Tama Maru (Japanese Minesweeper) - Iron Bottom Sound

Wall to Wall near Virgin Gorda gets its name for a reason, and it’s not subtle. We've seen this place absolutely crammed with fish, a real wall of silver and scales that sometimes feels like swimming through a live aquarium. Schools of Atlantic spadefish drift by, not quite knowing where to go next, and we always keep an eye out for the eagle rays that sometimes glide past the deeper sections. You’ll find a good collection of the usual Caribbean suspects here – we often spot spotted morays peeking from crevices and stingrays hanging out on the sand below the wall. The maximum depth of 20m means it’s accessible for most, but those currents the data mentions are real. We've been pulled along here more than once, so staying close to your guide is a smart move. Our pick for a standout moment is finding the dusky jawfish tending its eggs, though it takes a keen eye. The visibility averages 16m, which is decent, but when the current picks up, it can kick up some particulate. Still, for sheer fish volume, Wall to Wall is a winner. It’s a site for divers who appreciate being enveloped by marine life, and who don’t mind a bit of a drift.

Location: Iron Bottom Sound, Solomon Islands, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates: -8.920700, 159.964200
Type: wall

Marine Protected Area: Komarindi

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 Tama Maru (Japanese Minesweeper)

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

Blue-lined Surgeonfish (Acanthurus lineatus) - Reef Fish
Bristle-toothed Surgeonfish (Ctenochaetus striatus) - Reef Fish
Blue and Gold Fusilier (Caesio caerulaurea) - Reef Fish
Boring Clam (Tridacna crocea) - Clams & Mussels
Orange-lined Triggerfish (Balistapus undulatus) - Reef Fish
Dusky Parrotfish (Scarus niger) - Reef Fish
beautiful fusilier (Caesio teres) - Reef Fish
Blue-lined Tang (Zebrasoma scopas) - Reef Fish
Rainbowfish (Halichoeres hortulanus) - Reef Fish
Redfin Butterflyfish (Chaetodon lunulatus) - Reef Fish
Burrowing urchin (Echinometra mathaei) - Sea Urchins
Small giant clam (Tridacna maxima) - Clams & Mussels
Kihikihi (Zanclus cornutus) - Reef Fish
Latticed Butterflyfish (Chaetodon rafflesii) - Reef Fish
Bleeker's Parrotfish (Chlorurus bleekeri) - Reef Fish
Butterfly fish (Chaetodon vagabundus) - Reef Fish
Black-barred Surgeonfish (Acanthurus nigricauda) - Reef Fish
Mimic Surgeonfish (Acanthurus pyroferus) - Reef Fish
Triangular Butterflyfish (Chaetodon baronessa) - Reef Fish
Wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for Tama Maru (Japanese Minesweeper)

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