Question Anyone been to the Solomons lately?

[mdlaura]

My husband and I did the Solomons in 1997, and remember it as "amazing-best diving ever". Land based-out of Gizo. And we've been to quite a few other amazing places since then (Indonesia, Philipppines, Galapagos, Socorro) Looking to do a liveaboard and am researching the 2 boats. But we've heard some conflicting 2nd hand reports of conditions in the Solomons. Some say great diving (very experienced divers) other reports of not so good. Looking for feedback from anyone who has been there recently. Thanks

 

[lermontov]

i was there twice this year, last trip was in april - we primarily do wreck dives so if you are into that you wont the disappointed. Cant speak for reef diving as we only did 3-4 reef dives but what we did was beyond my expectation- therse no shore diving per se on the mainland - only realistic option is a LOB so can move around and cherry pick the best spots

 

[cyberdiamond]

The Solomon Islands still has great diving!

I have been going to the Solomons for the last 15 years, generally multiple times per year every year (except 2020 and 2021).

Covid hit the dive opperators hard as borders were closed for nearly 2 years and they were without any income so unfortunately it hurt them all and some have closed and left the country.

Both Dive Munda and Raiders in Tulagi have closed.

The good news is Danny and Kerrie are still running Dive Gizo.
Also if you go to Gizo its worth spending some time at Fatboys for a meal &/or drinks.

I believe Uepi Island Resort is still open.

Tulagi Dive (moved to mainland Honiara many years ago) is still running but not as big as it used to be. Troy was only hiring tanks (can organise deco gases) and lead and doing fills last time I was there but was trying to keep running and may now be doing more but you would need to check to get the latest updates.

I have to correct the above post as there are lots of options for shore diving in Honiara, easy to hire a car and dive off the beaches.
Also lots of active local expacts doing shore diving in Honiara.
Lots of WW2 wrecks, a plane, a submarine all are very easy to access. Including deeper wreck that starts at 5m and goes down the sandy slope to 55+m so can deco / safety stop on the reef with lots of fish life which means it does not get boring doing long dives.

Lots of WW2 history including an outdoor museum that is well worth visiting!
It is definetly worth adding some time before / after a liveaboard trip.

I have not been on either of the livaboards.

I had seen the Tarka liveaboard but I think Master changed the ships around years ago and I don't know much about them.

I do know Dave the manager of the Bilikiki and it has always had great reviews from everyone I know that has been on it.

 

[mdlaura]

The Solomon Islands still has great diving!

I have been going to the Solomons for the last 15 years, generally multiple times per year every year (except 2020 and 2021).

Covid hit the dive opperators hard as borders were closed for nearly 2 years and they were without any income so unfortunately it hurt them all and some have closed and left the country.

Both Dive Munda and Raiders in Tulagi have closed.

The good news is Danny and Kerrie are still running Dive Gizo.
Also if you go to Gizo its worth spending some time at Fatboys for a meal &/or drinks.

I believe Uepi Island Resort is still open.

Tulagi Dive (moved to mainland Honiara many years ago) is still running but not as big as it used to be. Troy was only hiring tanks (can organise deco gases) and lead and doing fills last time I was there but was trying to keep running and may now be doing more but you would need to check to get the latest updates.

I have to correct the above post as there are lots of options for shore diving in Honiara, easy to hire a car and dive off the beaches.
Also lots of active local expacts doing shore diving in Honiara.
Lots of WW2 wrecks, a plane, a submarine all are very easy to access. Including deeper wreck that starts at 5m and goes down the sandy slope to 55+m so can deco / safety stop on the reef with lots of fish life which means it does not get boring doing long dives.

Lots of WW2 history including an outdoor museum that is well worth visiting!
It is definetly worth adding some time before / after a liveaboard trip.

I have not been on either of the livaboards.

I had seen the Tarka liveaboard but I think Master changed the ships around years ago and I don't know much about them.

I do know Dave the manager of the Bilikiki and it has always had great reviews from everyone I know that has been on it.

Thanks-we actually met and had dinner at Danny and Kerrie's house, way back in 1997. I think I remember that he was originally from Southern California, where we lived at the time.
Glad to hear your report of great diving!

 

[clownfishsydney]

i was there twice this year, last trip was in april - we primarily do wreck dives so if you are into that you wont the disappointed. Cant speak for reef diving as we only did 3-4 reef dives but what we did was beyond my expectation- therse no shore diving per se on the mainland - only realistic option is a LOB so can move around and cherry pick the best spots

Lots of shore diving on the "mainland", assuming you mean on Guadalcanal. Three Japanese shipwrecks, a Japanese submarine and a US bomber and more.

 

[lermontov]

Lots of shore diving on the "mainland", assuming you mean on Guadalcanal. Three Japanese shipwrecks, a Japanese submarine and a US bomber and more.

yes there is some shore diving -i was refering to the dive operators available to organise that - i think it would be an uphill battle fro a non local to organise it themselves and Troy form tulagi dive is more focused on commercial operations last time i was there

going to the solomons for 10 days and limiting yourself to shore diving on the bonegis and sub would be a
very poor reflection on what is available elswhwere by gong on a LOB