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Solomon Islands to host 2nd Annual Solomons Dive Fest this October

Published

8 years ago

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In celebration of the magnificent diving experiences the Solomon Islands has to offer the international dive community, the 2nd Annual Solomon Dive Fest 2017 will take place in the country’s Western Province from October 2-7 2017.

Suspended like a string of deep green pearls from Papua New Guinea to Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands is the epitome of a hidden South Pacific paradise, a true living culture, rich with art, dance and the iconic sound of the panpipe music synonymous with the ‘Hapi Isles’ as they are so aptly named.

This scattered archipelago of 992-odd richly forested mountainous islands and low-lying coral atolls has been attracting international tourism since 1568 when Spanish explorer Alvaro de Mendana first sailed into this tucked away corner of the South Pacific.

Mendana’s legacy can still be found in the Solomon Islands today with many of the islands still bearing the Spanish names he gave them – Santa Isabel, San Cristóbal and perhaps the best known of all, Guadalcanal, the name synonymous with the infamous and very bloody World War II campaign in 1942 and the catalyst for the Allies ultimate victory over the Japanese Imperial Forces.

This year will mark the 75th anniversary of the battle for Guadalcanal and the event will hold even greater significance for the people of the ‘Hapi Isles’ who take immense pride in the knowledge their home is the place where freedom for the Pacific was hard fought for and ultimately won.

Hosted locally by Dive Gizo, SIDE Dive Munda and SIDE MV Taka, dive excursions, cultural activities, photographic competitions, and workshops have all been combined into one very special event with focus given to two of the Solomon Islands’ best dive locales – Munda and Gizo.

Munda is located north west of Honiara and has swim-through caves, wrecks of planes and boats all within a short boat ride and reefs right in the main accommodation resource, the Agnes Gateway Hotel where the coral is still in pristine condition. Munda is also the place where water flow and currents create the perfect conditions required for barracuda and jacks feeding frenzies. Barry’s Breakfast is just one such dive where you can hang in mid-water surrounded by swarming pelagics while Titan triggers patrolling the reefs below.

Gizo offers a huge variety of spectacular dive sites. Grand Central Station boasts the highest fish count in the world with more than 275 species recorded in its teeming waters. Wreck enthusiasts too are more than catered for with a 440-foot Japanese freighter, the Toa Maru and an almost fully-intact US Hellcat fighter aircraft lying in very shallow waters a short boat ride away from Gizo Town.

The festival also features the opportunity to experience a liveaboard dive boat aboard SIDE’s renowned MV Taka.

Packages to this year’s Dive Fest are available from just $1,355 per person to include:

  • Return flights flying Solomon Airlines ex-Brisbane to Gizo and Munda via Honiara plus all transfers
  • 2 nights twin accommodation at Rekona Lodge or Gizo Hotel, breakfast and dinner in Gizo
  • Attendance at the festival’s opening ceremony, dinner at PT109 restaurant with kastom sing sing and dance
  • 3 tank dive day with Dive Gizo with tanks, weights, dive guide and BBQ lunch
  • DAN seminar
  • 1 night twin Standard cabin (shared bathrooms) on board MV Take with all meals and sailing from Gizo to Munda
  • Up to 4 dives with tanks, weights, dive guide and kastom fees
  • Photography workshop
  • 2 nights twin accommodation at Agnes Gateway Lodge in Munda
  • 2 tank dive day with SIDE Dive Munda with tanks, weights and dive guide
  • Kastom lunch at Hopei Island and WWII Museum visit
  • Marine biology focused seminar
  • BBQ dinner with kastom dance performance
  • 1 tank dive day with tank, weights, dive guide plus Skull Island visit
  • Cocktails and winner of Photo Competition announcement
  • Closing ceremony and dinner
  • 1 extra night twin accommodation at Agnes Gateway Lodge, Munda (no meals included)

For more information on this package and the possible upgrades see www.solomonsdiving.com/solomons-dive-fest-2017

For more information about the Solomons Dive Fest 2017, visit, www.visitsolomons.com.sb, e-mail info@sivb.com.sb or call 677-22442.

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Marine Life & Conservation

I.CARE, SSI Blue Oceans, and Mares Team Up to Remove Over 36,000 Pounds of Debris from the Florida Keys

Published

9 hours ago

on

May 17, 2025

By

The 3rd Annual I.CARE Trash Derby has come to a successful close, delivering a powerful message of community-driven conservation. In partnership with SSI Blue Oceans, Mares, and several other industry leaders, I.CARE once again led an inspiring grassroots effort to restore and protect the marine environment of the Florida Keys.

This year’s Trash Derby broke records, drawing support from more than 900 participants—including divers, boaters, and conservation advocates—who collectively removed an impressive 36,459 pounds of marine debris. Over a two-day period, teams worked on land, along shorelines, and at reef sites both above and below the water, making a meaningful contribution to the region’s ecological health.

“I am so proud of everyone involved in last week’s I.CARE Trash Derby,” said Mike Goldberg, Co-Founder of I.CARE. “This level of success comes from the passion and hard work of hundreds of people who care about our oceans, reefs, and local communities. I’m filled with gratitude.”

Recognizing Top Contributors: From Trash to Triumph

The event featured competition across three categories—Land & Shore, Private Boat, and Dive Operator—awarding teams based on the amount of debris collected per person. Additional special recognitions included the most monofilament retrieved and the most unusual item found. Congratulations to the standout teams of 2025:

Land & Shore Division:

  • Tired of Tires – 1,128.75 lbs/person

  • DerSno – 930.7 lbs/person

  • KnotaYacht – 124.2 lbs/person

Private Boat Division:

  • Triple Crown – 1,076.83 lbs/person

  • Fisherman & the Mermaid – 735.95 lbs/person

  • Dumpster Diving Divas – 572.875 lbs/person

Dive Operator Division:

  • Quiescence Diving – 430.6 lbs/person (average)

  • Key Dives – 141.3 lbs/person (average)

  • Captain’s Corner – 83.2 lbs/person (average)

Special Awards:

  • Most Monofilament Collected: Conch Republic Divers (26.8 lbs)

  • Most Unique Item Found: Bilge Buddies

Celebrating Conservation with Community and Education

The weekend concluded with the Trash Derby Festival at Founders Park in Islamorada. Attendees enjoyed live music, food, and sustainability-focused vendors, all centered around marine conservation. The festival also provided opportunities to connect with environmental organizations and celebrate the participants’ achievements.

“The energy and dedication from everyone involved was incredible,” said Rachael Steidley, SSI’s North America Marketing Manager. “This event goes beyond collecting trash—it’s about building a movement and inspiring conservation on a global scale.”

Looking Ahead to 2026: Raising the Bar

Plans are already underway for the 4th Annual I.CARE Trash Derby, with organizers calling on dive pros, boaters, and ocean advocates to help set an even bigger record next year.

To get involved or learn more about how you or your dive shop can participate in 2026, visit www.icaretrashderby.com or contact I.CARE at info@icareaboutcoral.org.

Let’s keep making waves for the planet—one pound at a time.

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News

Paul Toomer leaves RAID

Published

1 day ago

on

May 16, 2025

By

paul toomer

Dive industry veteran Paul Toomer has officially announced his departure from Dive RAID International, marking the end of a significant chapter in his professional journey.

In a statement released today, Toomer shared:

“It is with sadness that I must advise that I am no longer involved with Dive RAID International (RAID HQ).This decision was not made lightly and reflects a mutual understanding between RAID and myself. I have greatly valued contributing to RAID’s growth and accomplishments over the years. However, we now hold differing visions for the future, and it is time for me to take a new path.

As of now, I am no longer in a position to respond to inquiries from RAID members, regional offices, or representatives. Please direct any questions to your local RAID office or to Dive RAID International directly. Contact information is available on the official website.

Even though I am no longer involved with RAID HQ, I have not lost my passion for working in this amazing industry and I will continue to teach and dive. My rebreathers will probably see more action now than they ever have.Of course I wish the RAID guys all the best going forward.”

Toomer has been an influential figure in the global diving community for decades, and his leadership played a major role in shaping RAID’s reputation as a forward-thinking training agency. While his next steps have not yet been publicly disclosed, his continued commitment to diving suggests exciting things ahead.

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