Explore New Georgia Islands
The volcanic archipelago of the New Georgia Islands showcase the rugged beauty that is found throughout the Solomon Islands. On land, the lush forested terrain is host to a handful of dive centres and dive resorts that offer a gateway to the wealth of uncrowded dive sites lying beneath the ocean’s surface.
Situated on Ghizo Island, Gizo is the capital of the Solomons Western Province. Gizo’s only dive centre offers a variety of dive courses and trips into fringing reefs, dramatic vertical walls, drop-offs and intriguing sunken war wrecks such as a Grumman Hellcat and a Corsair fighter. At New Georgia Island, sheer drop-offs are patrolled by hammerhead sharks while Uepi Island is uniquely positioned between the saltwater Marovo Lagoon and the 2000-metre vertical drop-offs into the New Georgia Sound. The island’s dive resort provides access to this extraordinary marine ecosystem, teeming with schools of pelagics and macro life.
An outcrop in the deep ocean, Mary Island is an uninhabited extinct volcano surrouded by deep walls where manta rays, barracuda and shark cruise. Due to Mborokua’s (Mary Island) remote location, it is best dived through visting liveaboards that offer scuba diving in New Georgia Islands group.
Places to Explore
Uepi
Uepi is a barrier island between the Marovo Lagoon and the deep New Georgia Sound. Lying in the New Georgia Islands group of the Solomon Islands, Uepi Island has a variety of dive sites from the steep walls that drop into the New Georgia Sound - also known as The Slot - to sheltered coral gardens. Uepi’s unique location between a lagoon and the ocean creates a thriving marine envrionment with a range of tropical fish and pelagics. Uepi diving is possible from the island’s only dive resort or via liveaboards that visit the area.
Munda
The friendly town of Munda is situated on the southwest corner of New Georgia Island. Offering some of the Solomon Islands best dive sites, spectacular walls drop off to over 600-metres, coral reefs thrive with colour and abundance while the seabed is littered with wrecks from WWII. Pelagics frequent Munda’s dive sites which can be explored from the only dive centre in the area as well as from liveaboards. Munda’s dive centre offers dive courses ranging from the first dive experience to becoming a professional instructor.
Top Dive Sites Map
Diving in New Georgia Islands
New Georgia Island, part of the Solomon Islands, offers a plethora of dive sites that cater to various interests. Notable among these is the "Munda Barrier Reef," renowned for its vibrant coral gardens and abundant marine life, making it a favorite for shore divers. The "Kashi Maru Wreck," a sunken Japanese cargo ship, provides an intriguing wreck dive experience, with its structure now home to a diverse array of fish and corals.
Dive travelers can enjoy the unique experience of night dives, where they can witness the bioluminescent spectacle of plankton lighting up the water. Additionally, liveaboard options allow divers to explore more remote sites, offering a balance between convenience and adventure. Whether opting for shore or liveaboard diving, New Georgia Island promises an unforgettable underwater journey.
The best Months to Dive in New Georgia Islands
New Georgia Island offers diving opportunities throughout the year, with conditions generally suitable for underwater exploration. Water temperatures remain relatively stable, ranging from 27°C to 30°C, ensuring a comfortable experience for divers. Visibility is typically good, often exceeding 20 meters, especially from May to October, which is considered the best period for diving.
However, divers should be aware of seasonal weather changes. The region experiences a wet season from November to April, which can bring stronger winds and increased rainfall, potentially affecting dive conditions with rougher seas and reduced visibility at times. Despite these factors, diving is feasible year-round, although it is advisable to plan trips to coincide with the more favorable dry season to enjoy optimal conditions.
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