The Solomon Islands are a standout for divers seeking an off-the-beaten-path underwater adventure in an uncrowded paradise. This spectacular archipelago offers an inspiring array of dive environments, from healthy reefs and mesmerising caverns to haunting wrecks sunk during World War II. Above the water, the Solomons enchant with their unique cultures and traditions while the unspoiled landscapes and palm-fringed beaches create an idyllic backdrop for a truly exceptional scuba adventure.
Located on the southeastern edge of the famed Coral Triangle, the Solomon Islands boast incredible biodiversity, from jewel-like macro critters to majestic manta rays and huge schools of fish. Littering the seafloor are decades-old submarines, planes and freighter vessels, some with ammunition, tanks and bulldozers still onboard. Over the years, they have been transformed into spectacular artificial reefs, given a new purpose as underwater habitats.
Forming part of Melanesia, the Solomon Islands comprises almost 1,000 islands (elongated in two parallel chains), only a handful of which are inhabited. Cultural traditions here remain strong and the remote setting of many villages means that sustainability is a way of life. Due to limited resources, most dive resorts in the Solomon Islands operate with an eco-conscious approach and conservation of the marine environment in paramount.
In this article, discover everything you need to know about planning a sustainable dive vacation in the Solomon Islands, including the best dive sites, seasonal considerations and eco-friendly dive resorts in the archipelago.
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Best places to dive in the Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands is divided into nine provinces, which are grouped around the main islands of Guadalcanal, Malaita, New Georgia, Santa Isabel, Makira and Choiseul. Most divers focus their adventures on the Western Province and the Central Province.
Western Province
The largest of the Solomon Islands’ provinces, this magnificent area boasts some of the best snorkelling and diving in the country. It comprises beautiful islands and tranquil lagoons, as well as healthy coral reefs and some fascinating World War II wrecks.
Marovo Lagoon
Located on the eastern side of New Georgia, Marovo is the biggest saltwater lagoon on Earth and home to the renowned Uepi Island Resort. You can dive with schools of trevally and barracuda in the Charapana Passage or explore the spectacular wall dives of Kicha Island. Aside from a huge diversity of reef fish, turtles and eagle rays are regularly spotted and hammerheads can be seen from May to August.
Nono Lagoon
Along the southern side of the channel that separates New Georgia and Vangunu is the Nono Lagoon, home to the legendary upright wreck of the Taiyo. This Taiwanese fishing vessel ran aground during its maiden voyage and now lies at an almost 90-degree angle against the reef wall. With a maximum depth of 40 metres and its bow almost reaching the surface, it’s well within recreational dive limits.
Munda
Munda is the largest settlement on New Georgia and provides access to everything from dramatic walls to pristine coral gardens and World War II wrecks. Among the most interesting are a Japanese freighter, the Kashi Maru, as well as a Bell P-39 Airacobra and a Douglas SBD Dauntless near the island of Rendova. Several shark species are regularly seen around Munda (including blacktip, whitetip and hammerheads), together with pygmy seahorses and spiny lobsters.
Ghizo Island
Home to the provincial capital, Gizo, this small island provides easy access to healthy reefs and a handful of outstanding wrecks. The most famous of these is the Toa Maru, a Japanese transporter that lies on its starboard side between 10 and 37 metres in depth. Bombs, a motorbike and a tank can be still be seen on the deck area while several holes make the interior of the vessel accessible to divers.
Planning a sustainable dive vacation in the Solomon Islands
Central Province
Comprising the Russell Islands, Nggela Islands (Florida Islands) and Savo Island, the Central Province is another dive-rich area in the heart of the Solomons.
Russell Islands
Situated northeast of Guadalcanal, this archipelago is home to some of the Solomon Islands’ most famous dive sites, including Mirror Pond and Custom Cave. Rather than enclosed caves, the latter features more like incisions in the reef that are magnificently bathed in light. In the north of the archipelago is the Leru Cut, a 12-metre-deep canyon that offers an ethereal experience when the sunlight penetrates from above.
Mary’s Island
Located around 30 kilometres to the west of the Russell Islands, this jungle-covered volcanic island is a popular day trip destination. Reef sharks and bumphead parrotfish are regularly observed here, together with jacks, tunas and Napoleon wrasse. Barracuda Point is aptly named for its large schools of barracudas and is a favourite wide-angle site amongst underwater photographers.
White Beach
Near the end of World War II, soldiers from a U.S. military base dumped large amounts of equipment into the water here, including munitions, jeeps and a bulldozer. It’s now a popular wreck diving site, with all of the vehicles blanketed in coral, creating an artificial reef. The adjacent shallows and mangroves offer good macro diving too.
Nggela Islands
Previously known as the Florida Islands, this small archipelago comprises four large islands and around 50 smaller ones ringed by coral reefs. Among the most famous dive sites is Twin Tunnels, a seamount that’s renowned for its large lava tubes, huge schools of fish and abundant marine life. Also of note is Devil’s Highway, an advanced dive site with powerful currents that attract feeding manta rays.
Iron Bottom Sound
Extending between Guadalcanal and the Florida Islands, this stretch of water is named after the huge number of ships and planes that sank here during World War II battles. It’s thought that more than 100 ships and over 1,000 aircraft are now resting on the seafloor of Iron Bottom Sound, with around 50 of these accessible to divers. Among those within recreational limits are the Hirokawa Maru, Kinugawa Maru and Kysyu Maru, all of which extend to over 130 metres in length. Close to the coast of Guadalcanal are the remains of a Japanese I-1 submarine and a Boeing B-17E bomber.
Planning a sustainable dive vacation in the Solomon Islands
Liveaboard vs resort-based diving in the Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands cater to divers of all preferences, with most dive sites accessible from dive resorts, as well as liveaboard vessels. In our opinion, a combination of both liveaboard and resort diving is recommended, maximising your dive opportunities while also enabling cultural experiences on land. Keep in mind that options for both dive resorts and dive liveaboards in the Solomon Islands are limited, so plan your trip early to secure your preferred dates.
Eco-friendly dive resorts in the Solomon Islands
Occupying a jungle-clad island on the edge of the Marovo Lagoon, Uepi Island is one of the most beloved eco-friendly dive resorts in the Solomon Islands. It's surrounded by coral reefs teeming with marine life and provides unparalleled access to some of the best diving and snorkelling sites in the South Pacific. While staying here, guests can explore everything from shallow coral gardens to dramatic vertical walls that plunge hundreds of metres into the deep blue.
Accommodations at Uepi Island Resort blend rustic charm with modern comforts, offering beachfront bungalows and garden rooms strategically positioned to catch the ocean breezes. Packages are all-inclusive (with full-board meals and multiple daily dives), ensuring a hassle-free scuba vacation in the Solomon Islands.
"One of the loveliest eco resorts we have stayed at.” (read more reviews here)
Perched on the shores of Mbambanga Island, Fatboy’s is renowned as one of the premier dive resorts in the Solomon Islands. It provides convenient access to dive sites around Ghizo Island, as well as offering surf charters and fishing trips.
The resort features a handful of eco-friendly bungalows and beach houses, all constructed from local hardwoods and designed to harmonise with the natural surroundings. At the end of the day, you can enjoy breathtaking views from the overwater restaurant and bar while indulging in refreshing drinks and savouring traditional dishes from the Solomon Islands.
"Outstanding location, beautiful view from our traditional cabin right on the water. Great snorkelling right off the resort. Fabulous seafood & very friendly staff.” - Lindy (read more reviews here)
Eco-friendly diving in the Solomon Islands
An elevated view of Fatboys Resort - an eco-friendly dive resort in the Solomon Islands (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Liveaboards in the Solomon Islands
Offering 10-night itineraries from Honiara, the Solomons Master can accommodate up to 16 divers its its classic, premium and superior cabins. It’s fully equipped for recreational, technical and rebreather divers, with a spacious dive deck and plenty of relaxation areas. Trips take in the dive highlights of the Solomon Islands, including the Florida Islands, Russell Islands and Munda.
Best time to dive in the Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands can be dived year-round, with comfortable water temperatures that rarely dip below 27°C (81°F). That being said, conditions tend to be at their best between April and November when visibility can extend to over 40 metres. While the monsoon season from January to April brings an increased chance of rain and wind, many divers like the atmospheric conditions during this time. The months of June through August tend to be slightly cooler, but temperatures still remain pleasantly warm and humid, making for enjoyable conditions both in and out of the water.
Planning a sustainable dive vacation in the Solomon Islands
A sunken plane at one of the best wreck dive sites in the Solomon Islands (photo courtesy of Expedia)
How to get to the Solomon Islands
Honiara International Airport (located on the island of Guadalcanal) is the sole international gateway to the archipelago, with direct flights arriving several times per week from major hubs like Brisbane, Australia, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea and Nadi, Fiji. Upon arrival in Honiara, you have several options for venturing onward to other islands in the archipelago, but domestic flights are by far the most convenient and efficient means of transportation.
Two key departure points for island-hopping and liveaboard adventures are Honiara itself and the town of Gizo, located on the island of Ghizo. Regularly scheduled flights operate daily between Honiara and Gizo, with a flight time of approximately 90 minutes. Alternatively, you can travel by ferry between the islands, although this is more time-consuming.
Eco-friendly diving in the Solomon Islands
FAQs about diving in the Solomon Islands
Is the Solomon Islands good for diving?
The Solomon Islands is an extraordinary destination for diving enthusiasts looking to explore pristine underwater environments in a culturally rich setting. This remote archipelago in the South Pacific offers some of the most spectacular and unspoiled dive sites in the world, with crystal-clear waters, thriving coral reefs and an incredible diversity of marine creatures.
The islands are particularly renowned for their numerous WWII wrecks, with sunken ships, planes and submarines creating underwater museums to discover. With uncrowded dive sites and stunning topside scenery (think dense jungles and idyllic white sand beaches), the Solomon Islands deliver an unparalleled diving experience in a far-flung corner of the Coral Triangle.
When can you dive in the Solomon Islands?
Diving in the Solomon Islands is possible throughout the year, thanks to consistently warm water temperatures that usually remain above 27°C (81°F). However, the prime diving season is from April to November, when visibility can reach over 40 metres. Although the monsoon season from January to April may bring more rain and wind, many divers appreciate the unique atmosphere during this period. From June to August, the weather is a bit cooler while still remaining comfortably warm and humid.
How safe is the Solomon Islands?
When considering travel to the Solomon Islands, safety is an important factor to take into account. While the country is generally peaceful outside of the capital, petty crimes such as break-ins and robberies are not uncommon in Honiara. To minimise your risk, it's advisable to avoid walking or jogging alone after dark in the city.
Once you reach your chosen dive resort or liveaboard vessel, safety issues are minimal and the staff will notify you if there is anything to be aware of. As with all travel, it’s important to have your wits about you and avoid putting yourself in situations that may be potentially dangerous, both above and below the water’s surface.
If you experience decompression sickness, there is a hyperbaric chamber in Honiara. However, it is not capable of providing in-chamber life support and you may need to be transferred to another country for treatment. As such, taking out dive insurance is essential for a scuba vacation in the Solomon Islands.
Do I need a visa to visit the Solomon Islands?
Travellers of many nationalities (including citizens of Commonwealth countries, the United States and most European countries) can enter the Solomon Islands without a visa. That being said, you do need a valid passport with at least six months validity and be able to show proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.
It's crucial to check with your nearest Solomon Islands consulate or a reputable visa service to confirm the specific visa requirements based on your citizenship and any current mandatory vaccinations.
About the authors
We are a team of passionate divers and surfers with decades of combined experience in the water and travelling to all corners of the globe. After years of chasing waves and descending into the deep blue, we've created this resource highlighting sustainably run surf camps, eco-friendly dive resorts and conservation-focused ocean trips to help inspire your next adventure.
Eco Ocean Escapes was born out of a love of the ocean, an obsession with travel and a concern about the impacts of our adventures on the environments we explore. Despite the benefits that surf and dive tourism can bring to local communities, we recognised that ocean-based adventures are not always managed in a sustainable manner.
Through our articles, we hope to inspire those seeking a responsible surf or dive trip that is all about supporting local communities, preserving our coastal environments and the incredible marine species that inhabit our oceans.