Tanavula Point Drift - Iron Bottom Sound

Walsa offers something a bit different for Noronha, and we love it for a deep dive, especially if you’re tech-minded. This isn’t a natural reef; the Walsa is a purpose-sunk tugboat, sitting upright at 40 meters. We’ve always found it remarkably intact, a real testament to its careful sinking. You can really get a sense of its original form, the lines of the boat still strong. When you drop down, the sheer scale is impressive, and the visibility here often pushes past 25 meters, letting you take in the whole scene. Schools of Spanish grunts and Atlantic bumpers swirl around the superstructure, so dense they almost form a shimmering wall. Look closely in the darker nooks for black morays peering out, and we’ve spotted nurse sharks tucked beneath the hull a few times. It’s a site for divers who appreciate the history of a wreck and the way marine life quickly reclaims it, a quiet, deep exploration away from some of the busier current dives.

Location
Iron Bottom Sound, Solomon Islands, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-9.040600, 160.066300
Type
wreck

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 Tanavula Point Drift

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 Tanavula Point Drift

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 maximum depth encountered during a drift dive at Tanavula Point?
The typical maximum depth encountered during a drift dive at Tanavula Point Drift is 23 meters. This spectacular drift dive follows a wall, offering a unique underwater experience. Divers can enjoy the vibrant reef ecosystem along this depth.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Tanavula Point Drift?
Divers at Tanavula Point Drift can expect to see a vibrant array of marine life and coral formations. The sloping reef ecosystem features large Gorgonian fans, colourful soft corals, and extensive coral heads covered in Sealife. Keep an eye out for sharks, rays, turtles, wrasse, and bump heads, among other fascinating creatures, making it a great spot for wildlife encounters.
How challenging is the Tanavula Point Drift dive, and is it suitable for beginner or advanced divers?
The Tanavula Point Drift dive is rated as intermediate in difficulty. Divers should be aware of potential down currents at the point, especially when there is strong current flow, which adds to the challenge. Therefore, it is best suited for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners.
What is the best time of year or day to dive Tanavula Point Drift for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or day to dive Tanavula Point Drift for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For current-related dives like this, it's always advisable to consult local dive operators for real-time conditions and seasonal recommendations.
Are there any specific certifications or experience levels required to dive Tanavula Point Drift?
While no specific certification is explicitly stated, the Tanavula Point Drift dive is rated as intermediate difficulty. This suggests that divers should possess a good level of experience and comfort with drift diving and potentially strong currents. It is recommended to have advanced open water certification or equivalent experience.
What are the typical current strengths and underwater conditions like at Tanavula Point Drift?
Tanavula Point Drift is known for its dynamic current conditions, being a spectacular drift dive along a wall. The point itself becomes a congregation area when the current is running, but divers must beware of strong down currents in this area. Average visibility for the dive is typically around 18 meters, offering clear views of the vibrant reef ecosystem.