Dive Site: Sandfly Passage

About Sandfly Passage

Sandfly Passage, located near the Florida Islands, is a dynamic dive site renowned for its exhilarating drift dives and incredible coral diversity. The passage is a narrow channel between islands, creating strong currents that sweep nutrients through, supporting a rich ecosystem. This makes it a prime location for encountering schooling fish and pelagic species attracted by the abundant food source. The topography features steep reef slopes, vibrant walls, and occasional pinnacles. Depths can vary, offering opportunities for both shallower, colorful reef exploration and deeper drifts depending on the specific dive plan and current conditions. Simon's Nature Reserve, an area within the passage, is particularly notable for its protected and thriving coral gardens. While specific marine life varies with the currents, common sightings include various reef fish, schools of barracuda, and occasionally sharks. The health and variety of corals, both hard and soft, are exceptional throughout the passage. This site exemplifies the pristine nature of Solomon Islands diving, where untouched reefs flourish. Diving here typically involves liveaboard trips, utilizing tenders for entry and exit due to the currents. Divers should be comfortable with drift diving and managing buoyancy in dynamic environments. The remote location ensures an uncrowded experience, allowing divers to immerse themselves fully in this spectacular underwater world.

Dive site facts: Sandfly Passage

Depth

10–35 m

Current

Strong

Visibility

20–30 m

Water temperature

28–30 °C

Entry

Tender / negative entry

Level

Advanced, current experience essential

Dive type

Drift, reef, pelagic, coral gardens

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Florida Islands

Coordinates

-9.1667, 160.1167

Conditions & Currents

Sandfly Passage is characterized by strong, often unpredictable currents due to its narrow channel location between islands. These currents, while challenging, are precisely what make the dive so vibrant, bringing in a constant supply of nutrients and attracting large schools of fish and pelagic species. Divers should expect drift dives and be prepared for negative entries to quickly reach the reef. Exit strategies rely on tenders picking up divers down-current. Visibility can be excellent, though strong currents sometimes stir up sediment. Divers must possess good buoyancy control and experience with current diving; a reef hook is highly recommended for stable observation points.

Marine life & sighting chances

Barracuda

common

Reef sharks

occasional

Clownfish

common

Tuna

occasional

Butterflyfish

common

Damselfish

common

Anthias

common

Gorgonian fans

common

Soft corals

common

Hard corals

common

Whip corals

common

Sponges

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives in Sandfly Passage are typically drift dives initiated from a tender boat. Upon entry, divers descend quickly to the main reef slope or wall, often using a negative entry to get below the surface current. The dive then proceeds along the reef, with the current guiding the route. Depths can range, but most of the vibrant coral action and fish life is concentrated along the walls and shallower slopes, allowing for longer bottom times. Pay close attention to your dive guide, who will navigate the best path to maximize sightings of schooling fish and pelagic encounters. The turning point is dictated by air consumption and the current's direction, with the safety stop usually conducted as a suspended drift before signaling the tender for pickup.

Underwater photography

Sandfly Passage presents excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. For wide-angle shots, capitalize on the healthy, diverse coral formations and schooling fish in the current-swept areas. The vibrant reefs of Simon's Nature Reserve are particularly photogenic. When currents are strong, a reef hook can be invaluable for stable shooting positions. For macro enthusiasts, explore crevices and sheltered areas for smaller critters, but be mindful of the current. Buoyancy control is paramount to avoid damaging delicate corals during drifts. Consider bringing powerful strobes to bring out the true colors of the reef and ensure your camera gear is securely handled during tender transfers.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Tulagi - Twin Tunnels

  Vertical lava tubes leading to a coral wall.

• Mary Island

  Remote pinnacle known for barracuda and bumphead parrotfish.

• Honiara - Iron Bottom Sound

  Historic WWII wreck diving including transport ships and other debris.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Sandfly Passage is primarily via liveaboard vessels departing from Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands. Honiara International Airport (HIR) serves as the main gateway, with flights available from Brisbane, Nadi (Fiji), Port Moresby, and Auckland. Typical liveaboard trips range from 7 to 10 nights, often combining Sandfly Passage with other sites in the Florida Islands, Russell Islands, and Mary Island. There are no specific park fees mentioned for this site, but liveaboard packages generally include all diving and permits. Ensure you factor in international travel and potential domestic transfers if your itinerary includes other remote island groups.

Safety & environment

Diving Sandfly Passage requires careful attention to safety protocols due to the strong currents. Always follow your dive guide's instructions regarding entry, route, and exit procedures. A reef hook is recommended for maintaining position in strong flow. The nearest recompression chamber is in Honiara, but evacuation from remote dive sites can be challenging and time-consuming. It is essential to have comprehensive dive insurance that covers remote evacuation and recompression treatment. Be mindful of boat traffic if diving near populated areas. Malaria is present in the Solomon Islands, so consult with your doctor about appropriate prophylaxis before your trip.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Sandfly Passage FAQ

Liveaboards diving Sandfly Passage

These liveaboards may visit Sandfly Passage 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

$561/day

Pacific Master

Solomon Islands

20 guests30 m

$268/day