Solomon Islands

Some of the best diving in the world is in the South Pacific. Destinations such as the Solomon Islands, the Philippines and Indonesia contain some of the lushest most dense coral reef systems found anywhere. Their reefs teem with sea creatures of all sizes and shapes and framed by gorgeous coral reefs.

For those who have some knowledge of World War Two history in the Pacific, the Solomon Islands were the focus of major land and sea battles between 1942 and 1943. Guadalcanal, the main island, evokes horrific memories of bloody battles as the US strove to eject the Japanese from Guadalcanal in order to capture the airport, called Cactus Field. This was the only island in the Solomon’s that contained the ability to handle large and constant air traffic.

Cuttlefish

Cuttlefish are in the class Cephalopoda which includes the squid and octopus. A cuttlefish a highly evolved pair of eyes. A cuttlefish has ten tentacles, two of which are extra-long. There is a narrow fin the length of the body on each side. Learn more

Clownfish with Anemone

One of the more fascinating aspects of coral reef life is the formation of partner¬ships between two entirely different crea¬tures in order to increase chances for survival. “Commensalism” occurs where a partnership benefits only one of the partners but no harm is done to the other partner. “Mutualism” is a partner¬ship which results in benefit to both partners. A striking example of a partnership is the clownfish and the sea anemone. Learn more

Giant Clam

Clams, like snails, nudibranchs, octopi, squid and cuttlefish, are mollusks. Bivalve mollusks include the clam, oyster, mussel and scallop. A bivalve mollusk is a soft-bodied animal enclosed within two shells which are hinged. Learn more

Porcelain crab

Shrimp, lobsters, and crabs are crustaceans. They have hard shells and are able to move rapidly due to the existence of joints, segmented abdomens, and jointed legs. They continually outgrow their shells, shed them (molt), and form new and bigger shells. They all have five pairs of appendages, as well as claws and antennae. Learn more

Nudibranch

The nudibranch is a wondrous creature whose myriad colors and patterns make it a photographer's delight. Nudibranchs are mollusks, a grouping which includes oysters, clams, scallops, mussels, snails, periwinkles, octopi, and squid. Learn more