REGINA M (PROBABLY) - Iron Bottom Sound

The Regina M, or what we strongly suspect is the Regina M, offers a wonderfully accessible wreck experience, though it's barely a dive. This motor vessel, driven ashore in Honiara Harbour during Cyclone Namu in '86, sits with most of its hull visible above the waterline. We love it because it’s a brilliant snorkel or even just a wade, perfect for a surface interval or when you want a break from deeper dives but still crave that history hit. You can really explore the remains up close here. Head to the stern, where the prop shaft is still largely intact, and peer into the engine room space. Schools of tiny silversides often shimmer around the shadowed sections, and we’ve spotted small pufferfish poking around the barnacle-encrusted plates. It's a great spot to see how quickly tropical fish colonise even the shallowest structure. Our favourite time to visit is late afternoon, as the sun dips, casting long shadows across the rusty steel.

Location
Iron Bottom Sound, Solomon Islands, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-9.433805, 159.964720
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Marine Protected Area: Tulagi Island

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 REGINA M (PROBABLY)

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 REGINA M (PROBABLY)

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 maximum depth of the Regina M (Probably) dive site?
The Regina M (Probably) dive site has a maximum depth of 1 meter. This exceptionally shallow depth makes it accessible for various water activities, including snorkeling or very shallow dives.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Regina M (Probably)?
Divers exploring the Regina M (Probably) can expect to see the remains of a motor vessel, measuring 57.9m x 8.5m. This wreck is classified as showing any portion of its hull or superstructure, offering interesting structural features to explore. The provided data does not specify particular marine life at this site.
How difficult is the Regina M (Probably) dive site for scuba divers?
The Regina M (Probably) dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty for scuba divers. While its depth is only 1 meter, other factors may contribute to this rating, making it suitable for divers with some experience.
What is the best time of year or conditions to dive the Regina M (Probably) wreck?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or ideal conditions for diving the Regina M (Probably) wreck. Historically, the vessel was lost during Cyclone "Namu" in May 1986, but this does not indicate current optimal diving conditions. For general guidance on diving in the Solomon Islands, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the Regina M (Probably)?
The data provided for the Regina M (Probably) dive site does not specify any particular scuba diving certifications required. Given its intermediate difficulty rating, divers should ensure they possess the appropriate skills and experience for such conditions.
What are the typical currents and visibility like at the Regina M (Probably) dive site?
Information regarding the typical currents and visibility at the Regina M (Probably) dive site is not available in the provided data. Divers planning to visit this Iron Bottom Sound wreck should inquire locally for current conditions before their dive.