Dive Travel Photographs from the Solomon Islands

Once my camera gear was discombobulated and thoroughly cleaned, it was time for me to have a proper look at my images from our recent 4-week stint in the Solomon Islands. Here’s a small selection of my favourites…

Diver and Upright Shipwreck

This tuna boat hit the reef straight on, sinking back down the wall and resting perfectly upright. Posing for me is the ever-patient Doug—we waited an hour for this set up to be ‘just right’.

School of Batfish

These friendly fish (Platax teira) were facing into the current, hovering above a cleaning station.

Juvenile Anemonefish

This guy was tiny, and swimming around with infinite energy. Instead of trying to follow him around with my lens, I framed a section of his anemone and waited for him to swim into it.

Swirling School of Jacks

This school of jacks (trevally) are resident at Mary Island. My dive buddy Jan swam around behind the school, and the fish parted to form a window—just for a moment. Magic.

Christmas Tree Worm

This is a tube worm that uses its feathery gills to catch plankton in the passing current.

Hairy Squat Lobster

Lauriea siagiani, a tiny crustacean that lives among the outside folds of barrel sponges.

Diver in Leru Cut

Sharon posing in Leru Cut. This cut stretches 60m (200’) from the reef into an island. At the end of it you can surface and look up the rock wall into the jungle canopy. Very Indiana Jones.

WWII Plane Wreck

Jean-Bernard checking out this wreck. Kinda deep, and shocking viz, but worth seeing.

Clam Detail

I’m a sucker for abstract textures, and coral reefs have them in spades.

Mirror Pond

This one’s of Doug at a site called “Mirror Pond”. You swim into a cave, which then opens up to the jungle. There was a crocodile swimming around on the surface at the other end of the cave; Josh was filming it, while Doug and I gave them a wide berth.

Traditional Dancing

Some topside shots to finish up. This is at one of the villages we visited. Beautiful traditional singing and dancing. This lady’s mouth is stained red from chewing betel nut.

Floating Market

Almost every day there were several dugout canoes at the ship’s stern. The locals brought fresh produce to sell.

Fresh pineapples

Bought buy our ship’s crew. Our dive ship travelled to some very remote areas, and the passing trade was welcomed by the villagers we met.

The Gang

Some of the best shipmates and dive buddies you’ll ever meet. Thanks for coming with us and making this such a wonderful trip!

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