Solomon Islands Info

[Travelnsj]

I am thinking of going to the Solomon Islands in December for two weeks. Looking at the Florida group of Islands specifically Tulagi and split my time in Peava....Looks like I can do the transfers via ferry and do not have to fool with Solomon Air.

If anyone has any thoughts on the differerent dive locations or info...Please share....

 

[boxcar]

HI,
We were in Tulagi for 4-5 days in March/April 2006, then did a week out in Gizo in the western province...The diving near Tulagi was good: WWII wrecks, fantastic walls in a little further away, twin tunnels is a nice dive day or night (do both!)...The Aaron Ward was an experience, but a big dive at 60+m...The operator Neil Yeats was very good...However, the accommodation is 'basic'...didn't bother us, but we found that when we got to Gizo the next week the comfort factor at the Gizo Hotel made that leg more relaxing and more like a vacation...I'd rate the diving near Tulagi, but the topside experience in Gizo was better...Either way, we had a fantastic trip and would (will) go back when we get a chance (after we've see a few other places on our list...)

 

[matts1w]

HI,
We were in Tulagi for 4-5 days in March/April 2006, then did a week out in Gizo in the western province...The diving near Tulagi was good: WWII wrecks, fantastic walls in a little further away, twin tunnels is a nice dive day or night (do both!)...The Aaron Ward was an experience, but a big dive at 60+m...The operator Neil Yeats was very good...However, the accommodation is 'basic'...didn't bother us, but we found that when we got to Gizo the next week the comfort factor at the Gizo Hotel made that leg more relaxing and more like a vacation...I'd rate the diving near Tulagi, but the topside experience in Gizo was better...Either way, we had a fantastic trip and would (will) go back when we get a chance (after we've see a few other places on our list...)

Be aware things have changed in Gizo since the earthquake. No matter I will head back there again as it was an incredible experience- above and below water.

 

[Travelnsj]

HI,
We were in Tulagi for 4-5 days in March/April 2006, then did a week out in Gizo in the western province...The diving near Tulagi was good: WWII wrecks, fantastic walls in a little further away, twin tunnels is a nice dive day or night (do both!)...The Aaron Ward was an experience, but a big dive at 60+m...The operator Neil Yeats was very good...However, the accommodation is 'basic'...didn't bother us, but we found that when we got to Gizo the next week the comfort factor at the Gizo Hotel made that leg more relaxing and more like a vacation...I'd rate the diving near Tulagi, but the topside experience in Gizo was better...Either way, we had a fantastic trip and would (will) go back when we get a chance (after we've see a few other places on our list...)

How was the vis in Tulagi? and the water temp? How would you rate the diving?....Thinking of maybe spliting my time between Uepi and Peava areas still trying to decide....thanks for any info.

 

[boxcar]

HI,

The vis was variable...on the seaplanes in realtively sheltered water, it was crap (3-5m), but the planes were right there...drifting on the wall at sandfly passage, it was good (20m)...It was a bit rainy while we were there and the overcast skies didn't help...We enjoyed the diving and would rate the Solomons in general as the best we've seen, though we're going to N Sulawesi later this year...and haven't seen Palau yet...Tulagi is good and I'd recommend it, but I've heard very good things about Uepi, particularly about the resort there...If we go back to the Solomons, we'd probably give Uepi a run and/or Bilikiki....

I can't remember the temps but it was warm...warmer in Gizo (28/29C-ish) than Tulagi...we dove with trilaminate skins which are supposed to have insulating properties like a 3mm wetsuit (though its like comparing apples and oranges IMO)...and were very comfortable...sometimes just wearing a lycra and shorts...

 

[Travelnsj]

Well I am thinking about doing the Bilikiki for 7 days and doing an area south of Uepi called Peava...still working on it...Thanks for the info

 

[smokey braden]

has anyone dove the uss john penn?
my understanding is she's in the solomons.