MV Oceania Liveaboard Overview

Located in the Coral Triangle, Papua New Guinea offers world-class diving with stunning coral reefs, diverse marine life, and unique wrecks. Famous for its incredible biodiversity, dramatic volcanic-formed reefscapes teem with colorful fish.

Macro-critters, exhilarating encounters with sharks and manta rays, muck diving, and eerie dives through sunken aircraft and warships are all on offer. Whales, orcas, and whale sharks occasionally appear as well. Highlights include Kimbe Bay’s vibrant reefs, Milne Bay’s manta rays, and Kavieng’s World War II wrecks.

The MV Oceania is a modern and comfortable 88.5-foot (27 m) catamaran, designed for divers seeking an unforgettable Papua New Guinea adventure. Launched in 2019, it boasts spacious common areas and a dedicated camera station for capturing underwater memories.

Personalized service is a hallmark of the MV Oceania, with a dedicated crew catering to a maximum of 16 guests. This intimate setting ensures ample space and individual attention, making it ideal for divers of all levels.

Let’s dive into our review of MV Oceania liveaboard.

Where to book

MV Oceania catamaran liveaboard cruising across open blue water

PADI TravelSecure online booking Liveaboard.comNo booking fees Divebooker.comFree DAN insurance

Diving on MV Oceania

Coral-encrusted shipwreck explored on an MV Oceania dive

Dive tanks and gear staged on MV Oceania's dive deck at dusk with a crew member nearby

Hawksbill turtle swimming past a reef with a school of fish overhead on MV Oceania

Pygmy seahorse camouflaged on the branch of a sea fan

The MV Oceania’s itineraries typically begin and end at Walindi Plantation Resort in Kimbe Bay, Papua New Guinea. This convenient location offers easy access to the vibrant coral reefs and diverse dive sites of the Bismarck Sea.

Offering itineraries that range from 8 to 11 nights throughout the year, MV Oceania visits some of the most spectacular and biodiverse dive sites in the world. MV Oceania runs different itineraries depending on weather conditions.

Water temperatures are relatively consistent, remaining between 84 to 88 F (29 to 31 C) year-round. The range of dive sites is spectacular, with beautiful coral reefs in Kimbe Bay, arches, swim-throughs and dramatic topography at Fathers Reefs, and steep drop-offs, overhangs, and drift dives at Milne Bay.

Diving is mainly done from the back of MV Oceania, with a water-level duckboard that makes entering and exiting the water easy. There are two tenders to transport divers to remote dive sites. Divers can expect up to four dives a day, with two dives on the last day.

While the type of diving depends on the itinerary, generally divers can expect easy diving with minimal currents and frequent encounters with turtles and dolphins. The minimum certification required to join a trip is Open Water Diver. Nitrox certification is recommended to maximize bottom time. Gear rental is available onboard with prior notice.

There are lots of opportunities for underwater photographers and videographers. Stunning underwater landscapes can be captured in wide-angle, with postcard-worthy results. Macro photography is very popular, with a vast array of critters including nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, pipefish, and frogfish being relatively common.

The Oceania’s dive deck is the heart of the diving action. There are individual gear bins, hot-water showers, and freshwater rinse tanks. A dedicated camera table and charging station provide a convenient space for photographers to manage their equipment.

Highlights:

Up to 30 dives per trip
Encounters with mantas, sharks, and large pelagics
Crystal-clear warm-water diving
Excellent visibility
Plentiful macro life

Onboard MV Oceania

Indoor dining lounge aboard MV Oceania with wraparound windows

Twin bed cabin aboard MV Oceania with a curtained window

Shaded alfresco dining table on MV Oceania's sundeck

Shaded lounge seating on MV Oceania's upper deck overlooking the coastline

Sectional lounge seating with patterned cushions inside MV Oceania

This intimate liveaboard yacht accommodates a maximum of 16 guests in eight spacious cabins, all conveniently ensuite with individually controlled air conditioning. Each cabin is tastefully decorated with wood paneling and modern furnishings, offering ample storage space and a comfortable haven to relax. All cabins are above deck and all have sea views. There are three queen cabins and five twin-share cabins.

The heart of the MV Oceania lies in its inviting salon and dining area. Guests can relax in the air-conditioning, enjoying panoramic views of the turquoise waters through large windows. The adjoining dining area features two large tables where guests can savor delicious meals prepared by the onboard chef.

The salon features a flatscreen TV, audio system, and small library. It transforms into a briefing room where experienced dive guides provide detailed information about the upcoming dives.

For those seeking relaxation under the sun, the Oceania boasts a spacious sundeck with a large table and chairs. The mid-deck is dedicated to comfort with couches in a shaded area.

Highlights:

Comfortable cabins and common areas
Spacious dive platform with easy exit and entry
Helpful crew on hand to assist with any needs

Dining onboard MV Oceania

Dining table set for an evening meal aboard MV Oceania

MV Oceania galley crew preparing fresh vegetables for dinner

A continental breakfast is served before the first dive of the day, with a more substantial breakfast available after surfacing. Breakfast and lunch is usually served buffet-style with an a la carte evening meal. Expect fresh, local produce, locally sourced meat, and freshly-caught fish when possible.

Snacks are available throughout the day and usually consist of sweet treats in the morning and savory offerings in the afternoon. Complimentary fresh fruit is available throughout the day, as well as soft drinks, fruit juices, wine, and local beers. Special dietary requirements can be catered for, though it’s recommended to give at least two weeks’ notice for any special requirements.