Charapoanna Point

Best months: Jul–Oct

Protected Area

Variparui Island

Why dive here

With 391+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, blacktip reef sharks, grey reef sharks, humpback whales and orcas - Charapoanna Point offers some of Iron Bottom Sound's richest reef diving. Water ranges 29-31°C, warmest January, April, December.

Best timeJul–Oct

WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit

Marine lifeBarracuda, Blacktip Reef Sharks, Grey Reef Sharks, Humpback Whales and Orcas · 391+ species recorded

Water29-31°C · warmest January, April, December

CharacterReef dive · max 5-15m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

Charapoanna Point is a dive we always recommend for that classic Iron Bottom Sound drift. It's a proper ride when the current picks up, so we always check the tides – you want that gentle push, not a washing machine. Dropping in, you're immediately swept past some seriously healthy coral, a real colourful strip of hard and soft stuff. We love the feeling of just gliding along, watching the reef unfold. The fish action here is constant. Schools of beautiful fusiliers are everywhere, so thick sometimes they just block out the light. We've seen plenty of grey reef sharks cruising by, and our favourite has to be spotting the hound needlefish just beneath the surface, looking prehistoric. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too, like the blue-lined tangs darting amongst the coral and the occasional pinktail triggerfish. If you're into a dynamic, fish-filled drift with excellent visibility, Charapoanna is a solid choice. Just be ready for that current.