Sikaiana & Stewart Islands - Ontong Java & Stewart Islands (Far Northern Atolls)

50m Max

20-45m Vis

liveaboard

Site Overview

Sikaiana & Stewart Islands is one of the signature dive sites of Ontong Java & Stewart Islands (Far Northern Atolls) in the Solomon Islands. Sikaiana and Stewart are untouched coral walls in the far north, alive with big-eye trevally, dogtooth tuna and the possible appearance of whale sharks in the blue. The site reaches a maximum depth of about 50 m, with an average depth near 30 m, and its wall and drop-off topography is draped in rock and coral. Marine life is the headline attraction, with big-eye trevally, dogtooth tuna, grey reef shark, whale shark, great barracuda, soft coral regularly recorded here, drawn in by the strong currents and the rich Coral Triangle productivity of the region. Visibility typically ranges from 20 to 45 m, while water temperatures hold a consistent 27 to 30°C year-round, comfortable in a 3 to 5 mm wetsuit. Conditions suit advanced divers, and with the right guide the site delivers both the drama of its wall and drop-off and intimate encounters with the smaller residents. Local operators run regular trips from Liveaboard (Honiara staging), and the protected, low-tourism setting keeps coral cover dense and fish life abundant, making Sikaiana & Stewart Islands a genuine standout on any Solomon Islands itinerary. Divers who time their visit to the calm season will find the most predictable conditions, though the site rewards repeat visits across the year.

Dive Briefing

"The dive at Sikaiana & Stewart Islands begins with a thorough operator briefing covering the site layout, expected marine life and emergency procedures, followed by a controlled entry and a short transfer from Liveaboard (Honiara staging). Descending toward the wall and drop-off profile, divers are immediately surrounded by big-eye trevally, dogtooth tuna, grey reef shark, whale shark, great barracuda, soft coral, with the reef and structure revealing more detail the closer you look. The maximum depth reaches about 50 m while the average sits near 30 m, so a dive computer and disciplined gas planning keep the profile safe and comfortable. Currents are described as strong, and the guide chooses the entry time to make the most of slack or mild flow, using a reef hook or DSMB when needed. Neutral buoyancy protects the fragile coral and the group stays close to manage depth and any surge. The safety stop is completed in open water on a DSMB, and the boat follows the bubbles to collect divers at the exit point for a relaxed return to base. Sikaiana and Stewart are best dived from a liveaboard on a strong current, when the untouched coral walls ignite with big-eye trevally, dogtooth tuna and the possible appearance of whale sharks. A negative entry and reef hook manage the drift, and a calm-weather window gives the best light. Water stays 27 to 30°C, and a 5 mm wetsuit suits the depth. Ascend on a DSMB."