Solomons Master Liveaboard Overview

A world-class scuba diving destination, the Solomon Islands is known for its incredible biodiversity, pristine dive sites, and beautiful topside scenery. Situated in the Coral Triangle between northeast Australia and southeast Papua New Guinea, this remote island nation offers spectacular, unspoiled dives sites, hard and soft corals, WWII wrecks, caverns, reefs, and drop-offs.

Divers may see a wide variety of large pelagics, including sharks, rays, dolphins, and whales, as well as smaller creatures such as pygmy seahorses and nudibranchs.

The Solomons Master is a 112-foot (34 m), steel-hulled liveaboard yacht that operates in the Solomon Islands year-round. Built in 1974 and renovated in 2015, it is a custom-designed vessel, built specifically for diving, and is known for comfortable accommodations, a spacious dive deck, and excellent crew. The boat underwent a major refit in 2025, including all new decor.

Let’s dive into our review of the Solomons Master.

Where to book

The Solomons Master liveaboard's stern view with its dive deck ladder and Solomon Islands flag

PADI TravelSecure online booking Liveaboard.comNo booking fees Divebooker.comFree DAN insurance

Diving on the Solomons Master

Close-up of an orange and white nudibranch on coral near the Solomons Master

Large school of jackfish swirling over a reef near the Solomons Master

Diver swimming through a coral archway lit by dive torches

Dive deck aboard the Solomons Master with tanks and gear stations set up between benches

The Solomon Islands is one of the most biodiverse marine regions in the world, where divers may see a wide variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, turtles, and dolphins.

Diving conditions are excellent, with water temperatures of 81 to 88 F (27 to 31 C), visibility of 50 to 90 feet (15 to 30 m), and a wide variety of dive sites. Divers can expect a mix of wall dives, drift dives, shallow reefs, and wrecks. Currents can be strong in some areas, but most dive sites are suitable for all levels of experience.

The Solomons Master offers a variety of itineraries, ranging from 7 to 10 nights, and typically departing from and returning to the capital city of Honiara. Guests can expect to do up to four dives a day, including several night dives. The minimum qualification required is Advanced Open Water, though some itineraries may require additional certifications, such as nitrox or deep diver certification.

With over 500 WWII shipwrecks, the Solomons Islands is a wreck diver’s paradise. The Solomons Master typically visits the most popular wrecks, such as the Toa Maru, the Hirokawa Maru, and the Tulagi Maru.

Particularly good for photographers, the boat has a dedicated photo area with charging stations, rinse tanks, and plenty of space to edit. The dive guides are also experienced underwater photographers and can help guests get the best shots. The most popular types of photography are macro, wide-angle, and wreck.

The Solomons Master uses a mixture of platform and tender diving, with tenders used in stronger currents or when the dive site is too far away from the boat. The Solomons Master is most suited for experienced divers who are interested in wreck diving, where the rewards are great.

Highlights:

Spectacular healthy reefs and diverse marine life
A wreck-diver’s paradise
The opportunity to encounter large pelagics such as sharks, rays and whales
Three dive guides on board with all dives guided

Onboard the Solomons Master

Leather lounge seating and bar area in the saloon of the Solomons Master

Cabin bed aboard the Solomons Master decorated with a towel swan and hibiscus flower

Sundeck lounge chairs and bean bags on the top deck of the Solomons Master

The Solomons Master can accommodate up to 16 guests in eight en-suite, air-conditioned cabins. A spacious dive deck and 12 excellent crew members round out the highlights. The boat offers a variety of itineraries to choose from, so guests can find a trip that fits their budget and interests.

All eight cabins are located on the lower deck. Three are classic twin cabins; four are premium twin/double cabins, and there’s one superior double cabin. The salon and dining area on the main deck feature a large, comfortable seating area, a TV, stereo system, and a selection of books and games. Decor on the Solomons Master was refreshed in early 2025 as part of an extensive refit.

Outside, there’s a large sundeck with loungers, as well as a shaded area with more seating. The covered area on the main deck offers shady tables and chairs, as well as a bar. There is a small seating area on the bow of the boat, as well as a seating area on the stern.

The dive deck offers plenty of room for divers to gear up. You’ll find individual gear stations, plenty of under-bench storage, dedicated rinse tanks, and a freshwater shower. Further, the boat can cater to technical and rebreather divers.There is also a camera table where photographers can set up their equipment.

Highlights:

Comfortable cabins and public areas
Lots of places to relax between dives
Excellent helpful, friendly and safety-conscious crew
Facilities for technical and rebreather divers

Dining onboard the Solomons Master

Dining area aboard the Solomons Master with tables set for a meal and an open galley

Dining tables and blue booth seating in the Solomons Master's saloon

The Solomons Master serves three buffet-style meals daily, as well as a selection of snacks throughout the day. The food is a mixture of local and western cuisine, and special dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice.

Soft drinks, tea, and coffee are included in the trip price. Beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. Overall, the food on the Solomons Master is high quality and varied. There is something for everyone to enjoy, and the chefs are happy to cater for special dietary requirements.