Solomons - Gizo, is the diving OK?

[Griffo]

Hi There,
I'm looking for opinions on the diving off Gizo in recent times. I've read some mixed reviews here so was trying to get a little more clarity. Now just as important for this trip will be the accomodation - we are looking at doing a "destination wedding" where friends and family that want to can come and stay. This rules out I believe some of the other islands due to the limited accomodation choices. While we enjoy rustic accomodation, i'm not sure a diving lodge is good for wedding week

So yeah, was looking for any opinions on whether the diving from Gizo is worthwhile or has never quite recovered

 

[Griffo]

OK, if no-one has recent experience, can anyone comment on Dive Gizo vs Sanbis/Solomon Watersports. I've heard a rumour there is bad blood between the two operators? We are planning on staying at Sanbis so was wondering how they were as an operator.
Cheers

 

[Deceter]

Hi, i don't venture onto these forums much but my frinds that dive Gizo rave about it.

However, i think maybe Tavanipupu Private Island Resort might be more what you're looking for.

 

[Griffo]

Thanks. We'd looked at Tavanipupu, only problem is limited accom. By going SANBIS / Fat Boy's, we can overflow into Gizo proper for additional guests
Sanbis resort
fatboys bar restaurant resort gizo, solomon islands

 

[Cartilago]

Hello, the diving around Gizo Area is more than Ok, if you like big stuffs (Mobulas, Eagle Rays, Mantas, Sharks, Bumphead Parrotfishes, Napoleon Wrasses), macro (Nudibranches, LeafScorpionfishes, Frogfishes, Shrimps) or wrecks (Toa Maru, few airplanes) you will really enjoy the diving over there.
Talking about accomodation i cannot speak about the differences between Sanbis and Fatboys (we spent 4 days at Fatboys and was really nice place, even we saw dugongs around!!!!),but about diving when we went over there for first time we spent 10 days thinking in to go diving with both of them, but we change of mind when we checked the facilities of Sanbis. Apparently is not a proper divecenter, is just a resort with a small compressor offering diving, the equipment was not in good conditions at all and they didn't agree to show us the diving ratings of their Divemasters. Then we spend our time over there with Dive Gizo, proper dive equipment and Padi facility with everything, they are working over there since 1985 and we had really good time and dives with them. Anyway you can email both of them asking for basic information and their safety rules and to compare the answers.

 

[Griffo]

Hi Cartilago,
Thanks, that's exactly the kind of info I was after. Can i ask how long ago it was that you visited?

Cheers

 

[Cartilago]

Hi OzGriffo
The first time was 2 years ago and the last time May 2011.
Checking the logbook we went to a place named Manta Dive and we saw over there 10 Mobulas, 1 Eagle Ray, a family of Bumphead Parrotfishes, White Tip and Black Tip Sharks and a lot of Nudibranches (i guess i enjoy more the small stuffs than the big ones, i remember that day because a amazing nudibranch i'd never seen before). After that we went to a small American fighter in perfect conditions using the air left in our first tank and after the lunch to another place named Secret Spot, we saw over there Maori Wrasses, Hawksbill Turtles, Eagle Ray, Pharaon Cuttlefish, White tip and Black tip sharks, Leaf Scorpionfish, more Nudibranches......, and the coral was stunning even at 3 meters depth.
Regards