DIVE LOG AUSTRALASIA ISSUE 413 AUGUST 25

Magic Munda dive at Agnes Gateway Hotel

O ne of the best-known names on the Solomon Islands tourism scene for many years, the Agnes Gateway Hotel is a short walk from the new airstrip at Munda. The WW2 air strip was built by the Japanese in late 1942. The US forces fought long and hard to regain the airfield during 1943. The Airfield was recently rebuilt by the NZ Goverment to allow international flights. Your South Pacific adventure begins as you enter the tropical gardens of the Hotel and the bright colours of the Bouganvillea welcomes you. Magic Munda dive shop is situated right inside the hotel a few metres from the hotel check in. Our Dive guide is the wonderful Euna, locally trained by Belinda Botha from non diver to instructor. She is a highly qualified SSI instructor and she runs a very professional safety conscious diving outfit in Munda. Euna is thorough and well organised and she has the wonderful friendly attitude of the Solomon’s locals. The resort’s location in Munda in the destination’s Western Province is perfect. The area is renowned for some of the most diverse and exciting diving to be found anywhere in the world. From World War II wrecks to numerous offshore reefs, spectacular coral formations, plummeting walls, manta rays and abundant marine life, SCUBA enthusiasts are beyond spoilt for choice and divers can choose from many amazing locations.

Tourism Solomons Acting CEO, Dagnal Dereveke, is working to promote the great diving experiences in the Western Province. “Having improved access to quality dive infrastructure like Magic Munda and the many other first-class operators we have here is key to raising profile of the Solomon Islands as a serious dive destination. “Providing increased facilities results in increased visitor arrivals which in turn creates more opportunities for local employment and business partnerships, which is a positive outcome for the entire community.”

Above: Incredible camouflage of the Crocodile Flathead .

Above: The cultural visit to Skull Island is a major drawcard from Munda

Above: Euna inspects a well camouglaged Crocodile flathead in the rich coral gardens. Great fish life make it an exciting drift dive.

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Dive Log Australasia #413 August ‘25

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