Things to Do in Iron Bottom Sound, Solomon Islands

Iron Bottom Sound is a legendary stretch of water between Guadalcanal, Savo Island, and Florida Island in the Solomon Islands, named for the numerous warships that rest on its seabed from World War II battles. This historically significant waterway serves as both a sobering war memorial and one of the world's premier wreck diving destinations, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore underwater museums of military history while surrounded by the natural beauty of the tropical Solomon Islands. Today, Iron Bottom Sound attracts history enthusiasts, wreck divers, and cultural travelers seeking to understand one of the Pacific War's most pivotal theaters. The area combines world-class diving experiences with rich Melanesian culture, stunning tropical landscapes, and the chance to pay respects to the thousands of sailors and soldiers who fought in these waters between 1942-1943. Visitors can explore not only the underwater wrecks but also land-based historical sites, local villages, and the vibrant marine ecosystems that have flourished around these artificial reefs.

Top Things to Do in Iron Bottom Sound

World War II Wreck Diving

Explore the underwater graveyard of Iron Bottom Sound, where over 50 warships and aircraft rest on the seabed from the fierce naval battles of 1942-1943. Advanced divers can visit iconic wrecks like the USS Atlanta and Japanese destroyers, while intermediate divers can explore shallower aircraft wrecks and smaller vessels that have become thriving artificial reefs.

Booking Tip: Book with established dive operators like Dive Tulagi or Bilikiki Cruises, expect to pay $150-300 per day for guided wreck dives. Best visibility is April-October, and Advanced Open Water certification is recommended for deeper wrecks at 30-60 meters.

Guadalcanal Historical Tours

Visit significant World War II battlefields and memorials on Guadalcanal Island, including Henderson Field, the Guadalcanal American Memorial, and Japanese war relics scattered throughout the jungle. These guided tours provide crucial historical context for understanding the strategic importance of Iron Bottom Sound and the battles that created this underwater museum.

Booking Tip: Book full-day tours through Honiara-based operators for $80-120 per person including transport and guide. Tours run year-round but are more comfortable during dry season (April-October), and include visits to multiple historical sites.

Savo Island Cultural Experience

Visit the active volcanic island of Savo to experience traditional Melanesian culture, including custom villages, traditional fishing methods, and local crafts. The island offers hot springs, megapode bird sanctuaries, and the opportunity to learn about how local communities lived through and remember the wartime period.

Booking Tip: Arrange village visits through local operators or your accommodation for $50-80 per person including boat transport and village fees. Best to visit during dry season, and always bring small gifts for the community as a sign of respect.

Snorkeling Over Shallow Wrecks

For non-divers or those preferring shallow water exploration, several aircraft wrecks and smaller vessels lie in 3-15 meters of water, perfect for snorkeling. These sites offer glimpses of wartime history while showcasing the incredible marine life that has colonized these artificial reefs over the past 80 years.

Booking Tip: Join half-day snorkeling trips for $40-70 per person including equipment and boat transport. Best conditions are morning trips during calm weather (April-October), and most operators provide basic instruction for beginners.

Tulagi Island Historical Walk

Explore the former British colonial capital of Tulagi, which was heavily fortified by Japanese forces and later recaptured by Allied forces. The small island features war relics, caves used as shelters during bombing raids, and remnants of both Japanese and Allied installations, all within walking distance of each other.

Booking Tip: Arrange day trips from Honiara for $60-100 including boat transport and local guide. The island walk takes 3-4 hours and requires moderate fitness due to hilly terrain, best visited during cooler morning hours.

Getting There

Iron Bottom Sound is accessed primarily through Honiara, the capital of Solomon Islands on Guadalcanal Island. International flights arrive at Henderson Field (Honiara Airport) via Brisbane, Port Moresby, or Fiji with Solomon Airlines or Virgin Australia. From Honiara, dive operators and tour companies provide boat transfers to various sites around Iron Bottom Sound, typically taking 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the specific wreck or island destination. Some visitors also arrive via liveaboard dive boats that service the region from Australia or other Pacific destinations.

Getting Around

Transportation around Iron Bottom Sound is primarily by boat, with local operators providing transfers to dive sites, islands, and historical locations. In Honiara, taxis and rental cars are available for visiting land-based historical sites on Guadalcanal. Inter-island travel to places like Savo Island or Tulagi requires chartered boats or scheduled local services. Most dive operators and tour companies include transportation in their packages, and it's recommended to arrange transfers through established operators rather than attempting independent boat travel due to safety considerations and local knowledge requirements.

Where to Stay

Honiara City Center

Point Cruz Honiara

Mendana Avenue Honiara

Tulagi Island

Savo Island Villages

Guadalcanal Coastal Resorts

Food & Dining

The dining scene around Iron Bottom Sound centers on Honiara, where you'll find a mix of international cuisine and local Solomon Islands specialties. Fresh seafood is abundant, with tuna, mahi-mahi, and tropical fish prepared in traditional earth ovens or modern island-style cooking. Local markets offer tropical fruits, root vegetables, and the chance to try traditional foods like cassava, taro, and sago. Many dive operators and tour companies include meals in their packages, often featuring fresh-caught fish and local produce. Restaurant options in Honiara range from casual local eateries serving fish and rice dishes to hotel restaurants offering international menus, with most meals costing $15-40 per person.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Iron Bottom Sound is during the dry season from April to October, when seas are calmer, visibility for diving is at its best (often 20-40 meters), and rainfall is minimal. This period offers the most comfortable conditions for boat travel between dive sites and islands, with less chance of weather-related cancellations. The wet season from November to March brings higher rainfall, rougher seas, and reduced underwater visibility, though water temperatures remain warm year-round (26-29°C). Hurricane season occasionally affects the region between November and April, so the dry season is strongly recommended for diving and historical tours.

Insider Tips

Book wreck diving well in advance as there are limited operators and high demand from international divers seeking these world-famous sites

Bring reef-safe sunscreen and respect the historical nature of wreck sites - no artifact removal is allowed and these are considered war graves

Learn basic historical context before visiting to fully appreciate the significance of the sites, and consider hiring local guides who often have family connections to wartime events

Things to Do in Iron Bottom Sound