USS Aaron Ward (Wreck) - Iron Bottom Sound

A quick, seven-minute boat ride from Natadola Beach brings you to The Lion’s Den. We’ve found this site to be a straightforward dive, topping out at around 12 meters, making it a good spot for training dives or just an easy afternoon dip. The reef here is a lagoon type, a mix of coral bommies and a wall you can follow, punctuated by some impressive potato corals and colorful Christmas tree worms. You’ll likely spot plenty of lionfish tucked into crevices, along with clownfish in their anemones, triggerfish darting about, and a chance encounter with sea snakes or stingrays. It's a relaxed dive, perfect if you’re looking for something gentle with reliable visibility, typically around 12 meters.

Location
Iron Bottom Sound, Solomon Islands, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-9.167900, 160.187700
Type
reef

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 USS Aaron Ward (Wreck)

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 USS Aaron Ward (Wreck)

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 the USS Aaron Ward wreck?
The USS Aaron Ward wreck offers a typical depth range for diving between 62 and 74 meters. This makes it an iconic technical dive suitable for experienced divers. Divers should be prepared for deep diving protocols.
What can divers expect to see when exploring the USS Aaron Ward wreck?
When exploring the USS Aaron Ward wreck, divers can expect to encounter diverse marine life. You may see grey reef sharks mid-water, along with bat fish and impressive schools of trevally and barracuda. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving the USS Aaron Ward wreck, and what makes it difficult?
Diving the USS Aaron Ward wreck is considered a challenging technical dive. Its significant depth, ranging from 62 to 74 meters, requires advanced training and experience. Divers should be prepared for the demands of deep wreck diving.
What is the best time of year or conditions to dive the USS Aaron Ward wreck?
The USS Aaron Ward wreck is best dived at slack tide to ensure optimal conditions. While specific seasons aren't mentioned, planning your dive around the tidal schedule will enhance your experience. For general information on dive conditions, check our when to dive guide.
What diving certifications are required to dive the USS Aaron Ward wreck?
Given that the USS Aaron Ward wreck is an iconic technical dive with depths ranging from 62 to 74 meters, advanced technical diving certifications are required. Divers should possess the necessary training and experience for deep wreck exploration and decompression procedures.
What are the typical currents and visibility conditions at the USS Aaron Ward dive site?
The USS Aaron Ward wreck typically offers great visibility, with an average of 20 meters. Regarding currents, it is best dived at slack tide, indicating that currents can be a factor at other times. Planning your dive during slack tide will ensure the most enjoyable conditions.