THE MV FEBRINA

NEW GUINEA’S ONLY PERMANENT LIVE ABOARD DIVE BOAT

The MV FeBrina, is the only live aboard in Papua New Guinea. Under the command of Alan Raabe the owner/skipper the vessel plies the waters from Walindi Resort in Kimbe Bay to the Witus and other locations. Very little advertising is required for the MV Febrina. She is possibly the most famous dive vessel after the Calypso. The quality of diving experience MV FeBrina offers can be quantified by the high number of bookings and the sheer number of repeat customers.

FeBrina cruises from her home port, Walindi Plantation Resort, visiting areas further afield such as Witu Islands, Fathers Reefs, South Coast New Britain and Rabaul. The FeBrina’s signature itinerary is the 10 day Kimbe Bay, Witu Islands and Fathers Reefs which is offered in April, May and June, September, October and November. These are the reefs of Cousteau. He spent so much time in New Guinea, and was so enchanted by it, that it was only natural that Alan Raabe and Max Benjamin would start a dive centre and liveaboard in Kimbe Bay.

It is hard to explain exactly how good the diving is in Papua and New Guinea. The Witus are probably host to the worlds’ most diverse diving, with reefs, walls and amazing black sand macro diving. Under the guidance of Digga and Josie, you will see schools of jacks, barracuda, giant trevally, fusiliers, chubbs and the full range of reef fish. There are literally 1000 species of fish in New Guinea and you can see most of them when you dive with the FeBrina team. In addition to the pelagics we have seen dolphins hunting underwater and a full blown shark attack, where 5 sharks attacked and took fish from the pinnacle on which we were diving. We enjoy diving all over the world, but in terms of the kind of diving seen in National Geographic Magazines- this is the place to dive. (Indeed when National Geographic asked the world famous underwater photographer David Doubilet where he would like to return to, he chose Kimbe Bay and New Guinea.

During July and August, FeBrina operates mid year itineraries: diving Kimbe Bay, Fathers Reefs and Lolobau Island. Selected mid year itineraries travel from Walindi to Rabaul and return. January, February and March see FeBrina exploring the Southern Coast of New Britain, based out of Rabaul. On selected itineraries during the year, the boat also visits the New Hanover area up towards Kavieng.

The MV FeBrina is a small vessel under tight command. The crew are all certified divers, both male and female members, and so it is often the case that divers are joined by the chef or other members of the team when their chores allow them to do so. All the crew simply love what they do. Impromptu trips are easily welcomed and we found ourselves whisked off on the small outboard to take some close ups of the coast. The fresh fish was caught within sight of our anchoring spot, and when closer to shore, local village children often paddle the short distance in a dug out canoe to offer fruit and fresh vegetables in exchange for rare goods like washing powder, soap, candles.

With only 7 cabins available, the FeBriNa is an intimate affair and gives a real sense of exploring the seas. All cabins are perfectly comfortable with a ensuite bathroom offering hot showers at all times of the day. Cabins are twin or double and even on a small surface, there is ample space for stoing bags and dive gear. The cabins do all have AC, which can be a welcome relief in this hot climate. Amazingly, the crew offers to do laundry daily even on the longer trips of 10 days.

The meals on the FeBriNa are even more impressive. Sumptious and tasy meals are served throughout the day, keeping in mind that divers prefer to eat at variable times (before or after diving). Even when going out for the night dive, FeBriNa’s kitchen staff will have a great meal ready for when they come back.

Tea and coffee flows freely throughout the day, and the joy of having a hot sweet tea at sunrise, cruising around the green bays of Papua New Guinea is quite stunning. Meals are always had in communal style and you have the chance of really getting to know your fellow diers, the crew, and ofcourse Alan himself.

Up to 5 guided dives a day are on offer, starting just after sunrise, to just after dusk. All dives and choice of dive sites though are always dependant of the final say-so of the Skipper, and you may find the itinerary and dive sites is adjusted to local weather and currents. It is always made up by the fantastic life under the surface.

Nitrox is available on board, and the entire crew is extremely professional handling all dive gear and cameras. A small outboard is always on standby when diving starts, and on most dives the crew places a mermaid line to facilitate the descend and ascend for divers. Photographers are warmly welcomed and often guided to interesting species and sights. The multiple and updated ID books and literature on board makes it possible to find out what you have just seen.

The FeBriNa starts and ends her journeys at Walindi Plantation resort, and we suggest you arrive here 24 hours at least before boarding the Febrina. This gives you a chance to acclimatise, rest from the long flight, and perhaps catch up with any missing luggage. Walindi Resort itself, is a delightfull destination with a range of incredible dive sites, so if time allows we would be happy to set up a package for you combining both.

We are privileged to be agents for the Febrina and would be happy to add her to your Papua New Guinea Itinerary.

Packages available from 3.995 USD pp sharing
Including: airport transfers (return) Hoskins to Walindi Plantation Resort / 1 night accommodation in Walindi with full board, ensuite, sharing / 7 night sailing on the FeBriNa with 5 dives a day, shared cabin, all meals, unlimited tea and coffee, Nitrox included 4. 145 USD