A GROUP of excited local divers is heading to the Solomon Islands this weekend, staying and diving at Uepi Island in the Western Province.

Uepi is about 90 minutes by plane and boat from Honiara, the capital.

It is a classic raised barrier reef island, flanked by the warm lagoon waters on one side and a deep marine abyss on the other.

Marovo Lagoon is the longest saltwater lagoon in the world.

The diving and snorkelling around the island is spectacular.

At the eastern edge of the island lies the Chanapoana Passage where clear ocean waters pass into the lagoon.

When currents are at their strongest, prolific numbers of fish gather at the entrance to the passage to feed. Reef sharks cruise effortlessly amid all the fish action.

Though they are rare, large hammerhead sharks have been sighted in the passage, just a few metres from the island's resort.

Divers are also taken in small groups of up to four to snorkel in the lagoon with manta rays. There can be up to a half-a-dozen mantas at one time.

The water is quite shallow, which allows the snorkellers to get right up close to these magnificent creatures.

As well as sharks and manta rays, the beautiful pristine coral reefs teem with tropical fish.