The Solomon Islands consists of six large islands and literally hundreds of small ones, extending over 1800 kilometres. The primary island and site of Honiara, the capital town, is Guadalcanal. The islands were the location for some of the bloodiest battles of the Second World War, and military dumps and scattered war wreckage still litter the bush, while the remains of Japanese and American vessels sunk during the war provide outstanding diving sites.

Diving and underwater photography are the number one attraction of the Solomon Islands. The walls, reefs, pinnacles and coral gardens found throughout the islands are the habitat for an enormous variety of sea creatures. Day trips for snorkelling and scuba diving with equipment provided can be taken from Honiara, which is also the base for diving cruises. Aptly­named Iron Bottom Sound is located directly opposite the port of Honiara.

The leading dive operator is Bilikiki Cruises, who operate two liveaboard, specialist dive ships, MV Bilikiki and MV Spirit of Solomons. Both vessels are 38 metres long and have very comfortable, airconditioned cabins with private facilities. Groups can go on seven­night cruises, anchoring beside remote wrecks and reefs only accessible by sea. The main sites visited are two wrecked Japanese transport ships at Bonegi, northwest of Honiara, a sunken trading vessel full of tame moray eels (scuba only) and the rich reef at Tasafaronga. A beach dive is possible to explore the coral­encrusted wreck of a B­17 Flying Fortress bomber off Ndoma, west of Honiara.