Dive Site: Uepi Point

About Uepi Point

Uepi Point is a renowned dive site located in the Solomon Islands, specifically where the deep oceanic waters of "The Slot" converge with the Marovo Lagoon. This unique topography creates a dynamic environment, drawing in a rich diversity of marine life, from vibrant corals and filter feeders to large pelagic species. The site is characterized by a near-vertical reef corner that plunges into deep ocean, making it a prime location for witnessing schooling barracuda, jacks, and various sharks. The dive site showcases incredibly healthy coral formations, including large gorgonian fans and soft corals, which thrive in the nutrient-rich currents. Divers can explore depths ranging from shallow reef gardens to a coral peninsula extending into the abyss, providing opportunities for both macro and wide-angle photography. The interplay of currents between the lagoon and the open ocean ensures a constant supply of food, contributing to the site's exceptional biodiversity and making every dive a unique experience. The convenience of Uepi Point, often just minutes from the Uepi Island Resort, allows for flexible dive planning and frequent exploration. This proximity also means that divers can maximize their time underwater, often staying for an hour or more to fully appreciate the diverse ecosystems, especially the prolific shallow sections. The resort's commitment to marine conservation further enhances the pristine condition of these underwater habitats, offering a truly untouched diving adventure.

Dive site facts: Uepi Point

Depth

5–30+ m

Typical dive

15–25 m, 50–60 min

Current

Mild to strong, tidal dependent

Visibility

20–30+ m

Water temperature

28–30° C

Entry

Tender / Live drop

Level

Advanced Open Water recommended, current experience beneficial

Dive type

Wall, drift, pelagic, coral garden

Night dive

Possible in sheltered areas

Region / port

Marovo Lagoon, Western Province

Coordinates

-8.35, 157.9667

Conditions & Currents

Uepi Point is situated in a dynamic area where tidal currents interchange between the Marovo Lagoon and the deep ocean of The Slot. These currents can range from mild to strong, bringing in abundant nutrients and attracting large schools of fish and pelagic species. Dives are typically planned to utilize these currents for drift, minimizing strenuous swimming. Entry is usually via tender boat, with divers descending along the wall and allowing the current to guide them. Visibility remains generally excellent, often exceeding 30 meters, though strong currents can occasionally stir up particulate matter. Divers should be comfortable with drift diving and have good buoyancy control to navigate the current-swept reef edges effectively.

Marine life & sighting chances

Barracuda

common

Jacks

common

Sharks

common

Rays

occasional

Gorgonian Fans

common

Soft Corals

common

Sponges

common

Reef Fish

common

Nudibranchs

occasional

Echinoderms

common

Crustaceans

common

Snapper

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Uepi Point typically begin with a tender boat drop near the prominent reef corner where the currents are most active. Divers descend along the vertical wall, which is densely covered in corals and sponges, quickly reaching depths of 20-30 meters to observe the coral peninsula extending into the open ocean. The route often involves a drift along this wall, allowing the current to carry divers past schooling barracuda, jacks, and patrolling sharks. The dive progresses shallower, ascending along the reef face where numerous reef fish and macro subjects can be found in the vibrant coral gardens. The safety stop is usually conducted in the shallower, calmer waters near the reef top or a sheltered cove before surfacing and being picked up by the tender.

Underwater photography

Uepi Point is a highly rewarding site for underwater photographers, offering both wide-angle and macro opportunities. For wide-angle shots, consider a fisheye or rectilinear lens to capture the expansive coral walls, schooling fish, and pelagic action in the blue. Natural light can be abundant in the shallower sections, but strobes are crucial for bringing out the true colors of the corals and marine life in deeper areas or on overcast days. For macro photography, focus on the intricate soft corals, sponges, and numerous small reef inhabitants found along the reef face and in sheltered crevices. Pay close attention to buoyancy, especially in currents, to avoid damaging the pristine corals and to maintain stable shots.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Leru Cut

  Leru Cut is a celebrated dive site within the Russell Islands group, renowned for its dramatic geological formation: a narrow canyon…

• Kavachi Submarine Volcano

  Kavachi, famously known as the "Sharkano," is a dynamic submarine volcano located south of Gatokae and Vangunu Islands in the Solomon Sea.

• Custom House Reef

  Custom House Reef in the Solomon Islands is a highly regarded dive site, notable for its exceptional biodiversity and healthy coral…

• Marovo Lagoon - Coral Gardens

  Marovo Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the planet's largest saltwater lagoon, is a crown jewel of diving in the Solomon Islands.

• Munda - Shark Point

  Munda’s Shark Point, located in the Solomon Islands' Western Province, is a renowned dive site offering thrilling encounters with large…

• Njari Island - Manta Point

  Njari Island's Manta Point is a renowned dive site within the Solomon Islands, celebrated for its consistent manta ray sightings.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Uepi Point is primarily through Uepi Island Resort, which is located in the Marovo Lagoon. International travelers typically fly into Honiara International Airport (HIR) or Munda International Airport (MUA) in the Solomon Islands. From these hubs, domestic flights via Solomon Airlines, often on a Twin Otter, connect to Seghe, followed by a short boat transfer to Uepi Island. Dive packages usually include accommodation, meals, and diving directly from the resort, with dive sites like Uepi Point being minutes away. Trip lengths can vary, but multi-day stays at the resort are common to fully explore the numerous dive sites in the vicinity. There are no explicit park fees mentioned, as diving costs are integrated into resort packages.

Safety & environment

Diving at Uepi Point is guided by experienced local dive leaders who are intimately familiar with the site's conditions, including currents. All dives adhere to industry standards, and dive computers are mandatory for multi-level dive planning. While the resort provides dive leaders, it is strongly recommended that all divers carry personal dive accident insurance, such as DAN, to cover potential medical evacuation. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Honiara, which requires significant travel time from Uepi. Divers should always dive within their certification and experience levels, maintain excellent buoyancy control, and follow all briefing instructions. No collecting of live or dead marine animals is permitted.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Uepi Point FAQ

Liveaboards diving Uepi Point

These liveaboards may visit Uepi 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

$561/day

Pacific Master

Solomon Islands

20 guests30 m

$268/day