Dive Site: Mborokua (Devil's Island)

About Mborokua (Devil's Island)

Mborokua, commonly known as Mary Island or Devil's Island, stands as a remote and thrilling dive destination within the Solomon Islands archipelago. This isolated pinnacle is celebrated for its dynamic underwater environment, characterized by strong currents and an abundance of large pelagic marine life. Its name, 'Devil's Highway,' alludes to either the frequent presence of manta rays (sometimes called devil rays) or the significant currents that sweep through the area. Underneath the surface, Mborokua boasts diverse topography, featuring dramatic drop-offs and open ocean exposure. Depths can range significantly, catering to various experience levels, though the main attractions are often found in areas affected by current. The site is a magnet for schooling fish, with massive aggregations often swirling around the pinnacle, creating spectacular displays for divers. The marine biodiversity here is exceptional, part of the rich Coral Triangle, offering encounters with barracuda, jackfish, bumphead parrotfish, and various reef sharks. The consistent presence of manta rays, sometimes in groups, is a major draw, alongside the possibility of hearing the distant rumble of an active underwater volcano. While diving is good year-round, the dry season (April–November) typically provides calmer seas and excellent visibility. Dive experiences at Mborokua are usually conducted from liveaboards, utilizing tenders for site access. Given the potential for strong currents, drift diving is common, and maintaining good buoyancy control is crucial. The remote nature of the site means it's rare to encounter other dive boats, offering an unspoiled and intimate underwater exploration.

Dive site facts: Mborokua (Devil's Island)

Depth

Variable, deep

Current

Strong

Visibility

20–30 m (dry season)

Water temperature

28–30 °C

Entry

Tender / drift

Level

Advanced, current experience recommended

Dive type

Pelagic, schooling fish, drift

Region / port

Florida Islands / Central Province

Coordinates

-9.0833, 159.8167

Conditions & Currents

Mborokua is characterized by strong currents, which are a significant factor in the dive experience, often giving the site its nickname 'Devil's Highway.' Dives here are typically drift dives, utilizing the tenders for entry and exit. Divers should be prepared for varying current strengths and be proficient in current diving techniques to navigate the site safely and enjoyably.

Marine life & sighting chances

Manta ray

common

Barracuda

common

Bumphead parrotfish

common

Reef shark

common

Jacks

common

Tuna

occasional

Triggerfish

common

Snappers

occasional

Fusiliers

common

Hard corals

common

Soft corals

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving Mborokua typically begins with a tender drop, often involving a negative entry to quickly descend into the strong currents characteristic of the site. The dive often follows a drift profile around the remote pinnacle, allowing divers to be carried by the current while observing the abundant marine life. The route can vary based on current direction and strength, but the general plan involves exploring the deep walls and plateaus where pelagic species congregate. You'll typically encounter schools of barracuda and jacks, and keep an eye out for manta rays traversing the blue. Depth progression is usually managed by the dive guide, utilizing reef hooks if necessary to observe passing marine life. The turn point is determined by air consumption and current, and the safety stop is usually performed as a mid-water drift, with the tender ready to pick up divers once they surface.

Underwater photography

Mborokua is a prime location for wide-angle photography, especially given the frequent encounters with schooling fish like barracuda and jacks, as well as the impressive manta rays. A wide-angle lens is essential to capture the scale of these aggregations and the dramatic pelagic action. When photographing manta rays, maintain a respectful distance and avoid chasing them; let them approach you. Strong currents mean divers need excellent buoyancy control to avoid contact with the reef and to stay stable for shots. While the site is primarily known for its large marine life, be prepared for dynamic lighting conditions due to depth and water clarity. Consider bringing external strobes to bring out the vibrant colors of the healthy corals and fish, even in strong ambient light.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Leru Cut

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• Mirror Pond

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• Twin Tunnels

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• Honiara - Iron Bottom Sound

  Iron Bottom Sound, located between Guadalcanal, Tulagi, and the Florida Islands, is a legendary dive destination named for the vast amount…

• Bonegi I & II

  Bonegi I (Hirokawa Maru) and Bonegi II (Kinugawa Maru) are two Japanese transport ships resting off Guadalcanal's northwestern coast…

Getting there & logistics

Access to Mborokua (Mary Island) is predominantly via liveaboard vessels departing from Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands. Honiara International Airport (HIR) is the main entry point, with direct flights available from Brisbane, Nadi (Fiji), Port Moresby, and Auckland. Liveaboard trips typically range from 7 to 12 nights, often combining Mborokua with other renowned dive areas like the Florida Islands, Russell Islands, and Marovo Lagoon. There are no specific park fees mentioned for Mborokua, but these are usually included in liveaboard packages. It is advisable to have Solomon Islands Dollars (SBD) for small purchases in local villages, though USD may be accepted at major hotels and on some liveaboards.

Safety & environment

Diving at Mborokua requires a strong emphasis on safety due to the potentially powerful currents. Divers should have appropriate training and experience for drift diving and be proficient in current management techniques. Always carry a reef hook, a surface marker buoy (SMB), and an audible signaling device. The nearest recompression chamber is limited in the Solomon Islands, making comprehensive dive insurance that covers remote evacuation essential. Malaria is present, particularly on Guadalcanal, so consult a doctor regarding prophylaxis. Liveaboards provide safety briefings and trained guides; adherence to their instructions is crucial. Mobile phone coverage is limited away from Honiara, so communication in emergencies relies on the liveaboard's satellite systems.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Mborokua (Devil's Island) FAQ

Liveaboards diving Mborokua (Devil's Island)

These liveaboards may visit Mborokua (Devil's Island) 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