Australia dives in to support tourism

The Solomon Islands’ dive tourism scene has received a timely boost with the launch of Dive Guadalcanal, a new operator offering professional dive services right in the heart of the capital.

As international borders have reopened and tourism slowly recovers from the impacts of COVID-19, Honiara has seen a noticeable increase in short-stay visitors, including business travelers. Many of them are keen to experience the world-class dive sites of the Solomon Islands—yet access to diving services in the capital has been limited.

That’s now changing.

Dive Guadalcanal provides certified dive instruction, guided scuba diving, and equipment rental, all within close reach of the city. But the operator's ambition goes further—creating career pathways for Solomon Islanders through training and certification programs.

In a significant step forward for the local dive sector, the initiative is backed by the Australian Government, which has supported the purchase of essential dive equipment such as fins, buoyancy compensators, masks, and regulators.

“This partnership brings real benefits to our communities,” said Hon. Francis Sade, Minister for Public Service and MP for Northwest Guadalcanal.

“It’s encouraging to see investment coming into Northwest Guadalcanal to unlock our tourism potential. I look forward to seeing Dive Guadalcanal grow and create new opportunities for young people and families in the area.”

Training programs will also be delivered in partnership with Diving Operators Solomon Islands (DOSI) to ensure safety standards and professional practices are maintained.

“Tourism is a vital part of Solomon Islands’ economy,” said Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton.

“Partnerships like this help create local jobs, boost services, and strengthen the country’s position as a destination for dive tourism. Expanding diving services in Honiara will encourage more tourists to the country’s capital before travelling to established dive sites in other provinces.”

With its mix of stunning coral reefs, historical WWII wrecks, and rich marine biodiversity, the Solomon Islands is considered one of the Pacific’s hidden gems for divers. The arrival of Dive Guadalcanal brings these experiences within easier reach of visitors staying in or passing through Honiara.

“There’s a real buzz about diving in the Solomons,” said Kymberly Bryce, founder of Dive Guadalcanal.

“We’re excited to be part of that momentum. With Australia’s support, we’re not only setting up a much-needed dive operation in Honiara but also creating pathways for Solomon Islanders to build careers in the dive industry. It’s about building something sustainable, by Solomon Islanders, for Solomon Islanders and visitors alike.”

With a strong focus on sustainability, skills development, and local ownership, Dive Guadalcanal is more than just a business—it’s part of a broader push to grow the Solomon Islands’ tourism economy in an inclusive, forward-thinking way.