Honiara
Explore Guadalcanal IslandGuadalcanal is the largest island of the Solomon Islands and borders the I
Explore Guadalcanal Island
Guadalcanal is the largest island of the Solomon Islands and borders the Iron Bottom Sound, a body of water where dozens of ships and planes fought and eventually sunk during World War II. The Solomon Islands capital, Honiara, is the gateway to the Iron Bottom Sound with dive centres and dive resorts offering trips into the historically important ship graveyard.
In 1942, American and Japanese forces were clashing daily which led to fighter planes, tanks, cargo ships and destroyers becoming part of the underwater world. Today, the Iron Bottom Sound is an underwater museum allowing history-buffs to sink beneath the surface to discover the wrecks and artefacts that lie on the seabed. While some of the wrecks lie just metres from the beach, many of the wrecks are too deep to be visited by recreational divers, offering a playground for technical divers as well.
Honiara’s dive centre is licensed to operate a range of dive courses from discovering scuba for the very first time to technical courses that will allow you to head deeper into the Sound.
Places to explore
Dive Activity
Diving in Guadalcanal Island
Guadalcanal Island, a gem in the Solomon Islands, offers a divers' paradise with its rich blend of history and natural beauty. Notable wreck dives include the "Bonegi Beach" sites, where the wrecks of Japanese transport ships from World War II provide fascinating exploration opportunities, teeming with marine life. These shore-accessible sites are perfect for divers seeking a blend of historical intrigue and vibrant aquatic ecosystems.
For those interested in liveaboard diving, the "Iron Bottom Sound" offers deeper exploration of shipwrecks, while "Mbonege Beach" and its surrounding reefs deliver splendid coral gardens and diverse marine life. Unique experiences such as night dives reveal nocturnal creatures and captivating bioluminescence. Whether opting for shore-based or liveaboard adventures, divers will find a perfect mix of convenience and underwater thrills on Guadalcanal Island.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Guadalcanal Island
Guadalcanal Island, part of the Solomon Islands, is renowned for its vibrant marine biodiversity. Divers can expect to encounter a rich variety of reef fish, including the striking clownfish, parrotfish, and butterflyfish, which are frequently seen around the island's coral reefs. These colorful species are a staple of the underwater landscape, providing an enchanting experience for snorkelers and divers alike.
Seasonal highlights include sightings of majestic manta rays, which are most commonly observed during the warmer months, typically from November to April. Hawksbill turtles also grace the waters around Guadalcanal, often spotted gliding through the sea year-round. For those hoping to see sharks, smaller species like the reef and blacktip sharks are more frequently encountered, usually in deeper waters during the cooler months. These seasonal patterns offer divers a diverse and thrilling experience, with each visit promising new wildlife encounters.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
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Green Turtle
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Total number of species: 27
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Barracuda
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Total number of species: 600
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Wrasse
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Total number of species: 28
Udo Kefrig
Clownfish
8 Sightings
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Total number of species: 90
Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish
5 Sightings
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Total number of species: 130
Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
Butterfly Fish
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 130
AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
Pufferfish
5 Sightings
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Total number of species: 40
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Jackfish
4 Sightings
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Total number of species: 85
iStock-mirecca
Surgeonfish
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The best Months to Dive in Guadalcanal Island
Guadalcanal Island offers excellent diving conditions year-round, making it a prime destination for underwater enthusiasts. Water temperatures remain warm throughout the year, typically ranging from 27°C–30°C/81°F–86°F, providing comfortable diving conditions. Visibility is generally around 15 to 30 meters/49 to 98 feet, although this can vary slightly with seasonal changes and weather conditions.
Diving is possible all year on Guadalcanal, but divers should be aware of the rainy season from December to April, which can affect visibility and water currents. During these months, increased rainfall might reduce visibility and enhance currents, requiring divers to exercise caution. The rest of the year, from May to November, conditions are generally more stable, with calmer waters and clearer skies, making it a preferred time for diving.
