Archives: Destinations

Boasting some of the best diving hot spots in the world, not only in terms of pristine reefs, but in the abundance of diving options, the Solomon Islands offer outstanding beauty that’s yet to be discovered by the masses, promising an underwater world of limitless discovery.

From wrecks, caverns, wide-angle reefs, sea fans, soft corals and macro diving, the experiences you’ll encounter here are made even more magical owing to the miraculous biodiversity that thrives beneath you. For the curious history fans, the Solomon Islands are home to some truly magnificent World War Two wrecks so you can wander through a piece of historical brilliance.

The diving sites around the Solomon Islands can be accessed via liveaboards and dive resorts, with both options offering truly unforgettable diving experiences. With many sites to choose from, we’ve narrowed it down to some of our favorites to help you plan your trip.

Bonegi

Located near the capital city of the Solomon Islands, Honiara on Guadalcanal, the Bonegi ship wrecks are some of the main WWII wreck diving areas popular with regulars who never tire of their marine diversity and interesting macro subjects.

Guadalcanal is regarded by many as the easiest place to start your diving adventures, with its close proximity to the centre of Honiara and with depths starting at just a few metres. Forming part of the iconic Iron Bottom Sound wrecks, Guadalcanal contributes to over 200ships and aircraft that lie within the depths of the sea.

Some 12km west of Honiara, divers will find Bonegi 1, home to a giant Japanese merchanttransport vessel and also known as Hirokawa Maru. The ship was one of eleven Japanesetransport ships attacked on their way to Guadalcanal in 1942 and now lies on the portsidewith a depth from 5 to 50 metres.

With approximately 18 metres visibility, there are lots of swim-throughs that allow divers toexplore the wreck, around the ship’s king posts and past the bridge wreckage. Thestreet-like paths through which you can swim offer a huge amount of marine growth, fromgorgonian sea fans growing out of the side of the wreck to corals in fantastic condition, withschools of fish all around.

This is the kind of wreck that offers something new and exciting each time, no matter howmany times you dive down into its depths. Whilst the visibility is not as clear as other famousdiving locations such as Fiji and Micronesia, its easy accessibility from the shore certainlymakes up for this fact.

Bonegi 2, or Kinugawa Maru is a smaller wreck than its predecessor and shallower, meaningit is suitable for all diving abilities. Its top can be seen poking out from the water, making itpopular with snorkelers as well as scuba-divers. The wreck is relatively open, allowing wondrous discovery of the life that thrives around the ship; batfish, hard corals, gorgoniansand soft corals, as well as beautiful lionfish. All the areas that are open to sunlight shimmerwith a vibrant display of colourful life, so this really is a picturesque dive for both beginnersand regular divers.

Florida Islands

Twin Tunnels

As the name would suggest, this wreck is formed of two tunnels eroded into the edge of thereef that descend from a seamount into a 10 metre deep open cave and onto a reef wallabout 36 metres and is located 1km southeast of Tulagi Island. As a coral bommie, the diveoffers an abundance of pelagic fish to admire, who treat the reef as somewhat of a refuge.Dog tooth tuna, bluefin trevally, Spanish mackerel and barracuda can often be spottedswimming in their masses along with grey reef, white tip and black tip sharks.

The top of the reef or seamount is as spectacular if not more than the tunnels so there is notnecessarily a need to dive down into the tunnels unless your heart desires it! Divers will beafforded beautiful vistas of pygmy seahorses, barrel sponges full of lobsters, cuttlefish,octopus, eels, rays and hundreds of species of fish and corals.

The tunnels are governed by a strong current so it is only recommended for strong divers,otherwise enjoy the glorious display that greets you at the top including corals in magnificentshape.

 Devils Highway

What diving dreams are made of, Devils Highway is one of the few places in the world whereyou can swim along with a colony of giant manta rays. As they feed over a shallow reef, thisis one for advanced divers as the currents are particularly strong. Once you are at the dropoff to the wall, kick down hard, find a place on the reef to hook onto and be delighted by overa dozen mantas swimming back and forth along the top of the wall as they feed in afascinating dancing display.

Due to its nutrition-rich currents, divers can also be treated to an array of other pelagics suchas sharks, batfish, cuttlefish, crabs, rays and scorpionfish.

Hopefully you’re not in a rush, as this is a very busy highway indeed.

Munda

It may not be a specific diving site, but Munda offers a treasure trove of spectacular walls,caverns, coral gardens and numerous WWII plane wrecks that all appear pristinely unspoilt.

Situated on the west side of New Georgia, about an hour flight from Honiara, Munda is ahaven for those divers who wish to steer away from the beaten path. During WWII, Munda acted as an important military airfield base which now means its relicsare scattered throughout the region, including Skull Island which homes many shrinesdisplaying human skulls, from the time when headhunting was a custom. Luckily notanymore!

The main diving operators are Dive Munda, who allow you access to over twenty dive sitesincluding natural reefs and small wrecks along the coastline. These sites attract a largenumber of pelagic fish.

 Shark Point

For guaranteed sightings of sharks and schools of pelagic fish, as well as a dive surroundedby an abundance of healthy, colourful corals, Shark Point is certainly pleasing. Expectgreater barracudas, rainbow runners, trevally, jacks, tuna and mackerel and of coursesharks and rays!

Dropping off at 600 metres down to depths of up to 60 metres, strong currents bring in awhirlwind of pelagic fish amid incredible gorgonian fans, soft corals and whip corals.

Bell P-39 Airacobra and The Dauntless Wreck (”‹Douglas SBD Dauntless”‹)

Discover these sunken treasures! These shallow dives are two American fighter aircraft andcome to life in a wonderful display of encrusted jewel-like corals, teeming with juvenile fishthat practically cover the wreckage from top to bottom.

These aircraft were in service when the United States entered WWII and were shot downduring a raid, making a crash landing in Rendova Harbour. Interestingly, the driver ofDauntless in 1995 visited the wreck site of his old plane on the 50th anniversary of the day itwas shot down. With this knowledge, rejoice to scenes of pelagic fish, from sweetlip and lionfish to coral trout and thousands of tiny baitfish.

Marovo Lagoon

Situated off a cluster of islands, Kicha, Mbulo and Male Male, Marovo Lagoon boasts theSouth Pacific diving you had always dreamed of. It is the largest double barrier reef enclosedlagoon in the world and divers are truly spoilt with an abundance of tropical sea life.

The entire lagoon is vast and expansive, offering beautiful vistas and clear, calm waters.Home to a variety of dive sites including drop-offs, coral gardens, caves and cuts andpassages where the ocean and lagoon meet, boredom doesn’t exist here.

Kicha Island

Located off the southeastern tip of Vangunu Islands and just outside the lagoon are an arrayof sites to enjoy.

Kavachi Corner is a stunning wall dive and divers can often hear the rumbling of the Kichavolcano while watching schools of parrotfish, rainbow runners, barracuda and snappersswim by. It’s an atmospheric dive to say the least with the booming symphony as thebackdrop to your spent beneath these waters.

There are plenty of other diving sites on the edges of the lagoon that run into the saltwaterparadise and are guided by many resorts in the area.

The Solomon Islands are a true diving haven, offering one of the largest varieties of divingsites in the world. Not only that, but the sites are extremely pristine and biodiverse whichmakes for an utterly enjoyable experience.

Now go explore the Solomon Islands for yourself and find your favourite dive site!

Diving conditions: usually 26-29 degrees Celsius with a visibility of approxiamtely 15 metresand sometimes 20-30 metres.

A tropical sanctuary awaits, where nature and culture combine to create lasting memories from your tropical getaway in the Land of Smiles.

Overlooking the azure waters of the Gulf of Thailand, Banyan Tree Samui is nestled amid the lush jungle of a private bay with elevated pool villas featuring spacious living spaces which flow naturally into an outdoor terrace.

Banyan Tree Samui’s all-pool villas are designed especially for discerning guests. Each villa is appointed with modern comforts such as air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV and complimentary Wi-Fi. Considerate touches such as personal pillow selection, turndown services and an extensive bath menu will further enhance your holiday experience.

Amuse your palate with the culinary offerings provided for outstanding dining options. Enjoy a meticulously prepared authentic Thai menu at Saffron, or head to The Edge for international favourites and local specialties. Sands is located on the beach, and its speciality is its char-grill and wood fire oven cuisine.

The Lobby Lounge is perfect for thirst-quenching cocktails with a tropical twist. A selection of snacks and an innovative list of carefully created cocktails formulated specially by Banyan Tree mixologists await you at the Pool Bar.

Sanctuary for the senses

Rejuvenate your mind, body and soul in a setting of tropical serenity and indulge in the tender touch of the therapists at the awardwinning Banyan Tree Spa Samui or soak away your worries in The Rainforest, an exclusive hydrotherapy facility; Banyan Tree Samui is your true sanctuary for the senses.

Beyond this secluded haven, lies an abundance of excursion options for both couples and families alike, including a variety of cultural attractions as well as the idyllic natural beauty of Samui’s jungles and the breathtaking beaches, islands and coral reefs of the Gulf of Thailand. Exquisite dining coupled with eclectic shopping makes for another way to explore the diverse offerings of this modern island that still retains its rustic charm.

Banyan Tree Samui also features an events centre consisting of a prefunction room, two meeting rooms and a ballroom. Fitness facilities include a gym, yoga room, swimming pool with kids’ pool, library, games room and a kids’ club. From couples, families or groups to comfort-seekers or adventure-seekers, tropical splendour awaits at Banyan Tree Samui.

Soothe your senses with warm Thai hospitality and nature-inspired surroundings at this stylish retreat.

Nestled in nature, The Senses Resort & Pool Villas Phuket occupies a magnificent location within Patong’s lush forested hillside, and offers a relaxing ambience with supremely comfortable accommodation creating a haven of tranquility and wellbeing.

With stunning views over the city and azure-blue Andaman Sea beyond, the welcoming resort is an ideal respite for romantic couples and families to unwind and be pampered, yet is only a short distance from the gorgeous tropical beach and colourful streets that Patong is famous for.

The theme of nature runs deep within the resort, and the responsibility to the environment is taken seriously with a number of green practices and policies in place. Eco-friendly cleaning products are used, recyclable items are sorted, cleaning water is treated before disposal and energy saving takes place within all operations. To give back to nature and the community, guests can join tree planting projects, and local charities are supported.

There are a total of 116 spacious guestrooms and 20 pool villas each designed with relaxation and comfort in mind. Categories include Deluxe Room, Deluxe Seaview Room and the Deluxe Pool Access Room.

Suites offer a spacious sanctuary designed to reflect modern contemporary design and villas are generously appointed with a private pool, separate bedroom and living room, fully-equipped kitchenette and a relaxing outdoor area.

With elements of nature all around from the generous use of wood to the orange jasmine bath products and the warm colour tones of the decor, guests can feel at ease as soon as they enter their private sanctuary. For added convenience, each room is complete with the latest technology Smart TV and Wi-Fi internet access.

Guests can take advantage of a wealth of unrivalled services and amenities. Choose from a range of soothing treatments and massages exclusively designed to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul at the spa.

Enjoy a free shuttle service, and free access to Paradise Beach, or take a refreshing dip in the outdoor swimming pool and sun deck with a spectacular view of Patong. Other facilities include a fitness centre, kids club and business centre.

Bensley Collection – Shinta Mani Siem Reap, the debut flagship of the famed hotel architect’s new luxe brand opened its doors in December 2017, introducing a whole new level of elegant world-class hospitality to the renowned temple town.

This exceptional Angkor hotel enjoys a tranquil and leafy setting within the French Quarter of Siem Reap, and is just a 15-minute tuktuk ride from the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat.

The 10 luxurious Khmer-inspired villas offer 156 square metres across two pavilions within high walled compounds ensuring its residents total privacy in their own tropical garden. The villas boast a floor-to-ceiling glass-walled bathroom with views over the garden and outdoor bathtub. Outside, the inviting lap pool offers complete privacy, and the upper deck is the perfect space to unwind under the ancient canopy of Siem Reap’s palace trees.

Bensley Butlers create a flawless stay, ensuring that everything is exactly as it should be. Every aspect of the Bensley Collection experience is about personalised service and providing the most authentic Khmer immersion. The Bensley Butlers can arrange anything from a night sleeping under the stars, a choice of world class cuisine, to tailored tours to Angkor’s dazzling temples.

Feast like the Kings of Angkor while experiencing Shinta Mani’s take on Khmer cuisine. The house kitchen can be summoned by the Bensley Butlers for tailor made breakfast-in-bed, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and everything in-between, all within the privacy of your villa.

Guests of the Bensley Collection also have exclusive access to all the facilities of Shinta Mani’s other Siem Reap properties, Shinta Mani Angkor and Shinta Mani Shack, including two pools, restaurants, Bensley’s Bar and the Shinta Mani Spa by Khmer Tonics.

Shinta Mani’s culture of ‘Open Doors, Open Hearts’ reflects its commitment to responsible tourism and invites guests to open their hearts to the beauty of the Kingdom of Cambodia, its gentle people and fascinating culture. Bensley Collection – Shinta Mani Siem Reap is proud to support the less fortunate in its community, especially through the education and development of young adults. A percentage of daily room rates contributes to supporting the activities of the Shinta Mani Foundation, meaning that each guest visiting the hotel will help to achieve its goal of creating a lasting and positive impact and ensuring a bright future for the people of Cambodia.

Pristine waters decorated by 2,000 small islands and coral-ringed atolls, Micronesia is the cookie-cutter example of a perfect diving environment.

Micronesia literally translates to “small islands” and accounts for the scattering of tropical islands over more than three million square miles of the Pacific Ocean. Most visitors to Micronesia come near and far to snorkel or scuba dive within the many wrecks from World War II and unearth the uncrowded reefs that blossom with an abundance of marine life. Micronesia really is a playground for diving fanatics and beginners. The tropical climate provides some of the best diving environments for all-year round enjoyment. The dry season is between December and April and the rainy season lasts from April to December, but that doesn’t mean the underwater worlds cease their energetic splendour. Micronesia literally translates to “small islands” and accounts for the scattering of tropical islands over more than three million square miles of the Pacific Ocean. Most visitors to Micronesia come near and far to snorkel or scuba dive within the many wrecks from World War II and unearth the uncrowded reefs that blossom with an abundance of marine life. Micronesia really is a playground for diving fanatics and beginners. The tropical climate provides some of the best diving environments for all-year round enjoyment. The dry season is between December and April and the rainy season lasts from April to December, but that doesn’t mean the underwater worlds cease their energetic splendour.

For those interested in wreck dives, or new to diving and intrigued in the historical world that lies below the surface, Chuuk lagoon, regarded as some as the best wreck dive in the world, is just the place where your dreams will come true. This protected reef was chosen as the Japanese naval base in the Pacific Ocean prior to the Second World War and holds a rather tragic and infamous history. Seventy years on from Operation Hailstone, which saw the Japanese fleet destroyed by US and Allied Forces, the diving site is now a magnet for wreck diving fanatics. With 50-70 wrecks strewn across the lagoon, they range from those that are closer to the surface to deeper options that require an advanced or technical diving certificate. Dives include a ‘Million Dollar Wreck’, so called due to divers continuing to find a large amount of army equipment in and around the cargo ship to the present day, as well as the Nippo Maru, an atmospheric site known for its eery gas masks found throughout.

Whilst Chuuk offers an underwater world of historical wonder, divers shouldn’t expect an abundance of marine life in these waters. Palau is where you’re certainly more likely to see the vibrant visions of corals and burgeoning sea life, reminiscent of the documentaries that inspired you to dive in the first place. The majority of diving is focused on drift diving along the coral reef lagoon and adjacent islands which drip with colourful coral and schools of pelagic fish. Offering sites such as the Chandelier Cave for more adrenalin-thirsty divers, consisting of five interconnected caves with different chambers to explore, to the Jellyfish Lake, a delicate ecosystem where snorkelers can swim amongst stingless jellyfish, Palau is one of the best and most diverse places to dive in Micronesia. No matter where you stay in Palau, due to the abundance of dive sites, you’re never too far from an amazing underwater display. Palau Royal Resort is situated along the east coast of Malakal Island which is in great proximity to the harbour where many diving tours set off. East of Malakal Island are the Rock Islands where you’ll find the likes of the famous Blue Corner site swimming with a variety of underwater life, as well as the Helmet Wreck, another Japanese coaster that was sunk during the Second World War. Return to your own private beach at Palau Royal Resort and relax your muscles after a long day exploring Palau’s wondrous diving sitesTo escape the more touristicated diving areas, Kosrae, covered with dense tropical jungles and volcanic peaks is a remote island that instills you with a belief that you’re seemingly the only inhabitants of this small atoll; you’ll certainly be warmly welcomed by the locals. The dive sites here boast drop-offs and hard corals as well as sandy bottoms, that make for a particularly crystal clear dive. Akin to other areas of Micronesia, there’s a shipwreck known as the Lenore which was sunk in the nineteenth century and attracts visitors far and wide. The attractive health of the coral reefs at Kosrae and the visibility that is afforded here is also a major draw to this area. Within Kosrae, you’ll find Kosrae Nautilus Resort, offering 18 air-conditioned rooms and convenient proximity to some of the best scuba diving sites. Why not explore the fourteenth-century Lelu ruins or allow the resort to arrange a scuba diving tour around the islands with their own in-house diving operators and divemasters who possess a wealth of experience.The islands and atolls of Micronesia may be small in terms of their land mass, but they make up for this in their diving potential. Offering almost everything that makes up a perfect dive, including mesmerising historical shipwrecks, hard and soft coral gardens, drop-offs, drift dives, shark dives and vibrant schools of hundreds of species of fish, Micronesia is a haven for the curious scuba divers of the world.