Sunbeam cuts, WWII relics and jungle-fringed Coral Triangle reefs
Updated Apr 26, 2026 • 18 sources
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Quick shortlist before you jump into the full planning page.
Best time to go
April to June and October to November
Warm 29°C water, strong dive potential and generally workable seas around the dryseason shoulders.
Main caution: Wetseason heat and rain squalls, with possible operator maintenance windows and higher disruption risk.
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Last updated: April 26, 2026 • 18 sources
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Overview
The Russell Islands are a remote Central Province dive route where the Solomon Islands feel wild, green and ocean-first. Most trips board in Honiara, then work through Pavuvu, Mbanika and nearby islets by liveaboard or specialist charter. Underwater, the signature is theatrical: Leru Cut slices through an island with jungle light overhead, White Beach mixes WWII history with mangrove macro, Mirror Pond pairs glassy reflections with wall life, and Karumolun Point shows what local reef protection can do. Expect warm 29°C water, hard coral gardens, gorgonian fans, caverns, cuts, reef sharks, schooling fish and pygmy seahorses. This is not a resort-shopping destination. It suits divers, snorkelers and adventurous non-divers who are happy with boats, village protocols, route swaps and remote logistics.
Russell Islands sites are most reliably reached from Honiara by liveaboard, with routes often combined with Florida Islands, Mary Island, Marovo Lagoon or Honiara wreck extensions.
Leru Cut, Mirror Pond and nearby island cuts give photographers skylit swim-throughs, jungle-framed surfaces and reef exits that feel very different from standard wall diving.
White Beach turns a shallow mangrove edge into a WWII history and macro dive, with relics, small critters and easy snorkel potential when conditions are calm.
Several reefs are controlled through customary ownership or local conservation decisions, so fees, permissions and village etiquette are part of responsible trip planning.
Expedition Planning
External Booking PartnerThis destination is usually planned around a liveaboard itinerary rather than a local day-boat base. Compare departures and routes with our external booking partner.
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