Florida & Russell Islands · Solomon Islands · Drift · Reef
Devils' Highway
Up to a dozen mantas feeding in formation along a channel reef
A channel between two islands in the Florida group, off Mangalonga Island, where the water is funnelled into a strong current. It is the best place in the Solomons to dive with manta rays: divers drift the reef top and tuck under the reef wall while the rays feed in formation close by.
Also known as Devil's Highway, The Devil's Highway.
Where it is and how deep
8.9535° S, 160.0469° EApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
The reef runs between 9 m and 24 m (30 to 80 ft) and is built of ridges, caves and overhangs. The channel floor is hard rock rather than silt, which keeps the water clear.
Divers drift along the reef top with the current, then duck under the reef wall to watch up to a dozen mantas swim past in formation as they feed. Sweetlips, jacks and bumphead parrotfish often join them. Reef-hook experience is preferred.
Marine life and season
- Manta rays
- Trevally & jacks
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Fair | Fair |
Season follows Florida & Russell Islands: Manta encounters are most likely from late November through March, and in the three days before a full moon.
Know before you go
- The channel funnels water between two islands into a strong current, so the dive is run as a drift.
Dive videos
Mantas on the Highway · Bill McAdory on YouTube
Questions divers ask
When are mantas most likely at Devils' Highway?+
From late November through March, and especially in the three days before a full moon.
Sources
- Bilikiki Cruises itinerary — Bilikiki Cruises
- Solomon Islands Caves and Tunnels Guide — Dive the World
- The Best Dive Sites in the Solomon Islands — Scuba Diver Life
- OpenStreetMap — OpenStreetMap
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Cave & cavern
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Pinnacle
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Wreck
The US Navy's first purpose-built oiler, guns still in place
Muck & macro
Dumped WWII trucks and macro life in a mangrove setting
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