Solomon Islands ‘Munda’ March 2012 FULL

Join me (Bianca) for an epic adventure at the Solomon Islands March 21 - 30th 2012. 50m Plane Wrecks, Shark Dives, Cave Dives & Soft Coral. 29'C Water Temp all year.

Munda

Munda was an important military airfield during WW2 and there are war relics everywhere: In the bushes, on the beaches and in the water. Great wreck diving is available. In the lagoon at Munda, Roviana Island has a colourful history of headhunting, animist religion and tribal wars. On the hill behind the village lie the ruins of an ancient coral fortress protecting the stone dog-idol previously worshipped by the tribe.

From Roviana Island a variety of excursions by motor canoe can be undertaken into the Roviana and Vona Vona Lagoons for snorkelling, fishing and sightseeing: war relics, waterfalls, bat caves, and cultural sites such as the skull islands where the 'trophies' of yesterday's head hunters were stored.

Dive Sites

The diving in Munda is phenomenal. There are spectacular walls, dropping off to over 600 metres, teeming with real big fish action.

Grey Reef, Black tip, White tip sharks routinely patrol the reefs. Eagle rays, shoaling barracudas and other pelagic are also commonplace. Occasional encounters with Silkys, Oceanic White Tips, Silvertips and Hammerheads add to the excitement.

One of the most amazing things about diving from Munda is the diversity of dives, along with scenic beauty as the dive boat travels past fishing villages, bush clad waterways and picturesque islands on its way to dive sites.

Shark point

About 20 minutes boat ride from Agnes Lodge. A spectacular wall dive, plunging down to 70 meters. There is a good chance to spot hammerhead sharks, silver tip sharks, and the occasional oceanic white tip. Along the wall there are huge gorgonian sea fans and lush soft corals and thick whip corals. This makes an amazing early-morning dive as visibility can exceed 40 meters and the chance to see those BIG FISH increases greatly. Although typically this is a deep dive to see the larger species of shark, the novice diver can enjoy this site as well at a shallower depth.

Cave of the Custom Shark

15 minutes past Mushroom Island on NdokeNdoke Island; an hour’s drive from Agnes Lodge. The story behind the cave is a part of local folklore and is intertwined with turtle hunting, shark life in the area, and the mysterious cave

To reach The Cave of the Custom Shark divers walk with full gear onto the island and through the mangroves. The cave entrance is a pool of fresh water about 2 meters wide. Stepping into the water, divers notice that this fresh water is much cooler then the sea. The top layer of fresh water is somewhat murky and about 3 meters deep. As you descend through the top layer and reach the sea water; it warms up considerably. The cave is large enough to be comfortable and there is a guide line through the cave for easier navigation. After penetrating the cave for about 12 minutes and reaching a maximum depth of 35 meters, you reach the outer wall of the island. At 22 meters you carry on the dive, enjoying the wall adorned with soft corals and many different fishes.

Rainbow Passage

A beautiful dive located off Rendova Island about 30 minutes away. The dive features a large underwater plateau beginning at 7 meters and sloping down to 30 meters. While diving around the plateau you come to a drop-off at 25 meters. There you find a forest of black coral and a few sandy patches where black tip and grey reef sharks are sure to make an appearance. Napoleons also inhabit this area. Further along there is an area abundant with elephant ear corals. Turtles are often seen at Rainbow Passage so keep an eye out for them sleeping, tucked in the coral or having a snack. Currents can be strong guaranteeing a large variety of fish to encounter.

Top Shelf

Top shelf is located off the back of Kundu Kundu Normana some 20 minutes away. This long reef is parallel to Shark Point so the chance to see some of the bigger species of shark is likely. Top shelf is a reef dive abundant with so many fish and thick with corals. It drops down to over 40 meters and the reef edge is somewhat jagged; creating inlets where the lazy fish hide to escape the current. Top Shelf is great dive to do in combination with Shark Point. It is also good for those divers who prefer more shallow dives. Top shelf is a photographer’s dream; the many reef fish, soft corals and hard corals to keep shutters working over-time.
(close to all Kundu dive sites)

The Lighthouse

Located on the way to the Kasi Maru, just a 30 minute’s drive. The Lighthouse is a wall dive that drops straight down to 65 meters. There are huge numbers of gorgonians and soft corals that adorn the wall. As well, there are more kinds and colors of sponge than on any other Munda dive site. Previously Soltai Tuna Cannery dumped fish waste in the area so it is not uncommon to see a variety of sharks patrolling the wall

Agnes Lodge

When you land in Munda, you only have a short two-minute walk to Agnes Lodge Resort. The resort is situated right on the waterfront with stunning views out over Roviana Lagoon

Accommodation: Originally built as a Government rest house on the unspoiled shores of Roviana Lagoon, Agnes Lodge is now a hotel with 20 rooms, located in several wings and catering for a range of budgets. The Zazala Wing has rooms with double beds, separate lounge and en-suite facilities. The Naru Wing has twin beds with en suite facilities. The lodge has also just completed the Ibibu Wing comprising eight cottages with double or twin beds. All rooms have ceiling fans, coffee-making facilities and small refrigerators.

The Orchid Wing, with its three beds and no private facilities, is ideal for backpackers who are prepared to share.

Amenities: A traditional leaf thatched building on the water's edge, accommodates the lounge bar and an adjoining fully licensed restaurant specialising in local seafood.

Activities: Activities available to complement the diving and snorkelling are canoe trips, fishing, bushwalks, island picnics, cycling and visits to WW2 sites. Agnes Lodge can also organise a number of tours which include half day trips to tropical rainforests, tours to World War II sites and wrecks, and snorkeling and picnic tours to nearby islands.