Dive-site story
Located in the rich waters of Milne Bay, Sponge Heaven is a sloping reef and wall known for its colossal sponge formations. Dense clusters of giant barrel sponges, floppy elephant ear sponges, and tube sponges dominate the coral structure, providing habitat for a wide array of macro critters and reef-dwelling fish. Currents sweeping past the reef bring plankton that fuels both benthic filter feeders and swirling aggregations of baitfish.
Massive elephant ear and barrel sponges draped across the reef slope
High diversity of macro subjects including pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, and squat lobsters sheltered in crinoids
Schools of fusiliers and damselfish feeding in open water along the reef crest
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Milne Bay experiences consistent warm water year-round, with the calmest seas and best visibility during transition months and the Austral summer.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elephant ear spongeIanthella basta | Common | ||||||||||||
| Giant barrel spongeXestospongia muta | Common | ||||||||||||
| Bargibant's pygmy seahorseHippocampus bargibanti | Common | ||||||||||||
| ScorpionfishScorpaenidae | Common | ||||||||||||
| Blunthead lionfishPterois mombasae | Common |
Marine forecast
