Dolphin Outer wall - Iron Bottom Sound

Ilhéu das Cabras is a gentle introduction to São Tomé’s underwater world. We’ve found it’s usually calm here, tucked away from the main swell, which makes it an easy dive down to 16 metres. The sandy bottom gives way to rocky patches closer to the islet, a good place to spot morays poking from crevices or a shy opossum pipefish clinging to the weeds. It’s certainly a spot for newer divers, or those looking for a relaxed afternoon with a decent chance of seeing a few green turtles grazing. We’ve even seen a barracuda school here, shimmering just off the rocks.

Location
Iron Bottom Sound, Solomon Islands, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-7.551700, 158.776800
Type
wall
Maximum Depth
15-40m

Marine Protected Area: Kia

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 Dolphin Outer wall

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 Dolphin Outer wall

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 is the typical depth range for diving the Dolphin Outer Wall?
The Dolphin Outer Wall offers a typical depth range from 5 meters to 30 meters deep, making it suitable for various recreational dive levels. However, the maximum recommended depth for this site is 25 meters. You can explore this expansive wall, which stretches approximately 500 meters in length.
What kind of marine life and coral can I expect to see when diving the Dolphin Outer Wall?
When diving the Dolphin Outer Wall, you can expect to encounter a vibrant array of marine life amidst spaced out colourful coral. Look out for parrot fish, stone fish, various types of triggerfish, and clownfish. Additionally, you might spot many types of nudibranch, reef sharks, and crayfish hiding in the cracks of the wall. For more information on marine species, visit our Wildlife Database.
How challenging is the Dolphin Outer Wall dive site for recreational divers?
The Dolphin Outer Wall is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive site for recreational divers. This is due to the presence of bi-directional currents influenced by tidal movements, which can add a challenge. Furthermore, its exposure to the open ocean means divers might encounter large swells, requiring good buoyancy control and experience.
What are the best months or times of day to dive the Dolphin Outer Wall for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best months or times of day for optimal conditions and marine encounters at the Dolphin Outer Wall. However, understanding local tidal charts would be crucial to anticipate the bi-directional currents. For general information on when to dive in the region, you can visit our When to Dive section.
Do I need any special certifications to dive the Dolphin Outer Wall, or is it suitable for Open Water divers?
Given that the Dolphin Outer Wall is an intermediate difficulty site with a maximum depth of 25 meters, it is generally suitable for Open Water divers with some experience, especially those comfortable with currents. However, divers with an Advanced Open Water certification would be better equipped to handle the deeper sections and potential challenges like bi-directional currents and swells. Always consult with a local dive operator.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Dolphin Outer Wall dive site?
The Dolphin Outer Wall typically experiences bi-directional currents, which are influenced by tidal movements, so conditions can vary. Divers should be prepared for these dynamic water movements. Average visibility at the site is a good 17 meters, offering clear views of the expansive wall and its marine inhabitants.