Iron Bottom Sound, Solomon Islands
    Dunde

    The Pond

    Best months: Jul–Oct

    Protected Area

    Dunde

    Why dive here

    With 391+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, blacktip reef sharks, grey reef sharks, humpback whales and orcas - The Pond offers some of Iron Bottom Sound's richest wreck 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
    CharacterWreck dive
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    The Pond isn't just a dive site; it’s a living, breathing aquarium that constantly surprises us. We love the way the reef slopes gently, revealing new residents with every meter. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff – the flash of an Angel abu polos darting into a crevice, or the subtle patterns of a Chestnut Blenny peeking from its burrow. We've often spent an entire dive in a small area, mesmerized by the pipefish, both Bluestripe and Pacific short-bodied, weaving through the coral. What makes The Pond a standout, for us, is its sheer unpretentiousness. There are no dramatic drop-offs or famous wrecks here. Instead, you get a solid, reliable dive that consistently delivers interesting encounters. We've seen reef sharks cruise by, curious but uninterested, and once spotted a lone eagle ray gliding through the deeper sections. For macro enthusiasts, it's a dream; the array of gobies, from the Nocturn to the Redlined Pygmygoby, is fantastic. We find the best time to visit is mid-morning, when the light plays beautifully on the coral and brings out the colours of the Barcheek Amoya and Horned Bannerfish. Visibility averages 15m, which is plenty for appreciating the details. It’s a great spot for any diver who appreciates a relaxed pace and a keen eye for the little wonders.

    Safety Notes

    Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

    Today05:1117:2612h 15m daylightGolden hour 16:58

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for The Pond

    The Pond Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for The Pond, 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

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