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    Sinou Fjord Dive Site

    45m Max
    15-32m Vis
    boat

    Site Overview

    Sinou Fjord, within the Tufi (Cape Nelson, Oro Province – Fjords & Reefs) of Papua New Guinea, is one of the region's most rewarding dive sites and a highlight of any Coral Triangle diving itinerary. A less-dived, pristine wall rich in pygmy seahorses, whip corals, and abundant fish. Geographically the site features wall and drop-off and fjord formations built from coral and rock substrate, dropping from a shallow top of around 8 metres to a maximum depth of about 45 metres, with an average working depth near 25 metres. Visibility is typically excellent, ranging from 15 to 32 metres, while water temperatures hold between 27 and 30 degrees Celsius year-round. The marine life is the headline attraction. Divers routinely encounter Pygmy Seahorse (Hippocampus bargibanti), Whip Coral (Ellisella sp.), Nudibranch (Nudibranchia), Anthias (Pseudanthias sp.), Grey Reef Shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos), Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), alongside dense reef fish, invertebrates, and the soft and hard corals that blanket the reef. The mix of nutrient-rich currents and Papua New Guinea's remote, well-protected reefs makes Sinou Fjord one of the most reliable places in the country to see both abundant macro life and large pelagic visitors on a single dive. Sinou Fjord is best enjoyed as part of a boat programme out of Tufi, and it rewards wide-angle photographers, naturalists, and experienced drift divers alike. Papua New Guinea's strong community-based conservation ethos and remoteness help keep the reef pristine, so divers are asked to maintain exemplary buoyancy and respect the fragile marine environment at all times.

    Dive Briefing

    "Your dive at Sinou Fjord begins with a controlled descent along the mooring line or wall, depending on the current on the day. You descend the wall and work the coral faces slowly for pygmy seahorses and whip corals, then ascend slowly. Plan to spend the deepest portion of the dive along the wall between 8 and 25 metres, where the coral is most colourful and the larger fish congregate. If the current builds, hook in on the wall and search the calm side. Mid-water, watch the blue beyond the wall for passing Pygmy Seahorse (Hippocampus bargibanti) and other pelagics, and keep an eye on your no-decompression limits given the depths involved. Ascend slowly with a safety stop at five metres to off-gas safely. Because Sinou Fjord can experience moderate currents and occasionally reduced visibility after heavy rain, dive with a surface marker buoy and always follow your operator's site-specific briefing and emergency plan."

    Signature Marine Life

    Pygmy Seahorse (Hippocampus bargibanti)

    high

    Best: Year-round

    Whip Coral (Ellisella sp.)

    high

    Best: Year-round

    Nudibranch (Nudibranchia)

    high

    Best: Year-round

    Anthias (Pseudanthias sp.)

    high

    Best: Year-round

    Grey Reef Shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos)

    medium

    Best: Year-round

    Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)

    medium

    Best: Year-round

    Safety & Hazards

    • Moderate current along the wall
    • Depth beyond 40 metres reducing no-stop time
    • Remote location far from the chamber
    • Boat positioning in the fjord
    • Sun exposure on the transfer
    • Minor coral cuts from contact
    Nearest Chamber
    Port Moresby General Hospital Hyperbaric Chamber
    380km away

    Traveler Notes

    Who is this for?

    Sinou Fjord is aimed at advanced divers holding at least a Advanced Open Water certification, and it suits those comfortable managing moderate conditions and maintaining neutral buoyancy along wall terrain. Photographers, marine-life enthusiasts, and experienced divers will find it especially rewarding, while macro photographers will enjoy it, while the depth demands good gas management. Divers who prefer calm, shallow, zero-current conditions should choose one of Papua New Guinea's sheltered house reefs or lagoons instead, and anyone without the recommended certification should complete a check-out dive with a local operator first.

    fjord
    wall
    macro
    pygmy-seahorse

    For Non-Divers

    Non-divers can snorkel the shallow fjord or boat through while divers explore the wall.

    Quick Stats

    Difficultyadvanced
    CertificationAdvanced Open Water
    Currentmoderate
    Water Temp27-30°C
    Best TimeApril - November

    Dive Logistics

    Operators
    • Tufi Dive Resort
    • Tufi Guesthouse
    Pricing Guide
    $130 - $220
    Per 2-tank boat dive

    Photography Info

    Recommended Gear
    16-35mm
    60mm macro

    Best for: wide_angle, macro

    Nearby Stay

    Tufi Dive Resort

    Tufi, Oro Province5km away

    Check Availability

    Tufi Guesthouse

    Tufi9km away

    Check Availability