Activities · Destination Guide
Honiara and Iron Bottom Sound
World War II wrecks, Coral Triangle reefs, and Guadalcanal history within reach of the capital
Updated Apr 26, 2026 • 20 sources
Honiara and Iron Bottom Sound Activity Planning
Pick an activity mode to compare signature sites, skill fit, and gear planning notes before you lock your trip.
Scuba
What It Feels Like
Scuba here is about WWII wrecks first, with Coral Triangle life transforming steel and aircraft into reef. Start with shore-accessible Bonegi wrecks, then add guided day-boat dives to the B-17, Japanese Mavis Seaplane, I-1 Submarine, Kyushu Maru, or the Florida Islands when weather and logistics allow. Emperor Divers Honiara and DOSI member operators are key planning anchors, while Bilikiki-style liveaboards make Honiara a launch point for longer Solomon routes.
Signature Sites
Start Here
A currentfed Florida Islands channel known for manta potential and pelagic movement, only suitable when tide, current, and operator judgment line up.
Advanced
The deeper Bonegi shore wreck begins in the shallows and drops toward {{ 56 | distance:m }}, with large wreckage, hard corals, fans, reef fish, and history in one site.
A more accessible sister wreck with parts close to the surface, coral growth, anemones, and a friendly profile for mixed scuba and snorkel groups.
A largely intact aircraft wreck on sand, memorable for photographers and historyfocused divers when scheduled with a knowledgeable Honiara operator.
Planning Playbook
Operator Checklist
Book Honiara dive days before arrival because operator capacity is limited and some routes need specific weather, tide, or boat support. Start with Bonegi orientation dives, then add boat wrecks or Florida Islands reefs as conditions allow. Carry certification cards, recent dive history, SMB, cutting tool for fishing line, reef-safe sun protection, and proof of dive accident insurance. Do not remove artifacts from wrecks. Treat war graves such as USS Serpens and USS John Penn with strict respect. If you want technical wrecks, confirm gases, cylinders, deco support, guide experience, and emergency procedures in writing before travel.
Conditions Fallback
- Book Honiara dive days before arrival because operator capacity is limited and some routes need specific weather, tide, or boat support. Start with Bonegi orientation dives, then add boat wrecks or Florida Islands reefs as conditions allow. Carry certification cards, recent dive history, SMB, cutting tool for fishing line, reef-safe sun protection, and proof of dive accident insurance. Do not remove artifacts from wrecks. Treat war graves such as USS Serpens and USS John Penn with strict respect. If you want technical wrecks, confirm gases, cylinders, deco support, guide experience, and emergency procedures in writing before travel.
Avoid
- Book Honiara dive days before arrival because operator capacity is limited and some routes need specific weather, tide, or boat support. Start with Bonegi orientation dives, then add boat wrecks or Florida Islands reefs as conditions allow. Carry certification cards, recent dive history, SMB, cutting tool for fishing line, reef-safe sun protection, and proof of dive accident insurance. Do not remove artifacts from wrecks. Treat war graves such as USS Serpens and USS John Penn with strict respect. If you want technical wrecks, confirm gases, cylinders, deco support, guide experience, and emergency procedures in writing before travel.