The WWII Wreck Week itinerary takes divers on a journey to explore some of the many wrecks from the WWII Solomon Islands Campaign, scattered around the Florida and Russell Islands. Divers will also experience iconic dive sites such as Leru Cut and Mirror Pond.
Renowned for its thriving marine life, the Solomon Islands were the site of intense battles during the Pacific War, beginning with the Japanese invasion of Guadalcanal in 1942 and the subsequent Battle of Guadalcanal, codenamed Operation Watchtower.
This 7-night liveaboard adventure aboard Solomons Master offers a unique opportunity to dive into history while exploring the captivating wrecks and vibrant underwater landscapes of the region.
Solomons Master's WWII Wreck Week itinerary offers divers the opportunity to explore some of the more accessible wrecks within recreational depth limits around the Florida Islands and Guadalcanal. The wrecks are in various conditions; some remain almost completely intact, while others are in pieces or completely blown apart due to damage sustained in battle or by salvaging.
However, it's not all about wrecks. There are some fantastic caverns, walls, cuts and pinnacle dives included in this itinerary, as well as land visits to experience some of the Solomon Islands' culture and rich history.
The following is a sample of the dive sites that may be visited during the liveaboard adventure. Please note that the inclusion of specific sites is not guaranteed, and alternative locations will be offered if any site is inaccessible.
Russell Islands:
White Beach: Located off Mbanika Island, White Beach was a key U.S. military base during WWII. The area has become an artificial reef with wrecks like trucks, jeeps, and bulldozers, hosting an array of marine life including pygmy seahorses, ornate ghost pipefish, and nudibranchs.
Wreck of the Ann: A freighter intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef, now home to groupers, blennies, puffers, and soft corals. The wreck offers vibrant photo opportunities.
Karumolun Point: A steep wall and deep peninsula attract pelagic species such as reef sharks, trevallies, and barracuda. The area also features nesting titan triggerfish and macro critters.
Leru Island - Leru Cut: A 100-metre chasm through Leru Island with stunning photography opportunities as light filters through the walls above and below the surface. The surrounding wall is teeming with fish life.
Mane Island - Mirror Pond: An underwater cave surrounded by mangroves, accessed through interconnecting caverns. The exit leads to a steep coral wall with depths reaching 50+ metres.
Pavuvu Island - Kastom Caves: Volcanic caverns with sunbeams streaming through fissures. Inside, divers can spot lobsters, eels, and occasionally eagle rays.
Florida Islands:
Tulagi Island & Harbour: Tulagi is home to several wrecks, including Japanese and American planes and ships. Divers will explore seaplanes and various WWII relics while also touring the town’s battlegrounds, caves, and bunkers.
RNZN Moa: A New Zealand Navy minesweeper sunk during an airstrike, now resting at 41 metres. Key areas to explore include the propeller, rudders, and 4” gun.
Tulagi Base 1: Known as 'The Garbage Patch,' this site is filled with WWII debris, including a bow section of the USS Minneapolis, landing barges, and torpedoes.
Catalina Airplane: A PBY-5A US seaplane wreck from 1943, with the cockpit and engines still visible at 34 metres.
USS Kanawha: A fleet oiler sunk in 1943 at a depth of 60 metres. Key features include open hatches, gun mounts, and the forward mast.
Soghonangola Island - Twin Tunnels: A seamount with lava tubes and dramatic walls, home to pelagic fish like dog tooth tuna and barracuda.
Ghavutu Island: A former Japanese seaplane base, home to the wrecks of several seaplanes, including the Kawanishi H6K Mavis. The area also features a variety of WWII detritus, including aircraft parts and landing barges.
Guadalcanal:
Bonegi I, II, III: Three Japanese wrecks located near Honiara. These vessels were bombed and beached during the Guadalcanal Campaign and offer varied depths and levels of penetration.
B17E 'Flying Fortress': The wreck of 'Bessy the Jap Basher' sits in 10-18 metres, with the cockpit and wings still intact.
Submarine I-1: A Japanese submarine wreck with well-preserved sections, including dive planes and the stern, located at depths of 3-28 metres.