Fatboys Resort, Solomon Islands Upgrades its Scuba-diving Centre!

The Fatboys Resort has started a pro-level dive operation, further cementing its stature as one of iconic names in Solomon Islands in tourism landscape. Set on the Mbabanga Island near Gizo, Western Province, Fatboys and the region is recognised globally for its exceptional diving.

A Fully Certified Dive Centre with Modern Infrastructure

The Fatboys Dive Centre is now a fully-certified SSI Training Facility, can accommodate divers of all proficiency levels, from beginners seeking certification, experienced enthusiasts, professionals and groups. There’s also a range of snorkelling tours available for non-divers and youngsters. The diving centre operates with a dedicated team of six professionals, comprising an SSI Divemaster Instructor, two Certified Divemasters (there’s a third undergoing training), and two experienced local boat captains.

The dive centre’s facilities includes a dedicated wet room with wash tubs and drying racks, a robust compressor system with a backup unit, 20 brand-new full sets of scuba gear, and three covered dive boats. These vessels are fully equipped with essential first-aid and oxygen provisions, alongside Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB) to comply with highest safety standards during excursions.

Enhancing the Solomon Islands’ Global Dive Profile

Dagnal Dereveke, Acting CEO of Tourism Solomons, lauded the new dive centre as a significant addition to the Solomon Islands’ dive tourism portfolio. Dereveke noted the broader impact of such developments, stating, “The dive sector remains one of our biggest sources of international visitation and places us in a position where we can compete with any dive location on the planet.”

He added, “Having improved access to quality dive infrastructure such as Fatboys 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.”

What’s on Tap? Gizo’s Dazzling Underwater Beauty

This region presents an unparalleled array of dive experiences, encompassing historically significant World War II wrecks, vibrant offshore reefs, spectacular coral formations, plummeting walls, frequent sightings of manta rays, and an abundance of diverse marine life. World-famous dive sites include ‘Grand Central Station’ – celebrated for recording the highest fish count worldwide with over 275 species identified, and ‘Joe’s Wall’, which provides a spectacular wall dive descending from shallow, sandy bays to depths exceeding 60 metres. The Kennedy Island offers a drift dive over shallow coral reefs, proving ideal for novice divers and serving as a prime location for Open Water Diver training. Interestingly, the island was earlier known as Plum Pudding Island and renamed so when the former US President John F. Kennedy was marooned on it briefly.

For those interested in World War II history and true diving adventure, the area boasts remarkably preserved wrecks such as the 440-foot Japanese freighter Toa Maru, a US Corsair fighter aircraft, and an almost fully-intact US Hellcat fighter aircraft. As a bonus for Fatboys, they’re all accessible with short boat rides from the resort. In fact, many of these sites can be effectively combined for morning and afternoon dives.

Fatboys Resort, Gizo: Great Solomon Island Diving Holidays

The resort’s distinctive name, ‘Fatboys’, is reportedly inspired by a character named Joe from Charles Dickens’ The Pickwick Papers, who was “remarkable for his glorious appetite and many attacks of sleep during the day.” This charming reference perhaps subtly alludes to the relaxed enjoyment and substantial offerings visitors can anticipate. Check out our page for the Fatboys Resort, Gizo and the season’s freshest Solomon Island holiday deals. And if you want to explore bespoke diving holidays, talk to our South Pacific Specialists directly at 1300 991 751!