Explore the Best Liveaboard Dive Sites in the Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands are one of the most exciting and least explored scuba diving destinations in the world. Located in the heart of the Coral Triangle, this remote South Pacific nation offers exceptional marine biodiversity, dramatic underwater topography, and some of the best World War II wreck diving anywhere. For scuba divers who want something beyond the usual hotspots, the Solomon Islands deliver raw beauty and true adventure.
A liveaboard is the most effective way to experience the Solomon Islands properly. Many of the best dive sites are far from towns and airports, scattered across island chains, lagoons, and remote reef systems. Staying on board allows you to reach these off-the-beaten-path locations while enjoying multiple dives per day, comfortable accommodations, and expert local guidance.
In this guide, we explore 8 incredible dive sites you are likely to visit on a Solomon Islands liveaboard, along with the 2 primary vessels that operate here. Whether your focus is sharks, manta rays, macro life, caverns, or historic wrecks, the Solomon Islands offer a diverse and rewarding dive experience that stands apart from more crowded destinations.
1. Leru Cut in the Solomon Islands
Leru Cut is one of the most iconic dives in the Solomon Islands. This narrow canyon slices into Leru Island in the Russell Islands group, creating a dramatic underwater corridor filled with filtered sunlight. The contrast between bright tropical water and darker canyon walls makes it visually striking and instantly recognizable in underwater photography.
Divers typically begin along the outer reef slope before entering the cut itself. Soft corals and reef fish line the walls, and occasional reef sharks cruise just outside in deeper water. As you move into the fissure, the environment shifts from open reef to a cathedral-like passage where light beams penetrate the surface and illuminate suspended particles in the water.
Inside the cut, the atmosphere feels calm and almost surreal. The shallow sandy bottom reflects light upward, enhancing visibility and creating incredible natural lighting effects. Many liveaboard cruises time this dive carefully to maximize sunlight angles, giving divers the best possible visual experience.
Good buoyancy control is essential inside the cut to avoid disturbing sediment or brushing against the rock walls. Stay aware of your depth and positioning, especially when turning within tighter sections. This site is accessible to certified divers comfortable with overhead environments and is often a highlight of any Solomon Islands liveaboard route.
2. White Beach WWII Dump Site
White Beach is one of the most fascinating historical dive sites in the Solomon Islands. After World War II, military vehicles, ammunition, and equipment were pushed into the sea, forming a vast underwater dump site. Today, it functions as both a time capsule and an artificial reef system.
Divers can explore trucks, bulldozers, shells, and various machinery scattered across the sandy seabed. The layout feels almost like an underwater scrapyard, yet the scene is softened by decades of coral growth. Sponges, hard corals, and soft corals now cover much of the metal framework.
Marine life thrives here. Schools of fish weave through wheel wells and metal frames, while smaller critters such as nudibranchs and pipefish hide among encrusted surfaces. The combination of history and biodiversity makes this dive uniquely immersive.
Move slowly and maintain excellent buoyancy to prevent stirring up silt. A dive light enhances visibility in shaded areas beneath vehicles, and photographers often switch between wide angle for large relics and macro for smaller marine subjects. It is both educational and visually compelling.
3. Japanese Mavis Seaplane
The Japanese Mavis Seaplane rests upright in relatively shallow water near Tulagi and is one of the most photogenic wrecks in the Solomon Islands. This World War II aircraft remains largely intact, with wings, engines, and fuselage clearly visible against the sandy bottom.
Unlike larger shipwrecks, the aircraft’s structure is compact and easy to navigate. Divers can circle the plane in a single dive, examining cockpit areas and structural details while appreciating how marine life has colonized the metal surfaces.
Glassfish often gather around the fuselage, creating shimmering clouds when disturbed by passing divers. Macro enthusiasts frequently find nudibranchs, scorpionfish, and ghost pipefish nearby, making this site attractive to both wide angle and macro photographers.
Maintain neutral buoyancy to protect the structure and preserve visibility. Its moderate depth makes it suitable for most certified divers, and it is commonly included on multiple Solomon Islands diving tours due to its accessibility and historical importance.
4. Twin Tunnels
Twin Tunnels in the Florida Islands combine reef and cavern diving in one exciting profile. Divers descend along a colorful reef before locating the 2 vertical lava tubes that give the site its name. These tubes drop downward and connect to a cavern exit point.
The descent through the tunnels is dramatic, with natural light filtering down from above. Inside the darker sections, flashlight fish and other shade-loving species can be spotted hovering near the rock walls. The sense of vertical movement adds a thrilling dimension to the dive.
Exiting the tunnels, divers emerge onto a reef wall where currents may bring in larger pelagic species. Reef sharks and schooling fish are common visitors, especially when tidal movement increases nutrient flow.
A dive light is highly recommended for exploring the tunnel interiors. Monitor your depth carefully during descent and maintain good trim throughout. Following your guide ensures safe navigation and maximizes your chances of spotting marine life both inside and outside the tunnels.
5. USS Kanawha
USS Kanawha is a large oil tanker sunk during World War II and is one of the more advanced wreck dives in the Solomon Islands. Resting deeper than many other sites, it often appears on specialized or technical diving trips.
The size of the wreck is immediately apparent. Large sections of hull, deck fittings, and structural components create an expansive underwater playground for exploration. The ship’s scale provides a strong sense of history and immersion.
Pelagic species frequently patrol above the wreck. Jacks, barracuda, and trevally move in schools, while reef sharks may appear along the deeper edges. The combination of structure and open water creates dynamic dive conditions.
Because of its depth, careful dive planning is essential. Monitor no-decompression limits closely and plan your ascent conservatively. Advanced certification is recommended for deeper sections, particularly for those interested in extended bottom times.
6. Mary Island
Mary Island is known for strong currents and thrilling big fish encounters. Located offshore, it attracts nutrient-rich water that supports a high concentration of pelagic life.
Its sites feature steep walls and reef slopes covered in healthy coral formations. Visibility is often excellent, allowing divers to watch sharks and schooling fish approach from the blue. Barracuda, tuna, and reef sharks are regular sightings. Current can play a significant role in the dive experience here. When conditions are favorable, divers may enjoy an exciting drift along the reef face, observing marine life that thrives in moving water.
Listen carefully to the dive briefing and be prepared for the current. Proper weighting and streamlined gear help maintain control, while staying close to your guide ensures a safe and enjoyable experience.
7. Devil’s Highway
Devil’s Highway is one of the top manta ray sites in the Solomon Islands. Cleaning stations along the reef attract mantas that circle slowly as smaller fish remove parasites from their bodies.
Divers typically position themselves near the reef and remain still while waiting for mantas to approach. When conditions align with tides and plankton flow, sightings can be frequent and prolonged. The surrounding reef is colorful and lively, adding depth to the experience even when mantas are not immediately visible. Schools of reef fish and vibrant corals create a dynamic setting.
Patience and respectful behavior are key. Avoid sudden movements and never chase mantas. Remaining calm increases your chances of a memorable and extended encounter with these graceful animals.
8. Munda’s Dramatic Walls
Munda is often described as one of the premier dive regions in the Solomon Islands. Its walls plunge beyond 600 ft, creating dramatic drop-offs where reef meets deep blue water.
These walls are known for shark activity. Grey reef sharks, blacktip sharks, silvertips, and occasionally hammerheads patrol the edges. Eagle rays and dogtooth tuna add to the pelagic spectacle. The reef tops are equally impressive, featuring lush hard and soft corals and large sea fans. Marine biodiversity here reflects the broader richness of the Coral Triangle region.
Advanced experience is recommended due to depth and potential current. With proper planning and guidance from experienced liveaboard crews, diving Munda offers some of the most exhilarating underwater encounters in the Solomon Islands.
Affordable Scuba Diving Vacation Packages
A dive trip to the Solomon Islands may seem remote and exclusive, but it can offer excellent overall value when you consider the number of dives included. Liveaboard cruises typically range from 7 to 10 nights and can include between 22 and 34 dives. When calculated per dive, the cost compares favorably with many other world-class destinations.
Working with experienced dive travel specialists helps you secure the right cabin, tour, and schedule without unnecessary extras. Expert planning ensures you choose the most suitable liveaboard based on your diving experience, interest in wrecks or reefs, and preferred trip length. This approach helps maximize both your budget and your time underwater.
Affordable scuba diving vacation packages may include:
Exploring the Solomon Islands by liveaboard gives you access to remote reefs, WWII wrecks, and outer island walls that are simply unreachable by day boats. 2 primary vessels operate multi-day diving safaris here, each offering professional dive operations, comfortable accommodations, and structured dive schedules. Both vessels are steel-hulled for stability and safety in open water conditions.
While both liveaboards cover many of the same iconic sites, they differ in size, layout, dive schedule, and specialty focus. One offers unlimited diving and expansive deck space, while the other caters strongly to rebreather and technical divers. Choosing the right vessel depends on your diving style, experience level, and what kind of underwater exploration you want to prioritize in the Solomon Islands.
Emperor Bilikiki
Emperor Bilikiki is a 124 ft steel-hulled liveaboard that has been operating in the Solomon Islands for more than 25 years. Known for its spacious design and smooth cruising, it accommodates up to 20 guests in 10 air-conditioned cabins, all with private en-suite bathrooms. The vessel’s size and layout make it one of the most comfortable options in the region.
The dive deck is particularly impressive, offering generous space for gear setup and storage. Photographers benefit from a dedicated camera room, separate rinse tanks, and large preparation tables. Diving is conducted from 2 aluminum skiffs, with crew assisting in entries, exits, and gear handling. Unlimited diving is available, with up to 5 dive opportunities per day and complimentary nitrox included.
Key features of Emperor Bilikiki:
10 en-suite cabins with air conditioning
Unlimited diving with up to 5 dives daily
Complimentary nitrox
Dedicated photo room and camera facilities
Large dive deck with individual gear stations
240V Australian-style power outlets
Village visits and cultural experiences
2 dive tenders for site access
With strong crew support, stable cruising, and a dive-intensive schedule, Emperor Bilikiki suits divers who want to maximize time underwater. Its long-standing experience in the Solomon Islands ensures carefully planned dive cruises that adapt to tides, currents, and marine life activity.
Solomons Master
Solomons Master is a 112 ft steel-hulled liveaboard accommodating up to 16 guests across 8 cabins. Each cabin features private bathroom facilities and individual air conditioning. The vessel includes an indoor dining area, lounge bar, shaded outdoor seating, and a sundeck with panoramic views.
Diving operations are streamlined and organized, with each diver assigned a personal station on the dive deck. The boat is rebreather-friendly and offers specialized technical itineraries for certified divers exploring deeper wrecks beyond 130 ft. A deco bar is available for extended dive profiles, and safety equipment includes a defibrillator onboard.
Key features of Solomons Master:
8 cabins with private bathrooms
Rebreather and technical diver friendly
Dedicated dive stations and camera prep room
Deco bar for extended dives
110V Euro and US-style power outlets
4 dives per day on most tours
WWII wreck-focused routes available
Airport transfers included
Solomons Master is ideal for divers with a strong interest in wreck exploration and deeper profiles. Its focused cruises, especially the wreck diving special and technical routes, provide access to some of the most historically significant dive sites in the Solomon Islands.
Why the Solomon Islands Should Be Your Next Liveaboard Adventure
The Solomon Islands remain one of the last truly unspoiled dive destinations in the world. With pristine reefs, dramatic walls, manta encounters, and some of the most significant WWII wrecks in the Pacific, this region offers diversity that few places can match. Every dive reveals a new perspective, from macro life hidden in coral gardens to large pelagics cruising deep blue drop-offs.
Choosing the right liveaboard enhances the entire experience. Whether you prefer unlimited diving on a spacious vessel or a wreck-focused tour with technical options, the Solomon Islands provide exceptional opportunities for exploration. Careful planning ensures you select the cruise that aligns with your skill level and diving goals.
If you are ready to explore the Solomon Islands, we are here to help.
Contact us at Dive The World and let us design a dive adventure that fits your experience, interests, and budget. Together, we can turn your next scuba trip into an unforgettable journey beneath the surface.
