The Solomon Islands’ waters are among the richest underwater museums in the Pacific, easily earning their spot among the world’s 10 best wreck diving destinations. Dozens of ships, aircraft, and submarines from World War Two now rest on the seabed, draped in coral and teeming with marine life. Here’s our pick of the standout WWII wrecks Solomon Islands has to offer for your dive itinerary—plus everything you need to know to plan your trip.
USS Aaron Ward (Iron Bottom Sound, Guadalcanal)
A 106-metre Gleaves-class destroyer sunk in 1943, the Aaron Ward lies between 20m–70m. For a deeper look at this incredible site, read our full guide on exploring the WW2 destroyer USS Aaron Ward. A technical dive, the Aaron Ward has become an artificial reef, attracting diverse marine life and offering a poignant glimpse into naval history. Divers can observe the ship’s armaments, including its 5-inch guns still pointing skyward, and other features that testify to its final battle. Dive it with Emperor Divers Honiara or the Solomons Master.
USS John Penn (Guadalcanal)
Sunk in 1943 during World War Two, it rests on its starboard side in approximately 36m-56m of water and is a popular site for tech divers. Currents can sometimes be strong, so this is suitable only for experienced divers. Dive it with Emperor Divers Honiara.
Bonegi I -Hirokawa Maru (Guadalcanal)
Also known as Bonegi 1, it was a 6,860-ton 156-metrelong Japanese vessel that beached during the Battle of Guadalcanal and subsequently sank after being subjected to heavy bombing by the US Air Force. The wreck has become a reef hosting diverse corals, fish, and other marine organisms. Dive it with Emperor Divers Honiara.
Bonegi II -Kinugawa Maru (Guadalcanal)
Sister site to Bonegi I, the Kinugawa Maru lies scattered across the shallows and drops down to around 27m. It’s a favourite for photographers thanks to its easy access and prolific marine life. Dive it with Emperor Divers Honiara.
Kyushu Maru (Tulagi)
A Japanese transport ship that lies in Iron Bottom Sound, a stretch of water named for the numerous ships and aircraft sunk there. The wreck is encrusted with corals and sponges, attracting a diverse array of marine life, including schools of snappers, fusiliers, trevally, lionfish, nudibranchs, and anemonefish. Dive it with Emperor Bilikiki, Emperor Divers Honiara or Solomons Master.
I-1 Submarine (Guadalcanal)
This massive Japanese submarine was sunk in 1943 and lies in shallow water (10m–28m). Divers can still see torpedoes and the remains of her conning tower, making it a truly unique site. Dive it with Emperor Divers Honiara.
Toa Maru (Gizo)
One of the most famous wrecks in the Solomon Islands, this 130-metre Japanese transport ship sits between 7m–37m. Its intact superstructure, trucks, and bottles make it an underwater museum and one of the best dives in the Pacific. Dive it with Dive Gizo.
Azumasan Maru (Iron Bottom Sound, Guadalcanal)
Another tech dive, a freighter requisitioned by the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War Two, it was deliberately beached but still sank into Iron Bottom Sound. The wreck now lies upright on the seabed, with the bow at approximately 39m and the stern descending to nearly 90m. Dive it with Emperor Divers Honiara and Solomons Master Liveaboard.
Mavis Seaplane (Tulagi)
The Japanese Kawanishi H6K ‘Mavis’ flying boat was destroyed during air raids and now rests in about 10m of water. It’s easy to explore, making it an excellent wreck for divers of all levels. Dive it with Emperor Bilikiki, Emperor Divers Honiara or Solomons Master.
Talk to Diveplanit Travel’s experts to plan your dive trip to the Solomon Islands. Diveplanit.com Email: enquire@diveplanit.com Phone: AU: 1800 607 913 NZ: 0800 607 913
FAQs
Where are the best WWII wrecks in the Solomon Islands located?
Most of the premier WWII wrecks are located in Iron Bottom Sound off Guadalcanal, as well as near Tulagi and Gizo. These areas host a dense concentration of sunken destroyers, freighters, and aircraft.
Can beginners dive the WWII wrecks in the Solomon Islands?
Yes. While sites like the USS Aaron Ward are deep technical dives, others like the Bonegi II and the Mavis Seaplane are in shallow water (under 20m), making them accessible to Open Water divers.
What is “Iron Bottom Sound”?
Iron Bottom Sound is the name given to the stretch of water between Guadalcanal, Savo Island, and Florida Island. It earned this name because of the dozens of ships and planes that sank there during the Battle of Guadalcanal.
Do I need technical diving certification for Solomon Islands wrecks?
For specific wrecks like the USS John Penn or the Azumasan Maru, which sit at depths exceeding 40m, technical certification and experience are required. However, many famous wrecks are within recreational limits.
What can I expect to see on these wrecks besides history?
These wrecks have become vibrant artificial reefs. You can expect to see prolific hard and soft corals, schools of trevally and snapper, nudibranchs, and occasionally reef sharks or eagle rays passing by.
This article was originally published in Scuba Diver Magazine
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