Lying off the north coast of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands, Iron Bottom Sound is one of the world’s most haunting stretches of water. It was here, during the brutal Guadalcanal campaign of World War II, some of the most intense naval battles in history took place.
The waters between Guadalcanal, Savo, and the Florida Islands became a graveyard for dozens of warships and aircraft – so many, in fact, the area earned the chilling nickname ‘Iron Bottom Sound’.
This incredible museum of military history is one of the major attractions when diving from our new centre in the Solomon Islands capital city – Emperor Divers Honiara. From here, we are just minutes away from the first-hand experience of exploring this famous (or more accurately infamous) historical site.
The name was coined by Allied servicemen during the battle for Guadalcanal which raged for six months over 1942-43. Following Japan’s attempt to construct an airfield on the island – something that would threaten vital Allied supply routes between the USA and Australia – American forces launched a surprise landing in August 1942.
What followed was a gruelling struggle fought on land, in the air, and most fiercely at sea. Night naval battles were particularly savage, with both sides suffering heavy losses.
The campaign ultimately ended in a strategic victory for the Allies, halting Japanese expansion in the Pacific and turning the tide of the war. The sheer number of lost ships gave the Sound its evocative name – a tribute to the mechanical wreckage resting on its floor.
Today, Iron Bottom Sound is a world-renowned dive site which attracts adventurers and historians.
With wrecks resting at various depths, it offers the chance for divers of all abilities to examine history. While some are accessible to recreational divers, others are reserved for technical exploration and provide a real test.
Highlights include the USS Aaron Ward, a destroyer lying upright and largely intact; Japanese Mavis Seaplanes, and the B-17 Flying Fortress – but the choice is plentiful and many are covered in coral, transforming these war relics into vibrant artificial reefs teeming with marine life.
Visibility is normally excellent in the Solomons (often exceeding 30 metres) and the warm, tropical water makes diving here very comfortable. The juxtaposition of historical wreckage and thriving biodiversity creates an experience unlike anywhere else in the world.
Iron Bottom Sound offers more than just incredible diving – it’s a window into the Second World War. A museum but also a monument to the many poor souls who lost their lives in the aim of achieving peace. It is estimated that between 30,000 to 40,000 people died during this key part of the global conflict which means Guadalcanal, and its surrounds, is a place not just for exploration and adventure but also remembrance and reflection.
Whether you’re drawn by history, marine life, or the sheer uniqueness of the area, diving in Iron Bottom Sound is an unforgettable exploration of both nature and the past.
These images were taken by Larry Dumlao. We thank him for allowing us to use them.
If you would like to find out more about the diving on offer in the Solomon Islands please contact our team on [email protected] and they will be happy to help. If you would like to book a day-diving package with us, then drop an email to [email protected].