Safety · Destination Guide
Remote wrecks, reef pinnacles, and living WWII history across Iron Bottom Sound
Updated Apr 26, 2026 • 20 sources
The main safety themes are remote logistics, deep wreck profiles, variable chamber capability, mosquito-borne disease, small-boat exposure, and respect for war graves and customary reef ownership. Carry dive accident and evacuation insurance, plan conservatively, and use operators who know tides, wreck hazards, local permissions, and emergency pathways.
Deep wrecks such as USS Kanawha and USS Aaron Ward are technical dives. Do not attempt them on recreational gas, without decompression training, or without a guide who can support the profile. Even shallower wrecks can have silt, overheads, entanglement, ordnance, and fragile historical material. Carry an SMB, computer, redundant gas where appropriate, and a clear lost-diver plan. Channels and pinnacles can have strong current, so timing the tide is more important than chasing a fixed site list.
Honiara has the country's main medical and dive emergency infrastructure, including a dive chamber facility, but current travel advice warns that chamber capability may be limited and some DCS cases may still require international evacuation. Outside Honiara, transport can be slow and weather dependent. Dive with insurance that covers scuba, evacuation, recompression, and remote transport. For life-threatening emergencies, contact local emergency services first, then DAN for dive-medicine coordination.
Deep wrecks, overheads, and war graves
Many iconic sites exceed recreational depths or include silt, entanglement, ordnance, enclosed spaces, and decompression obligations. Never penetrate, touch artifacts, or remove anything without training and explicit permission.
Small-boat crossings and wind exposure
Honiara to Tulagi and Florida Islands legs can be bumpy in trade winds or squalls. Pack dry, protect cameras, and avoid tight same-day flight connections.
Mosquito-borne disease
Malaria and dengue are present in Solomon Islands. Use repellent, long sleeves at dawn and dusk, screened accommodation, and medical advice on prophylaxis before travel.
Crocodiles, sharks, and unverified shorelines
Take local advice before entering unfamiliar water, especially near mangroves, river mouths, or villages. Guided boat snorkels are safer than independent shoreline exploration.
Do not touch coral, rest on reef, feed wildlife, collect shells, or remove wreck artifacts. Many reefs and coastal waters are tied to customary ownership, so permissions and local fees are part of conservation and community benefit. Use reef-safe sun protection, secure loose gear, avoid anchoring on coral, and report any ordnance or hazardous wreck material rather than disturbing it.
Do Not Do This
Avoid entering when deep wrecks, overheads, and war graves. Confirm local briefings before committing.
| Contact | Role | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Solomon Islands Police Force | Police emergency | 999 | 24/7 emergency |
| St John Ambulance or medical emergency | Ambulance and urgent medical response | 111 | 24/7 where service is available |
| Solomon Islands Fire and Rescue | Fire and rescue emergency | 988 | 24/7 emergency |
| DAN Emergency Hotline | Dive medicine and evacuation coordination | +1-919-684-9111 | 24/7/365 |
| Honiara Dive Chamber coordination | Diver emergency treatment pathway | Coordinate through your DOSI member dive operator or DAN | Availability depends on trained staff, transport, and medical assessment |