Solomon Islands Review Diving One of the Most Remote Corners of the Coral Triangle
To wrap up our last trip of the year, GAS Divers were invited to explore one of the most remote dive destinations on the planet: the Solomon Islands — and it more than lived up to the hype.
Coming straight from the DEMA Scuba Conference in Orlando, we (Adreon) flew halfway around the world to reach this corner of the Pacific — and it made for a very long day of travel. But the moment we arrived, it was clear the effort would be worth it.
This trip also marked a fun milestone for us. Thanks to this adventure, GAS Divers officially touched five continents in one year. Not bad for a community built around bubbles, curiosity, and saying yes to far‑flung places. While it’s hard to pick a favorite destination (Rio Carnival still holds a very special place in my heart), the Solomon Islands are absolutely high on the list.
Why the Solomon Islands Are So Special
From the moment we arrived, it was clear that the Solomon Islands are different in a way that’s becoming increasingly rare.
The islands themselves are striking — lush, deeply green, and mountainous, rising straight out of the sea. On the water, there’s almost no boat traffic. Instead, you see locals paddling traditional canoes between villages, often the only movement on an otherwise glassy ocean.
Several times during the trip, villagers paddled right up to the liveaboard to sell fresh produce. The relationship goes both ways: the liveaboard provides seeds to the villages, which are then grown locally and sold back when ready. The result is food that’s incredibly fresh and a connection that feels genuine rather than transactional.
What stood out most, though, was the quiet. The calm seas and total stillness reminded me strongly of canoeing through the Boundary Waters — one of my favorite places in the world. The only thing missing was the call of a loon echoing across the water. It’s a comparison I don’t make lightly, especially after traveling to so many destinations, but the feeling was unmistakable.
The Diving
The Solomon Islands sit firmly within the Coral Triangle, and the diving reflects exactly why this region is so celebrated.
The sites were incredibly fishy, with large schools of rainbow runners, barracuda, fusiliers, and bigeye jacks moving constantly through the water column. What really sets the Solomons apart, though, is the sheer variety of diving available.
Over the course of the trip, we explored WWII wrecks, dramatic walls, drift dives, muck sites, blackwater dives, lava tubes, and iconic locations like Leru Cut. On one dive, we could even hear an underwater volcano rumbling in the distance — an unforgettable experience.
The Western Province and Mary Island were particular standouts. Both areas were bursting with life and color, to the point where “fish soup” felt like the most accurate description.
While I wouldn’t say I’m fully converted to macro diving just yet, the Solomon Islands made it hard not to enjoy the hunt. Large nudibranchs were surprisingly fun to search for (it helps when they’re big), and I found myself happily photographing clownfish — even if they did brutally attack me a few times. Other memorable macro encounters included pipefish, orangutan crabs, and harlequin shrimp.
Larger marine life rounded out the experience beautifully, with sightings of sharks, snappers, turtles, and sea snakes throughout the trip.
The coral was equally impressive. We saw vast gardens of healthy hard and soft corals, including thriving staghorn coral — something I was especially excited to see again. The sea fans were enormous and vividly colored, and on one wall dive, they genuinely appeared to form a rainbow, shifting from red through purple.
The People & Villages
Visiting local villages was one of the most meaningful parts of the experience.
Many residents live a largely self‑sufficient lifestyle, and for some, interactions with Western visitors are still relatively uncommon. At the same time, you can see subtle signs of modern connection — solar panels providing limited electricity, internet, and cell phone access.
We were welcomed with a traditional dance performance and had the chance to visit a wood‑carving market. The craftsmanship was exceptional, with pieces that felt both deeply cultural and completely unique. They were easily some of the most beautiful carvings I’ve seen
Life Aboard the Bilikiki
Our home for the trip was the Bilikiki, one of the most established liveaboards in the Solomon Islands.
Overall, the boat was comfortable, though some areas do feel a bit dated. The food was solid and satisfying — not over the top, but consistently good. While there was no second breakfast (something I personally love on a dive trip), the kitchen made excellent use of the incredibly fresh local produce.
Salads were a standout, especially those made with watermelon and pineapple. Snacks were typically fruit and popcorn, with the occasional baked treat making an appearance.
One major highlight for motivated divers: the schedule allowed for up to five dives a day. Over the course of a 10‑day trip, that adds up quickly — and for those who want to dive as much as possible, it’s a dream itinerary.
Getting There: The Journey
Reaching the Solomon Islands takes effort, and a bit of patience.
The journey routed through Brisbane, Australia, with an overnight layover before continuing on the next day. All told, travel time was roughly 27 hours. That said, early hotel check‑in upon arrival was a gift — a shower and nap before heading out to visit the Koala Sanctuary made the long journey much more manageable. Fischer the Koala was very friendly!
Final Thoughts
Like many reefs around the world, we did see signs of coral bleaching and other human impacts in parts of the Solomon Islands. It’s not as widespread or severe as in many more heavily traveled regions, but it does exist. Noticing those changes only reinforces how important it is to travel thoughtfully and support destinations that are still remarkably resilient.
For divers who are drawn to true remoteness, meaningful cultural connection, massive biodiversity, and diving that still feels raw and largely untouched, this is a place that lingers long after the last dive. It’s the kind of trip that stays with you — in the best possible way.
While we don’t currently have a group trip scheduled to the Solomon Islands, that doesn’t mean it’s off the table. We regularly help divers plan custom Solomon Islands trips — from choosing the right operator to timing, logistics, and dive planning. If this destination is calling to you, we’re happy to help you get there.