Mbelo Mbelo - Iron Bottom Sound

Pinacle du 19 Novembre is where we head when we want some real exploration. Outside the main reef, you drop into a maze of canyons and faults, some wide open, others tight enough you feel the rock on either side. We love following the light beams as they filter through the overhead cracks, illuminating walls absolutely covered in gorgonians. It’s not about huge pelagics here, though a passing thazar or shark isn't uncommon. This site is all about the little stuff, the details. Keep your eyes peeled for those Zanzibar shrimps tucked into the whip gorgonians, and look for gobies peeking out from their anemone homes. We’ve spotted countless cowries, including the beautiful lined-lip variety, and even an Electric Flame Scallop once – its flashing mantle is quite something. With a max depth of 21m, it's a relaxed dive, perfect for photographers or anyone who likes to take their time poking into every nook. Just be mindful of the current, it can pick up a bit outside the reef.

Location
Iron Bottom Sound, Solomon Islands, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-8.374100, 157.516800
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Ha'apai

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 Mbelo Mbelo

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 Mbelo Mbelo

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 diving depths at Malpelo Island?
We don't have specific depth information for Malpelo Island in our current database. However, if you're interested in Mbelo Mbelo in the Solomon Islands, divers typically experience a maximum depth of 25m at this spectacular wall drop site. This site is known for its amazing soft coral formations and large Gorgonian Sea Fans.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see at Malpelo Island?
While we don't have details on marine life for Malpelo Island, divers at Mbelo Mbelo can expect a vibrant underwater experience. This site is known for all sorts of reef sharks, Silvertip Sharks at deeper depths, and frequent sightings of Eagle Rays and pelagics like Barracuda. You'll also be amazed by the spectacular soft coral formations and some of the biggest Gorgonian Sea Fans anywhere.
How challenging is diving at Malpelo Island, and what level of experience is recommended?
Information regarding the diving difficulty at Malpelo Island is not available in our current records. For Mbelo Mbelo, however, the diving difficulty is rated as intermediate, making it suitable for divers with some prior experience. This reef dive offers a rewarding experience for those comfortable with its conditions.
What is the best time of year to dive Malpelo Island for specific marine encounters or conditions?
We do not have specific seasonal recommendations for diving Malpelo Island in our current data. Furthermore, the provided information for Mbelo Mbelo does not include details on the best time of year for specific marine encounters or conditions. For general guidance on planning your dive trips, please visit our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or highly recommended for diving at Malpelo Island?
Specific certification requirements for Malpelo Island are not detailed in the provided data. Similarly, the information for Mbelo Mbelo does not specify required or highly recommended certifications. It's always best to check with your dive operator for the most up-to-date requirements based on your experience level and the dive site's conditions.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like when diving Malpelo Island?
We do not have specific current or visibility data for Malpelo Island in our current records. However, at Mbelo Mbelo in the Solomon Islands, divers can typically expect excellent average visibility of 25m. Information regarding typical current conditions for Mbelo Mbelo is not provided in the available data.