Welkam...
An hour boat trip north of Honiara
in the Florida Group is the island of Tulagi, and home of
Solomon Islands Diving/Dive Tulagi. In the beautiful waters
around Tulagi some of the worlds best diving is to be found,
from pristine reefs to spectacular
WWII wrecks.
The “Twin Tunnels”, a short 10 minute trip away, is one of the best reef dives to be found anywhere on the globe. A coral platform rising from 70 meters to 12 meters at is top and approximately 120 meters in diameter, two natural tubes plunge down from the reef top to meet in a common cavern that then exits onto the reef wall. The tunnels are full of spectacular sea fans and fish of every hue. Leaving the cavern to the reef wall, you are met by a myriad of baitfish, which attract the large pelagic feeders - kingfish, tuna and shark. After watching this amazing spectacle, you return to the top of the reef, where a kaleidoscope of coral and reef fish, huge anemones, and more colour than you can imagine awaits.
Having whetted your appetite there are many more exciting reefs to explore, be sure to keep an eye to the blue as one of the most graceful creatures in the ocean, the giant Manta Ray, is often seen. The reef diving here will satisfy those who enjoy the serene, to those who enjoy the challenge of a swift water drift.
For the wreck enthusiast, Dive Tulagi has, a mere 1800 meters from its wharf, the first American Fleet Oil Tanker. The USS Kanawha is 476’ long, divable range between 40 and 60 meters. The Kanawha sits upright on the bottom and being an Army supply ship as well, it is full of history and places to explore.
A further 5km away, lies the
USS
Aaron Ward, the only divable US Navy Destroyer lost in action.
It sits upright in 70 meters of water. Descending down
the mooring line to the bridge at 49 meters, you will be
awestruck by her splendour. The 4 x 5”guns, 7 x 20mm cannons
and 2 x 40mm bofors are still pointing to the sky to fend off
the
Japanese air raid that was responsible for her demise, also
5 x 21” torpedoes still wait to be released from their tubes.
The wreck is festooned with corals and fish to make it a truly
memorable experience.
At the end of the day our divers relax and share the day’s experience at the Vanita Divers Lodge. The lodge has a fully licensed bar and the kitchen staff will ensure that the hungry diver is satisfied with our tasty Solomon style cooking. Having enjoyed a good meal and company the weary diver can retire to a comfortable bed and dream of the adventures of the morrow.
Solomon Islands Diving/Dive Tulagi has a well equipped dive shop, our highly trained and professional staff will ensure that your every need is met, ensuring you the holiday of a lifetime.
For bookings and further
information, contact Neil Yates on:
Telephone: +677 32131/32186
Email: tulagidive@solomon.com.sb