Solomon Islands
Why
The Solomon Islands are a chain of islands stretching across a vast area
in the Pacific Ocean east of Papua. There are close to a thousand islands,
some of them dormant or active volcanoes and some are reefs (atolls) that
developed and formed on the shallow seabed.
Landscapes as seen on the Discovery channel, amazing rainforests, huge
waterfalls, remote villages, wide lagoons, mangroves and crocodiles. The
clear waters are a playground of adventures offering divers unspoiled virgin
unparalleled landscapes.
The Solomon Islands are a dream come true for nature lovers, and ecological
excursions far away from the conventional touristic route. Beyond the delightful
coral reef rich in fish, the Solomon Islands feature famous battleship shipwrecks
dating from World War II adding a mysterious and historical ambience to the
variety of destinations we will visit.
When
The islands are hot and humid all year round. December to March are heavy
with rains and the danger of hurricanes. From November to April, the winds
are eastern reliving heat and humidity, especially along the coast.
The best time to visit Solomon Islands is during winter, between July and
September. During these months rainfall is relatively light, and the humidity
and temperatures are low.
How
The capital of the Solomon Islands, Honiara, can be reached by plane from
several destinations, especially through Fiji. Due to distances and a multitude
of diving sites it is highly recommended to dive on the Solomon Islands aboard
one of the liveaboards that depart from Honiara port. The liveaboard cruises
between the islands conveniently taking divers to the best diving sites at the
best diving times.
It is recommended, after such a cruise, to stay and tour this magical place
that offers a variety of attractions such as, snorkeling, volcano climbing,
and spectacular trips to remote islands.
כללי על היעד
אופי הצלילות
מה רואים
Dives in the Russell Islands
Leru Cut
One of the most popular diving sites in the area. We will dive down a
hundred-foot crevice on the island itself. The sunrays filter through the
cracks and create a spectacular and unique sight! Along the deep
descending wall, there are a huge variety of corals and reef fish.
Level: Suitable for all levels of divers
Depth: 26 m.
Ann Wreck
A fishing boat shipwreck located on the edge of the gorge that has become home
for thousands of reef fish such as lionfish, stonefish, Nudibranchs, groupers and
more. The animals in the area are used to the presence of divers. A rich and colorful
coral garden is located near the shipwreck at a depth of 12 meters.
Level: Suitable for advanced divers.
Depth: 30 m.
Mirror Pond
On the island of Mana, amid magnificent stone structures and caves, there is a
spectacularly vibrant coral garden, covered with mainly fan corals, home to
thousands of colorful reef fish including Bumphead parrotfish, tuna, beautiful
pygmy seahorses etc. The site got its name for its "mirror" effect, created by
the sun's rays penetrating one of the shallow caves where the current is slow.
From time to time you can spot sea crocodiles!
Level: Suitable for all levels of divers.
White Beach
On Mbanika Island, there is a special and historic diving site. The name comes
from an American military base from World War II. After being demolished,
most of it was thrown into the sea and an artificial reef was created consisting
of huge trucks, jeeps, bulldozers, tractors and lots of ammunition. The site is
rich in macro life, such as spectacular Nudibranchs and seahorses.
Level: Suitable for advanced divers.
Depth: 30 m.
Rainbow Reef
A stunning shallow dive along two hills with a saddle in between. The entire
reef is covered with colorful corals, hence its name. On the site, you can spot
white and gray reef sharks, barracudas, masses of reef fish and more.
Level: Suitable for all levels of divers.
Depth: 20 m.
Florida Island Dive Sites
Twin Tunnels
Near the island of Tulagi, there is an underwater volcano surrounded by huge
schools of fish with a beautiful reef on top, rich in different types of corals.
On the plateau are two tunnels descending down to the bottom and forming
a spectacular cave. You can spot seahorses, lobsters, eels, octopuses, and more.
Level: Suitable for advanced divers.
Depth: 16 - 30 m.
Marovo Lagoon
This is the largest seawater lagoon in the world! With a beautiful colorful
reef covered in various types of corals, the habitat of reef sharks, barracudas,
and huge schools of colorful reef fish.
Level: Suitable for advanced divers.
Depth: 20 - 30m.
Mavis Wreck- Kawanishi H6-K
Is a large four engine Japanese aircraft that sunk in battle during World War II,
and now rests on the seabed at a depth of 30 m, with its right side wing broken.
The plane is covered with fan corals and his home to impressive lionfish and
huge schools of glass fish.
Level: Suitable for advanced divers.
Depth: 30m.
International Time Zone
GMT + 11 hours.
Entry Visas
For most nationalities, immigration authorities grant 90-day visas on entering
the country. for more information please contact the nearest embassy in your country.
Vaccines
Malaria is common in the Solomon Islands and visitors are advised to
receive preventive medication in advance. It is recommended to keep
up to date with your Ministry of Health website.
Personal Documents
A passport with at least 6 months validity.
Travel and diving insurance - can be purchased on this site.
A credit card is accepted in most places (but only on some
of the boats) saving the need to carry excess cash.
Diving certificate, valid diving insurance and a diving logbook.
Photocopy of your passport, diving certificates and travel insurance.
Make sure to keep it in a separate file from the original documents.
Diving Equipment
It is recommended to bring your own equipment with which you are accustomed
to using, especially a mask and a dive computer. Scuba diving with a computer is
recommended. Check your diving equipment prior to your departure. Scuba diving
equipment rental must be booked in advance. Payment for the equipment will be
direct. We recommend you equip yourself with a thin wetsuit not exceeding 3mm
and diving in this area is possible with a Lycra suit only.
Important items for diving trips: an inflatable buoy to mark the location connected
to the roller and a reef anchor rope against strong currents, a whistle attached to
your BCD and simple gloves to grip the reef if necessary.
Photography
This is certainly a destination to document. The Solomon Islands dive sites and
landscapes are magnificent both above and below the surface! You do not have
to be an expert photographer in order to take spectacular photos to capture some
amazing, unique and unforgettable moments.
Diving packages are available for most kinds of cameras, for photography above
and under water. Easy-to-use extreme cameras are also a popular and available choice.
Clothing
Diving to a tropical destination does not require you to bring to much clothing.
Light clothing for during the day between dives is recommended and one or
two buttoned shirts for the evening can be useful.
Warm clothing and socks are recommended for the flight.
You can avoid bringing shoes and in most cases a pair of sport sandals is sufficient.
Towels and bed linen are provided by hotels and boats.
Medication and First Aid
Pre-equip yourself with enough personal medication, the chance of obtaining
specific drugs is not always an option. Pack a high factor sunscreen to protect
you from prolonged exposure to tropical weather. Mosquito repellent is vitally
important and must be applied during the day and especially at night, along with
'After Bite' cream for stings.
Flights
When you receive your flight ticket, please ensure that your name is spelled
exactly as in your passport! Whilst checking in, make sure that the label on
your suitcase shows the final destination of your trip. You must arrive at the
airport at least 3 hours before departure for an international flight. The number
of bags and their weight should comply with airline restrictions to avoid
overweight charges.
Transportation, Arrival and Pick Up
The only international airport in the Solomon Islands serves as a main
crossroads for departing on other activities or move to remote islands.
Transfers are carried out via ferries or speedboats.
Our diving cruises depart from the port and a representative will await
you according to your time of arrival.
Communication
Resorts and liveaboards offer internet access, however connection is
limited and some regions are remote therefore access may be difficult.
Climate
The Solomon Islands are hot and humid all year round. December to March are
characterized by strong rain and hurricanes can be expected between November
to April when the winds are eastern and less hot and humid along the coastline.
The best season to visit is between July to September when there is less rainfall
and temperatures and humidity are comfortable.
Sea Conditions
The sea serves as the Solomon Islands main resource. Populated areas and the cruise
areas are protected by the islands and a relatively protected area can always be found.
Most of the activity takes place in pleasant and calm waters, but seas can be high due
to winds whilst sailing to the island, back to the mainland and sailing to the various
dive sites. Some sites have currents that we will make the most of to dive in the
direction of the current or maintain our location by using a Reef Hook.
Use an inflatable buoy to mark your location until the dive boat arrives.
Underwater visibility is good and ranges between 18-30 meters. Ensure to keep
within eye contact distance with the group leader according to visibility conditions.
Electrical Supply
230 V. We recommend you bring a universal adapter to avoid problems.
There are also American style sockets.
Money
The local currency is the Solomon Islands Dollar. All tourist service providers
accept dollars, euros, and the price lists are listed in dollars. We recommend
you bring small notes to purchase souvenirs whilst visiting the villages.
Most tourist service providers accept credit cards.
Local Taxes
The price does not include a local tax fee of $25 per person per night that can
be paid directly at the resort, hotel or on the liveaboard. (this price might change)
Tips
Tips are acceptable amongst the tourist service operators. In restaurants, the
average tip is 10%. For activities that last a couple of days the standard tip is
$100 - $150 per person according to the level of service. Tips can be given
openly and it is usually best to give them on the last day when the team
gathers to wish you a safe journey home.
Emergency Numbers and Decompression Chamber
In the zone Medical Clinic, Hibiscus Avenue, Honiara
Phone 23485 677 , E-mail: enquiries@hyperbarichealth.com
What is the best choice for diving, a beach-based vacation or liveaboard?
The answer derives from the purpose of the vacation.
If you are planning a scuba diving vacation, a beach-based holiday is less suitable.
The dives from the beach are to local sites and not as good as the sites reached on
a liveaboard at the best times and with the most interesting variety of marine life.
However, the Solomon Islands are definitely one of the destinations we recommend
staying at for at least one or two weeks when sailing is over, due to its enchanting
nature and distance.
Is this a suitable destination for non-divers?
The answer is definitely yes! These cruises are suitable for nature lovers and
offers spectacular landscapes, delicious food and relaxation. Non –divers
thoroughly enjoy these cruises.
Do I need to be an experienced diver to dive in this destination?
The Solomon Islands are a fantastic destination for novice divers too,
offering comfortable water temperatures and diving conditions. The
crew and dive instructors are highly experienced. Diving is done in
small groups. During an intense week of diving participants quickly
adapt to the water conditions and their level of diving improves.
Do I Need Nitrox Certification?
Most modern ships provide 32% oxygen enriched air. During an intensive
week of diving is highly recommended to use nitrox. Using the dive computer
in regular air mode whilst breathing nitrox increases safety ranges.
Moreover, there is no dramatic effect on the overall time spent in water.
Use of Nitrox is according to the diver's preference.
Do we Disembark the Boat?
The boat is actually a floating base on which all dry activities are conducted
including resting periods between marine activities, sunbathing, relaxing and
sailing from site to site. The rooms onboard are air-conditioned and all meals
are served onboard. Most marine activities are done via the liveaboard's service
boat or from liveaboard stern's platform. During the cruise, there are several
initiated stops to isolated, pristine beaches for BBQ dinners and a visit to local
villages where you can meet local residents, take a tour, purchase souvenirs, etc.
Do I Need Medical Approval to Dive?
In principle, the requirement for medical approval is international with a
medical statement accepted by diving organizations. If the answers to all
the questions in your health declaration are negative, then there is no problem.
If there are positive answers, consult your diving doctor and get approval. If
you are over 45, a medical certificate is required.
Should I Purchase My Own Diving Equipment?
The answer to this question is according to the amount of dives. Naturally,
when planning a scuba diving trip you can decide to purchase full or partial
scuba equipment. We recommend to purchase your own mask and personal
dive computer. We would be happy to be at your service and offer advice on
purchasing equipment.
Is it recommended to purchase a camera and marine package?
The Solomon Islands are the perfect destination to capture and record beautiful
landscapes both above and below the surface! We will be happy to assist and
train you in all aspects of photography and underwater photography.
