Join Backscatter’s Becca Boring with seasoned wreck diver and underwater photographer Mike Boring on a WWII technical shipwreck photo expedition to “Iron Bottom Sound” in the Solomon Islands.
The Solomon Islands were the scene of some of the fiercest WWII battles in the Pacific. The highest concentration of shipwrecks are between Guadalcanal and Florida Islands, known as the Iron Bottom Sound.
The 10-day itinerary aboard Master Liveaboards “Solomons Master” includes dives to US and Japanese shipwrecks and airplanes that range in depth from 10-280′ / 3-85 meters, with the majority being in the 115-200′ / 35-60 meter range. A minimum certification level of TDI Extended Range with TRIMIX (60 meters +), or equivalent, with deep wreck experience is required. Diving on many of the deeper wrecks is weather-dependent. Village visits or land-based excursions may be offered on selected days.
Due to the important strategic location close to Australia, the Japanese invaded Guadalcanal in 1942. In reaction, the Allied Forces launched Operation Guadalcanal, better known as the Guadalcanal Campaign, and continued to fight until the Japanese finally withdrew from the islands in 1943.
The Battle of Guadalcanal, codenamed Operation Watchtower, was a significant strategic Allied victory in the Pacific theater. Along with the Battle of Midway, it has been called a turning point in the South Pacific war against Japan.
The numerous WWII wrecks are in various conditions. Some remain fully intact, while others are in pieces or completely blown apart due to damage suffered in battle.
While we attempt to ensure the number of dives we have scheduled is fulfilled, weather conditions and other factors can affect where the boat goes and which dives are possible on a daily basis.
Please note that Divers Alert Network (DAN) or equivalent evacuation insurance is mandatory on all trips. Additionally, comprehensive Cancellation, Accident, Medical and Baggage insurance such as Dive Assure, Generali Global Assistance or Travel Guard is highly recommended.
The Solomon Islands were the scene of some of the fiercest WWII battles in the Pacific. The highest concentration of shipwrecks are between Guadalcanal and Florida Islands, known as the Iron Bottom Sound.
The 10-day itinerary aboard Master Liveaboards “Solomons Master” includes dives to US and Japanese shipwrecks and airplanes that range in depth from 10-280′ / 3-85 meters, with the majority being in the 115-200′ / 35-60 meter range. A minimum certification level of TDI Extended Range with TRIMIX (60 meters +), or equivalent, with deep wreck experience is required. Diving on many of the deeper wrecks is weather-dependent. Village visits or land-based excursions may be offered on selected days.
WWII History
The Solomon Islands were the scene of some of the fiercest WWII battles in the South Pacific. Names such as Bloody Ridge, Red Beach, Skyline Ridge, and Henderson Field remain to mark the brutal combat areas.
Due to the important strategic location close to Australia, the Japanese invaded Guadalcanal in 1942. In reaction, the Allied Forces launched Operation Guadalcanal, better known as the Guadalcanal Campaign, and continued to fight until the Japanese finally withdrew from the islands in 1943.
The Battle of Guadalcanal, codenamed Operation Watchtower, was a significant strategic Allied victory in the Pacific theater. Along with the Battle of Midway, it has been called a turning point in the South Pacific war against Japan.
The numerous WWII wrecks are in various conditions. Some remain fully intact, while others are in pieces or completely blown apart due to damage suffered in battle.
Itinerary Details
Due to the dive depths on this itinerary, we will usually schedule a maximum of 2 dives per day, although a 3 dive may be offered if the first two dives do not exceed 45 meters. The Cruise Director will determine the schedule for each day, and it will depend on the depths and traveling distance between locations.
While we attempt to ensure the number of dives we have scheduled is fulfilled, weather conditions and other factors can affect where the boat goes and which dives are possible on a daily basis.
The following is an example of the day-to-day itinerary.
- Day 1: Embarkation from Coral Sea Resort at 18:00, followed by introductions, boat and safety briefings, and dinner. There is no diving on embarkation day.
- Days 2-9: Your Cruise Director will schedule 2 to 3 dives per day, depending on the sites and depths being explored. Village visits or land-based excursions may be offered on selected days.
- Day 10: For your last full day on board, we will schedule a maximum of 2 dives to allow plenty of time for off-gassing before your flight home*.
- *We kindly ask guests to take note of their flight departure time to ensure they allow at least 24 hours between their last dive and flying.
- Day 11: Following breakfast on board, disembarkation is scheduled for 09:00.
Meals provided before, between, and after dives include:
- Light Breakfast
- Full Breakfast
- Lunch
- Afternoon snack
- Dinner
- Complimentary soft drinks, tea, coffee, and water are available throughout the day.
Pricing:
- $6350 per person in a Classic Cabin
- $6,850 per person in a Premium or Superior Cabin
Standard Package Includes:
- 10 nights aboard the Solomon Master
- All meals & beverages
- Diving
- Airport transfers
Additional Costs:
- Airfare to Honiara (HIR)
- Nitrox
- Alcohol
- Marine Park & Port Fee $250
- Trip Insurance
- Crew tip
Travel Info:
- September 15: Arrive in Honiara (HIR) and board at 18:00
- September 25: Disembark at 09:00 and transfer to the airport
Please note that Divers Alert Network (DAN) or equivalent evacuation insurance is mandatory on all trips. Additionally, comprehensive Cancellation, Accident, Medical and Baggage insurance such as Dive Assure, Generali Global Assistance or Travel Guard is highly recommended.
Raised on wreck diving and photography Becca Boring has been the Operations Manager of Backscatter Underwater Video & Photo since 2013. She is passionate about documenting and helping others capture the beauty of the underwater world and has a particular fondness for shooting shipwrecks.
Mike Boring’s fascination with shipwrecks began with his first wreck dive off the New Jersey coast in 1971. He has since explored and photographed shipwrecks from the warm waters of the Pacific to the frigid waters of the Arctic Circle. In 1985 Mike was a member of the dive team that recovered the ship’s bell from the Italian luxury liner Andrea Doria. While living in Europe Mike participated in numerous expeditions including Jutland, Scapa Flow, Norway, France, and United Kingdom. In 2003 he organized and led a team of international divers to Poland to dive the deadliest shipwreck in history, the German passenger liner Wilhelm Gustloff. Mike’s articles and photographs have appeared in Wreck Diver Magazine, Skin Diver Magazine, and Underwater USA.