Diving Temotu & the Reef Islands

About Temotu & Reef Islands (Easternmost Remote)

The Temotu Province and the Reef Islands form the far eastern extremity of the Solomon Islands, a remote frontier reached only by long liveaboard voyages from the central provinces. Temotu is world-famous among historians for Vanikoro, where in 1788 the expeditions of La Pérouse ended in wreckage that still litters the reefs in 5 to 20 m of water. The Reef Islands are pristine outer atolls with grey reef and whitetip sharks, manta rays and extraordinary coral cover. Very few divers ever make it this far, which preserves a sense of true exploration and some of the healthiest reefs in the country. For divers who want history, remoteness and untouched coral in one expedition, Temotu and the Reef Islands are the ultimate Solomon Islands adventure.

Highlights

• ✓Vanikoro Island: the 1788 wreck site of La Pérouse's ships, with anchors, cannons and ballast in shallow water.
• ✓Reef Islands: pristine atolls with grey reef and whitetip sharks, mantas and incredible coral cover.
• ✓Reached only by long expedition liveaboard from the central provinces.
• ✓Among the healthiest, least-dived reefs in the country.

Getting There

Temotu and the Reef Islands are accessed by extended liveaboard itineraries departing from Honiara, Gizo or Munda, often combined with other remote provinces. There is no practical independent tourism, and the long open-ocean crossings dictate a multi-week expedition with an experienced operator.