The Pinnacle - Iron Bottom Sound

The Kornati National Park sites in Croatia bring a different flavour to Adriatic diving. We’re talking sheer underwater cliffs here, dropping vertically into the blue, often riddled with caves and overhangs. It’s a landscape that feels dramatic, and we’ve found decent spots with scarlet and bushy corals clinging to the rock, along with the bright pop of sunset cup coral. Keep an eye out for pink cuttlefish camouflaged against the rock, and dogfish tucked away in crevices. Visibility is usually good, making it a solid choice for divers who appreciate interesting topography and the quieter side of Mediterranean reef life.

Location
Iron Bottom Sound, Solomon Islands, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-8.344000, 157.488300
Type
cave

Marine Protected Area: Olive

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 The Pinnacle

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 The Pinnacle

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 depth range for diving at The Pinnacle dive site in the Poor Knights Islands?
The The Pinnacle dive site is located in Iron Bottom Sound, Solomon Islands, not the Poor Knights Islands. The coral-encrusted summit of this pinnacle starts at 22m, and its sides drop down to over 60m. For typical recreational dives at this site, the maximum depth is 23m.
What kind of marine life and underwater topography can I expect to see when diving The Pinnacle?
When diving The Pinnacle, you'll encounter spectacular underwater topography featuring a coral-encrusted pinnacle with gorgonian fan corals and a stunning variety of hard and soft corals. Marine life includes regular sightings of inquisitive Bullsharks and Silvertips, along with schooling pelagics and turtles. For more on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is diving at The Pinnacle, and what skill level or experience is recommended?
Diving at The Pinnacle is rated as intermediate difficulty. This suggests that divers should have some experience beyond entry-level, comfortable with deeper dives and potentially varying conditions. It's an excellent site for divers looking to advance their skills.
What is the best time of year to dive The Pinnacle for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
Specific information regarding the best time of year to dive The Pinnacle for optimal conditions and marine encounters is not provided in the available data. For general guidance on dive seasons, you can check our When to Dive section.
What dive certifications are required or recommended for diving The Pinnacle at Poor Knights Islands?
The Pinnacle is located in the Solomon Islands, not the Poor Knights Islands. While no specific certifications are listed, its intermediate difficulty and depths up to 23m suggest that an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience is recommended to safely enjoy the site. Always ensure your equipment is suitable for the dive.
What are the typical current and water conditions at The Pinnacle dive site?
At The Pinnacle, you can expect an average visibility of 11m. Specific details regarding typical current strength or water temperature are not available in the provided data.