GOSH – Solomon Islands Edition – Ladies Only
Go diving in the Solomon Islands during this – women only – dive vacation, with emphasis on Marine Education, including Fish ID (CIP) lvl 3 possible!
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Marine Education, Fish ID & Women Only
Welcome to our first of a diving trip to the Solomon Islands, exclusively for women and curated by Carmen Toanchina and Rianne Poesse.
For 11 days and 10 nights, we will stay on the Solomons Master, a comfortable liveaboard ship from Master Liveaboards. The route the liveaboard sails? Best of the Solomons, and nothing too much is said about that!
Diving in the Solomon Islands is a true voyage of discovery with a wide variety of underwater landscapes. During this trip, we will make as many as 34 dives and two exciting land excursions are also scheduled, so you will not only explore the beautiful underwater world, but also experience the culture and nature of the islands.
Are you going on this trip?
Then you will also receive a GOSH goodie bag that includes a REEF starter kit (for the fish Id surveys) as well as a GOSH Mask Strap.
This trip is perfect for women who want to enjoy themselves with like-minded diving enthusiasts. The atmosphere of this trip, free of men, creates a unique dynamic where sociability and adventure go hand in hand.
It is possible to expand this trip even further in consultation to include a wonderful stay in Bali or Fiji!
Best travel time for a diving vacation to the Solomon Islands
In brief:
- Group trip exclusively for women
- Marine Education presentations
- Opportunity to obtain FISH ID level 3 – CIP*.
- Instagram Reels Workshop
Average Temperatures
Wetsuit advice for the Solomon Islands
Year-round diving here is fine in a 3mm, if you get cold easily you can consider a 5mm for the summer months.
Tour guide:
Carmen, with her extensive knowledge as a former Cruise Director in this region, shares her passion for the marine life of the Solomon Islands. She offers engaging presentations and, for those interested, there is even the opportunity to take Level 3 of Fish ID CIP. Curious about what that means? We would be happy to tell you more about it in a personal conversation!
Rianne Poesse, co-owner of EWDR, is also adding a creative element with a workshop on making Instagram and TikTok reels.
What will you experience on this diving vacation?
View itinerary here
Day 1 | Arrival at the Solomon Islands
Today you arrive in the Solomon Islands. After a flight from Brisbane or Nadi (Fiji), you will arrive in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands. We meet at the Coral Sea Resort, where we get acquainted. At 6 p.m. we will be picked up by the crew to board the liveaboard. Here we receive a briefing, install ourselves in our cabins and enjoy our first dinner on board. Late in the evening, the boat sets sail for the Russel Islands.
Attention! The route description below is a sample intinerary. Depending on, among other things, weather conditions of there are deviations from the daily program.
Day 2 | Russel Islands
Arriving in the Russell Islands, we start our first check-out dive at an impressive underwater WW2 base(White Beach). Here we discover an abundance of marine life such as archerfish, ornate ghost pipefish and sometimes hard to spot red-eyed gobies. Colorful nudibranchs, possibly squid and octopus, lurk among the WW2 tanks, pontoons and hundreds of munitions. We also make the second dive at White Beach, but in a different section.
After White Beach, we sail on to Rainbow Reef – a colorful and vibrant marine mont with healthy reefs where schools of milkfish, barracuda and rainbow runners congregate.
The last day of diving we dive at Karamulon Reef – a twilight dive on this reef offers one of the most enchanting scenes, especially when mating behavior occurs.
Day 3 | Russel Islands Continues
We will stay with the Russell Islands for a while, starting this morning with two of the most stunning dive sites. Mirror Pond is known for its crystal clear waters and passageways sometimes inhabited by a saltwater crocodile. Next, we explore Leru Cut, an iconic dive site in the Solomon Islands. After these unforgettable experiences, we continue to Custom Cave for an in-depth exploration. In the evening, a special dive awaits us at NE Mane, where we may witness enchanting mating behavior in the underwater world of Karamulon Reef. This promises to be another day of breathtaking discoveries in this beautiful archipelago.
Day 4 | Mary Island
In favorable weather, we sail to remote Mary Island, known for its huge schools of jacks and barracudas, and sightings of Manta Rays and Hammerheads. The dive sites Mary’s Bommies have rich fish life, where we may see the shy Fire Emperor.
Dive 1: Jack Point – Impressive schools of jacks.
Dive 2: Barracuda Point – Large groups of barracudas.
Dives 3 & 4: Mary’s Bommies – Rich fish life and colorful coral formations, with a chance of seeing the Fire Emperor.
Day 5 | Morovo Lagoon
Today we explore Morovo Lagoon, the largest saltwater lagoon in the world. We begin by diving at a spot near an underwater volcano, where we can hear the rumbling of the volcano, despite it being 26 miles away.
Dive 1: Kitcha – Rich biodiversity.
Dive 2: Kavachi Sea Fans – Beautiful sea fans.
Dive 3: Male Male – Magic – Magical underwater landscape.
After diving, we visit Peava Village, where we visit a small school and a market with wooden sculptures. Don’t forget to bring cash and school supplies to support the school. We’d love to tell you more about our Pack for a purpose initiative.
Dive 4: Where we anchor – Possible twilight dive.
Day 6 | Mbulo Island
Today we move the boat to the beautiful heart-shaped island, Mbulo Island (Mbulo means heart). This island offers three different dives with unique topography and one of the most amazing underwater cathedrals, where light penetrates from different angles, creating a magical cathedral feel. Here we also see beautiful giant clams, healthy coral gardens and the paddlefin cardinalfish (Carmen’s favorite). These dive sites continue to fascinate, time after time.
Dive 1: Toana – Diverse topography.
Dive 2: Cathedral – Magical light.
Dive 3: Coral Gardens – Beautiful coral gardens.
Dive 4: Coral Garden ND – Night dive.
Day 7 | Russel Islands
We sail overnight to the Russel Islands and begin the day at a dive site that sometimes has a lot of current, which means more fish, possible sharks and eagle rays.
Dive 1: Karamulon Point – Exciting dive with strong current.
After the first dive, we will visit the islanders of Karamulon, who will perform a beautiful traditional dance for us, displaying their artistic dancing and singing skills.
Dive 2: Bat Cave – Explore a mysterious underwater cave.
Dive 3: Wreck of the Anne – Dive to a fascinating shipwreck.
The night dive at White Beach offers something special: the rare Pocket Lampfish. This fish is visible only if you turn off your flashlight to see its bioluminescent organ glowing under its eye. Hopefully they are waiting for us.
Dive 4: White Beach ND – Magical night dive with a chance of seeing the Pocket Lampfish.
Day 8 | Florida Islands
On our return trip, we stop at the Florida Islands. We start the day with a swim at Baby Cakes and spend the afternoon at Maravaghi Bay.
Dive 1: Baby Cakes – Start the day with this beautiful dive site.
In Maravaghi Bay we can choose a relaxing dive under the boat, with a chance of seeing the saddleback anemonefish and the true clownfish, or an exciting current dive on Devil’s Highway, depending on the moon phase and currents, with a chance of seeing manta rays.
Dives 2 and 3: Maravaghi Bay/Devil’s Highway – Relaxed dive or exciting drift dive with manta rays.
The last dive of the day is at Tanavula Point, where we can spot a wide variety of nudibranchs. Again, keep your eyes open for any mantas.
Dive 4: Tanavula Point – Dive with a chance of seeing various nudibranchs and other marine life.
Day 9 | Wreck diving in the Florida Islands
Now that we are in the Florida Islands, the World War II wreck capital of the Solomon Islands, we cannot miss the opportunity to dive a few wrecks.
Dive 1: Twin Tunnels – We begin with a volcanic reef dive, where two identical lava tubes are formed. These offer beautiful underwater scenery and a wide variety of fish species, including almost all species of anemonefish (except the saddleback and true clownfish). We also keep an eye out for the rare black-striped emperor fish and larger fish such as marlins or sharks.
Dive 2: Catalina Plane Wreck – We dive to the wreck of a Catalina plane, a dive into World War II history.
Dive 3: Mavis Plane Wreck / Reef – Our third dive is to the Mavis Plane Wreck or a nearby reef, depending on preference and conditions.
Dive 4: Ghavutu Wharf – We end the day at Ghavutu Wharf, a site rich in history and marine life.
Day 10 | Wrecks at Honiara
The last day of diving is always sad, but we ended our trip by visiting two amazing shipwrecks close to Honiara. After years underwater, these wrecks have become beautiful hotspots full of life. The number of marine animals here is unimaginable, from the most beautiful nudibranchs to colorful fish that call these wrecks home.
Carmen always greatly enjoyed diving on these two magnificent wrecks and counting all the species of fish she could find here. We aim for a “century dive,” trying to record more than 100 species on one dive.
Dive 1: Boneghi 1 – First dive at a beautiful, richly vegetated wreck.
Dive 2: Boneghi 2 – Second dive at another impressive wreck, ending our unforgettable trip.
Day 11 | End of the first GOSH - ladies only - liveaboard trip
Unfortunately, this fantastic trip to the Solomon Islands really comes to an end today. After breakfast, you will leave the ship and board the plane in Honiara.
Where you’re flying to? That’s up to you… In any case, Rianne is considering a short stopover in Brisbane of 1 or 2 days and then wants to add a week of Bali to the trip. You are welcome to join! Fiji is also a very good option as an extension since there is a direct flight Honiara – Nadi (capital of Fiji). Ideal if you want to dive with sharks at Beqa Lagoon, for example.
Of course, it is also possible to go home. After 34 dives in the Solomon Islands, you must be tired (but fulfilled)….
The liveaboard
The ship and cabins
Solomons Master
The Solomons Master (formerly Truk Master) offers eight double cabins, accommodating up to 16 guests, with a choice of classic, premium or superior cabins. Each cabin has a private bathroom and individually controlled air conditioning.
The spacious dive deck has individual set-up stations, storage space and a platform with deco-bar. The boat is fully equipped for recreational, technical and rebreather divers.
The main deck has a spacious dining room and a camera station with charging stations and storage. After a day of diving, relax in the lounge and bar with a plasma TV, or enjoy the shaded relaxation area and large sundeck with stunning views.
There are a total of 4 different cabins:
Classic Twin Cabin – US$ 6.479 | 2 spots left
Located on the lower deck, this cabin offers a private bathroom and individually controlled air conditioning, with two single beds for up to 2 guests. Includes bathrobes and extra towels.
Premium Twin Cabin – SOLD OUT
Located on the main deck, this cabin offers a private bathroom and individually controlled air conditioning, with two single beds for up to 2 guests. Includes bathrobes and extra towels.
Premium Twin/Double Cabin – SOLD OUT
Located on the main deck, this cabin offers a flexible layout with two single beds or one double bed, private bathroom and air conditioning. Includes bathrobes and extra towels.
Superior Double Cabin – SOLD OUT
Located on the upper deck, this spacious cabin offers a double bed, private bathroom, air conditioning and beautiful views. Includes bathrobes and extra towels.
REEF FISH ID
Learn more about REEF Fish ID
Level 3 - CIP (Central-Indo-Pacific).
During this trip you will have the opportunity, under Carmen’s guidance, to obtain Level 3 of the Central Indo-Pacific (CIP) area within the REEF Volunteer Fish Survey Project (VFSP). This project, facilitated by the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF), focuses on protecting marine life through education, service and research. Since its launch in 1993, this citizen science program has built one of the largest marine databases in the world.
What does Level 3 entail?
Level 3, also known as Advanced Surveyor, is the highest experience still in the Novice data category. To achieve Level 3, you must:
- Pass the Level 3 test with a score of 80% or higher.
- 25 conduct and submit surveys.
Levels of experience within REEF
There are five experience levels for fishwatchers within REEF, ranging from Beginner (Level 1) to Expert Surveyor (Level 5). Each level requires a combination of exam results and the number of surveys completed.
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to not only learn a huge amount about the different species of fish but also to contribute to marine conservation and take your REEF certification to the next level!
Travel costs
What is included
This diving vacation to the Solomon Islands is available from US$ 6.479 per person based on two people in one room. For exact cabin prices, see the liveaboard description.
The diving trip can be expanded as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package.
Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
Want to know more about this diving vacation? Get in touch with us! We are happy to schedule a call through Zoom!
Included in this diving trip, from US$ 6.479 p.p.
- 10 Nights in a Classic Twin
- Accommodation on full board basis
- Return transfers Honiara Airport - Coral Sea Resort - Liveaboard
- Dive package consisting of approximately 34 dives
Excluding
- VZR, Calamity Fund & Administrative Costs ±US$ 44
- Flight to Honiara, usually via Brisbane ±US$ 1.332
- Marine Park & Port Fees (±US$ 255)
✈︎ The quoted (international) flight prices are indicative prices and based on departures from Europe.
However, we can arrange flights from any location worldwide.
Booking your own flights is of course also possible.
Optional
- Full equipment set* ±US$ 413
- Dive computer** ±US$ 110
- Nitrox ±US$ 229
- WiFi ±US$ 85
*Full equipment set includes wetsuit, BCD, regulators, mask, fins, boots and snorkel only.
**Please note that all divers are required to dive with a computer.
All equipment must be pre-booked to ensure availability and correct sizes, etc. are on board.
Email this diving vacation
Want to save or share the details of this diving trip with someone? You can do so by sending the trip by email.
Where may we send the email to?
We are EWDR
