Rolly’s Reef - Iron Bottom Sound

The Tama Maru, an old Japanese trawler repurposed as a minesweeper, sits upright in Iron Bottom Sound. At a maximum depth of 22 metres, she’s a comfortable dive, perfect for those newer to wrecks but still wanting a real piece of history. We’ve found her decks relatively intact, with the stern particularly good for poking around. Keep an eye out for the big schools of fusiliers that hang around the bow, sometimes so thick they blot out the sun for a moment. What we really love here is the combination of easy access and the sheer volume of life. You’ll weave through the old superstructure, where brown sandfish often hide, and spot giant trevally patrolling the perimeter. Our favourite time to dive is mid-morning, just as the light starts to filter down, illuminating the colourful parrotfish picking at the hull. Visibility often hits 20 metres, making it easy to appreciate the scale of the wreck without feeling rushed. It’s an honest, rewarding dive, a true snapshot of the Solomons.

Location
Iron Bottom Sound, Solomon Islands, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-7.519000, 158.700100
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15-30m

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 Rolly’s 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 Rolly’s 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 are the typical diving depths at Rolly's Reef and does it cater to different diver experience levels?
Rolly's Reef offers diving to a maximum depth of 24m, making it suitable for divers with intermediate experience. This overhanging wall site is often best enjoyed as a drift dive with the current. You can learn more about this site at Rolly's Reef.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to encounter at Rolly's Reef?
Divers at Rolly's Reef can expect to encounter a vibrant array of marine life, including larger reef fish such as Red Bass, Passionfruit Trout, coral trout, and cod. The site is also known for its curious and friendly Reef sharks and features many exciting swim throughs along its overhanging wall.
How challenging are the dives at Rolly's Reef, particularly concerning currents and overall difficulty?
Rolly's Reef is rated as an intermediate dive site, where currents are often present and can be utilized for an enjoyable drift dive along the overhanging wall. Divers should be aware that the site can experience large swells if the wind is blowing towards it.
What is the best time of year to visit Rolly's Reef for optimal diving conditions?
The provided information does not specify a best time of year to visit Rolly's Reef for optimal diving conditions. However, it is noted that the site is best dived in the morning when the sun beams onto the overhanging wall, as it becomes shadier later in the day. For general guidance on dive seasons, you can visit our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific diving certifications or a minimum number of logged dives required for Rolly's Reef?
While Rolly's Reef is classified as an intermediate dive site, the provided information does not specify any particular diving certifications or a minimum number of logged dives required. Divers should ensure they are comfortable with drift diving and potential swells. For more on equipment and training, explore our Equipment section.
What are the usual water conditions and visibility like at Rolly's Reef?
At Rolly's Reef, divers can typically expect an average visibility of 9m. The site is known for its currents, which make for excellent drift diving, but it can also experience large swells if the wind is blowing towards it.