Bilikiki - Iron Bottom Sound

Diamond Reef is a little slice of coral heaven, especially when the light hits it just right. It’s only 13 metres deep, a gentle wall, really, and perfect for a lazy afternoon dive. We love that you can take your time here, gliding past the immense boulder brain corals and keeping an eye out for the more subtle residents. We’ve spent hours here, mesmerised by the tiny, iridescent ruby brittle stars tucked into crevices. The shortchin stargazers are a real treat if you’ve got a keen eye, usually buried in the sand, just their eyes peeking out. Look for the orangespotted filefish, they're often hovering near the fan corals. Visibility averages around 12 metres, which feels ample in this shallower, sheltered spot. It’s accessible in almost any weather, which makes it a great fallback when other sites are too choppy. This is a brilliant spot for newer divers, or anyone who just wants a relaxing, unhurried exploration. You get a real sense of intimacy with the reef without needing to go deep or fight a current.

Location
Iron Bottom Sound, Solomon Islands, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-8.353400, 157.338300
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Nusa Roviana

Best Time to Dive in Iron Bottom Sound

The warmest water temperatures in Iron Bottom Sound occur in January, averaging 30.5°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 30.5°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 30.5°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • February: 30.5°C (air: 26.7°C)
  • March: 30.5°C (air: 26.7°C)
  • April: 30.5°C (air: 26.8°C)
  • May: 30.5°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • June: 30.5°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • July: 30.5°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • August: 30.5°C (air: 26.3°C)
  • September: 30.5°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • October: 30.5°C (air: 26.7°C)
  • November: 30.5°C (air: 26.7°C)
  • December: 30.5°C (air: 26.9°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Iron Bottom Sound

Nearest Dive Centres to Bilikiki

Marine Life in Iron Bottom Sound

Home to 415 recorded species including 320 reef fish, 29 hard corals, 18 sea snails & nudibranchs, 16 sea cucumbers, 7 seagrass & algae, 5 clams & mussels.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Bilikiki

Based on average water temperature of 30.5°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 30°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical dive depths at Bilikiki dive sites?
The Bilikiki dive site offers a maximum depth of 20m, making it accessible for a range of divers. This spectacular wall dive provides excellent opportunities to explore diverse marine life within recreational diving limits.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see when diving with Bilikiki?
Divers at Bilikiki can expect a spectacular wall dive featuring massive Gorgonian fan corals. The site is teeming with diverse marine life, including Spotted Eagle Rays, Bumphead Parrotfish, Napoleon Wrasse, Green Moray eels, and Reef Sharks. Macro enthusiasts will also delight in plenty of Nudibranchs and shrimp, making it a dive that truly has it all.
How difficult is the diving at Bilikiki, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at Bilikiki is rated as intermediate difficulty. While it is not explicitly for beginners, divers with some experience will find it rewarding. It is always recommended to consult with your dive operator regarding your certification level and comfort before diving.
What is the best time of year to dive with Bilikiki in the Solomon Islands?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Bilikiki in the Solomon Islands. For general information on seasonal diving conditions, please refer to our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific diving certifications recommended or required for diving with Bilikiki?
The provided data does not specify any particular diving certifications recommended or required for diving at Bilikiki. Given its intermediate difficulty, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience is generally advisable for such sites. We recommend checking with your local dive shop or tour operator for specific requirements.
What are the typical water temperatures, visibility, and current conditions like at Bilikiki dive sites?
At Bilikiki, divers can typically expect excellent average visibility of 19m, offering clear views of the spectacular wall and marine life. The provided data does not include information on typical water temperatures or current conditions.