CATHAY - Gizo & Western Province
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.
- Location
- Gizo & Western Province, Solomon Islands, Central & South Pacific
- Coordinates
- -8.350000, 157.208330
- Type
- wreck
- Maximum Depth
- 0m
Marine Protected Area: Kekehe
Nearby Dive Sites in Gizo & Western Province
- Abyss’ Triggerfish - 20m (wall)
- Aichi D3A ’Val’ (Wreck) - 26m (wreck)
- Aussie Point - 21m (reef)
- Bell P39 Airacobra (Wreck) - 26m (wreck)
- Bilikiki - 20m
- Castaway Island - 16m (reef)
- Cave of the Kastom Shark - 32m (cave)
- Coral Corner - 21m (reef)
- Douglas SBD Dauntless (Wreck) - 16m (wreck)
- Grand Central Station
- Haipe Reef - 27m (reef)
- Heron’s Wall - 18m (wall)
- Lumbaria Island - 9m (reef)
- Marovo Lagoon (reef)
- Mbelo Mbelo - 25m
Nearest Dive Centres to CATHAY
Marine Life in Gizo & Western Province
Home to 304 recorded species including 261 reef fish, 13 hard corals, 11 sea cucumbers, 6 sea snails & nudibranchs, 4 clams & mussels, 3 sharks & rays.
Notable Species
- Bristle-toothed Surgeonfish (Ctenochaetus striatus) - Reef Fish
- Dusky Parrotfish (Scarus niger) - Reef Fish
- Mimic Surgeonfish (Acanthurus pyroferus) - Reef Fish
- Blue-lined Tang (Zebrasoma scopas) - Reef Fish
- Bullethead Parrotfish (Chlorurus sordidus) - Reef Fish
- Bleeker's Parrotfish (Chlorurus bleekeri) - Reef Fish
- Indo-Pacific sergeant (Abudefduf vaigiensis) - Reef Fish
- Kihikihi (Zanclus cornutus) - Reef Fish
- Orange-lined Triggerfish (Balistapus undulatus) - Reef Fish
- Blue-lined Surgeonfish (Acanthurus lineatus) - Reef Fish
- Redfin Butterflyfish (Chaetodon lunulatus) - Reef Fish
- Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta) - Reef Fish
- Banded maori wrasse (Cheilinus fasciatus) - Reef Fish
- Blue Parrotfish (Scarus oviceps) - Reef Fish
- Saddled Parrotfish (Scarus dimidiatus) - Reef Fish
- Butterfly fish (Chaetodon vagabundus) - Reef Fish
- Double-bar Goatfish (Parupeneus crassilabris) - Reef Fish
- Horned Bannerfish (Heniochus varius) - Reef Fish
- Angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus) - Reef Fish
- Small giant clam (Tridacna maxima) - Clams & Mussels