Dive Site: Karumolun Point

About Karumolun Point

Karumolun Point, nestled in the Russell Islands, stands as a prime example of the Solomon Islands' untouched marine beauty. This dive site benefits from a five-year fishing and collecting ban enacted by the local chief, creating a thriving marine protected area where marine life flourishes undisturbed. Divers can explore a spectacular sheer wall and a deep peninsula adorned with an explosion of soft corals and sponges. The topography transitions from a vibrant shallow reef to a dramatic drop-off, providing diverse habitats for a wide array of creatures. The nutrient-rich waters circulating around the point attract both schooling fish and larger pelagics, making each dive an unpredictable and exciting experience. The health of the hard corals here is notable, contributing to a rich ecosystem. Marine life encounters range from common reef inhabitants to impressive schooling barracuda and trevallies, often patrolled by various shark species. The site also offers exceptional opportunities for macro enthusiasts, with cryptic creatures hiding among the corals and on the reef slopes. Eagle rays are occasional visitors, gliding gracefully through the blue. Diving at Karumolun Point is typically conducted from liveaboards, which manage the logistics of reaching this somewhat remote location. The generally mild currents and excellent visibility, combined with the pristine condition of the reef, ensure an immersive and rewarding underwater adventure for divers of varying experience levels.

Dive site facts: Karumolun Point

Depth

5–30+ m

Typical dive

12–25 m, 50–60 min

Current

Mild to moderate

Visibility

20–30 m

Water temperature

28–30°C / 80–86°F

Entry

Liveaboard tender / drift

Level

Open Water Diver

Dive type

Wall, drift, pelagic, macro

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Russell Islands / Central Province

Coordinates

-9.12, 160.2

Conditions & Currents

Karumolun Point experiences generally mild currents, which are often utilized for drift diving, allowing divers to effortlessly glide along the impressive wall. Dive plans are typically arranged to minimize swimming against the current, ensuring a comfortable experience for most divers. Visibility is consistently excellent, often exceeding 20 meters, though occasional variations can occur without a predictable seasonal cycle. Due to the site's exposure as a point, surge can sometimes be present, particularly near the surface or during stronger conditions, which liveaboard tenders account for during entry and exit procedures. The prevailing conditions typically allow for relaxed dives, making it accessible even for those with moderate current experience.

Marine life & sighting chances

White-tip reef shark

common

Black-tip reef shark

common

Barracuda

common

Trevallies (Jacks)

common

Eagle ray

occasional

Disco clam (Electric file shell)

occasional

Nudibranchs

common

Cuttlefish

occasional

Crocodile fish

occasional

Ghost pipefish

occasional

Schooling reef fish

common

Anemonefish

common

Snapper

common

Soft corals

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Karumolun Point typically begin with a tender drop close to the point, often initiating a gentle drift along the sheer wall. Descending, you will follow the contours of the reef, exploring depths between 12 and 25 meters where the soft corals and sponges are most vibrant. The route usually continues around the point itself, where stronger currents might be encountered, attracting schooling barracuda and trevallies, and offering sightings of reef sharks. After rounding the point, the dive often transitions to a shallower section of the reef or a sandy slope, providing excellent macro opportunities and extending bottom time. The turn point is determined by air consumption and no-decompression limits, with the safety stop commonly performed over the reef crest in shallower, calmer waters, before surfacing for tender pickup.

Underwater photography

Karumolun Point presents a unique dilemma for underwater photographers, as both wide-angle and macro opportunities abound. For wide-angle shots, consider a fisheye or rectilinear lens to capture the grandeur of the sheer wall, the dense soft coral gardens, and schools of pelagics. Strobes are essential to bring out the vibrant colors of the corals and fish against the blue. For macro photography, a 60mm or 100mm lens will be ideal for capturing the intricate details of nudibranchs, ghost pipefish, and crocodile fish that hide among the corals. Excellent buoyancy control is critical to avoid damaging the pristine corals and to maintain stable shots in varying currents. Given the clear water, natural light can be effective for some wide-angle compositions, but strobes will provide crucial fill and enhance color saturation.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• White Beach

  WWII wreck and macro site with submerged trucks and jeeps.

• Leru Cut

  A stunning 100m chasm with dramatic light beams and vibrant wall life.

• Mirror Pond

  Unique swim-throughs and a wall frequented by pygmy seahorses, plus a shallow coral garden.

• Mbulo Island

  Surrounded by diverse dive sites including sloping walls and lava tubes.

• Mary Island

  Known for incredible hard corals and massive schools of fish, often with sharks and bumphead parrotfish.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Karumolun Point, located in the remote Russell Islands, is primarily via liveaboard cruises originating from Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands. International flights typically arrive at Honiara International Airport (HIR), with connections often made through Brisbane (BNE) or Port Moresby (POM). Liveaboard trips usually range from 7 to 11 nights, offering comprehensive itineraries that explore various dive sites across the Central and sometimes Western Provinces. There are no specific park entry fees for Karumolun Point itself beyond the liveaboard cost, which covers all diving, meals, and accommodations. It's common for itineraries to combine the Russell Islands with the Florida Islands and sections of the Marovo Lagoon, providing a diverse mix of reef, wall, and wreck diving experiences. Guests embark and disembark directly from the Coral Sea Resort in Honiara.

Safety & environment

Diving in the Solomon Islands, including Karumolun Point, is generally safe due to experienced liveaboard operators, but divers should be aware of remote conditions. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Honiara, approximately 3-4 hours away by speedboat from the Russell Islands. In case of a serious diving emergency, evacuation can be complex and time-consuming, potentially involving multiple stages of transport. Therefore, comprehensive dive insurance covering emergency evacuation and medical treatment is not merely recommended, but absolutely essential. Divers should maintain good physical fitness, dive within their training limits, and always follow the instructions of their dive guides. While currents are generally mild, proficiency in drift diving techniques is beneficial. Always carry a surface marker buoy (SMB) for safety and efficient tender pickups.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Karumolun Point FAQ

Liveaboards diving Karumolun Point

These liveaboards may visit Karumolun Point on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Solomons Master

Solomon Islands

16 guests

$401/day

Emperor Bilikiki

Solomon Islands

20 guests38 m

$569/day

Pacific Master

Solomon Islands

20 guests30 m

$268/day