DIVE SOLOMON ISLANDS
HONIARA - Gateway to the Solomon islands and home of the Iron Bottom Sound.
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From NZ$ poa per person
The capital of the Solomon islands, Honiara has a range of colourful markets, a compact China town and a plethora of military relics dating back to the Guadalcanal Campaign of World War II.
Honiara is a dive mecca in its own right. The town overlooks Savo Sound, known as the “Iron Bottom Sound” due to the huge amount of of WWII plane, boat and submarine wrecks scattered there.
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Other amazing dive sites include Bonegi 1 & 2 both huge Japanese transport ships with dive sites which range from 3 meters deep to 30 meters at the stern. Other notable dives include a B17 bomber, and the USS John Penn.
Honiara is an awesome warm up before you head further into the Solomon islands.
MAD STATS
Accommodation - there are four good international hotels in Honiara so a good range of options to suit most budgets.
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Dive sites - Bonegi One, B-17, Solsea, Bonegi Two, Ruanui, Serpens, USS John Penn, Tassafaronga Point, Dolphin Reef, Turtle Beach, Azumasan Maru, Sasako Maru.
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Best time to dive - Diving in the Solomon Islands is fantastic between April-December. Water temperature range between 26-29ºC. Underwater visibility ranges between 15m through to 30m. The Solomon islands is located in the equatorial band and rarely suffers from tropical cyclones so can be dived all year round.
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Other activities - As the site of one of the major pacific battles in World War 2, Guadalcanal means Honiara and surrounds are rich in WW II history.
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Package - 7 night packages including transfers and accommodation from NZ$ poa per person. Airfares are additional.
UEPI - A unique experience, on the edge of the largest lagoon in the world.
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From NZ$ poa per person
Uepi Island is stunning, a barrier reef island, located on the edge of the largest lagoon in the world. Uepi is a natural beauty with rain forests and sandy beaches supplemented with great diving amongst coral reefs and in clear waters.
Turtles, manta and eagle rays are common sights, together with an abundance of hammerhead sharks which can be seen patrolling these waters during May, July and August. This is a very special dive resort and is arguably one of the Top 3 in the South Pacific.
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Dive sites include passage dives and barrier reef drop-offs all with an abundance of coral gardens and pelagic fish. Because Uepi Island has a barrier reef on the edge of a large volcanic landmass, the clarity of water is usually good and water temperature is about 28−30 °C. Wetsuits are not required.
MAD STATS
Accommodation - Uepi island resort is an intimate experience with just 20 guests. The rooms are fan cooled and have private facilities with 24 hour electricity and ambient temperature showers. This resort is the real deal!
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Dive sites - Uepi Point, Charapoana Drift, Taiyo Fishing Boat Wreck, Uepi Pier, The Elbow, North Log and South Log, Landoro Gardens, Mongo Passage, Wreck dives. There are five wrecks (2 unidentified) lying in Wickham Harbour, approximately 90 minutes by boat from Uepi.
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Best time to Dive - Diving in the Solomon Islands is fantastic between April-December. Water temperature range between 26-29ºC. Underwater visibility ranges between 15m through to 30m. The Solomon Islands is located in the equatorial band and rarely suffers from tropical cyclones so can be dived all year round.
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Other activities - Eupi has a sandy beach on the lagoon side of the island with kayaking and some limited windsurfing. There are also walking tracks throughout the island and visits to local villages are also possible.
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Package - 7 night packages including transfers and accommodation from NZ$ poa per person. Airfares are additional.
TULAGI - Epic wreck diving, the only divable destroyer in the Solomons !
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From NZ$ poa per person​
Across iron bottom sound from Honiara lie the Florida Islands where the historic capital Tulagi is situated. In these beautiful waters around Tulagi some of the worlds best diving is to be found, from pristine reefs to spectacular WWII wrecks. The Floridas can offer you just about anything you could ever want to see.
Tulagi is the place to go for epic wreck diving. Two Seaplanes, one Mine sweeper, one Oil Tanker and the Destroyer “Aaron Ward” are just waiting to be explored. For a change of pace Twin Tunnels offers a unforgettable cave dive where you can descend through two vertical openings and emerge 35m below to watch gray reef sharks cruising through big schools of Fusiliers.
Also surrounding Tulagi is a large number of unspoilt reefs, soft corals, drop offs, huge fans, and giant sponges all packed with an abundance of tropical marine life.
MAD STATS
Accommodation - Tulagi offers a wide range of accommodation to suit any budget. Tulagi can be dived from Honiara which gives even more options.
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Dive sites - US Aaron Ward, The Moa wreck, Twin Tunnels, Kanawha wreck, Kawanishi h6k5 float planes, Orchid rock, Northern point, Christmas tree rock, Aaron’s reef and Manta gap
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Best time to Dive - Diving in the Solomon Islands is fantastic between April-December. Water temperature range between 26-29ºC. Underwater visibility ranges between 15m through to 30m. The Solomon islands is located in the equatorial band and rarely suffers from tropical cyclones so can be dived all year round.
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Other activities - Take in a fascinating WWII tours, picnic on a deserted island, go fishing or meet the locals.
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Package - 7 night packages including transfers and accommodation from NZ$ poa per person. Airfares are additional.
MUNDA - Ancient Melanesian culture, incredible diving, WW2 artifacts!
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From NZ$ poa per person
Munda, was a major military airfield during WW2, there are war relics everywhere, in the bushes, on the beaches, in the water. Munda has to be the center of wreck diving in the Solomon islands.
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Protected from destructive cyclones by its proximity to the equator, Munda’s reefs are in pristine condition. Lush soft corals and gigantic sea fans are abundant in the lagoon, while on the barrier reef you will find spectacular walls, dropping off to over 600 mtrs, teeming with real big fish action.
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There is also a fascinating cultural history on Roviana Island, situated in the lagoon at Munda. This island has a colourful history of headhunting, animist religion and tribal wars. On the hill behind the village lie the ruins of an ancient coral fortress protecting the stone dog-idol previously worshipped by the tribe. This is an incredible day trip.
MAD STATS
Accommodation - Agnes Lodge and Zipolo Habu resort both offer comfortable simple bungalows.
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Dive sites - Shark Point, Custom Cave, Tomba-Tuni (aka Mushroom Island), Rainbow Passage, Casi Maru freighter, Haepe Pinnacle, SBD Douglas Dive Bomber.
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Best time to Dive - Diving in the Solomon Islands is fantastic between April-December. Water temperature range between 26-29ºC. Underwater visibility ranges between 15m through to 30m. The Solomon islands is located in the equatorial band and rarely suffers from tropical cyclones so can be dived all year round.
Other activities - WWII museum with artifacts, Excursions to Skull island complete with head hunting artifacts, cultural tours to Roviana Island.
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Package - 7 night packages including transfers and accommodation from NZ$ poa per person. Airfares are additional.
GIZO - Where President Kennedy swam to safety!
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From NZ$ poa per person
Hidden amongst the stunning waters of the Solomon Islands lies the island of Gizo.
Gizo is a tropical treasure blessed with sun-drenched lagoons, white sandy beaches fringed with coral reefs, endless coconut palms, and volcanic peaks. It remains virtually untouched by tourism and is home to some of the group’s most spectacular dive sites.
Through the gin clear water an amazing display of sea whips, giant fans and the most incredible coral gardens can be found. There is a vast array of fish & fauna plus some sensational World War II wrecks.
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Sharks, pelagic fish, turtles, and eagle rays are ever present plus huge schools of reef fish make the diving unprecedented. For the underwater photographer, the marine life is astounding and spectacular.
MAD STATS
Accommodation - Fat Boys Resort is one of the best places to stay with rustic bungalows right on the waterfront. Another option is the Gizo Hotel in the main town with comfortable rooms.
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Dive sites - The waters around Gizo are famous for having the most diverse and exciting diving to be found anywhere in the Solomon’s. Dives sites include Toa Maru, Grand Central Station, The Manta Dive, American Hellcat Fighter Plane, American Corsair Fighter Plane, Plum Pudding Island / Kennedy Island, The Gap, Japanese Zero, Tokyo MARU 11, Petaj
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Best time to Dive - Diving in the Solomon Islands is fantastic between April-December. Water temperature range between 26-29ºC. Underwater visibility ranges between 15m through to 30m. The Solomon islands is located in the equatorial band and rarely suffers from tropical cyclones so can be dived all year round.
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Other activities - Surfing, Snorkeling, World war 2 tours, Village and island tours. Lagoon and game fishing.
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Package - 7 night packages including transfers and accommodation from NZ$ poa per person. Airfares are additional.