Nusa Roviana Wall - Iron Bottom Sound

The Rio de Janeiro wreck, just off Arraial do Cabo, is one of our favourites for a relaxed afternoon dive. It’s not deep, topping out at 13 metres, which means plenty of bottom time to really poke around. We love tracing the outline of the old steamboat, imagining the charcoal fire that brought it down in 1853. You can still make out the cylinders and pistons of the engine, a real marvel of engineering for its time, along with the wheel axle support and the condenser. Visibility here averages around 8 metres, which is often enough to take in the key features, but we always suggest aiming for a morning dive before any boat traffic stirs things up. What makes this wreck special, beyond the history, is how the local marine life has truly made it their own. Snapper and fat snook shelter in the nooks, and we’ve spotted angelfish flitting between the rusted metal. Look closely and you’ll find bearded gobies tucked into crevices and the occasional honeycomb cowfish drifting past. This site is perfect for newer wreck divers or photographers wanting to capture a piece of history teeming with life.

Location
Iron Bottom Sound, Solomon Islands, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-8.364800, 157.341500
Type
wreck

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 Nusa Roviana 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 Nusa Roviana 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 at Nusa Roviana Wall?
Diving at Nusa Roviana Wall typically involves exploring a beautiful wall dive. The maximum depth recorded for this site is 27 meters, allowing divers to enjoy the vibrant marine life and corals along the wall.
What kind of marine life and corals can divers expect to see at Nusa Roviana Wall?
Divers at Nusa Roviana Wall can expect to encounter a rich variety of marine life and corals. The wall is adorned with huge gorgonian fans and other soft corals, creating a vibrant underwater landscape. Keep an eye out for inquisitive Grey Reef Sharks and majestic Eagle Rays cruising in the blue, as well as tiny nudibranchs hidden among the corals.
How challenging is the Nusa Roviana Wall dive site for scuba divers?
The Nusa Roviana Wall dive site is considered to be of intermediate difficulty for scuba divers. This suggests it offers a rewarding experience for those with some diving experience, allowing them to comfortably explore its beautiful wall and diverse marine life.
What is the best time of year to dive Nusa Roviana Wall for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive Nusa Roviana Wall for optimal conditions is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on diving in the Solomon Islands, please refer to our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to dive Nusa Roviana Wall?
The provided data does not specify any particular diving certifications required for Nusa Roviana Wall. As it is rated as an intermediate dive site with a maximum depth of 27 meters, divers should ensure they possess the appropriate training and experience for such conditions.
What are the usual current and water conditions like at Nusa Roviana Wall?
At Nusa Roviana Wall, divers can expect an average visibility of 20 meters, offering clear views of the vibrant wall and marine life. Specific details regarding typical current strength or water temperatures are not provided in the available data.