Haipe Reef - Iron Bottom Sound

Lipah Bay, on Bali’s east coast, isn't the flashiest site, but we think it's a wonderfully easy dive with plenty to hold your attention. Entry is a breeze from the beach, and you’re straight onto a gentle slope down to about 17 metres. We usually head right first, following the contours of the reef. The real charm here is in the smaller details: we’ve found loads of Stobbs’ Pygmygoby tucked into crevices and Elegant Sandburrowers doing their thing in the sand. Keep an eye out for Freckled Anglerfish too – they blend in surprisingly well with the corals, which include some nice table and staghorn formations. Visibility hovers around 15 metres, which is decent for a shore dive, and the currents are typically mild, making it a relaxed spot. We often see turtles munching away near the bottom, completely unbothered by divers. For photographers, especially those keen on macro, Lipah Bay offers consistent subjects without the pressure of strong currents or deep profiles. It’s a great site for divers who appreciate a quiet, unhurried exploration and don’t need dramatic drop-offs to enjoy themselves.

Location
Iron Bottom Sound, Solomon Islands, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-8.444400, 157.270100
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Rendova Harbor

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 Haipe Reef

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 Haipe Reef

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 at Haipe Reef?
Haipe Reef is a sloping reef dive with a maximum depth of 27 meters. Divers can explore the vibrant reef along its wall, enjoying the diverse marine life within this range at Haipe Reef.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see at Haipe Reef?
Divers at Haipe Reef can expect to encounter huge, pristine hard and soft corals that adorn the reef wall. The site is teeming with colourful small fish, schools of bumphead parrotfish, and turtles. Lucky divers might also spot cruising sharks and even magnificent Manta Rays when the current is present.
How challenging is diving at Haipe Reef, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at Haipe Reef is considered to be of intermediate difficulty. While it offers a fantastic experience, it may not be ideal for absolute beginner divers due to potential currents or depth considerations. Divers should have appropriate certification and experience for intermediate sites.
When is the best time of year to dive Haipe Reef for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify a best time of year for diving Haipe Reef for optimal conditions. For general information on seasonal diving in the Solomon Islands, please consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Haipe Reef?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly stated, given that Haipe Reef is an intermediate dive site, divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. This ensures you have the necessary skills and experience to safely enjoy the site's maximum depth of 27 meters and potential currents.
Are there strong currents at Haipe Reef, and how do they affect the diving experience?
Yes, currents can be present at Haipe Reef, as indicated by the presence of Manta Rays when the current flows. These currents can enhance the diving experience by attracting larger marine life like Manta Rays and cruising sharks. Divers should be prepared for potential drift diving conditions.