MV FeBrina Liveaboard Overview

portrait of a smiling woman with dark hair in a light blue sweaterDIVEIN contributor Rebecca Strauss taking a selfie near a city canal
By
Sarah Turnbull
portrait of a smiling woman with dark hair in a light blue sweater
Contributor at DIVEIN.com
Sarah is a writer, PADI instructor and underwater photographer based in Mauritius. Diving across 5 continents, she has a love of all things ocean-related and an...
Rebecca Strauss
DIVEIN contributor Rebecca Strauss taking a selfie near a city canal
Editor at DIVEIN.com
Rebecca has been an avid traveler and scuba diver for many years. She began her editorial career by updating travel guides, which took her all over...
MV FeBrina liveaboard dive boat anchored at sea under blue sky
The 73-foot (22 m) FeBrina has a relaxed and spacious atmosphere, catering to a maximum of 12 guests in 7 cabins.
Colorful marbled shrimp perched on a coral reef near the MV FeBrina
Papua New Guinea's underwater world is a kaleidoscope of life and adventure.
Shaded sun deck with blue loungers aboard the MV FeBrina liveaboard
The sundeck is a haven for relaxation and soaking up the tropical sunshine.
MV FeBrina liveaboard anchored with local outrigger canoes alongside
MV FeBrina offers divers an intimate and comfortable liveaboard experience.
Divers and crew gathering gear on the MV FeBrina's covered dive deck
The dive deck is compact and adjacent to the water-level duckboard, which is accessed from the dive deck by wooden ladder-type stairs.
Cluster of colorful sea fans and soft coral on a reef with a diver silhouetted above
Dive sites range from shallow coral reefs teeming with colorful fish to dramatic walls and drop-offs.
Ensuite bathroom in a double cabin aboard the MV FeBrina
The MV FeBrina has a comfortable interior with seven compact cabins, a mixture of small singles, large singles, twin cabins and a double cabin in the bow.
Large single cabin aboard the MV FeBrina with bunk beds decorated with flowers
Cabins are below deck, accessed by ladder-style stairs, and all have ensuite bathrooms and individually controlled air conditioning.
Dining saloon aboard the MV FeBrina set with pink napkins and bar seating
The MV FeBrina takes pride in offering its guests a quality culinary experience.
Diver exploring a coral reef with red whip corals near the MV FeBrina
Sheltered bays provide serene havens for divers seeking macro wonders and vibrant coral gardens.

Papua New Guinea’s underwater world is a kaleidoscope of life and adventure, offering divers a unique blend of vibrant coral reefs, teeming marine life, and adrenaline-pumping wreck dives.

Divers can see manta rays gliding through the clear waters of Milne Bay, explore WWII wrecks in Kavieng, and drift alongside schools of colorful fish amid the vibrant coral gardens of Kimbe Bay.

From thrilling drift dives to serene underwater landscapes and spectacular macro photography opportunities, Papua New Guinea’s diving scene caters to every preference and skill level.

MV FeBrina offers divers an intimate and comfortable liveaboard experience. This 73-foot (22 m) motor vessel has a relaxed and spacious atmosphere, catering to a maximum of 12 guests in 7 cabins.

Each cabin features an ensuite bathroom and air conditioning, ensuring comfort and privacy during the trip. An older, traditional-style boat, it was refitted in 2010. A dedicated crew of friendly and experienced professionals ensures personalized service and expert guidance.

Let’s dive into our review of MV FeBrina.

About this overview

To help you decide whether this liveaboard fits your dive style, budget, and comfort needs, we’ve researched the boat, itinerary, onboard experience, diving setup, and overall value.
We review liveaboards based on the details that matter most during a multi-day dive trip, including cabins, food, crew support, dive operations, safety, route quality, and how the boat compares with similar options in the destination.

Recommended in: Liveaboards in Micronesia & Palau

Things we like:

  • Intimate liveaboard experience
  • Great for solo travelers
  • Exceptional biodiversity
  • Occasional sightings of orcas, pilot whales, and whale sharks

Things we don't like:

  • Cabins close to the engine room
  • Not good for those with accessibility issues
  • A little dated

Diving on the MV FeBrina

Cluster of colorful sea fans and soft coral on a reef with a diver silhouetted above
Cluster of colorful sea fans and soft coral on a reef with a diver silhouetted above
Colorful marbled shrimp perched on a coral reef near the MV FeBrina
Red whip coral rising from a coral reef near the MV FeBrina

Home to over 700 species of coral and 2,500 species of fish, Papua New Guinea offers incredible underwater biodiversity.

Liveaboard diving on the MV Febrina offers a front-row seat to this underwater spectacle, immersing guests in a world bursting with aquatic life. Dive sites range from shallow coral reefs teeming with colorful fish to dramatic walls and drop-offs where schools of sharks and mantas glide effortlessly.

The strong currents around Milne Bay and Kimbe Bay create thrilling drift dives, while WWII wrecks like the Black Jack offer historical intrigue and marine encrusted structures. The sheltered bays also provide serene havens for divers seeking macro wonders and vibrant coral gardens.

Diving takes place from a water-level duckboard at the rear of the boat. Divers can expect 4-5 dives a day, usually three before lunch, one afternoon dive and one night dive. Itineraries vary from 9- or 10-night trips in the peak months of September to November and April to June.

These itineraries cover the most popular diving areas of Kimbe Bay, Witu Islands and Fathers Reefs. Shorter itineraries of 8 nights are available in June, July and August, visiting Kimbe Bay Reefs and either Fathers Reefs or Witu Islands.

Highlights include manta rays, majestic hammerheads, and reef sharks. Dazzling clouds of anthias, fusiliers, and batfish are common. Papua New Guinea is a photographer’s paradise and macro wonders include nudibranchs and pygmy seahorses.

Highlights:

  • Untouched natural beauty
  • Up to 40 dives per trip depending on itinerary
  • Variety of dive sites
  • Spectacular biodiversity

Onboard the MV FeBrina

Shaded sun deck with blue loungers aboard the MV FeBrina liveaboard
Larger single cabin aboard the MV FeBrina with bunk beds and an ensuite door
Covered outdoor lounge deck aboard the MV FeBrina with wooden bench seating
MV FeBrina crew member arranging scuba tanks at the boat's muster station

Itineraries typically start and finish at Walindi Plantation Resort, located on the shores of Kimbe Bay on the north coast of New Britain Island.

The MV FeBrina has a comfortable interior with seven compact cabins, a mixture of small singles, large singles, twin cabins and a double cabin in the bow. Cabins are below deck, accessed by ladder-style stairs, and all have ensuite bathrooms and individually controlled air conditioning.

The salon and dining area feature several large tables for dining and a small seating area next to the bar. Find a  large, shady seating area on the main deck toward the bow for some quiet time and stunning scenery.

The sundeck is a haven for relaxation and soaking up the tropical sunshine. Guests can recline on comfortable sun loungers, read a book, or enjoy the panoramic views of the ocean. Entertainment options onboard include a TV and DVD player, a music system, board games, books, and magazines.

The dive deck is compact and adjacent to the water-level duckboard, which is accessed from the dive deck by wooden ladder-type stairs. Dive briefings typically take place on the dive deck. Experienced dive guides provide detailed information about each dive site, including safety procedures, marine life encounters, and dive profiles.

The open deck area has a large table and seating area, a camera area, and a charging station. Individual gear storage lockers behind the seating area offer plenty of space for dive gear.

Highlights:

  • Intimate size and relaxed atmosphere
  • Experienced and friendly crew
  • Small, functional, and comfortable cabins
  • Spacious sundeck

Dining onboard the MV FeBrina

Dining saloon aboard the MV FeBrina set with pink napkins and bar seating
Covered outdoor lounge deck aboard the MV FeBrina with wooden bench seating

The MV FeBrina takes pride in offering its guests a quality culinary experience. A continental breakfast is available from 5:30 am before the first dive with a buffet breakfast awaiting divers on their return.

Lunch is usually buffet-style with the evening meal being a sit down affair, showcasing a fusion of Western and local cuisine, with fresh seafood often taking center stage.

Snacks are available throughout the day and include fresh fruit, cookies, and other light bites. The culinary team caters to a variety of dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free.

Guests are requested to inform of any special dietary requirements at least two weeks prior to the trip. A limited amount of alcohol is included with the evening meal, with additional drinks available for purchase.

Highlights:

  • Excellent variety
  • Wine and beer included with evening meal
  • Special diets can be catered for

Things we like:

  • Intimate liveaboard experience
  • Great for solo travelers
  • Exceptional biodiversity
  • Occasional sightings of orcas, pilot whales, and whale sharks

Things we don't like:

  • Cabins close to the engine room
  • Not good for those with accessibility issues
  • A little dated
Key facts
Year built: 1972
Max divers: 14
Rental equip: Yes ($)
Camera station: Yes
Internet: No
Min logged dives: No minimum
Nitrox: Yes ($)
Aircon: Yes
Trip length: 5-7 Nights
Price range: Luxury
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