Solomon Islands Scuba Diving

Frequently Asked Questions

For divers seeking an expedition that balances raw adventure with genuine discovery, Solomon Islands scuba diving offers a compelling proposition. Far from the standard routes, this archipelago in the South Pacific presents an underwater realm where World War II history and vibrant coral ecosystems exist in profound juxtaposition. The diving here is less about service perfection and more about authentic exploration, appealing to those with the experience to appreciate its unique, unrefined character.

The underwater landscape is defined by exceptional diversity. In the Western Province, the coral-fringed atolls and deep-water straits of the Marovo Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage tentative site, are renowned for their steep walls and pristine soft coral gardens. To the north, the island of Santa Isabel offers thrilling drift dives in current-swept channels where encounters with schooling barracuda, trevally, and sharks are common. However, the destination's signature experience is its historic wreck diving. The waters around Guadalcanal and Florida Island are a submerged museum, home to dozens of remarkably intact aircraft and warships from the Pacific campaign.

The best way to dive the Solomon Islands is undoubtedly by liveaboard. Given the vast distances between prime dive regions - from the wrecks of the Iron Bottom Sound to the remote reefs of the Russell Islands - a liveaboard vessel is the only practical way to access this variety in a single trip. A handful of well-regarded land-based resorts, primarily in the Western and Central Provinces, offer excellent diving on their local reefs and convenient access to specific wreck sites, making them a good choice for a more stationary, resort-focused holiday.

A journey to the Solomon Islands is as much a cultural immersion as a diving one. Time on land reveals a nation with a deeply rooted Melanesian culture, where traditional shell money is still used and vibrant customary festivals (known as sing-sings) provide powerful glimpses into local life. Visitors can explore WWII historical sites on Guadalcanal, wander through relaxed markets in the capital, Honiara, or simply find serenity on secluded, palm-fringed beaches. This destination demands a spirit of adventure above and below the water, rewarding divers with an experience that feels genuinely undiscovered and highly memorable.

Questions and Answers

Diving FAQs

When is the best time to visit and dive the Solomon Islands?

The Solomons' tropical climate means it is warm and humid all year with rain showers possible at any time. In that sense it is a year-round destination. However, April to October sees lower rainfall, calmer seas and better visibility underwater often in excess of 30m. This is also the busiest time of the year so spaces on liveaboards and flights might fill up quickly. November to March has an increased chance of rain and a higher likelihood of cyclones which can cause travel disruption. Water temperature remains 28-30°C / 80-86°F year-round.

Where is the best diving in The Solomon Islands?

There is great diving to be found all around the Solomon Islands. However, the island nation covers a huge area and the liveaboards cannot cover all the far-flung regions. While there is some great diving in places like Munda, Choiseul and Rennell Island, these can only be visited if you have the time and inclination to seek them out, travel and stay there. The liveaboard cruises focus on some awesome areas in the central part of the country, namely The Russell Islands, Morovo Lagoon (to many the best region), Mary Island and The Floridas. These showcase some of the best and most varied diving in the Solomons including WWII wrecks, walls, drift dives, diving through lava tunnels, the famous Leru Cut, plus many reefs teeming with fish and set against the backdrop of a rumbling volcano.

Do I need a wetsuit?

Water temperatures in the Solomon Islands are 28-30°C / 80-86°C. While some dive without any wetsuit, we recommend at least a 3 mm shortie or a full length wetsuit to protect against stings and scrapes.

Do you offer dive resorts in the Solomons?

We only offer Solomon Islands liveaboards. There are a small number of simple resorts dotted around various places in the Solomons. While the diving in some of these locations is very good, the quality of the resorts varies greatly from place to place. Getting there and back on local transport can also be tricky and time-consuming. Getting to the Solomons for many can take be quite a lengthy process, so time is often at a premium. Boarding a liveaboard in Honiara means you can get diving quickly and visit a wide range of sites which showcases the best of the destination.

Do I need to be an experienced diver to join a Solomon liveaboard?

The Solomons is not a destination that tends to attract beginner divers. More common are scuba divers who have been to several other destinations before coming here so they tend to be experienced. The diving here includes night dives, wrecks, swim-throughs and drift-diving with current, with divers often deploying their SMBs at the end of the dive as they drift with current. You should be comfortable with these types of dives. Check with us before booking.

What should I pack for a liveaboard trip?

Essentials include:
• Dive certification card (or proof of certification)
• Mask, fins, snorkel, and dive computer (some gear may be rented)
• Reef-safe sunscreen, mosquito repellent and seasickness remedies
• Lightweight clothing, swimwear, and a waterproof bag
• Underwater camera (if desired)
• A positive attitude!

The liveaboards provide tanks, weights, and sometimes rental gear.

What kind of food is a served on a liveaboard?

Please review the 'Food, drinks and daily routine' section for details of the food served on each of the Solomon Islands dive cruises. Most dietary requirements including vegetarian can be met on each liveaboard safari. However, please do tell us your requirements at the time you make your booking, so that we can meet your request.

Will I have to share a cabin?

There are no single cabins on Solomon Islands liveaboards, so the only way to guarantee a cabin for yourself is to pay for 2 beds. These supplements range between 50% and 80% of the 'per person' published price. It may be, if the boat is not full and there are an odd number of passengers, that you can have your own cabin, but this situation obviously cannot be guaranteed

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General FAQs

What are the Solomon Islands Visa Requirements?

A Visitor’s Permit On Arrival (typically 90 days) is available for many nationalities without applying in advance. These include all EU countries, the USA & Canada, Australia & New Zealand and more.

You need a passport valid for at least 6 months, and onward ticket and a completed arrival card filled in on the flight. Officially they say you need proof of sufficient funds but rarely is this question raised, but if you are concerned then bring a bank statement or cash.

You should check all the latest information as it applies to you on the Solomons Islands Immigration website.

Is there much to do around Honiara?

Not really! Honiara is quite a ramshackle place with busy, dusty streets. There are a few clean, air-conditioned cafes and restaurants to drop into and this is where many expats and tourists congregate. You can visit the Honiara museum or the arts and crafts market to buy some souvenirs. If you have time you can arrange a WWII day tour to some interesting sites accessible from Honiara. The better hotels are also common hang out spots for tourists and expats, however, these hotels are quite expensive for what they are. As a result, most people limit their time to one night in Honiara before and/or after their liveaboard cruise.

Which time zone is the Solomon Islands in?

The country lies in the Solomons Islands time zone (SBT): +11 hrs UTC.

What standard electricity supply do they use?

The standard voltage in the country is 220V / 50 Hz AC. Electrical sockets are Type I used in Australia and Type G used in the UK. These are the types that the liveaboard boats have too. It's a good idea to bring your own adaptor if required.

Should I get a SIM card?

SIM cards are available at the airport. It is a very small airport and it is easy to spot the SIM card desk. The SIM card is free but you top up there and then as you need. If you are on a liveaboard you should check the internet situation on board which might mean buying a SIM card is unnecessary, as they have a fast internet connection. The international dialing code for the Solomon Islands is +677.

Can I pay for everything on my credit card?

Hotels and shops in Honiara and tourism companies will accept credit card payments, however, you will need some cash for smaller purchases, and in rural areas. You can change money at the airport on arrival and access so ATMs around the town. The local currency is the Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD).

What are the health risks of visiting the Solomon Islands?

Malaria and dengue fever are present in the Solomon Islands. While mosquitoes are less likely to cause a problem when at sea, sometimes the boat will moor close to an island so bites may be more of a possibility. You will also travel through the capital city of Honiara where mosquito encounters are possible. The usual precautions of wearing clothes that minimise skin exposure and use of mosquito repellent apply and you should take your own medical advice on whether you take a course of anti-malarial drugs.

Tap water is not generally safe to drink so best to stick to bottled water during your stay.

Is it safe to visit the Solomon Islands?

The Solomon Islands is generally a safe destination to visit. Honiara is the capital city with the largest population but it is a significantly less risky than places like Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea. There are a lot of people hanging the dusty streets of Honiara but incidents of crimes against tourists are very low. That said, single females should avoid walking the streets alone at night and common-sense ought to be practised with the flaunting of expensive accessories and leaving valuables unattended.

Some areas may still have un-exploded ordnance from World War II, so be careful in remote or undeveloped areas, especially when hiking. If you are a cautious and adventurous traveller looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination, the Solomon Islands can be a profoundly rewarding and safe place to visit.

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