Fortunate to dive in some of the world’s best locations, our general manager Alex was taken by surpise by the solomon Islands. This remote destination is a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and WWII history, where tribal customs co-exist with foreign investment, historic battlefields, and a pristine marine ecosystem. While new infrastructure is developing, much of the country remains untouched, offering an authentic, off-the-grid adventure for divers. Read on to see why the Solomon Islands’ untamed diving captivated Alex…
Solomon Islands Untamed Diving That Exceeds Expectations
Of course, the main focus is the diving, and the variety on show is the first real surprise. Abundant marine life, wrecks, reefs, caverns and swim-throughs are all on show. But what were my highlights and what is it that really shines out as Solomon Islands untamed diving?
Leru Cut – A dive like no other
I’d heard about Leru Cut before, but nothing quite prepared me for the experience.
The way sunlight filters through the narrow crevasse, illuminating the blue water in streaks, made for one of the most photogenic dives I’ve ever done. It felt surreal, almost like swimming through an underwater cathedral.
White Beach – A dive into history
One of the most fascinating WWII wreck dive sites anywhere, White Beach was a US military landing site during the war. The Japanese spent years searching for a “white beach” to bomb, not knowing it was just a code name! Today, the seabed is littered with wartime relics – jeeps, Coke bottles, medicine bottles, and bullets – creating an eerie but historically rich diving experience.
At the end of the dive, we surfaced near mangroves, watching archerfish hunt insects above the waterline, a rare and stragenly mesmerising sight.
Hikoko Maru – A gargantuan wreck
If you love wreck diving, the Hikoko Maru is a must. This massive WWII cargo ship, sunk near Honiara, sits eerily still, its cavernous holds offering incredible penetration opportunities for advanced divers. I spent most of my time between 20m and 5m, where the macro life was spectacular – nudibranchs, soft corals, and vibrant marine critters now thrive in this sunken relic.
Mavis Seaplane Wreck – A first for me
I’d never dived a plane wreck before, so this was a real treat, especially as an aircraft geek! The cockpit, overflowing with glassfish, made for an eerie but thrilling view. Visibility wasn’t great due to recent rain, but at the end of the dive, we struck gold—a mandarin fish sighting on a nearby reef. If you’ve ever seen these tiny, vibrant fish, you’ll know how special that moment was.
What It’s Like Aboard Solomons Master
Solomons Master is currently undergoing a massive re-fit and will soon be back in the water, better than ever. While the boat was already comfortable and well-suited to the destination, upcoming upgrades will enhance cabins, fixtures, and furnishings, making the Solomon Islands liveaboard experience even more enjoyable.
The lounge area spans the full upper deck, offering plenty of space to relax between dives. Even with 18 divers on board, it never felt cramped.
Diving directly from the mother ship
One of the best things about Solomons Master is the ability to hot drop straight from the main boat, avoiding long tender transfers. The crew and captain were exceptional, running dives with precision, ensuring safety and efficiency. After each dive, we returned to the vessel via tenders.
The crew and food – above and beyond
The crew was outstanding, from the dive team to housekeeping, ensuring everything ran smoothly. Chef Freddie deserves a special mention, his Western-Asian fusion menu kept us well-fed with fresh ingredients sourced from local islanders.
One of the highlights? Post-dive fresh coconuts, delivered by locals paddling up in canoes. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Travel Insights – What You Need To Know
Solomon Islands untamed diving – getting there
There are really only two clear options to get into the Solomons.
- Flights via Australia: Fly into Brisbane, then connect with Qantas or Solomon Airlines to Honiara.
- Flights via Fiji: Fly Fiji Airways to Nadi, then a direct flight to Honiara—perfect if you want to combine your trip with diving in Fiji (Voli Voli or Beqa Lagoon for shark diving).
Arrival and connectivity
Just a few pieces of information that will be useful for your arrival in the Solomons…
- No Wi-Fi at the airport, and SIM cards are not available on arrival—you’ll need to buy one in Honiara (~$20 USD for 15GB/14 days).
- Biosecurity regulations are strict (similar to Australia)—expect to declare food, seeds, or organic items.
Where to stay in Honiara
The best accommodations in Honiara are the Heritage Park Hotel or Coral Sea Resort, with both offering Western standard comfort. The Solomon Kitano Mendana is also a good choice in the area. All these can be booked as part of your liveaboard holiday and you see more information on the hotels here.
Exploring WWII history
Before leaving, I took a land tour of key WWII battlefields, including Bloody Ridge and other memorials. The war history in the Solomons is incredibly well-preserved, making it a must for history buffs.
Pack for a Purpose – Giving back to local communities
The Solomon Islands is a remote destination, and many local communities have limited access to essential supplies. If you’re visiting, consider bringing sustainable gifts such as colouring books, pencils, notebooks, and educational materials… items that genuinely benefit local children. Avoid plastic toys and instead focus on useful, long-lasting supplies that can make a meaningful difference in their daily lives.
Final Thoughts on Solomons Untouched Diving
The Solomon Islands completely exceeded my expectations. With its untouched reefs, historic wrecks, and rich cultural experiences, it offers something few places in the world still can – raw, authentic adventure diving.
With tourism numbers still low, now is the perfect time to experience this hidden gem before it becomes the next big thing in the dive world. Your visit also directly supports local communities, making it even more meaningful. You can book online today with secure payment options and start planning a true frontier diving liveaboard experience.
