Dive Site: White Beach WWII Dump Site

About White Beach WWII Dump Site

White Beach in the Solomon Islands offers a unique dive experience, serving as both a historical monument and a thriving artificial reef. After World War II, a vast collection of military vehicles, ammunition, and equipment was pushed into the sea, creating an extensive underwater dump site. Today, these submerged relics, including trucks, cranes, jeeps, tractors, and even 1940s Coca-Cola bottles, are largely intact and widely scattered across the seabed. This site combines historical exploration with vibrant marine biodiversity. The metal structures have become completely colonized by corals and other marine life, transforming into intricate habitats for a diverse array of species. Divers can observe how history and nature have intertwined, with soft corals growing on the war artifacts and countless macro creatures finding refuge among the wreckage. The dive typically involves exploring various sections of the dump, revealing different types of equipment and the marine life they host. The relatively shallow depth makes it accessible for a range of divers, allowing for extended bottom times to fully appreciate both the historical context and the ecological transformation of the site. It stands as a powerful reminder of the past, now repurposed by nature into a vibrant underwater ecosystem.

Dive site facts: White Beach WWII Dump Site

Depth

12–37 m

Current

Mild

Visibility

Excellent

Water temperature

28–30°C

Entry

Tender / boat

Level

Open Water Diver

Dive type

Wreck, historical, macro

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Guadalcanal Province

Coordinates

8.7273° S, 158.2384° E

Conditions & Currents

Diving conditions in the Solomon Islands are generally considered very easy, characterized by warm, calm waters and mild currents. White Beach itself features both a reef and the dump site, where currents are typically minimal, allowing divers to explore the scattered relics without significant drift. Visibility is usually excellent, contributing to clear views of the historical artifacts and marine life. Entry and exit are made simple by the use of tenders (tinnies) from liveaboards, which shuttle divers to and from the site, making it accessible even for those with mobility issues. The calm conditions within the islands ensure a comfortable dive experience.

Marine life & sighting chances

Soft corals

common

Nudibranchs

common

Pygmy seahorses

occasional

Cuttlefish

common

Octopus

occasional

Coral hermit crabs

common

Crocodile fish

occasional

Reef fish

common

Squat lobsters

occasional

Frogfish

occasional

Mantis shrimp

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at White Beach typically begin from a tender, dropping onto the extensive dump site. Divers explore the scattered array of World War II military equipment, including trucks, jeeps, cranes, and ammunition, found across a depth range of 12 to 37 meters. The site offers a free-form exploration, allowing for ample time to investigate individual artifacts and the marine life that has colonized them. Many dives involve a progression over the sandy seabed, winding between larger wrecks and smaller debris fields. The dive concludes with a gradual ascent, often allowing for a safety stop over shallower parts of the dump or an adjacent reef section, ensuring decompression while observing additional marine details.

Underwater photography

White Beach offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. For wide-angle shots, a fisheye or wide rectilinear lens is ideal to capture the scale of the submerged military vehicles and the overall panorama of the dump site. Ensure good strobe positioning to illuminate the dark structures and bring out the vibrant colors of the corals growing on them. For macro subjects, such as nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, and other critters that inhabit the wreckage, a macro lens with a dedicated strobe is essential. Buoyancy control is paramount to avoid disturbing the silty bottom and to navigate safely around the historical artifacts without causing damage. Take care not to touch any historical items and maintain a respectful distance from the fragile ecosystem.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Toa Maru

  A large, intact Japanese transport ship wreck

• Bonegi I & II

  Shore-accessible WWII shipwrecks near Honiara

• Leru Cut

  Dramatic canyon dive with unique light effects

• Twin Tunnels

  Volcanic lava tubes leading to a coral wall

Getting there & logistics

Access to White Beach WWII Dump Site is primarily via liveaboard cruises, which are considered the most effective way to explore the scattered dive sites across the Solomon Islands. The main international gateway is Honiara, the capital city on Guadalcanal, reachable by flights from Brisbane, Australia, and Nadi, Fiji. Liveaboards typically embark from Honiara. Trip lengths vary, but commonly range from 7 to 14 days, providing multiple dives per day. While there are no specific park fees mentioned for this site, liveaboard costs cover all diving, accommodation, and meals. This site is frequently combined with other WWII wrecks around Guadalcanal and diverse reef dives in the Florida and Russell Islands, offering a comprehensive Solomon Islands diving experience.

Safety & environment

The nearest recompression chamber is located in Honiara, though evacuation to a more advanced medical facility in Australia or Fiji is typically required for serious diving accidents. Comprehensive dive insurance, covering emergency medical care and evacuation, is highly recommended. At White Beach, divers should exercise caution when exploring the wreck, being mindful of potential sharp edges or unstable structures, though the site is generally considered safe for recreational diving. Given the historical nature, respecting the artifacts by not touching or removing anything is crucial. Maintaining excellent buoyancy control is important to avoid disturbing sediment around the wreckage and to protect the marine life that has colonized the site.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

White Beach WWII Dump Site FAQ

Liveaboards diving White Beach WWII Dump Site

These liveaboards may visit White Beach WWII Dump Site 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