Plizio Visual Lab
Kavachi Submarine Volcano
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
Weather…
Water temperature…
Kavachi is one of the most active submarine volcanoes in the South Pacific, located south of Vangunu Island in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands. Often referred to by locals as 'Rejo te Kavachi' (Kavachi's Oven), it frequently erupts, occasionally creating ephemeral islands that are quickly eroded by wave action. The volcano gained international scientific fame when researchers discovered sharks and other marine life thriving in its highly acidic and hot crater waters, leading to the nickname 'Sharkcano.' Its eruptions can eject steam, ash, and volcanic fragments high above the ocean surface, sometimes visible from nearby islands. Kavachi is a key feature of the Pacific Ring of Fire, demonstrating the dynamic geological processes that shape the Melanesian archipelago. The area surrounding the volcano is a site of intense scientific study regarding hydrothermal vents and extremophile biology.
- Location: Solomon Islands
- Nearby: Nggatokae Island (35 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Sep, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 29 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 29 |
| Rain mm | 302 | 324 | 301 | 235 | 216 | 237 | 270 | 221 | 226 | 235 | 205 | 222 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Kavachi submarine volcano is an active underwater volcano that cannot be directly visited. It can be observed from boats when it creates short-lived islands.
Typical hours
As the volcano is underwater, there are no opening hours. Observation depends on current eruption activity and weather conditions; enquire locally.
Photography
Aerial or boat photos are possible when the volcano creates an island. Underwater photography is dangerous due to the activity and not recommended.
Time needed
A boat trip to the volcano area takes several hours depending on departure point. Allow a full day including travel and observation time.
Combine with
Combine a trip to Kavachi with a visit to nearby islands of the New Georgia group. Diving and snorkeling are also attractive in these waters.
Getting there
Kavachi is located south of Vangunu Island in the Solomons. Boat tours are offered from Gizo or Munda; ask local operators about conditions.
Insider tip
Before booking, ask the local authority about the volcano's current activity. Keep a safe distance; during eruptions, ash can drift long distances.
Geography
Facts
- Highly active submarine volcano in the Western Province
- Famous for marine life living inside the crater
- Creates temporary islands through frequent eruptions
- Located south of Vangunu Island in the New Georgia Group
- First recorded eruption occurred in 1939
- Subject of international biological and geological research
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Kavachi Submarine Volcano (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can I see the volcano up close?
Due to volcanic activity, direct approach is life-threatening; observe only from a safe distance.
Are there boat tours there?
Only with highly experienced local operators who are fully aware of the current danger levels.
Is it always active?
Yes, it is one of the most active submarine volcanoes and erupts unpredictably.
Is it safe to dive nearby?
Absolutely not; the water can be extremely hot and chemically toxic.
How can I find out about the current situation?
Monitor official geological alerts from local authorities.
Kavachi Submarine Volcano: where is it located?
Kavachi Submarine Volcano is located in Solomon Islands.
Kavachi Submarine Volcano: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Sep, Nov.
Kavachi Submarine Volcano: why is it worth visiting?
Kavachi is one of the most active submarine volcanoes in the South Pacific, located south of Vangunu Island in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Oceania
More places in Solomon Islands →
Nearby cities
Honiara
The capital of the Solomon Islands is located on the north coast of Guadalcanal.
Point Cruz Business District
This district in Honiara is the commercial heart of the country.
🗺️
Kokumbona
A former village west of Honiara that served as the headquarters for the Japanese 17th Army during the Guadalcanal campaign.
Gizo
Gizo is the administrative center of the Western Province and is known for its tourism importance.
Gizo Town
The administrative center of the Western Province.
Maru
Maru is a coastal community near Gizo, known for its traditional fishing practices.
Buala
Buala is the capital of Isabel Province, located on the Maringe Lagoon.
🗺️
Munda Logistics Center
Munda on New Georgia Island serves as a strategic logistics hub.
Munda
Munda is the largest settlement on the island of New Georgia.
Lambeti
A village near Munda that was the scene of heavy fighting as Allied forces advanced toward the Munda airstrip in 1943.
Nggatokae Island
A pristine volcanic island in the southeastern New Georgia Islands, a paradise for divers and nature enthusiasts.
🗺️
Batuna
Batuna is a Seventh-day Adventist mission station in the Marovo Lagoon, known for its vocational training.
Seghe
Seghe is an important transport hub located at the southern tip of New Georgia Island in the Western Province.
Marovo Lagoon
The world's largest saltwater lagoon, a UNESCO candidate featuring hundreds of islands and world-class biodiversity.
Uepi
Uepi is a small island settlement on the edge of the Marovo Lagoon, known for world-class diving tourism.
History & landmarks
Honiara City Council
The city council's administrative building is the hub of Honiara's local government.
Marovo Lagoon
The world's largest saltwater lagoon.
Marovo Lagoon Cultural Sites
Marovo Lagoon is home to numerous traditional woodcarving villages and historic shrines.
🗺️
Skull Island
This small island in the Vona Vona Lagoon houses a shrine with skulls of former chiefs and warriors.
Nature
🗺️
Kavachi Volcano
This submarine volcano in the New Georgia Islands is one of the most active in the Southwest Pacific.
Zaira Conservation Area
The Zaira Conservation Area on Vangunu is known for its pristine coral reefs and leatherback turtle nesting sites.
🗺️
Mount Vangunu
Mount Vangunu is the central volcanic cone of the island with the same name in the New Georgia group.
Tetepare Island
Tetepare is the largest uninhabited tropical island in the South Pacific and a major conservation area.
Uepi Island
This small barrier reef island in Marovo Lagoon offers access to deep oceanic trenches and vibrant coral gardens.
🗺️
Mount Rendova
Mount Rendova dominates the silhouette of Rendova Island in the Western Province.
Roviana Lagoon
Roviana Lagoon features extensive coral reefs and is a center of Melanesian culture.
More places
Noro
Noro is a major industrial town in the Western Province known for its deep-water port.
Wickham Anchorage
An anchorage on Vangunu Island captured in 1943 to intercept Japanese supply lines to the New Georgia islands.
Seghe Airstrip
An airfield at the southern tip of New Georgia, captured by Allied forces in 1943 to support the offensive on Munda.
🗺️
Viru Harbour
Viru Harbour is a natural deep-water port on New Georgia Island, playing an important role in the local economy.
🗺️
Viru Timber Port
Viru Harbour is a major export port for the timber industry in Western Province.
Viru Harbor
A deep natural harbor on New Georgia captured by US Marines in July 1943 during a difficult overland march.
Blanche Channel
A channel between New Georgia and Rendova.
Rendova Peak
The prominent volcanic peak on Rendova Island that served as a major landmark for WWII pilots and naval navigators.