Gatokae - Kavalapu Dive Site — Solomon Islands
About Gatokae - Kavalapu
Kavalapu is a pristine wall dive off Gatokae Island in the Marovo Lagoon system. The reef edge drops vertically from 5m, and the wall is adorned with some of the largest gorgonian sea fans in the Solomons — specimens exceeding 3m across, their intricate lattice patterns hosting pygmy seahorses and basket stars. Below the fans, dense fields of soft corals in purples, pinks, and yellows create a riot of colour. The wall attracts passing eagle rays and the occasional grey reef shark, but the real draw is the sheer density and health of the coral growth. With minimal current and excellent visibility, Kavalapu is a wall-diving masterpiece and a photographer's dream.
Site Information
- Depth: 5–30 m
- Difficulty: intermediate
- Site type: Wall
- Current: Mild
- Best time: Year-round
- Region: Solomon Islands
Highlights
- Gorgonian Fans
- Hard Corals
- Pristine Walls