DivePlnr
    Russell Islands dive site
    Iron Bottom Sound, Solomon Islands

    Russell Islands

    Best months: Jul–Oct

    Why dive here

    With 391+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, blacktip reef sharks, grey reef sharks, humpback whales and orcas - Russell Islands offers some of Iron Bottom Sound's richest diving. Water ranges 29-31°C, warmest January, April, December.

    Best timeJul–Oct
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeBarracuda, Blacktip Reef Sharks, Grey Reef Sharks, Humpback Whales and Orcas · 391+ species recorded
    Water29-31°C · warmest January, April, December
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    The Russell Islands, just a short hop from Guadalcanal in Iron Bottom Sound, are a staple on most Solomon Islands itineraries, and for good reason. We always enjoy the sheer variety here. You'll spend mornings navigating sun-dappled channels and caverns, the light playing tricks on your eyes, then drift over current-swept pinnacles in the afternoon, keeping an eye out for bigger fish passing through. There are vibrant coral reefs that live up to the “Rainbow Reef” name, thick with fusiliers and anthias that swirl like a living kaleidoscope. And of course, being the Solomons, you'll find scattered WWII relics, a somber reminder of history beneath the waves. It’s a spot that offers a lot, from easy reef exploration to more dynamic drift dives, suitable for divers comfortable with a mix of conditions.

    Today06:0318:1912h 15m daylightGolden hour 17:51

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Russell Islands

    Russell Islands Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Russell Islands, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-9.03, 159.16) (58km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    30°C

    85°F · Range: 28.7–30.5°C

    Air Temperature

    27°C

    80°F

    Wind Speed

    3.74 m/s

    7.3 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1010.5 hPa

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data

    Check travel advisory for Solomon Islands

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