Join Dirty Dozen Expeditions on our return to explore the world-famous wrecks of the Solomon Islands on board the Solomons Master.

The Solomon Islands offer a range of technical and recreational wreck opportunities, along with fascinating underwater topography and impressive marine life. It is a minimum prerequisite that you are an OC Extended Range or a CCR Mixed Gas diver, so that you can fully enjoy these spectacular wrecks.

PLEASE NOTE THAT GUESTS WISHING TO PENETRATE BEYOND THE LIGHTZONE WILL NEED TO PROVIDE EVIDENCE OF AN ADVANCED OVERHEAD CERTIFICATION (FULL CAVE OR TECHNICAL/ADVANCED WRECK)

The Solomons comprise 992 islands, less than 50% of which are inhabited. Situated within the Coral Triangle to the northeast of Australia and southeast of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands are one of the last frontiers; untouched, peaceful, and beautiful. Due to its remote location, the country offers some of the most pristine dive sites in the world, filled with innumerable unspoiled hard and soft corals.

The Solomon Islands have basic facilities with poor infrastructure, which makes operating an expedition about as tough as it can get. But, as you will soon find out, diving the Iron Bottom Sound more than makes up for the logistical hardships we might have to endure to get there.

Diving

Solomons Master will offer guided and unguided dives during this trip on a variety of wrecks and reefs. The dive guides in the Solomons are just that, guides and not instructors or technical diving gurus.

You are responsible for your own safety and dive planning at all times. There are lots of opportunities to penetrate the wrecks. Some of these penetrations are relatively easy and straightforward, others are quite advanced. Dive guides on Solomons Master do not run lines on any guided dive. If you want to run your own lines into the wreck, then this is, of course, possible, but not on a guided dive. The captain, cruise director, and expedition leader will explain the best course of action on each wreck for penetration.

Solo diving is permitted on the outside of the wrecks only.

Environment

Diving conditions in Solomon Islands are excellent. Solomon Islands offers relatively easy diving and is ideal to visit throughout the year in terms of environmental conditions. The water is a warm and consistent 28-29°C/82-85°F, whether you are at 6m/20ft or 60m/200ft, and there are no major thermoclines.

While the water is warm enough to dive in shorts and a t-shirt, we recommend a full-length 3 to 5 mm wetsuit or a drysuit with light undergarments. Bring gloves and a hood for protection, especially if you are planning on penetrating the wrecks. There is sharp metal everywhere and you want to avoid tetanus, infections, or burns from oil, or even worse, aviation fuel. At times, there are occasional jellyfish blooms, some of which sting. 

Surface conditions are nearly always calm. However, there are two distinct seasons – a dry season from May to October and a wet season from November to April, with the wettest months being January and February. Although uncommon, cyclones can occur in the wet season, but they usually bypass the Solomon Islands and veer toward Vanuatu or down the coast of Australia.

Located just a few degrees south of the equator, the climate is also tropical but moderated by the sea air. It is generally sunny with frequent but short bursts of rain. Humidity is usually high but lower at sea. Air temperatures are 29-31°C (84-88°F), the coolest months being July and August. Evenings are 7-8°C cooler (72-73°F). The rainy season runs from December to April, with March being the wettest. For more on the climate of Honiara and the Solomon Islands, visit the Weather Atlas website.

There is always a chance to see all marine life at all times of the year however, it is more reliable to encounter mantas during March through to May and August through to December. Reef sharks can be seen at all times of the year too but there are often more around June through to September.

There are no dive shops in Honiara for the purchase of diving equipment, spares for rebreathers, or OC equipment. Solomons Master will have some basic diving equipment on board for hire, but with different configurations on board, it’s crucial that you bring as many spares as possible so you do not miss any dives. If you service your equipment before coming to the Solomons, please use it a couple of times before traveling to ensure there are no problems. Bring plenty of torches, the bigger the better. You will not regret it in the wrecks!

Cylinders

The following DIN cylinders are available on Solomons Master:
» Aluminum 12L/80 cu ft Twinsets
» Sidemount Sets 

» 3L/23 cu ft, 2L/15 cu ft Rebreather Cylinders
» 6-12L/40-80 cu ft Bailout Cylinders
There are no M26 valves or adapters onboard, you must bring your own. Bring your own slings for deco/bailout!

Please specify the configurations you will dive in when you book.

Gases

Latest oxygen and helium prices can be found on our website.

All Nitrox mixes from 32-94% will be available. O2 is provided at a minimum 94% purity from our Oxygen generator.

As there is no means to bank gases in the Solomon Islands, all gases supplied will be charged for, even if they are not used. CCR divers can arrange shared cost, team bailout gases at the beginning of the expedition. After a brief discussion on the first evening, we can fill some standardized gases that everybody agrees will work for the entire trip.

OC divers can plan their gas cost by looking at the wreck list and assuming there are two dives on one wreck each day. We think it’s fair for OC divers to budget for around US$300 in oxygen charges, given you’ll be topping up 50% and oxygen every day. But remember, it’s all based on your planning and consumption.

Sofnolime

Molecular Sofnolime 1-2.5mm is available and is sold in 22kg/44lb containers. The latest price can be found on our website.

Scooters

Please check with us for availability of scooter rental.

Diving Emergencies

The Solomon Islands is an extremely remote diving destination without hyperbaric facilities. The hyperbaric chamber in Honiara, Solomon Islands, the only one in the country, has been out of service and likely damaged beyond repair since around late 2022 due to an earthquake, with basic functionality potentially remaining, but no full life support. This means divers experiencing DCS need emergency medical evacuation to Australia for treatment.

With this in mind, it is mandatory that our guests purchase dive and liveaboard-specific insurance according to their level of certification. This insurance needs to cover air evacuation and the appropriate depths you plan to dive to. We strongly urge that all guests dive well within recognized limits and follow our advice.

Click the following link for more information about our preferred insurance partner:

DiveAssure Insurance

Our expedition vessels are equipped with fully stocked medical first aid kits for treating minor injuries and ailments, as well as for assisting trained medical professionals in remote locations. Each yacht has a full complement of medical-grade oxygen, which can be administered to divers through DAN kits or unit-specific attachments. You will also find an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on board. AEDs have been proven to greatly increase survival rates in the eventuality of cardiac fibrillation. Our dive teams are all qualified emergency responders. Should you feel unwell at any point during your cruise, please seek the advice of your cruise director, who will be able to assist you.

Medical Treatment

In the Solomon Islands, medical care is very basic, with the “best” medical facility in Honiara. Any form of treatment other than the most basic requires evacuation. Ensure you bring any medication you need, as there is a strong possibility that it will not be available locally. Normal precautions should be taken with food, and it is advisable to drink bottled water only.

Vaccinations

No vaccinations are required before entering the Solomon Islands, however, we recommend consulting with your doctor for updated information prior to departure. If you are traveling from a Yellow Fever area, proof of immunization is required. It’s recommended that tetanus immunizations are also up to date before traveling to the Solomons.

Malaria

Malaria is endemic and widespread throughout the Solomon Islands. Mosquitos are less of a problem once onboard, but they can be persistent on shore, so bring insect repellent with 20%+ DEET, long sleeves/pants, and consult with your doctor on anti-malaria medication. Please note: Some malaria prevention medications, including mefloquine (brand name Lariam), have side effects that can mimic decompression sickness.

Measles

All passengers entering the Solomon Islands are required to complete a health declaration form regarding exposure to/immunization against measles. The forms will be made available at check-in counters and on board your flight.

All non-residents arriving in the Solomon Islands from measles-affected countries, including

Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, American Samoa, Samoa, Fiji, Kiribati, and Tonga will be asked to provide certified proof of vaccination against measles. Passengers who are unable to provide proof of vaccination may be required to undergo a medical examination by the local authorities in the Solomon Islands.

Accepted proof of vaccination includes:

1. International Certification of Vaccination (yellow card).

2. Any official documentation/ letter from a recognised hospital or medical practitioner confirming that the holder has been vaccinated against measles. Vaccination should be given at least 15 days prior to arrival.

3. Blood test results showing positive for measles antibodies, which indicates immunity to measles. This may be expensive, but it can be done a few days before arrival and should be positive for someone who has been vaccinated in the past. Travelers who have not been vaccinated, or who do not have proof of vaccination against measles, are required to provide a contact address and phone number in the Solomon Islands and report to the local authorities immediately if they develop any symptoms.

Flights

Book international flights to and from Honiara International Airport (HIR).
Flight routes include:
● Via Fiji (NAN) – flights with Fiji Airways, Solomon Airlines, Air Niugini
● Via Brisbane (BNE) – flights with Solomon Airlines (codeshare with Qantas) and Virgin Australia ● Via Papua New Guinea (Port Moresby) with Air Niugini

IMPORTANT: Guests travelling via Australia, Fiji, or PNG may require a transit visa. Travellers who do not have the required documents for the countries they will be travelling through will be denied boarding by their airline.

Ideally, you should plan to arrive in the Solomon Islands one day before the start of your liveaboard itinerary to allow for potential flight schedule changes, lost or delayed baggage, and missed connections.

Honiara Airport is basic with few facilities. Check-in can be lengthy, and your bags are likely to be searched due to the lack of X-ray scanners. There are big fines for anyone found removing any artifacts from the wrecks.

Visa

Citizens of EU countries, the US, Canada, and most other Western countries do not need a visa to enter the Solomon Islands. Upon arrival, they will be issued a visitor’s permit with 3-month validity.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the period you intend to stay in Solomon Islands, and you should carry an onward or return flight ticket.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the proper entry permits/visas for your travels.

Transfers

For your convenience, a transfer between Honiara Airport or a local hotel and the boat will be provided free of charge on embarkation and disembarkation days. Pick up from hotels is generally between 17:30 and 18:00 on embarkation day. If you are staying in a hotel in Honiara before your liveaboard, we will provide pick-up and embarkation transfer details before departure.

Guests arriving in Honiara on the day of embarkation will be met at the airport by a representative of the boat and transferred to Coral Sea Resort, where they can spend the afternoon relaxing or visiting one of the local museums, until it is time to board Solomons Master.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to flight constraints, most of the itineraries operate back-to-back on the same day; therefore, early embarkation or late disembarkation is not possible as the crew is on a tight schedule to turn the boat around. Disembarkation will be no later than 09:00 am, after a light breakfast.

Food

All Master Liveaboards yachts offer a choice of international and local cuisine, served buffet style in the indoor, air-conditioned dining area. We cater to special dietary requirements. Please inform our reservations team prior to your trip to ensure we have plenty of dishes to suit your needs. A range of carbonated soft drinks, fruit juices, black, green, and herbal teas are available, as well as instant and freshly brewed coffee. A selection of fresh fruit is always on hand, as well as some tasty treats in case you feel peckish in between meal times. You may also select beer, wine, or spirits from the cocktail bar for an additional fee.

Clothing

It is recommended that our guests bring casual and comfortable clothes. Think swimwear, shorts, and t-shirts. A sweater is advised for cooler nights, particularly after multiple dives. We request that guests respect others by wearing clothing at all meal times. Most guests prefer to walk barefoot on board our vessel, however, island visits may require sturdy sandals or cross-trainers.

Electricity

The vessel typically supplies standard universal outlets that accept a range of plug types (European/US/Australian). Voltage is usually 220–240 V AC with 50 Hz frequency. There are a number of sockets at the camera tables in the dining area. Solomons Master can provide a limited number of UK, European, and US plug adapters, but recommends guests bring their own.

Gratuities

Tipping is a matter of personal choice. Should you feel that your crew has made your expedition extra special, then they will certainly appreciate a tip. Please be advised that the boat can only accept cash tips. An envelope will be provided for your convenience by the cruise director and gratuities are divided equally between all the crew, including the captain and the dive guides. If you would like to tip we recommend approx. 5-10% of the trip price.

Smoking on board is permitted in designated outdoor areas.

With three decks and a tender for off-site exploration dives, Solomons Master is managed by a knowledgeable and specially trained expedition crew who are ready and waiting to show you all the amazing wrecks the Solomon Islands has to offer!

Accommodation

Solomons Master features 8 cabins, allowing comfortable accommodation for up to 16 guests. These are categorized into one en-suite superior double/twin cabin, four en-suite premium twin cabins, and three en-suite classic twin cabins.

A spacious dining area is located on the main deck of the boat, providing plenty of air-conditioned space to enjoy the phenomenal onboard cuisine after an exciting day of diving. On the upper level, guests can enjoy the indoor lounge and bar, with a plasma screen for planning expedition dives in detail. We also have a shaded outdoor relaxation area with bean bags for your comfort.

The technical dive deck offers individual setup stations, under-bench storage, BIG rinsing tubs, and a camera table. TEC/CCR Trips only take 75% occupancy of our vessel for customer comfort, so there is plenty of space to spread out with your CCR! We also have in-house O2 generators and boosters for efficient refills between dives. There is a large entry platform to the rear with staff deck hands to assist you every step of the way.

Guest facilities

- 8 twin-bed/double A/C and en suite cabins for 16 guests
- Spacious indoor dining area with a camera station, complete with numerous charging points and storage facilities
- The dive deck provides individual setup stations, under-bench storage, and a camera table
- Large entry platform to the rear and staff deckhands to assist with entry and exit
- Booster to fill O2 to 200 bar
- Oxygen generator
- Indoor lounge and bar with a plasma screen for planning expedition dives
- Plenty of space to set up rebreathers and fill scrubbers
- Big rinsing tubs
- Shaded outdoor relaxation area with lounge chairs
- Sundeck and captain’s bridge
- One dive tender for doing exploratory wrecks
- Brand new, customized expedition tec diving facilities

- Starlink internet (additional charges apply)

Neil Yates, Founder of Tulagi Dive

"I must admit I was not sure what I was signing up for when I joined the Dirty Dozen Expeditions Tour to the Solomon Islands. Iron Bottom Sound had been my playground for 17 years.

The idea of mixing it up with a bunch of CCR divers was daunting. The Solomon Islands is a wreck divers’ paradise, with ships lost from both sides during the Pacific theatre of WW2. Like other wreck destinations in the Pacific, the Solomons is remote, and the coordination involved in putting together a technical diving tour is considerable.

I soon found that Aron Arngrimsson and his team were well up to the task of the ‘Sound.’ A successful trip is more than, ‘do I have some gas and sorb for the dive?’ With Dirty Dozen, the trip starts years in advance; the attention to detail is exceptional. Over the years, I have worked with many technical diving groups, some conformed to standardized configurations, like the GUE expedition to the USS Atlanta a decade or so ago, but this is not how it always goes.

However, our group comprised a diverse range of rebreathers, setups, and nationalities. The experience that Aron had gained over the years showed through in the procedures and planning put in place to ensure that everyone was safe in the water and able to get the experience that they were expecting.

With Dirty Dozen Expeditions the fun is not over once diving has finished for the day. Images, video, and presentations in the lounge after dinner continue to feed the hunger to explore the oceans. Aron’s talent for imagery is awe inspiring, as is his ability to attract those of similar mind. Aron’s presentations were stimulating, as he happily shared his personal experiences, some of them difficult.

From the experiences of others, we all become better. It was an absolute pleasure and an honor to be part of Dirty Dozen’s Inaugural Expedition to the Solomon Islands. I can’t wait for the next one.

Kevin McDermott, Repeat #teamdd Member

“Anyone familiar with the war efforts in the Pacific Ocean will know the battle of Guadalcanal. This remote island nation saw intense conflict between the forces of the Japanese Empire and the Allies during World War II, with the result in many vessels being lost in battle. As a student of history, I have a deep appreciation and respect for these encounters. This is where The Dirty Dozen delivers an experience unlike anyone else.

Seeing these war memorials located in one of the most remote, undeveloped nations had always seemed like an impossibility, especially with the need for trimix rebreather divers. Aron Arngrimisson and The Dirty Dozen team manage a logistical accomplishment reminiscent of The War itself. They managed to bring all the equipment, supplies, and expertise for safe diving.

All along the way, their team guided us with travel, equipment, and kept us informed with group meetings, which made me feel prepared for this journey. Nothing felt left out, and they were always available for any question, large or small. By the time we arrived, I was relaxed and ready to enjoy an experience few get to have.

As a CCR diver, safety is paramount, especially in a remote location. The operation always has safety in mind and was there to address issues with equipment or protocols. With this in mind, we were able to do 2-hour-plus dives to MOD 2 depths with an amazing crew to support.

The Iron Bottom Sound has many amazing sites which are best appreciated on a technical dive trip that only The Dirty Dozen can deliver on!”

Jill Heinerth, Explorer in Residence, Royal Canadian Geographical Society, Author, INTO THE PLANET - My Life as a Cave Diver “The Dirty Dozen experience makes diving iconic Truk Lagoon safe and simple. Through the leadership of expedition leader Aron Arngrimsson and his team, a carefully curated small group of conscientious and skilled technical divers can have an unequaled experience diving the less frequently explored wrecks in the lagoon.

When you can sit on top of the wreck and be supported by an experienced team of safety divers, guides and crew, then anything is possible. I can’t recall a trip where I have had a better experience. I value organizations like Dirty Dozen Expeditions that prioritize the safety and comfort of the guests. It is hard to imagine, but we had more crew than passengers. I was moved by the history, enlightened by the beauty of the marine life and inspired by the leadership of the organization. I’ll be going back as soon as I can!"

Richard Lundgren, Co-Founder of Global Underwater Explorers

“My memories still linger from my last adventures with Dirty Dozen Expeditions and Global Underwater Explorers (GUE). Memories of a lifetime. A year ago, a team of GUE divers set up a wreck diving expedition to the remote and rarely visited Bikini Atoll together with adventure diving company Dirty Dozen Expeditions. The results and experiences during the expedition made it compelling to look forward and plan the next adventure following the same narrative.

The target, the wrecks of Chuuk Lagoon, came as naturally as our continued collaboration with Dirty Dozen Expeditions. We also chose to continue to use and rely upon the excellent liveaboard  with its world-class service and crew well-catered for technical diving — just the way we like it. Traveling into Chuuk is much easier and less of an adventure compared to getting to Bikini. A short jump from mainland Asia (the Philippines in my case) to Guam and then onwards on the island hopper to the next stop heading east, Chuuk Lagoon. Approaching the islands of Chuuk from the air is impressive, the islands are beautiful and green with mountains and hills. You can see the artificial extension to the small island of Etten, where the Japanese army built its strategic air force base during the war. Setting up for technical diving onboard, in our case involving rebreathers, is easy even if at GUE we depend on a standardized configuration different to most. The divers bring their own key components, including special cylinder valves with a flexible manifold. The rest is supplied by the ship. Oxygen is produced onboard using an oxygen generator. An oxygen generator cannot produce 100% oxygen, only 92-96% and as such, special procedures are needed if diving a fully-closed rebreather in order to get the calibration of the oxygen sensors right among other things. Helium is available and required for the wrecks deeper than 30m/100 ft. We used 18/45 Trimix as our standard diluent mix. A clear head and lots of fun memories are what we’re looking for after all. My total setup time was less than 30 minutes thanks to the Truk Master’s excellent crew. Underwater: picture yourself in a well-kept aquarium, no current, warm waters, and great visibility. What more can you ask for? Well, wrecks of course, and Chuuk Lagoon does not fail to deliver those. My favorite penetrations involve the engine rooms where one can still study the gauges and telegraphs frozen in time. The diving is truly world-class if you are passionate about wreck diving and history. After 10 days diving it’s time to depart, not because you want to, more that you have to, sadly. The diving in Chuuk is so good that another week would not have been sufficient to satisfy my appetite for adventure. Compared to the wrecks in Bikini Atoll, well, it’s like comparing apples and pears, both are delicious in their own way and the only choice you have is not to chose one, but to enjoy both. I enjoyed Chuuk and Bikini tremendously and will undoubtedly return to both for more adventures.”

Joseph Fellows - Scientific Diver, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

“Bucket List Check! I’m trying to put together the words to describe the adventure to Truk Lagoon with Dirty Dozen Expeditions... not easy! A trip of this magnitude is daunting to say the least especially if you’re not a world traveler. There are a lot of moving parts from the preparations, gear considerations, and travel to such a remote location. Aron and his Team made all of this so easy for me through continual guidance, Zoom meetings, and online resources. The most difficult thing was making the decision to go...the rest fell into place perfectly! The crew of the Pacific Master were fantastic and completely accommodated all of my needs fully. I am so happy I decided to go and I left with such amazing friends and memories. I can’t wait for the next adventure...life is way too short to wait....GO!”

Payment Schedule

Booking deposit (non-refundable)                            25% 

Payment 2 - 12 months prior to departure               25% 

Balance payment - 6 months prior to departure   50%

Terms & Conditions

All bookings are subject to the provisions in our "Terms and Conditions" and "Payment and Cancellation Terms" found on our website:
Terms & Conditions
Payment & Cancellation Terms

Booking a Dirty Dozen Expedition offers you a unique and unparalleled experience, distinct from conventional travel offerings. This exclusive expedition is meticulously crafted to cater to technical divers and dive teams, providing an extraordinary journey evolved from thousands of hours of wreck exploration.

At Dirty Dozen Expeditions we understand and respect the effort you will put into your trip of a lifetime, be it the funds and time spent on equipment and training or time away from family and work - we know how much it means to get your trip just right. We pride ourselves in providing first-hand knowledge and experience of technical diving in every destination we book, and so can offer you the very best advice and guidance on all aspects of your journey.

We believe it’s the little things that make the biggest difference, from direct access to company founder, Aron Arngrimsson, to making life-long friends as part of #teamdd. This is what you can expect from your Dirty Dozen Expedition:

• We are available by email or phone whenever you need to ask questions about your trip, from the moment you sign up until well after you return home;

• Our team have visited and dived all the destinations we book, so you are guaranteed the most accurate and experienced guidance;

• Solo travelers are welcomed and supported within our dive team culture, while established groups are given the freedom to dive and explore as they prefer;

• A Dirty Dozen Expeditions Leader onboard every trip will support and assist guests with daily expedition life;

• Safety is at the forefront of every expedition and we pride ourselves on being industry leaders in the use of ’splash checklists’, gas management procedures, and other onboard safety protocols;

• We offer our customers a FREE Human Factors in Diving (Fundamentals) training course with every booking;

• The option to pre-pay for onboard consumables to avoid hefty bills at the end of your trip;

• Access to preferential Trip Insurance rates with our preferred partner, DiveAssure;

• Expedition members are invited to 2 team Zoom meetings before every expedition, one to
  assist with long-term planning and one to answer final queries shortly before departure;

• A team WhatsApp group is set up 12 months before each trip to support planning, answer
  questions, and develop teamwork and camaraderie in the run-up to the expedition;

• Many of our trips feature special guests, certification agencies, or manufacturers, giving you
  the opportunity to meet and dive with some industry greats!

• Every team member receives a complimentary expedition t-shirt and water bottle, as well as
  novelty stickers and postcards as a souvenir of your time with #teamdd;

• Many trips feature a photographer/videographer who will document your time onboard and underwater to provide long-lasting memories.

And this is all on top of the standard trip inclusions listed further down the page!

We believe in transparent pricing with as many inclusions as possible to avoid unexpected charges at the end of your trip. While our trip price may appear higher than some other operators, this should help you plan for the realistic costs of this type of dive expedition and avoid nasty surprises down the road.

We hope you agree that booking with Dirty Dozen Expeditions will provide you with an experience quite unlike any other, and that we are the premier choice when it comes to technical diving expeditions.

We highly recommend you plan to land in Honiara 48 hours prior to embarkation day.

- Flight lands in Honiara (HIR).

- Pick up from airport or hotel, if you arrive early.

- Boat briefing, paperwork, an overview of safety and emergency procedures.

- Equipment setup.

2 dives per day of up to 120-minutes each, with a minimum 4-hour surface interval.

07:30 – Coffee!

08:00 – Breakfast

08:30 – Briefing/Dive 1

12:00 – Lunch

14:00 – Briefing/Dive 2

16:00 – Snacks

19:00 – Dinner

20:00 – Team Debriefing 

- Pay onboard service bills.

- Wash, dry, and pack kit.

- Disembark expedition vessel after breakfast.

- Transport to the airport.

- Flight out.

There is no need to stay overnight in Palau at the end of the trip.p.