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

Explore New Georgia IslandsThe volcanic archipelago of the New Georgia Islands showcase the rugged b

Munda

Explore New Georgia IslandsThe volcanic archipelago of the New Georgia Islands showcase the rugged b

Dive Activity

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.

Top Wildlife Sightings in New Georgia Islands

New Georgia Island, part of the Solomon Islands, offers divers a vibrant marine life experience. The island's reefs are home to a plethora of reef fish, including butterflyfish, angelfish, and parrotfish, easily spotted year-round. These colorful species contribute to the dynamic underwater landscape, making every dive a visual treat. Seasonal highlights include sightings of majestic manta rays and various shark species, such as reef and hammerhead sharks, predominantly seen during the cooler months from May to October. Sea turtles, particularly the hawksbill variety, are also a common spectacle, often encountered around the island's coral patches. The diversity and abundance of marine life around New Georgia Island provide divers with a unique and memorable underwater adventure.

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
21 Sightings
J
2
F
1
M
3
A
0
M
2
J
4
J
0
A
1
S
0
O
4
N
0
D
4

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 27

iStock-Global_Pics

Barracuda
15 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
1
A
0
M
0
J
3
J
0
A
0
S
5
O
3
N
1
D
0
iStock-crisod

Reef Manta Ray
14 Sightings
J
3
F
1
M
2
A
2
M
0
J
1
J
1
A
1
S
1
O
0
N
0
D
2
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography

Green Turtle
12 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
0
M
0
J
3
J
1
A
1
S
3
O
1
N
0
D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 600

iStock/ultramarinfoto

Wrasse
11 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
3
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
5
O
2
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 25

iStock/Juliosanjuan

Eagle Ray
10 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
2
A
1
M
0
J
1
J
2
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 300

Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl

Octopus
9 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
1
M
0
J
2
J
0
A
1
S
0
O
2
N
1
D
1
Shutterstock-Ed Jenkins

Hawksbill Turtle
5 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
2
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
1
O
1
N
0
D
1
iStock/Divepic

Giant Oceanic Manta Ray
3 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
2
Alamy-Christian Zappel

Scalloped Hammerhead
2 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
2
N
0
D
0
iStock-ShaneGross

Loggerhead Turtle
2 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
Show More

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 90

Shutterstock-Rich Carey

Angelfish
27 Sightings
J
2
F
1
M
4
A
0
M
0
J
4
J
1
A
2
S
5
O
5
N
0
D
3

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 28

Udo Kefrig

Clownfish
24 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
6
A
0
M
0
J
6
J
1
A
1
S
4
O
4
N
0
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 100

iStock-burnsboxco

Parrotfish
23 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
4
A
0
M
0
J
2
J
2
A
2
S
5
O
4
N
0
D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 130

Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek

Butterfly Fish
20 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
4
A
0
M
0
J
2
J
0
A
1
S
5
O
5
N
0
D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 12

iStock/cinoby

Lionfish
20 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
5
A
0
M
0
J
3
J
1
A
1
S
4
O
2
N
1
D
3

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 85

iStock-mirecca

Surgeonfish
17 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
5
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
5
O
4
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 40

iStock-wrangel

Triggerfish
17 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
4
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
2
S
5
O
3
N
0
D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 350

Alamy-Andre Seal

Damselfish
17 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
5
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
0
A
1
S
5
O
3
N
0
D
2
iStock-June Jacobsen

Whitetip Reef Shark
14 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
1
A
1
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
4
O
2
N
0
D
4
AdobeStock-Marc Henauer

Grey Reef Shark
14 Sightings
J
2
F
1
M
3
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
5
N
0
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 110

iStock-Rainer von Brandis

Snapper
14 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
3
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
0
A
1
S
4
O
3
N
0
D
1

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
14 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
3
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
4
O
2
N
1
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 8

Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl

Bannerfish
14 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
3
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
2
S
5
O
4
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 150

Shutterstock-aquapix

Sweetlips and Grunts
12 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
5
O
5
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Soldierfish
12 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
1
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
5
O
3
N
0
D
0
AdobeStock-Nikolai Sorokin

Blacktip Reef Shark
12 Sightings
J
4
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
1
J
4
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
1
N
0
D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 90

Shutterstock-Levent Konuk

Goatfish
10 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
0
A
1
S
5
O
3
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3000

SSI-Peter-Schinck

Nudibranch
10 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
3
A
3
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
1
O
0
N
1
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 40

iStock-Hoatzinexp

Jackfish
9 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
0
A
1
S
4
O
3
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 80

iStock/Extreme-Photographer

Stingrays
9 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
1
A
2
S
0
O
1
N
1
D
1
AdobeStock_cherylvb

Garibaldi Damselfish
9 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
4
O
3
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Spiny Lobster
7 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
1
J
1
J
1
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker

Grouper/Basslets
7 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
2
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
1
O
1
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3

Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo

Trumpetfish
7 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
1
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
4
O
1
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 80

iStock-bearacreative

Emperor
7 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
5
O
2
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 7000

iStock-Michael Zeigler

Crab
7 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
1
M
0
J
3
J
0
A
0
S
1
O
0
N
0
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Squirrelfish
5 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
3
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 55

k

Lobster
5 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
0
A
1
S
3
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 130

iStock-Christian von Mach

Pipefish
4 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
1
N
1
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3400

Shutterstock-Shane Gross

Shrimp
4 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
2
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
1
O
0
N
0
D
0
AdobeStock-Richard Carey

Banded Sea Krait
4 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
2
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 250

iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.

Scorpionfish
3 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
0
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 2

AdobeStock-hakbak

Nurse Shark
3 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
1
O
0
N
1
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 7

iStock-atese

Pygmy Seahorse
3 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
3
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 2

iStock-stock_colors

Tarpon
3 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
1
O
0
N
0
D
0
AdobeStock-_italo

Moon Jellyfish
3 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
0
M
1
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
k

Caribbean Reef Shark
3 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
1
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
1
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 30

Shutterstock-s_a_j

Sand Eel
2 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
1
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
1
O
0
N
0
D
0
AdobeStock_Sean

Lion’s Mane Jellyfish
2 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
2
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 15

Shutterstock-Al McGlashan

Tuna
2 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
1
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 30

SSI-Peter-Schinck

Stonefish
2 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 15

Shutterstock-Hans Gert Broeder

Garfish
2 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
2
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 22

k

Cod
2 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
2
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

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.

Dive Centers

UEPI ISLAND RESORT

Uepi Island, 00000 Marovo Lagoon, SLB

Dive Sites

DIVE MUNDA, Munda

F4F Wildcat and Alice in Wonderland (Wreck) (★4.2)

This Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat fighter plane rests in 14m on a spectacular coral reef named Alice in Wonderland. The plane lies upside down and bears the marks of shrapnel and AA gunfire prior to being shot down. We explore the wreck for 10-15 minutes then slowly work our way along the gently sloping reef.
DIVE MUNDA, Munda

Langarana (★0.0)

Langarana is a wall dive and earns bragging rights for some of the most spectacular soft coral formations and the biggest Gorgonian Sea Fans anywhere in the world! Located 50 minutes from Munda.
DIVE MUNDA, Munda

Nusa Roviana Wall (★4.0)

Nusa Roviana is a beautiful wall dive with huge gorgonian fans and other soft corals all along the wall. The site is located approximately 20 minutes from Munda.
DIVE MUNDA, Munda

Secret Spot (★4.4)

Secret Spot is a wall dive exposed to Blanche Channel and the deep blue waters of the Solomon Sea. A sensational, healthy reef dropping off to several hundred meters. Occasionally prone to a bit of current, making this an ideal slow drift dive with plenty of pelagic action. Located about 20 minutes from the dive shop.
DIVE MUNDA, Munda

Bilikiki (★4.0)

A spectacular wall on the Blanche Channel, featuring massive Gorgonian fan corals, Spotted Eagle Rays, Bumphead Parrotfish, Napoleon Wrasse, Green Moray eels and plenty of Nudibranchs and other smaller critters for the macro lovers. The dive that has it all. A 20 minute boat ride from the dive shop.
DIVE MUNDA, Munda

Coral Corner (★4.0)

Coral Corner is located off Tombatuni (Mushroom) Island and is a pristine, reef wall drop. Located 25 minutes from Dive Munda, this is a fantastic site, whether you are snorkelling or diving.
DIVE MUNDA, Munda

The Pinnacle (★3.8)

This pinnacle situated off Ndokendoke Island makes for spectacular underwater topography, where the coral encrusted summit starts at 22m and the sides drop down to over 60m. Gorgonian fan corals and a stunning variety of hard and soft corals jostle for space on the rock. This site is approximately 40 minutes away.
DIVE MUNDA, Munda

Cave of the Kastom Shark (★4.8)

The Cave of the Kastom Shark is a 40-minute boat ride from Munda. You will take a very short walk onto the island through the mangroves where you will find a small pool 2 meters wide where you will enter the dive.
DIVE MUNDA, Munda

Mitsubishi G3M ’Nell’ (Wreck) (★0.0)

This Mitsubishi G3M “Nell“ bomber is only 5 mins from the dive shop. The plane lies in only 6m of water and remains mostly intact, so makes for a fascinating dive or snorkel for wreck enthusiasts.
DIVE MUNDA, Munda

Aussie Point (★3.3)

This point drops off hundreds of meters deep and is renowned for frequent hammerhead sightings. The reef is in excellent health, with many huge Gorgonian Sea Fans, and is the home to schools of bumphead parrotfish, barracuda and, trevally.
DIVE MUNDA, Munda

Sasavele Dump Site (★3.0)

A WWII dump site featuring giant steel pontoons of a former US Navy base scuttled at the end of the occupation. Assorted machinery of the war and a quantity of live ordinance scattered about the sloping wall that drops to 40m. A history enthusiast dive site 15 minutes from Munda.
DIVE MUNDA, Munda

Kashi Maru (Wreck) (★4.3)

This Japanese freighter was caught by USAF bombers on 2 July 1943 while unloading a cargo of trucks and fuel to nearby troops based on New Georgia Island. She lies at 17m in Bairoko Harbour, a 45 minutes boat ride from Munda. Her artifact-fille hold is easily accessible to all levels of divers.
DIVE MUNDA, Munda

Lighthouse Point (★4.2)

Lighthouse Point is a wall dive which is lined with cuts, cracks and crevices, giving it a very unique underwater topography. Looking up to see the sun rays filtering through the cracks above is quite a unique and phenomenal experience. Located near the town of Noro, this site is 35 minutes from the shop.
DIVE MUNDA, Munda

Mbelo Mbelo (★5.0)

This amazing wall drop is one of our furtherest sites and earns bragging rights for some of the most spectacular soft coral formations and the biggest Gorgonian Sea Fans anywhere in the world!
DIVE MUNDA, Munda

Munda (★4.5)

Munda is a confined water training site on Hopei Island. The site is only 10 minutes from the dive shop and is a gentle sandy slope, reaching a maximum depth of 5m.