everything from colourful nudibranchs and crustaceans to turtles and schooling reef fish. The combination of volcanic landscapes above and below the water creates a distinctive diving experience unique to East New Britain.
New Hanover & Kavieng
The northern itineraries to New Hanover and Kavieng explore some of Papua New Guinea’s most remote reef systems. These waters are characterised by dramatic walls, coral-covered pinnacles, channels and pristine reef structures that benefit from strong oceanic currents and minimal diving pressure.
Kavieng is particularly well known for its drift diving, where currents deliver nutrient-rich water that attracts schools of barracuda, grey reef sharks, eagle rays and large numbers of pelagic fish. Extensive sea fans, colourful soft corals and healthy hard coral gardens provide outstanding habitats for both macro and wide-angle underwater photography.
The surrounding reefs of New Hanover remain largely untouched, offering divers the opportunity to explore isolated dive sites with exceptional coral health and impressive marine biodiversity. Together, these northern regions provide a fitting conclusion to MV FeBrina’s itineraries, showcasing some of Papua New Guinea’s most rewarding and least-visited underwater environments.
Live Availability and Pricing
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MV FeBrina - Inclusions, Exclusions and Extras
Nitrox Fills AUD USD
Pre-purchased nitrox package (8/7 night trip) 210 USD | 210
Pre-purchased nitrox package (10/9 night trip) 270 USD | 270
Per casual fill on board (+10% GST) 10 USD | 10
Environmental & Safety fee (per diver per day) 9 USD | 9
Conservation fee 20 USD | 20
This liveaboard's prices are in USD. The AUD prices shown are based on the current exchange rate. The price paid in AUD will be based on the actual exchange rate at the time any payments are made.
