Explore the Nggela Islands

The Nggela Islands, formerly known as the Florida Islands, are a small archipelago situated in the Central Province of the Solomon Islands. These islands are positioned between Guadalcanal and the Florida Islands, with Iron Bottom Sound serving as the waterway that separates them. This body of water is famously known for being the final resting place of over 50 ships and aircraft from World War II.

Divers interested in exploring these historic wrecks can do so from the small island of Tulagi or by joining a visiting liveaboard. Tulagi offers a rich array of wrecks suitable for both recreational and technical diving enthusiasts. Unlike diving in Iron Bottom Sound from Guadalcanal, diving from Tulagi provides an opportunity to explore vibrant natural coral reefs, swim-throughs, and tunnels teeming with marine life. These reefs are frequently visited by majestic manta rays, eagle rays, and sharks, all of which add to the underwater excitement.

For those based on Guadalcanal, Honiara’s dive center offers ferry services to Tulagi, providing access to both artificial and natural reefs. A variety of diving courses are available, catering to beginners trying scuba diving for the first time, as well as advanced divers seeking to push their limits with technical courses.

Places to Explore

Tulagi Island

2 Divesites

The capital of the Solomon Islands during the British colonial era, Tulagi is a small island just off the coast of Ngella Sule belonging to the Florida Islands group. An hour boat ride from Honiara, the gateway to the Iron Bottom Sound, Tulagi offers thriving natural coral reefs and several WWII wrecks in both recreational and technical limits. Scuba diving in Tulagi is possible from the dive centre based in Honiara or via liveaboards visiting the region.

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★☆ USS Kanawa (Wreck)

USS Kanawa is a Fleet Oiler and Freighter 476 feet long that sunk on 7 April 1943 by Japanese aircraft. It sits upright on a sandy seafloor with the Bow at 40m and the stern at 55m.

6
Logs
5
Divers
40.0 m
⌀ Depth
12.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Base 1 Muck Site

Located at the northern end of Tulagi Harbour the site was once the location of the US Combat Engineers (SEEBEES) where warship repairs were carried out during WW2. As such the bay is littered with “muck“ from that era including landing craft, munitions, small cargo ships, fishing boats, aircraft parts and more.

10
Logs
9
Divers
23.0 m
⌀ Depth
8.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Twin Tunnels Reef

This pinnacle reef rises up from the the bottom at 70+ m to within 15m of the surface. Two vertical shafts descend from the reef top to a chamber and cave exit at 36m where both predator and prey congregate in the current. Healthy, colorful, and vibrant where a single dive hardly does it justice.

30
Logs
23
Divers
35.0 m
⌀ Depth
17.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ PBY Catalina Seaplane (Wreck)

PBY Catalina Seaplane is lying upright on the side of the reef with the cockpit at 26m and the tail at 33m. Intact apart form the engines have now fallen off and lie on the seafloor beside the wreck. Munitions and machine guns remain in place.

47
Logs
40
Divers
22.0 m
⌀ Depth
12.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Gavutu F4F Wildcat (Wreck)

Thought to be the aircraft flown (and ditched) by WW2 pacific air ace Lt James Swett, this aircraft lies on a sandy bottom at 42m. As is common with most aircraft, the propellor is missing and the engine cowling has fallen off. A wonderful wreck best dived at the slack tide.

7
Logs
6
Divers
25.0 m
⌀ Depth
12.0 m
⌀ Visibility

☆☆☆☆☆ Raiders / F4F Wildcat (Wreck)

The US F4F Wildcat sits at 42m deep. It was discovered outside Raiders Hotel & Dive in 2015. This wreck is fully intact, apart from the missing propellor. The cockpit, instruments, and gun sights are also all intact.

1
Logs
1
Divers
15.0 m
⌀ Depth

★★★★☆ HMNZS Moa (Wreck)

The HMNZS Moa is a NZ Navy Minesweeper from WWII. It was sunk by Japanese aircraft on 7 April 1943 while refuelling in Tulagi Harbour with the loss of 5 crew members. Tulagi Harbour is subject to challenging visibility because of the local estuaries and mudflats.

3
Logs
3
Divers
35.0 m
⌀ Depth
8.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ USS Aaron Ward (Wreck)

USS Aaron Ward (DD-483) is a Gleaves Class Destroyer that sunk on 7 April 1943. An iconic technical dive in the Solomon Islands 62 - 74m with great visibility and marine life. Best dived at slack tide.

3
Logs
3
Divers
61.0 m
⌀ Depth
20.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Nanjalakalau Wall

Great Wall down to 50m along the northern side of the island. Great structure and current to drift with as you search both the wall and the blue for wildlife.

14
Logs
4
Divers
25.0 m
⌀ Depth
11.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Balydon Shoals

A long shallow reef (18m) stretching approx 400m. Fairly flat and barren on the top due to the string currents that run across the top. A stunning wall features on the SW side where the fish congregation point is. A fantastic drift.

4
Logs
3
Divers
19.0 m
⌀ Depth
12.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Kawanashi “Mavis“ Seaplane # 1 (Wreck)

1 of 7 Japanese “Mavis“ Kawanashi Seaplanes in the bay. This is the most intact wreck of the 7 in the bay and sits upright on a very silty bottom at 26m - 33m. The aircraft is complete apart form the missing starboard wing.

40
Logs
25
Divers
29.0 m
⌀ Depth
11.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Aqualung

★★★☆☆ Kawanashi “Mavis“ Seaplane # 2 (Wreck)

Another of the 7 Kawanashi wrecks in the bay. Not as intact as Mavis # 1 but just as impressive. Machine guns and a 20mm canon are visible along with nudibranchs and tree corals.

4
Logs
4
Divers
30.0 m
⌀ Depth
15.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Predrag Vuckovic

★★★★☆ Tanavula Point Drift

A spectacular drift dive along the wall of Tanavula point. A sloping reef ecosystem which merges into a vertical wall at the point which becomes a congregation point when the current is running. Beware the down currents at the point when there is strong current flow.

66
Logs
30
Divers
23.0 m
⌀ Depth
18.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★☆ Baby Cakes Reef

A mound reef ranging from 15 - 30m in the middle of the bay. There is always a current on this site which makes it an ideal congregation point for both predator and prey. If the timings is right you can just set your reef hook and watch the show unfold.

18
Logs
13
Divers
23.0 m
⌀ Depth
17.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Maravagi F4F Wildcat (Wreck)

Discovered in 2018 by Sealark Maritime Exploration, this Grummen F4F Wildcat lies inverted and intact at 38m. The white sand bottom and the steady current have made the wreck an ideal site for the soft and hard corals to grow. Corals of all colors are abundant on this wreck and the nearby reef.

16
Logs
12
Divers
19.0 m
⌀ Depth
14.0 m
⌀ Visibility

Diving in the Nggela Islands

The Nggela Islands offer a range of exciting dive sites, renowned for their vibrant marine life and diverse underwater landscapes. At the top of the list are the stunning wreck dives like the "USS Spiegel Grove," a massive sunken ship that attracts divers with its sheer size and thriving ecosystems. For those who prefer shore dives, the "Blue Heron Bridge" is a must-see, providing easy access to shallow waters teeming with colorful fish and critters.

Unique underwater experiences abound, such as night dives where divers can witness bioluminescent creatures illuminating the dark waters. Special marine life behaviors, including seasonal shark migrations, add to the allure. Nggela Islands offer a balanced mix of shore and liveaboard diving options, catering to both casual divers and those seeking more extended exploration adventures. This blend ensures memorable experiences for all diving enthusiasts.

The best Months to Dive in the Nggela Islands

The Nggela Islands offer year-round diving opportunities with generally favorable conditions. Water temperatures remain warm throughout the year, averaging between 27°C to 29°C (80°F to 84°F), which ensures comfortable dives. Visibility is typically excellent, ranging from 15 to 30 meters (50 to 100 feet), allowing divers to fully enjoy the vibrant marine life and coral reefs.

However, divers should be mindful of seasonal weather patterns that can affect diving conditions. The wet season, from November to April, may bring increased rainfall and stronger winds, potentially reducing visibility and causing stronger currents. Despite these seasonal changes, diving is possible year-round, with May to October often considered the best months due to calmer seas and more predictable weather conditions. Proper planning can help ensure a safe and enjoyable diving experience in the Nggela Islands.

Statistics

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Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions