Uepi Point - Iron Bottom Sound

San Benedicto Canyon, often just called "El Canyon," sits on the south end of San Benedicto Island, a spot where the deep ocean really makes itself known. We've spent time here watching giant Pacific manta rays cruise past, sometimes so close you feel the pressure wave. It's a prime location for big pelagics, so expect to see schooling hammerheads, Galapagos sharks, and silky sharks patrolling the depths. The site itself maxes out around 27 meters, with average visibility around 18 meters, but the real show is often out in the blue. This dive is definitely for advanced or expert divers comfortable with open water and potential currents; it’s a liveaboard-only affair, too.

Location
Iron Bottom Sound, Solomon Islands, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-8.421500, 157.953200

Marine Protected Area: Variparui 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 Uepi Point

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 Uepi Point

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 diving depth at Uepi Point and how deep can divers go?
Divers at Uepi Point can explore a range of depths, from shallow reef tops to a deep channel. The maximum recommended diving depth at this site is 24 meters, making it suitable for various dive profiles.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Uepi Point?
Uepi Point boasts extraordinary marine biodiversity, with over 300 fish species identified on a single dive, including abundant sharks, rays, and turtles. Divers will also encounter a vibrant array of hard and soft corals, such as whips, fans, plates, and massive formations, alongside various invertebrates. Explore more about marine life in our Wildlife Database.
How challenging is diving at Uepi Point, and is it suitable for beginner or intermediate divers?
Uepi Point is rated as an intermediate dive site, offering suitable dive profiles for all levels of divers. While it can be enjoyed by beginners, intermediate divers will particularly appreciate the dynamic conditions and diverse features.
When is the best time of year to dive Uepi Point for optimal visibility and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify a particular time of year for optimal visibility or marine encounters at Uepi Point. However, diving during an incoming current is recommended as it significantly gathers fish schools, enhancing marine life sightings. For general information on dive seasons, visit our When to Dive guide.
Are there any specific dive certifications required or recommended for diving at Uepi Point?
While Uepi Point is suitable for all levels of divers, its intermediate difficulty suggests that an Open Water certification is a minimum. For exploring deeper sections or drift diving, an Advanced Open Water certification or relevant specialty training would be highly recommended to enhance your experience.
What are the typical current conditions and water visibility like when diving Uepi Point?
Divers at Uepi Point can expect an average visibility of 20 meters, offering clear views of the vibrant reef. The site is best experienced with an incoming current, which plays a crucial role in gathering impressive fish schools, making for dynamic encounters.