Diving in Gizo & Western Province
Why dive here
Gizo & Western Province offers some of Solomon Islands's richest diving, with 292+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, blacktip reef sharks, grey reef sharks, sperm whales and whitetip reef sharks.
Gizo, and the wider Western Province, is the Solomon Islands at its most captivating. We love the feeling of truly being off the beaten track here, trading the usual dive boat crowds for genuine village warmth. You’ll find sites that hum with a kind of quiet intensity, often with just your buddy and the occasional local canoe passing by. Our favourite dives often start with a descent onto a WWII wreck, perhaps the iconic Toa Maru, a massive Japanese transport ship now a sprawling artificial reef, or the smaller, eerier Kennedy Island wreck. Down there, schools of Indian mackerel pulse in unison, and colossal rock cod eye you from beneath overhangs. The reefs themselves are a tapestry of life, not always the most colourful corals, but the sheer density of fish is something else. Look for the electric flash of blue-lined surgeonfish, or the subtle dance of ghost cardinalfish in a cave entrance. We’d suggest keeping an eye on the currents; they can be spirited here, bringing in giant trevally and plenty of hound needlefish on the pinnacles. The visibility can be variable, particularly after heavy rain, but when it’s good, the clarity through the fluted clam beds is something special. Dive here for the real Solomons, for history, and for a slower pace of discovery.
Gizo & Western Province Dive Site Map
Dive sites and dive centres in Gizo & Western Province
Gizo & Western Province Dive Sites
27 dive sites in Gizo & Western Province
Abyss’ Triggerfish
Okay, so you’re in Gizo and looking for a relaxed dive that still delivers? Abyss’ Triggerfish is a good shout. It’s a shallow spot, topping out around 20 metres, which makes it super comfortable for newer divers or anyone just wanting to take it easy. You’ll cruise along, often spotting groups of bannerfish swaying in the gentle surge and, as the name suggests, plenty of triggerfish darting about. It's a pleasant dive, not one for huge pelagics, but excellent for just unwinding and appreciating the smaller stuff.
Aichi D3A ’Val’ (Wreck)
Dropping down to the Aichi D3A 'Val' dive bomber, it’s not hard to picture it in its heyday, before it came to rest upright on the seabed at 26 metres. This is one of our favourite wreck dives for its sheer intactness and the sense of history that just hangs in the water around it. You can clearly make out the cockpit, the engine cowl, and the wings, which are still mostly attached. We particularly love poking around the tail section, often finding schools of small glassfish shimmering inside the fuselage. This site is a fantastic introduction to wreck diving. The depth is manageable, there’s usually no current, and the visibility tends to be excellent, making it incredibly easy to navigate. Look closely, and you'll spot resident lionfish tucked into crevices and anemonefish darting amongst the soft corals that have started to bloom on the metal. It’s a genuinely evocative dive, perfect for photographers and anyone keen to touch a tangible piece of wartime history.
Aussie Point
Aussie Point, just outside Gizo, is a proper chill-out dive. It’s got a sandy bottom sloping gently to 21 meters, where you’ll usually find a few garden eels waving in the current and whip corals spiralling up. Keep an eye out for blue-spotted rays tucked into the sand and maybe even a passing reef shark. It’s a lovely spot for a relaxed dive, especially if you’re newer to the game or just want an easy second dive to round out the day.
Bell P39 Airacobra (Wreck)
The Bell P39 Airacobra is one of those Solomon Islands wrecks we find ourselves recommending again and again, especially if you’re based out of Gizo. It’s not just a chunk of metal, it's a remarkably intact plane sitting upright at 26 metres, a true ghost of the Pacific War. We love how clearly you can make out the cockpit, the engine housing, and those distinctive tricycle landing gear struts. Sinking here sometime in 1942, the Airacobra has become an artificial reef, draped in colourful soft corals that sway gently in the mild currents. Look closely and you’ll spot gobies darting into holes, small nudibranchs inching across the metal, and often a grumpy stonefish hunkered down near the wingtip. Our favourite part has to be finning slowly along the fuselage, imagining the pilot’s last moments, before circling the tail section where schools of fusiliers often swirl. It’s an intermediate dive, perfect for those comfortable with depth and keen on exploring history without needing to penetrate. If you appreciate a clear, poignant wreck with a healthy dose of reef life, this one’s a winner.
Bilikiki
Bilikiki, near Gizo, is a solid introductory dive, perfect if you’re getting your fins wet in the Solomons. The site holds steady at 20 metres, making it easy on the air and ideal for longer bottom times. You’ll find plenty of clownfish darting through anemones and maybe a moray eel peeking from a crevice. It’s a good spot to relax and enjoy a straightforward dive without too much fuss.
Castaway Island
Castaway Island is a solid spot for easing back into things, or if you're just starting out in Gizo. It’s a shallow dive, topping out at 16 meters, which makes for a nice, relaxed profile. We often find a good mix of smaller reef fish here, like parrotfish grazing over the scattered coral bommies, and we've spotted a few nudibranchs if you slow down and look closely. It’s not going to blow your mind with massive pelagics, but for a chilled-out afternoon dive, it’s a perfectly pleasant place to spend some time underwater.
CATHAY
The Cathay is a peculiar one, and we love it for its sheer accessibility and the sense of history that comes with it. This old fishing boat sits practically on the surface, its bow breaking the water, a stark reminder of WWII’s reach even in these quiet corners. You can snorkel it, or even just stand on the deck at low tide, which is pretty wild. What makes it a standout for us is how marine life has absolutely taken over. We're talking thick growths of hard and soft corals, a genuine explosion of colour right there in the shallows. On a sunny day, the light plays through the structure, illuminating schools of tiny baitfish that shimmer like silver confetti. Keep an eye out for nudibranchs, particularly around the coral encrusted hull. It's a fantastic spot for macro photography, or just a lazy afternoon exploring without the need for heavy gear. If you're staying in Gizo, it's a quick boat ride, perfect for a relaxed dive or even a checkout dive to get back in the swing of things.
Cave of the Kastom Shark
The Cave of the Kastom Shark, just a short boat ride from Gizo, offers a gentle introduction to cave diving. You’ll drop down to about 15 metres, often with decent visibility, before finding the main entrance. Inside, the darkness is broken by your torch beam, revealing stalactites and the occasional reef shark resting on the sandy bottom, earning the cave its name. We found it a calm dive, without strong currents, making it a good choice for newer divers looking to try overhead environments without too much drama. It's a quick dip, but a memorable one if you’re into geological features and the chance of a sleeping shark.
Coral Corner
Coral Corner is a gentle introduction to Gizo's reefs, ideal for those getting comfortable with the local conditions. Dropping down to about 21 metres, you’ll find the reef slope dotted with smaller gorgonian fans and some healthy plate corals. We’ve often spotted sweetlips hovering under overhangs and a few curious reef sharks patrolling the deeper edge. It’s a pleasant, easy dive, perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
Douglas SBD Dauntless (Wreck)
The Douglas SBD Dauntless dive site in Gizo is one of those places that just gets under your skin. We love it because it’s a tangible piece of history, sitting upright and mostly intact on a sandy bottom at 16m. Dropping down, you're immediately struck by its presence. The plane’s gun turret, tail section, and wings are all there, adorned with a surprising amount of colourful soft corals and sponges. Visibility here is usually excellent, giving you clear views of the resident batfish and schools of fusiliers that swirl around the fuselage. Take your time to really explore – peek into the cockpit, where a large snapper often lurks, or fin slowly along the wings, watching for nudibranchs. It’s an easy dive, perfect for beginners looking for their first proper wreck experience, but still captivating enough to draw us back again and again. Our tip: go in the morning; the light filtering through the water really brings out the wreck's detail.
Grand Central Station
Blue Lake offers freshwater diving in a former quarry, popular with divers looking to practice skills or try new gear. You'll find a few sunken artifacts like a small boat and some training platforms. Visibility can vary, but it’s generally calm and protected, making it a good spot for trainees and those needing a controlled environment before heading out to sea. It’s a useful local resource, though don't expect much in the way of marine life.
Haipe Reef
Haipe Reef is a solid choice if you're looking for a relaxed dive out of Gizo. Dropping to a manageable 27m, it’s a perfect spot for newer divers to build confidence without feeling overwhelmed. We've seen a good variety of reef fish here, parrotfish grazing, and a few anemones with their resident clownfish putting on a show. It’s not going to blow your mind with massive pelagics, but it's a pleasant way to spend an hour underwater, soaking in the quiet beauty of a healthy reef. We often suggest it as a second dive after something a bit deeper.
Gizo & Western Province Dive Centres
3 dive shops and operators in Gizo & Western Province
Ocean Wildlife in Gizo & Western Province
292 species recorded in Gizo & Western Province
Gizo & Western Province Daylight & Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise and sunset times for Gizo & Western Province, calculated from coordinates
Today - Monday 24 August
Sunrise
05:37
Sunset
17:31
Daylight
11h 53m
Golden Hour
17:03
First light (dawn) at 05:16 · Last light (dusk) at 17:52
Monthly Averages
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 05:24 | 17:57 | 12h 33m |
| Feb | 05:35 | 17:57 | 12h 22m |
| Mar | 05:36 | 17:45 | 12h 10m |
| Apr | 05:34 | 17:29 | 11h 56m |
| May | 05:36 | 17:20 | 11h 44m |
| JunShortest | 05:43 | 17:21 | 11h 38m |
| Jul | 05:47 | 17:27 | 11h 41m |
| AugNow | 05:41 | 17:31 | 11h 50m |
| Sep | 05:26 | 17:29 | 12h 3m |
| Oct | 05:09 | 17:26 | 12h 17m |
| Nov | 05:01 | 17:31 | 12h 29m |
| DecLongest | 05:08 | 17:44 | 12h 36m |
Times are approximate local times based on longitude. Actual times may vary slightly depending on the exact timezone observed in Gizo & Western Province.
Where to Stay near Gizo & Western Province
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Marine Protected Areas near Gizo & Western Province
54 protected areas near Gizo & Western Province - please respect local regulations when diving
Kia
Jorio
Arnavon Islands
Saeraghi Reef
Tetepare
Grant Island, Patuparoana
Tetepare
Pipa/Kororo (Marovo)
Rendova Harbor
Barasipo
Sasavele/NB
Vena Island
Showing 12 largest of 54
Getting to Gizo & Western Province
Munda
Honiara
Buka Island
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