If freediving the South Pacific has been on your bucket list for a while, you might want to check out Australian-based Encounter Freediving.
Encounter Freediving is offering a trip for freedivers to Kimbe Bay, off the Papua New Guinea island of New Britain. The group will be led by Michael Bates, an Austrialian freediving instructor who holds a PhD in marine science. Bates says:
“I grew up in PNG, and worked in tourism. I know what an amazing place it is, and what it has to offer freedivers. I am truly excited to be able to showcase what is on offer to the world of freediving.”
The group will be lodged at Walindi Plantation Resort on the shore of Kimbe Bay, a place that Bates calls “an ideal spot for freediving”:
“You have areas with over 80 meters of depth inside a protected bay with almost no current or swell. There are a wide variety of coral reef environments for freedivers to explore and a couple of wrecks, including a reminder of the region’s pivotal role in World War II, in a Japanese fighter plane. Dolphin and shark encounters are also a regular occurrence in Kimbe Bay. On occasion, divers are lucky enough to encounter a pod of orcas!”
The group size will be limited to 12 freedivers, allowing Bates to give individualized feedback to help folks reach new depths. Aside from the freediving, you’ll also be able to do a village visit, take a hike, or go bird watching.
The trip runs from September 28th to October 5th, 2018. Prices start from AU$3595 (~US$2791/~2257 Euros) and include return airfares from Brisbane, Australia to Kimbe, accommodation at Walindi Plantation Resort, all meals at Walindi, five days of diving, airport transfers in Kimbe, and taxes.
For more information, go to Encounter Freediving’s website or check out the video below.
