Solomons Master
I recently returned from a wonderful trip aboard the Solomons Master, exploring the Russell and Florida Islands and the Marova area of the Solomon Islands. The overall experience was great, and I’d recommend it to anyone seeking a diverse diving adventure.
The Crew & Boat:
The crew were polished, friendly, and very attentive. Food was excellent, and they maintained high safety standards throughout the trip. The boat itself is showing its age, but it's impeccably clean with no musty or engine smells often associated with older vessels. A refit is scheduled for early 2025, which will likely enhance its appeal further.
The Diving:
The Best of Solomons itinerary dive sites were well chosen, offering a mix of WWII wrecks, coral seamounts, walls, caverns, and more. We started with a surprisingly interesting check-out dive at White Beach, featuring well-encrusted WWII debris, and continued on with fish-rich seamounts, soft and hard coral reefs, caverns and a few thrilling drift dives.
Highlights included:
• Barracuda Point at Mary Island: teeming with fish and vibrant coral life.
• Cathedral Caverns: fun swim-throughs and a jungle-like surface area.
• Lava Tube Dive: unique topography, featuring camouflaged crocodile fish.
The variety of marine life was impressive, though pelagics were somewhat limited, with only a few sharks, turtles, and one manta. A blue-ringed octopus made an appearance during a night dive, and we spotted a good range of nudibranchs and other macro critters.
Boat & Diving Logistics:
Most dives were "live drops," meaning we entered the water from the main boat and were picked up at the end of the dive by the dingies. Towing us back to the boat via tender was a novel and gentle approach that worked well. Our dive had compatible air consumption, ensuring everyone had a safe and enjoyable experience.
Accommodations & Food:
The rooms were clean and tidied daily. Meals were served buffet-style, with a variety of vegetables, meats, and fresh cakes or cookies each day. Alcohol was available via an honesty tab system. Breakfast consisted of fruit and toast before the first dive, followed by a full cooked breakfast afterward.
Service
The crew consistently went above and beyond to ensure all guests had a comfortable and enjoyable experience, catering to individual needs with great care and attention. This level of dedication speaks volumes about their commitment to delivering outstanding service.
Final Thoughts:
This was an excellent dive trip with an experienced crew, diverse dive sites, and great service. The boat may be older, but it remains a top option for exploring the Solomon Islands’ rich underwater offerings.
