News
Kefalonia – Bad weather gives us an amazing diving opportunity
On a recent press trip to Kefalonia organised by Scuba Hellas, we had two days of diving organised to try to fit in four World War II wrecks that can be found in these usually calm waters. However, the weather had other plans for us, and on one of our diving days, strong winds meant that we could not take the boats out at all. At first, we were disappointed as we were really looking forward to diving the submarine wreck of the Perseus, but the dive centres looking after us, Pirate Divers Club and Blue Manta & Aquanautic Club, came up with an intriguing alternate dive plan.
Our coach took us to a lake that sits just by the sea called Karavomilos. Fresh water filters through the island until it reaches this cave system and then out into the sea. The water is brackish and is made up of a shallow lake that leads you into the cavern and then cave system. Nick and I are not qualified to penetrate the cave and so our plan was to photograph the entrance and the stalagmites and stalactites we were told were within sight of the exit.
With 14 divers, including guides, in our group, we decided to split-up and go in small groups to give everyone a chance to get uncrowded images of the cavern. We were last to go, and as each group surfaced, the clouds rolled in, denying us the sunlit entrance we were hoping for. But, as we descended into the shallow lake, into the chilly fresh water (only 14 degrees), we knew that it was going to be worth the wait. The lake is covered in green weed and in the sunshine the water is deep blue. There is a fallen tree at the entrance to the cave and then you go into a wide arch that is the cave system entrance.
Only a few fin kicks in and we were amazed at the geological treasures so easily accessed. We dived no deeper than 10m, stopping when we could no longer see the blue window of the exit. Here there was a line already prepared for any cave divers that wanted to dive further into the system. As we had only expected to be diving in the sea, our 5/4/3mm wetsuits were a little shy on the thermal protection required for this temperature, and whilst we were glad of our hoods and gloves, a 30 minute dive was going to be plenty.
But, even in this short exploration into the cave system, we were rewarded with some amazing scenery. The stalagmites and stalactites were huge and seemed to glow a gold colour we have never seen before. There were sections with large banks gripping the cavern roof and floor and we were very careful not to damage them. The cavern floor had huge boulders and rocks, making this a great place for underwater photography. And the water was really, really clear!
As we headed back out, we saw the surface being peppered with heavy rain, so there were no gorgeous sunrays to photograph and no sunshine to warm us up either! So, on reflection, this is a site we would love to go back to, with a bit more sunshine, and more plans on getting some stunning images. If you are planning to dive in Kefalonia, we would recommend that you put this dive on your wish list.
Watch out for our next piece on diving in Kefalonia, when we do get a day of diving in the sea, plus some culture, food & wine.
With thanks to:
For more from Nick and Caroline, visit www.frogfishphotography.com.
MV FeBrina Escorted Photography Trip
Dates: 5-15 September 2025
Itinerary: 10-night trip to Kimbe Bay, the Witu Islands, and Fathers Reefs. This is widely considered the best diving itinerary in Papua New Guinea.
Capacity: Only 10 spots available.
Cost: $4990 USD per person sharing.
- Two small single occupancy cabins available for $4990.
- Two large single occupancy cabins available for $5990.
Why Choose This Trip?
This trip offers what is likely to be some of the best reef diving you’ll ever experience. The itinerary has been chosen for its extraordinary variety, abundance of marine life, and the fact that you’ll encounter very few (if any) other divers. With 75% of the world’s hard coral species and thousands of documented fish and invertebrate species, including some yet to be described, this area is truly special. Pelagic fish are abundant, and highlights include species like horse-eye jacks, pickhandle barracuda, and mega-rarities like Coleman’s pygmy seahorse. The corals remain in pristine condition, and the diversity of marine life is unparalleled.
Photography Coaching
This trip includes photography coaching by Christopher Bartlett, founder of Best of PNG and a renowned underwater photographer. Christopher has had over 100 articles published and a dozen dive magazine cover shots to his name. He will cover everything from basic to advanced lighting techniques for macro and wide-angle photography, using clear examples to help you enhance your skills. From setting up gear to processing images in Lightroom, Christopher’s coaching will cater to all skill levels.
The Diving Itinerary
This signature itinerary will take you to the spectacular reefs of Kimbe Bay, the volcanic Witu Islands, and the offshore Fathers Reefs.
- Kimbe Bay: Known for its stunning coral formations, vibrant sea mounts, coral walls, and lush coral gardens. The area boasts more than 40 reef dive sites, including a beautifully preserved WWII Mitsubishi Zero fighter plane.
- Witu Islands: This volcanic island group offers diverse diving experiences, from sea mounts like Lama Shoals to coral arches and exciting night dives in black sand bays. You’ll also interact with local villagers trading fresh fruit from canoes, with a planned village visit during the trip.
- Fathers Reefs: These offshore, volcanic reefs feature dramatic underwater topography, including arches and swim-throughs. The pelagic activity here is remarkable, with sightings of sharks, rays, barracudas, jacks, and turtles. A baited dive for Silvertip sharks is included.
The experienced dive guides of MV FeBrina know the sites extremely well and are skilled at spotting marine life. You can provide a wishlist of critters, and they will work hard to find them.
Getting There
The trip starts with a one-hour domestic flight from Port Moresby to Hoskins Airport in West New Britain. The flight over mountain ranges and diverse landscapes offers a stunning preview of the adventure ahead. Regaldive will book the domestic flights for you, with an estimated cost of $360 USD for a return ticket.
As described by Professor J.E.N. Veron, former Chief Scientist of the Australian Institute of Marine Science:
“The coral reefs of Kimbe Bay take me back forty years, to a time when corals grew in lush profusion, untroubled by the problems that beset them today… I am hard pressed to think of anywhere on earth that has this combination of vibrant health, diversity, and beauty.”
Inclusions
- 10 nights of ensuite accommodation on MV FeBrina
- All meals, snacks, unlimited tea and coffee
- Final night dinner at Walindi Plantation Resort
- 8.5 days of diving (4-5 dives per day)
- Filled tanks, weight belt, and weights
- Return transfers to and from Hoskins Airport/Walindi
- Light daily laundry service
Exclusions
- Flights
- Bar expenses and soft drinks
- Nitrox
- Dive equipment rental
- Meals at Walindi prior to or after the liveaboard
- Souvenirs, personal items, and gratuities
- 10% GST on purchases in Papua New Guinea
Additional Costs
- Environmental and Safety Fees: $90 per person, payable in advance.
- Nitrox: $270 for all dives or $10 per fill.
- Equipment Hire: Available with prior arrangement.
- Alcohol/Bar: Local beers, soft drinks, and wine available at varying costs. It is recommended to bring your preferred spirits duty-free.
Payment
Payments can be made via credit card (MasterCard/Visa/Amex) or cash in AUD, USD, PGK, or Euros. Prices for bar items and additional purchases are subject to change.
Extensions
Regaldive offers pre- or post-liveaboard extensions, including trips around PNG. From 15 to 22 September 2025, Christopher Bartlett will lead a Highlands Tribes Tour, featuring bird-watching, village visits, private Sing-Sings, and the Goroka Highlands Cultural Festival. The full tour costs $3240 USD. Alternatively, a four-night option for the Goroka festival from 17-21 September starts at $1260 USD. Additional extension options include extra diving at Walindi Resort, volcano treks, WWII plane wreck tours, or diving near Port Moresby. Post-festival, Christopher will also lead a five-night Sepik River tour, exploring ancient customs and Spirit Houses deep in the jungle.
For more information or to book, contact Indigo Safaris:
Email: safariexperts@indigosafaris.com
UK: +44 771 334 27 29
USA: +1 718 312 8777
France: +33 668 74 97 05
Skype: christopherbartlett
Already available in Black, Green, Red and Blue, the D710 Dive Light from Orcatorch is now available in Pink too.
Whether you’re a recreational or a professional diver, you’ll find the OrcaTorch D710 dive light useful in your underwater activities.
With max 3,000 lumens, the D710 is one of the strongest torches in its class. You also have plenty of brightness settings to choose from if you prefer less power.
It runs on one OrcaTorch 21700 5000mAh rechargeable battery with a Type-C charging port, easier for you to charge it anywhere. Now it offers five exterior colour options: Black, Green, Red, Blue, and Pink, to satisfy your diverse needs.
Featuring:
* Uses Luminous LED, max 3000 lumens
* Uses 1 * 21700 Li-ion battery
* 6° beam angle
* Offers four exterior colour options: Black, Red, Green and Blue
* Easy operation with side titanium alloy push-button switch
* Safe lock function, prevents mis-operation
* Intelligent Over-Heat protection
* Battery indicator
* Water pressure resistant construction, depth rated to 150 meters
* Reverse polarity protection, to protect from improper battery installation
* Over-discharge protection function
* Constructed from high-strength A6061-T6 aluminum
* Mil-Spec Type III hard anodized finish for durability and corrosion resistance
* Two sides coated toughened glass with high water pressure resistance under deep water
Sea & Sea is the home of OrcaTorch and other leading diving brands in the UK.
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