One dive site is so littered of WWII shipwrecks and downed aircraft that it has been renamed ‘Iron Bottom Sound’. Most of the known accessible diving in the Solomon Islands is on Guadalcanal, Gizo, Munda and the Marovo Lagoon in the Western Province and Central Province where the newly renovated Raiders Dive in now operational.
Opening its dive centre in 2023, Papatura Island Retreat offers access to nearby reefs and sites around North-West Santa Isabel. But each and every inch of this South Pacific paradise offers something for someone. The Solomon Islands is also a home port for two of the South Pacific’s best-known ‘liveaboard’ dive boats MV Emperor Bilikiki and Solomons Master.
Complete with just 10 cabins, each configured to sleep a maximum of two persons with air conditioning and en-suite, MV Bilikiki’s features include a large sundeck, spacious dive deck and lounge for relaxing in after a day out exploring or underwater. The 37-metre Solomons Master, purpose-built for recreational, technical, and rebreather diving, accommodates up to 16 guests in eight en-suite cabins.
When not diving guests have the opportunity to visit out of the way local villages, spend time ashore at small uninhabited islands, snorkel the many reefs and immerse themselves in the culture of this amazing, unspoilt destination. Don’t dive and prefer to snorkel? The Solomon Islands offers the perfect introduction into this amazing underwater paradise.