ABOVE THE WATER
A quick 90 minute flight from Honiara, Gizo is the second largest town in the Solomon Islands and serves as a provincial centre for the Western Province. The Majestic Mt Kolombangara overlooks the town and clear blue waters surround smaller islands dotting the horizon. John F Kennedy was shipwrecked on one of these islands in 1943 when a Japanese destroyer attacked his vessel, the PT-109. He and his men spent six days living on coconuts before they were rescued.
BELOW THE WATER
Gizo has some excellent diving including healthy coral reefs littered with colourful reef fish, steep walls and points at which you can see rays and sharks.
A diving highlight of the area remains to be the Japanese World War II shipwreck, the Toa Maru. Lying on its side in just over 30 metres of water this wreck is in excellent condition, and contains artefacts such as gas masks, sake bottles, ammunition and a strange jar full of prophylactics! Larger items include a motorbike, bombs and an army tank. The top of the wreck provides a delightful safety stop as it is a beautiful artificial reef, with visitors such as turtles and rays. The torpedo hole in the side is clearly visible and is a startling reminder of the nature of the vessel’s sinking.
Dive Gizo runs daily dive trips to sites all around Gizo, catering to everyone from snorkelers to experienced divers. On day trips a delicious picnic lunch is cooked up on an unspoilt beach, with banana leaves as plates and fingers as cutlery. You can visit WWII sites during your surface intervals or do a whole day trip to visit these areas.
Accommodation in Gizo
Gizo Hotel
- Type: Hotel
- Suitable For Non Divers: Yes
- Swimming Pool: Yes
- Air-conditioning: Yes
- Hot Water: Yes
- On-Site Dive Shop: No
- Hotel Highlight: See The History & Culture Of The Solomon Islands
- Diving Highlight: –
Fatboys Resort
- Type: Resort
- Suitable For Non Divers: Yes
- Swimming Pool: No
- Air-conditioning: No
- Hot Water: Yes
- On-Site Dive Shop: Yes
- Resort Highlight: The Overwater Bar
- Diving Highlight-
Oravae Cottage
- Type: Cottages
- Suitable For Non Divers: Yes
- Swimming Pool: No
- Air-Conditioning: No
- Hot Water: Yes
- On-Site Dive Shop: No
- Cottage Highlight: Waters Edge With Incredible Views
- Diving Highlight: –
Sanbis Resort
- Type: Resort
- Suitable For Non Divers: Yes
- Swimming Pool: No
- Air-Conditioning: No
- Hot Water: Yes
- On-Site Dive Shop: Yes
- Resort Highlight: Each Bungalow Has A Private Beach
- Diving Highlight:-
Dive Operators In Gizo
Dive Gizo
- Type: Dive Shop
- Snorkelling/ Non Diving Tours Available: Yes
- Dive Courses Available: Yes
- Training Pool: No
- Equipment For Hire: Yes
- Equipment For Sale: No
- Dive Shop Highlight: Numerous Tours As Well As Diving
- Diving Highlight: Wreck Diving Galore!