Description
Boat
Solomons Master previously operating in Truk Lagoon as M/V Truk Master, It was constructed in 1974 and refit during 2015 to 2016, it was launched in mid 2016. The refit was overseen by the experienced yacht building team of Siren Fleet, Jan & Frank Van Der Linde.
It is a 34 meters long, 7 meters wide professional steel dive liveaboard, with cruising speed at 10 knots, it provide 110/220 volt outlets with US plugs, there are many adapters available for fee use.
Solomons Master‘s communal relaxation areas are split between the main deck and upper decks, comprising of a spacious indoor dining area, camera set up station, guest storage drawers, lounge bar with comfortable bench seating, as well as plasma screen TV, music system, library. There are also shaded outdoor seating lounge area and a sundeck for guest use.
For those who enjoy the sun, there is a flybridge as sun-deck with deck chairs (un-shaded), where guest can soak up the stunning views of the islands of Truk Lagoon.
Onboard, the chef offer a choice of international and local cuisine, all meals are served in buffet style. In between the meals, there is always some tasty treats for you to pick up. If you have any special dietary requirements, please let our booking agents know, so we can put an note for you.
There is a range of fruit juices, balck/green herbal teas, carbonated soft drinks available any time of the day, as well as instant and freshly brewed coffee. Guests may also select beer, wine or spirit from the cocktail bar for an additional fee, in accordace with local law, we have a "Ship-Only" bar policy.
Solomons Master has a large shaded diving deck, with individual set up station, under bench storage for masks, fins and other personal items. A central camera table can be used to store prepared equipment ahead of the dive, with dedicated rinse tanks provided. There is also n deck shower hoses and an independent toilet.
Cabin
Solomons Master has 8 large guest cabins, it can welcome up to 16 guests per trip:
All cabins have ensuite bathroom, wall fan, A/C, storage area, safety box, bathrobes, hairdryer, shower gel, US plug outlet 110 & 220 Volts, adapters.
1 Superior Cabin (#8):
Located on the upper deck, this is the largest cabin onboard, comes with one large double bed, sitting area, seaview windows.
3 Premium Cabins (# 5, 6, 7):
Located on the main deck, each cabin comes with two single beds side by side upon request, it can be converted into one king size double bed, seaview windows.
1 Premium Twin Cabin (# 4):
Located on the main deck, this cabin comes with two single beds side by side, shower and toilet are separated, it's the second largest cabin onboard, however, the crew might be pass by this cabin to go to the staff cabin behind.
3 Standard Twin Cabins (# 1 - 3):
Located on the lower deck, each cabin comes with 2 single beds side by side, portholes.
Diving
- 3 dives per day + alternating additional sunset/night dives.
- No dive on the embarkation and disembarkation day.
- Only 1 - 2 dives will be provided on the last diving day.
- All diving will provide experienced guide to lead the dive.
- Supports all types of totally closed-circuit rebreathers (CCR)
- Offer Tri-mix support with helium and other Tec dive support
Other Informations
- Nitrox：Available with additional charge
- 15L Tanks：Available with additional charge
- REBREATHER Dive：Available with additional charge
- Technical Dive：Available with additional charge
- Dive Equipment Rental：Available with additional charge
- Dive insurance：Divers must have valid dive insurance
- Wi-Fi Internet ：Available with additional charge
- Laundry Service：Available with additional charge
- Massage Service：Not available at the moment
- Payment on board：Cash(USD/EUR/AUD/GBP)
- Crew Number：11, include 3 dive guides
Itineraries
Best of Solomon Islands - 11 Days / 10 Nights
The Best of the Solomons includes the Russell Islands and Florida Islands and ventures further west to Marovo Lagoon and Mbulo Island. This 10 night liveaboard adventure allows up to 30 dives including several night dives (depending on conditions). During the cruise there will be at least one visit to a village where you can meet local families and get a taste of life in the Solomon Islands. The children come out to play and love our gifts of school supplies.
Experience the very best of the Solomon Islands on this 10 night scuba diving liveaboard itinerary. Renowned for its thriving marine life and biodiversity, this secluded destination is a scuba diver's dream. There are numerous unspoiled hard and soft coral reefs, plus a wide variety of dive sites ranging from WWII wrecks to caverns, walls, pinnacles and stunning, sunlit swim-throughs. You will have a chance to see a variety of macro species as well as scores of reef and predatory fish, numerous sharks, rays and, if you're lucky, maybe even pilot whales!
Requirements: PADI Open Water or equivalent - minimum of 10 logged dives
Guadalcanal and Western Province - 11 Days / 10 Nights
Our 10 nights Guadalcanal & Western Province liveaboard diving itinerary is a scuba diver's dream. With the abundance of marine life and biodiversity only found in the Solomon Islands, there are numerous unspoiled hard and soft corals plus a variety of dive sites ranging from WWII wrecks to caverns and stunning reefs. This is truly a unique way to explore and experience the beauty and diversity of the Solomon Islands.
Requirements: PADI Advanced Open Water, or equivalent with 40 logged dives
Taste of Solomon Islands - 8 Days / 7 Nights
Taste of the Solomons includes the Russell Islands and Florida Islands around Honiara including Ghavutu Island with WWII wrecks. This 7 night liveaboard adventure allows up to 22 dives including several night dives (depending on conditions).
Our Taste of the Solomons, 7 night liveaboard diving itinerary offers some of the very best biodiversity and marine life found in the Solomon Islands. Drift along towering walls with red toothed triggerfish hiding in the crevices and white tipped reef sharks patrolling the corners. Take a step back in time and dive WWII wrecks including both Japanese and American planes and battle sites. Hunt in the muck for weird and wonderful creatures including banded pipefish and a plethora of nudibranch varieties.
Requirements: PADI Open Water or equivalent - minimum of 10 logged dives.
WWII Wreck Week - 8 Days / 7 Nights
WWII Wrecks includes some of the best wrecks of the Russell Islands, Florida Islands, and around Honiara. Wrecks on this itinerary are all within recreational limits and there will often be two or more dives on a single site, providing time to properly explore the wrecks. This 7 night liveaboard adventure allows up to 22 dives including several night dives (depending on conditions).
Our WWII Wreck Week itinerary will take you diving on some of the many wrecks from the WWII Solomon Islands Campaign around the Florida Islands and Russell Islands. Besides being renowned as a pristine dive destination with flourishing marine life, the Solomon Islands were the setting for some of the most intense battles of the Pacific War during WWII. It all began with the Japanese invasion of Guadalcanal in 1942, and the Allied Forces response with the Battle of Guadalcanal, codenamed Operation Watchtower. Discover the history behind the wrecks and dive sites on this 7 nights liveaboard adventure aboard Solomons Master.
Requirements: PADI Advanced Open Water + Deep Diver Speciality (or equivalent), minimun 75 logged dives
Getting There
The majority of our Solomons liveboard itineraries start and end in Honiara (HIR) which is served by airlines from Australia, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
From Europe: the easiest route is via Brisbane. From the US: the easiest option is via Fiji or Brisbane.
Solomons Master power outlets are 110V-60Hz US/ European style sockets; there are a limited number of 220V sockets provided at the camera tables in the dining area. European, and most other non-US electrical equipment generally require 220V at 50 Hz so guests are advised to bring power converters and plug adapters with them to avoid potential damage to their equipment and ensure it charges correctly.
More
| Destinations | Solomon Islands, Bikini Atoll |
|---|---|
| Facilities | Nitrox support, Sidemount Friendly, Rebreather Friendly, Tech Friendly, Camera Station, Laundry |
| Languages spoken | English |
Schedules & routes
Prices & conditions
Included
- Transfers from airport and/or hotel to the yacht
- VAT and local taxes
- Full-board meal plan (including snacks)
- Complimentary beverages (water, tea, coffee)
- Soft drinks
- Diving activity (incl. tanks, weights, weight belts)
- Dive guide service
- Land excursions and activities throughout the trip
- Boat accident insurance
- Cabin towels and complimentary toiletries
- Cabin cleaning service
Not included
- Domestic flights in destination country
- Marine park fees & Port fees
- Fuel surcharge
- Alcoholic beverage
- Dive equipment rentals
- Larger tank (15 L)
- Nitrox fills
- Dive courses on board
- Dive insurance (mandatory requirement)
- Travel insurance (trip cancellation insurance)
- Crew gratuity
Useful information
Solomon Islands
Best time for diving
April - June & September - November, you can dive year round, cyclones rarely hit the Solomon Islands. Usually January to March it tends to rain the most, however, the rain has little impact on diving. Between July and August the sea is rougher than the rest of the year, but you can still dive.
The average visibility is around 15 - 30 meters, though at times you can get above 30 meters. Currents are mild, and the surface conditions are nearly always calm.
About temperatures
Air : winter months are between 23°C - 28°C, summer months are between 24°C - 29°C.
Sea : range between 28°C - 30°C all year, with the "cooler" time of year from June to August(28°C - 29°C).
Wetsuit Recommendation
3mm wetsuit is recommended year round. Please keep in mind most of the liveabaords will provide 4 - 5 dives in the Solomon Islands, so some thermal protection is needed.
Diver requirement
Suitable for all levels. You can find out more informations about diving in the Solomon Islands here : Solomon Islands
Embarkation / Disembarkation
Most embarkation and disembarkation are in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands. Guests can fly to Honiara International Airport (HIR). From most countries flying via Brisbane(BNE), Australia is the best option although Air Niugini do have options between Singapore and Honiara via Port Moresby(POM).
For trips which start or end in Munda (MUA) there are daily flights operated by Solomons Airlines from / to Honiara.
Visa Requirements
Citizens of the US, most British Commonwealth and European Union countries do not need a visa. If you have a valid passport (minimum 6 months validity from planned date of entry) and a return or onward ticket, you can acquire a visitor’s visa valid for three months on arrival. Please refer to Visa Requirements for details.
For guests who do need visa, we are happy to provide assistance with Solomon Islands visa applications with at least 8 weeks notice and a handling fee will be charged for this service in addition to the cost of the visa, regardless of the outcome of the application.
Guests travelling via Australia may need to apply for a transit or visitor’s visa before travelling, if the time between connecting flights is more than 8 hours, or if they wish to leave the airport during their transit period. To check which visa you may need, please refer to the visa section of Australian Immigration - please note that Australian visa applications can take up to 14 days to process.
Vaccinations
Vaccination against measles is required for entry into the Solomon Islands. All passengers entering the Solomon Islands are required to complete a health declaration form regarding immunisation against/exposure to measles. The forms will be made available at check-in counters and on board your flight. Proof of vaccination is no longer required on entry though so as long as you can tick that you are vaccinated for measles. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for traveller arriving from at risk countries in Africa and the Americas.
Money Matters
The local currency is the Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD). All liveaboards accept payment in USD. Exchange services are available, including at Honiara International Airport. Larger hotels, resorts, shops and restaurants may accept Visa and Master Card for which a charge will likely be levied, but not always so always check first.
Drones
Please refer to Drone Laws in the Solomon Islands for more information.
Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such service.
Bikini Atoll
Best time for diving
May - October. There is no monsoon or wet and dry seasons as such, but these months tend to offer better conditions as the Northeast trade winds have stopped.
About temperatures
Air : winter months are between 15°C - 24°C, summer months are between 25°C - 32°C.
Sea : winter months are between 25°C - 27°C, summer months are between 28°C - 30°C.
Wetsuit Recommendation
A 5mm full length exposure suit is strongly recommended for wreck divers to avoid injury from the wreckage, whilst technical divers are advised to bring appropriate exposure protection for prolonged deco-stops.
Diver requirement
Due to the depths at which wrecks sit, Bikini Atoll is only suitable for divers with technical diving certifications and deep, wreck diving experience. The minimum and mandatory certification required is PADI Tec 50, or equivalent, with 100 logged dives and wreck diving experience. Liveaboards usually only provide trimix for Closed Circuit Rebreather (CCR), so divers must have normoxic trimix certification when dive with CCR.
If you really want to enjoy the most out of your dive holiday in Bikini Atoll, you should also consider get certifications from : TDI – Advanced Nitrox & Deco Procedures / NAUI – Tech Nitrox & Deco Techniques / ANDI – Technical Nitrox / IANTD – Tech Nitrox.
You can find out more informations about diving in Bikini Atoll here : Bikini Atoll
Embarkation / Disembarkation
Both embarkation and disembarkation take place at Ebeye Island on Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. Guests should fly to & from Kwajelein (KWA). Which can be reached via Honolulu, Hawaii from United Airlines, the flight is about 7hrs.
Visa Requirements
Please refer to Visa Requirements for details of countries covered by visa exemption agreements or eligible for visa on arrival.
Vaccinations
The Republic of the Marshall Islands requires travellers born in or after 1957 to show proof of up-to-date measles / MMR vaccination in the form of an official measles immunisation card bearing the signature and stamp of a licensed health care provider. Please ensure your vaccination records are up to date or, if necessary, obtain a note from your doctor confirming that you have received the measles vaccination.
Money Matters
The local currency in the Marshall Islands is the US Dollar (US$). There are no ATMs in Ebeye area. Therefore we recommend bringing a sufficient amount of USD in cash ($300 - $800), preferably in smaller denominations to cover any incidentals or local purchases.
Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your diving holiday. For example, we can organise your transfers to and from the airport in Hawaii and book the hotel of your choice in Honolulu for your first and last night before and after your flight to the Marshall Islands. Just ask us if you need such service.
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