The Solomon Islands, hidden away in a quite pocket of the pacific Basin, have retained the age old magic of the South Seas. The Solomons stretch for some 1500 kilometres in a north west south east direction, between 5 and 12 degrees south of the equator.

The main islands of Choiseul, Isabel, Guadalcanal, Malatia, Makira and New Georgia make up most of the 28,000 square kilometers of land mass. Hundreds of smaller islands and atolls are scattered throughout the group.

Main dive destinations are Honiara (Guadalcanal), Uepi Island, Munda, Gizo (New Georgia Province). The more remote, explorations are conducted by the Bilikiki Cruises liveaboards.

The climate is tropical, with average daytime temperatures of 26 - 33 degrees Celsius, down to 22 - 30 degrees Celsius at night. The south east trade winds blow from April to October. This time of the year is characterised by fine, dry weather. November to March is the "wet" season - the north west monsoon. These months are warmer, more humid and experience the occasional tropical cyclone.

During the Second World War the Solomon's became the key turning point in the desperate and bitter struggle by allied forces to repel the Japanese advancement in the South Pacific. Most of the fighting was concentrated in the Guadalcanal area with one of the most fierce encounters in naval history taking place on 13th November, 1942. The "Battle of Guadalcanal" cost the Japanese over 11 ships with many more boats and aircraft plummeting into the blue waters of Guadalcanal in the days surrounding this battle.

The area became known as "The Iron Bottom Sound" because of the number of wrecks and debris scattered on the ocean floor. The violent days have gone by, now the machines and relics of destruction form artificial reefs that attract masses of fish and an incredible variety of coral life. The Solomon's also boast some of the most spectacular coral diving in the world. The ocean is warm and clear, teaming with fish, large pelagics, and hard and soft corals of every colour. Dramatic outcrops, breath taking drop offs and imposing coral overhangs add to the underwater spectacle.