Explore the Solomons rich underwater history. Uncover WWII Wrecks of the Iron Bottom Sound with planes, ships, trucks, jeeps, tractors, bulldozers, ammunition, plus icon dive sites Leru Cut and Mirror Pond.
This Solomons liveaboard itinerary offers up to 22 dives, guiding divers through some of the most accessible and evocative wrecks of Iron Bottom Sound, nestled between the Florida Islands and Guadalcanal. All wreck dives lie within recreational diving limits. Multiple dives on the same site are often scheduled, allowing ample time for in‑depth exploration and photography.
The Solomon Islands Campaign stands as one of the defining chapters of the Second World War in the Pacific. It was here that the Allied forces launched their first major offensive against the Empire of Japan, an operation that would ultimately shift the balance of power and mark a decisive turning point in the Pacific War.
White Beach on the Russell Islands was once an American military base, but as the end of the war came, supplies were pushed into the sea. Jeeps, ammunition and Coca-Cola bottles are among the many war relics located between five and 30 metres. Tulagi Island & Harbour are home to battle-damaged Japanese and American seaplanes, cargo ships, personnel transportation vessels and minesweepers. Located close to Honiara’s shore, the Bonegi military-converted Japanese cargo and passenger vessels are each a fascinating dive site.
In addition to the wreck dive sites, several of the Solomon Islands’ most iconic reef sites around the Russell Islands are also visited. Leru Cut, on Leru Island, is a must, where a 100m chasm cuts deep into the island, creating dramatic lighting. Mirror Pond is a sinkhole that opens up into an underwater cavern and cave system, within five to 25m deep. Beyond the underwater highlights, this 7‑night itinerary has opportunities to step ashore. Guests can visit a local village and explore historic locations once occupied by both Japanese and Allied forces, offering a rare insight into the human stories behind one of history’s most consequential naval conflicts.
This itinerary is based on seven nights on board the Solomons Master liveaboard, with flights and a night in Brisbane and Honiara where required.
Typical Itinerary
-
Day 1:
Depart the UK
-
Day 2:
Overnight in Brisbane
Due to flight schedules, you'll require an overnight stay in Australia.
-
Day 3:
Fly to Honiara, Solomons, & overnight
You're met on arrival and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.
-
Days 4-10
:
Dive the Solomon’s WWII Wrecks
The liveaboard team will transfer you to the vessel, where you’ll spend the next seven nights diving the wrecks of the Iron Bottom Sound, between Guadalcanal, Florida and Russel islands.
This itinerary focuses on the multiple wrecks of Tualgi Island and harbour, and Guadalcanal where ships, submarines, and planes can be found. You may also head to the now artificial reef of White Beach where there's plenty to discover among the trucks, jeeps, tractors, bulldozers, ammunition, and Coca-Cola bottles.
Divers should also have the opportunity to visit Mirror Pond, Leru Cut and some of the Solomons’ icon coral reefs.
-
Day 11:
Depart the Solomon Islands, or extend your stay in the South Pacific
This morning, you disembark and are transferred to the airport for your flights back to the UK, via Brisbane.
This is a wonderful standalone holiday or a perfect jumping off point to visit more areas in either the Solomon Islands or Vanuatu, with its famed wreck, the President Coolidge. South Pacific Island hopping works well from Honiara, with direct flights to many locations in the South Pacific. Ask our expert dive team to help create your perfect South Pacific diving holiday.
-
Day 12:
Arrive UK
Please note: Divers must have Advanced Open Water certification + Deep Diver Speciality (or equivalent), with a minimum 75 logged dives to join this itinerary.
