Oceania
This is a diverse region that includes the developed countries of Australia and New Zealand, as well as many developing island nations such as Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Samoa, Vanuatu, Chuuk, Guam, Yap and. The people are a mixture of Melanesians, Polynesians, Aboriginal Australians, as well as more recently arrived Europeans settlers and Asians. Australia and Papua New Guinea have many endemic species such as birds of paradise, cassowary, and the famous marsupials such as kangaroos, wallabies, koalas and wombats.
New Zealand is renowned as one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The northwest region is also located in the Coral Triangle, which is the most diverse marine region on Earth. There are a huge number of incredible dive destinations, including the largest coral reef in the world – the Great Barrier Reef, the soft coral capital of the world – Fiji, countries ranked at the top such as PNG, the Solomons and French Polynesia, as well as some of the best wreck diving in the world in the Marshall Islands, Truk and Palau.
Sub-destinations
AUSTRALIA
FIJI
SOLOMON ISLANDS
PALAU
Recent Oceania Articles
The Diving Wrecks of Truk Lagoon – Historical Events of World War II
Operation Hailstorm, World War 2, Feb 1944 The shipwrecks of Chuuk Lagoon in Micronesia are the remnants of one of the most devastating naval attacks of World War II - Operation Hailstone. This U.S. military operation in February 1944 destroyed much of Japan's naval...
Rowley Shoals Marine Park – Western Australia’s Remote Underwater Paradise
Paddleboarding on the Rowley Shoals. Photo courtesy: Explore Parks Located off the coast of Western Australia, approximately 300 km from Broome, lies the Rowley Shoals Marine Park, a remote and pristine marine sanctuary renowned for its incredible coral reefs and...
Neptune Islands Group Marine Park – The Realm of the Great White Shark
The Neptune Islands Marine Park, South Australia. Photo: Rodney Fox Tucked into the wild southern reaches of the Great Australian Bight, off the coast of South Australia, lies a remote marine sanctuary known as the Neptune Islands Group (Ron and Valerie Taylor) Marine...
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park: Conservation for the Future
Australia's Great Barrier Reef is the largest reef system in the world and as such it is included in CNN's Seven Wonders of the Natural World. It is an eco-system like no other and this was recognised in 1975 by the creation of a marine park and in 1981 by being added...
Shark Reef Marine Reserve: Fiji’s Shark Diving Sanctuary
Dive guide and tiger shark. Photo courtesy: Beqa Lagoon Resort Shark Reef Marine Reserve is the first protected marine sanctuary for sharks in Fiji. It was established in April 2004 and is located in Beqa Passage, just off the coast of Pacific Harbour on the south...
The Namena MPA: Model of Conservation in the Koro Sea
The Namena Marine Protected Area, Fiji The Namena Marine Protected Area (MPA) is located between the 2 main islands of Fiji, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, to the south east of Savusavu and the north west of Koro Island. It is an area of exceptional reef health and one...
A World War II History of Palau: Setting the Scene for Invasion
In early 1944, during World War 2, American sea power was beginning to make inroads on the southern flank of Japan's Pacific frontier territories. The islands of the Pacific were of key strategic importance since they helped to facilitate the protection of the...
Palau’s Impressive History of Marine Protection – On the Frontline
Blacktip reef sharks are protected in Palau. Photo courtesy: Aggressor Fleet Palau is a remote island nation in the Pacific Ocean, east of the Philippines and north of West Papua in Indonesia. It is one of the world's smallest countries with only around 20,000...
Diving with Trevallies – Apex Predators of the Reef
Trevally are among the more common fish encountered by divers, in a variety of species. These powerful silvery predators patrol the reefs and are often seen preying on smaller fish, making exciting, sudden dashes around the reef and thrilling any on-looking scuba...
Diving with Turtles – Underwater Ninjas
Turtles are among the best loved of sea-dwelling creatures. This is due both to their cute appearance and personality, as well as their declining numbers and their need for human protection, turtles are among the best loved of sea-dwelling creatures. Everyone loves an...