100 Reasons to Visit the Solomons : SCUBA diving expedition.
G’day, fellow ocean enthusiasts! Have you found yourself endlessly scrolling through dive site feeds, dreaming of your next underwater adventure? Thinking about your next SCUBA diving expedition? If so, prepare yourself. I’m excited to guide you on a virtual exploration of one of the Pacific’s hidden treasures: the Solomon Islands. This isn’t merely a fleeting glance; rather, we’re embarking on a comprehensive journey into 100 compelling reasons that solidify the Solomon Islands as an indispensable destination for divers, aspiring marine biologists, and anyone who marvels at the ocean’s vast beauty and complexity.
Why Choose the Solomon Islands?
Positioned midway between Indonesia and Fiji, the Solomon Islands represent more than just a mark on the map. This expansive archipelago slows the passage of time, offering a welcome to divers where the fish are as friendly as the locals. Furthermore, the water clarity is so remarkable, it’ll feel as though your dive mask has been upgraded to 4K.
A Diverse Marine Symphony Awaits
Initially, you’ll discover the marine biodiversity here is akin to the Beatles of the underwater realm – timeless, unmatched, and universally cherished. Featuring creatures like the whimsically endearing Barramundi Cod, alongside the elegant Pinnate Batfish, the Solomon Islands provide an unparalleled viewing of the ocean’s most unique inhabitants.
Discover Both Critters and Giants
For those drawn to macro photography or the joy of spotting the unseen, the Solomon Islands brim with life that redefines ‘hidden beauty.’ Moreover, enthusiasts of larger marine species will find no shortage of mantas, morays, and synchronized schools of fish that add to the allure of this destination.
An Underwater Historical Journey
Yet, the appeal of the Solomon Islands extends beyond the living; it’s a voyage through time itself. Wrecks from WWII lie scattered across the ocean floor, serving as a bridge between historical narratives and modern-day exploration, providing an immersive experience that educates as much as it captivates.
Immerse in the Local Culture
The allure of the Solomon Islands transcends underwater boundaries, with surface intervals offering rich cultural engagements. Local communities showcase vibrant traditions, and the exchange of fresh local produce—delivered directly to our liveaboard via dugout canoe—is a gastronomic delight not to be missed.
Embark on the Expedition
Feeling the call of the ocean? This December, I’m leading an expedition on the Bilikiki, one of my top 3 favorite liveaboards, for a 10-day adventure that promises a comprehensive Solomon experience. From underwater marvels to cultural exchanges, this journey is packed with photographic opportunities and unforgettable moments.
Why You Should Join
Join us for the camaraderie, the stories each dive brings to light, and to rediscover the exhilaration that made us fall in love with diving. The Solomon Islands remind us of the thrill of discovery, the splendor of nature, and the privilege of being part of an underwater world that continues to astonish.
Whether you’re a veteran diver or simply a lover of the sea, this is your invitation. Let’s create lasting memories, share laughter, and perhaps discover your new favorite marine creature. Life is too fleeting to remain shorebound.
Are You Ready for an Unforgettable Adventure?
Mark your calendar for December and prepare for a dive trip unlike any other. The Solomon Islands beckon, offering an adventure that fulfills every diver’s wishlist. What better response than a resounding “Yes, please!”?
Stay tuned as we unravel those 100 reasons over the coming 100 days. Each one a testament to why the Solomon Islands are not just a dive destination, but a paradise waiting to be explored.
1. Top ten Beautiful fish
Barramundi cod
Many spotted sweetlips
Pinnate batfish
Teira batfish
Lined surgeonfish
Pink-tail triggerfish
Morrison’s dragonet
Painted sweetlips
Moorish idol
Palette tang
2. Top ten Anemonefish
Domino damsel
Clownfish
Clark’s anemonefish
Pink anemonefish
Saddle anemonefish
Spinecheek anemonefish
Orange-fin anemonefish
Bonnet anemonefish
Orange anemonefish
3. Top ten Beautifully strange critters
Anemone-like sea cuccumber
Ox-heart ascidian
Vermetid snail
Coral clams
Xenia flower coral
Garden eels
Friendly remoras
Convict blennies
Ringed pipefish
Mycedium fluorescent corals
4. Top ten Cool crustaceans
Peacock mantis shrimp
Hairy squat lobster
Jelly cleaner shrimp
Porcelain crabs
Popcorn shrimp
Thor sexy shrimp
Boxer cleaner shrimps
Randall’s goby shrimp
Orangutan crabs
Tiger snapping shrimp
5. Top ten Cryptic critters
Sea horse
Plucked chicken pygmy seahorse
Crocodilefish
Frogfish
Ornate ghost pipefish
Double ended pipefish
Shrimpfish
Whip gobies
Two spot gobies
Crinoid clingfish
6. Top ten Nudibranchs and other cool small stuff
Tailed slug
Dusky nembrotha
Electric nudi
Flatworms
Longarm octopus
Red spot nudi
Microgobies
Beautiful dartfish
Striped triplefins
Jawfish
7. Top ten Big picture habitats and divesites
Barracuda point, Mary Island
Russell Islands shallows
Under the boat, Mary Island
Seagrass Maravaghi
Mane Point coral gardens
Mirror Pond gardens
Mary Island
Penguin Reef walls
Red whip walls with golden damsels
Kicha Island
8. Top ten Bigger critters
Stingrays
Rockcods
Giant moray
Titan triggerfish
Mantas
Broadclub cuttlefish
Hunting packs
Bigeye trevally
Yellow-stripe scad
Chevron barracuda
9. Top ten Wrecks
Boneghi 1 Hirokawa Maru
Boneghi 2 Kinugawa Maru
B17 Flying fortress
Mbike wreck
Mavis seaplane Type 97 Large Flying Boat Japanese Kawanishi H6K
The wreck on The Ann
Maru 1 Morovo lagoon
Maru 2 Morovo lagoon
Segei P38 and Douglas divebomber plane wrecks
Upright tuna boat
10. Top ten Uniquely Solomon Islands
Local spear fisherman
Leru cut
Mirror pond
Scuba surfing
Dugout canoes
Floating markets
The devil’s highway
Rapichana Cut
A1 dingy pickup service
Catching fresh sushimi for the daily sunset snacks with Wilson