The Solomons comprise 992 islands, less than 50% of which are inhabited. Situated within the Coral Triangle to the northeast of Australia and southeast of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands are one of the last frontiers; untouched, peaceful and beautiful. Due to its remote location, the country offers some of the most pristine dive sites in the world, filled with innumerable unspoiled hard and soft corals.

Diving conditions and environmental factors

Diving conditions in Solomon Islands are excellent. Solomon Islands offers relatively easy diving and is ideal to visit throughout the year in terms of environmental conditions. The water is a warm and consistent 28-29°C/82-85°F, whether you are at 6m/20ft or 60m/200ft, and there are no major thermoclines.

While the water is warm enough to dive in shorts and a t-shirt, we recommend a full-length 3 to 5 mm wetsuit or a drysuit with light undergarments. Bring gloves and a hood for protection, especially if you are planning on penetrating the wrecks. There is sharp metal everywhere and you want to avoid tetanus, infections, or burns from oil, or even worse, aviation fuel. At times, there are occasional jellyfish blooms, some of which sting. 

Surface conditions are nearly always calm.

Located just a few degrees south of the equator, the climate is also tropical but moderated by the sea air. It is generally sunny with frequent but short bursts of rain. Humidity is usually high but lower at sea. Air temperatures are 29-31°C (84-88°F), the coolest months being July and August. Evenings are 7-8°C cooler (72-73°F). The rainy season runs from December to April, with March being the wettest. For more on the climate of Honiara and the Solomon Islands, visit the Weather Atlas website.

There is always a chance to see all marine life at all times of the year however, it is more reliable to encounter mantas during March through to May and August through to December. Reef sharks can be seen at all times of the year too but there are often more around June through to September.

However, there are two distinct seasons – a dry season from May to October and a wet season from November to April, with the wettest months being January and February.

Although uncommon, cyclones can occur in the wet season, but they usually bypass the Solomon Islands and veer toward Vanuatu or down the coast of Australia.