Dive Gizo

Located in Gizo, Dive Gizo serves as a gateway to some of the most significant underwater history and marine biodiversity in the Solomon Islands. The area is defined by its combination of deep oceanic drop-offs and sheltered lagoons, offering a diverse range of environments from shallow wreck sites to dramatic wall dives.

The centre operates with a focus on personalised service and local expertise, ensuring that every dive is tailored to your experience level. Whether you are looking to explore the remains of Japanese transport ships or drift along coral-encrusted ridges, the proximity of the sites to Gizo town makes for efficient daily excursions.

The team is led by experienced instructors, including Kerrie, who has been with the centre for nearly 40 years. This depth of local knowledge is a significant asset for divers looking to understand the specific nuances of the local currents and marine life.

Instruction is conducted in English, following the PADI curriculum. The centre maintains a low diver-to-guide ratio, with a maximum of two divers per guide, to ensure safety and close attention during both training and exploration dives.

Environmental stewardship is a core part of their identity. The team is actively involved in community engagement and conservation efforts, including regular clean-up dives and support for DAN Asia-Pacific.

Dive Gizo is a PADI affiliated centre offering a comprehensive range of training. For those new to the water, they provide Discover Scuba Diving and the Open Water Diver course.

More advanced divers can progress through the Advanced Open Water Diver and Rescue Diver courses. The centre also offers the Emergency First Response course to ensure you have the necessary skills for underwater safety.

The fleet consists of three 7.5m Ray boats and one 7m utility boat. Each of the Ray boats is powered by twin 60HP engines, providing reliable transit to the offshore sites, which are typically a 10 to 30-minute boat ride away.

The boats are configured for comfort and safety, featuring covers for sun protection and carrying oxygen on board. For full-day trips, a picnic lunch and refreshments are provided on board, allowing you to enjoy a long surface interval on a remote island.

For those travelling light, a full range of equipment is available for hire, including regulators, BCDs, and dive computers. The centre stocks Aqualung regulators, Seaquest BCDs, and Cressi dive computers.

Safety is prioritised with oxygen available on all boats and at the centre. While the centre does not offer direct accommodation, they can assist in booking various local options ranging from Gizo township lodges to island resorts.

The marine life in Gizo is exceptionally diverse, with many sites hosting large schools of baitfish and various reef fish. You will frequently encounter turtles, rays (Batoidea), and various species of sharks (Selachimorpha), including reef sharks (Carcharhinus).

On the walls and pinnacles, look for large predators such as trevally, big-eyed trevally, and Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda). The area is also known for sightings of spotted eagle rays (Aetobatus) and eagle rays.

The reef architecture is built from a vibrant array of corals, sea fans, and sea whips, providing a home for lionfish (Pterois volitans), batfish (Platax), pufferfishes, and various anemones (Actiniaria). You may also spot clownfish (Amphiprion) amongst the reef structures.

For macro enthusiasts, the area offers significant opportunities to find nudibranchs (Chromodoris willani), cuttlefish, and various macro creatures. During the season from November to April, you may also encounter groups of up to twelve manta rays (Mobula alfredi).

Diving in Gizo is influenced by the seasonal trade winds. The period from April to October generally offers gentler south-east trade winds, while November typically sees the least wind.

Water currents vary significantly by site. Some locations, such as Hot Spot and Grand Central Station, can experience strong currents, while others like Joe’s Wall or Plum Pudding Island remain relatively gentle. Drift diving is a common feature at several sites, such as The Gap and The Beach Dive.