Solomon Islands Strengthens Position as Top Global Dive Destination

Tourism Solomons has congratulated Emperor Divers on the opening of its new dive centre which is now operational in Honiara and already managing clients.

The new centre, located in the same building as the company’s Bilikiki Cruises operation office in Point Cruz, builds on the Emperor Cruises already well-established local liveaboard vessel operation, Emperor Bilikiki.

The new Honiara centre will provide both tourists and local residents with easy access to world-class local sites such as Hirokawa and Kinugawa Maru (also known as Mbonege 1 and 2) and numerous dive sites in the Florida Islands.

Emperor Divers CEO, Alex Bryant, CEO said the new operation represented an incredibly exciting project for both Emperor Divers and the Solomon Islands.

“For the people of the Solomon Islands and its visitors, this centre will open a new way to access the incredible diving that surrounds them. Being able to explore these sites on day trips has the potential to transform how both locals and tourists experience the country’s stunning marine environment.”

Established in Egypt in 1992, Emperor has built a strong reputation for exceptional day diving experiences and high-quality PADI training.

Over the past three decades, the company has grown into one of the world’s leading scuba diving organisations and now also offers unforgettable liveaboard holidays across the Red Sea, Maldives, and Indonesia, as well as the Solomon Islands.

Emperor Solomons will be managed by well-known dive identity Dave Pearce, the only technical diving instructor based in the Solomon Islands.

Congratulating Emperor Divers on the move, Tourism Solomons CEO, Dagnal Dereveke said the decision represented a significant boost to the country’s dive tourism sector.

“Improving dive facilities in the Solomon Islands further reinforces our stance as a serious contender on the international dive scene,” he said.

“As importantly, improved dive facilities not only help attract more visitors, but also plays a part in contributing to broader economic benefits and opportunities for local employment and business partnerships.

“This is a positive outcome for the entire community,”

The Emperor Divers move follows hot on the heels of a new Western Province dive operation opened by Gizo-based Fatboys Resort in May.