Discover the Wrecks in Iron Bottom Sound

Overview

The Solomon Islands were the scene of some of the fiercest WWII battles in the South Pacific. Names such as Bloody Ridge, Red Beach, Skyline Ridge, and Henderson Field remain to mark the brutal combat areas.

The Battle of Guadalcanal, codenamed Operation Watchtower, was a significant strategic Allied victory in the Pacific theater. Along with the Battle of Midway, it has been called a turning point in the South Pacific war against Japan.

Where will we be diving?

The numerous WWII wrecks are in various conditions. Some remain fully intact, while others are in pieces or completely blown apart due to damage suffered in battle.

The 10-day itinerary aboard Master Liveaboards “Solomons Master” includes dives to US and Japanese shipwrecks and airplanes that range in depth from 10-280′ / 3-85 meters, with the majority being in the 115-200′ / 35-60 meter range. A minimum certification level of IANTD Technical EANx or Normoxic Trimix, or equivalent, is required. It is preferable to have deep wreck experience and a wreck penetration certification. Diving on many of the deeper wrecks is weather-dependent. Village visits or land-based excursions may be offered on selected days.

Due to the dive depths on this itinerary, we will usually schedule a maximum of 2 dives per day, although a 3 dive may be offered if the first two dives do not exceed 45 meters. The Cruise Director will determine the schedule for each day, and it will depend on the depths and traveling distance between locations.

11 days/10nights/9days of diving, accommodations based on double occupancy, meals and non-alcoholic beverages while on vessel, transfers from the staging hotel in Honiara.

Trip packet and gift, professional dive leader, logistics planning.   

Is there Technical Diving offered?

Yes, this is a technical dive excursion. A minimum certification level of IANTD Technical EANx or Normoxic Trimix, or equivalent, is required. It is preferable to have deep wreck experience and a wreck penetration certification.

May I dive my rebreather?

Absolutely!

What is not included?

Airfare, airport tax, local taxes and port fees which must be paid for in advance (estimated at about $300 USD), bottom gasses, fuel surcharge, hotels in transit, tips for local dive staff, sorb, diving equipment other than cylinders and weights, rebreather cylinder rentals, mixed gasses, decompression gasses, meals and drinks in transit, extras listed above and shopping.

Tips are in cash, all other vessel expenses can be paid by credit card subject to an admin fee of 3%. 

Sofnolime and rebreather gas must be ordered 4 months in advance. 

Are there other things to do?

There are a number of land tours available before and after you time on the boat. Ask your trip leader to help arrange things.

Are there other things I need to know?

• Local taxes and port fees must be paid in advance and are added to your final payment. (Estimated $250 USD)
• A minimum certification level of IANTD Technical EANx or Normoxic Trimix, or equivalent, is required. It is preferable to have deep wreck experience and a wreck penetration certification.
• Fit to Dive: all guests must complete a fit to dive form www.masterliveaboards.com/forms
• COVID 19 Vaccination: At this time there is not a vaccine requirement but there may be in the future.
• Air Schedules: air schedules have not been published but we will need a contract to get everyone to Honiara to meet the vessel.

Please see the Terms & Conditions page for a listing of our travel policies. All prices are subject to change until booked and ticketed. All moneys are due in full on deposit even if not paid in full and some penalties may ably for cancellations based on the operators policies and group penalties.  As with most small island properties and vessels, cancellations are more of an issue so they have limited ability to fill unused spaces.  We highly recommend trip insurance to help avoid any unnecessary problems.  No refunds for missed flights or changes in plans. Trip insurance and diving insurance can be found at http://oceanicventures.com/travel-insurance/.  Both Dive Assure/DAN and Travel Guard have a family plan.  Diving Accident and Medical Insurance is required. Vessel and OVI travel releases are required.  Please plan to bring a copy of your logbook, c-card, and diving insurance.  

Passport must have a minimum of 6 months validity prior to passport expiration.  No refunds for missed flights or boats.

Note: All guests spaces are reserved upon deposit.  But unless a minimum number of guest sign up for the trip by the deadline dates, an Oceanic Ventures trip leader will not be attending.