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In the far-flung turquoise waters of the Solomon Islands, just off the coast of Gizo in the nation’s famed Western Province, something rather splendid has surfaced—literally and figuratively.

Fatboys Resort, that whimsically named coastal gem with a cult following, has officially taken the plunge into scuba diving tourism. And, true to its name and reputation, it’s done so with gusto, character, and no small amount of community spirit.

Now home to a fully certified SSI dive centre, Fatboys is not merely dipping its toes into the diving scene—it’s cannonballing in. The resort’s bold new addition is poised to become a cornerstone of Solomon Islands’ dive infrastructure, marrying world-class underwater adventures with a genuine commitment to local empowerment.

From Dickensian Delight to Diving Dynamo

For the uninitiated, Fatboys owes its cheeky moniker to Charles Dickens’ “Pickwick Papers”, in which a character named Joe was “remarkable for his glorious appetite and many attacks of sleep during the day”. The Solomon Islands version may not nod off after lunch, but it certainly retains that same endearing, unhurried charm.

Nestled on the picturesque Mbabanga Island just minutes by boat from Gizo, Fatboys has long been a favourite among laidback travellers. But now, with the launch of its dive centre, the resort is charting a deeper course—literally and economically.

An Underwater Playground of Biblical Proportions

The waters surrounding Fatboys offer some of the most exhilarating diving anywhere in the Pacific—perhaps even the world. Gizo’s submerged seascape reads like a marine biologist’s fever dream: World War II wrecks, technicolour coral reefs, manta rays, turtles, plummeting walls and more fish than an Anglican Friday lunch.

‘Grand Central Station’—as unassumingly named as it is jaw-droppingly rich—boasts the highest recorded fish count on Earth, with more than 275 species playing tag in its teeming waters. Meanwhile, ‘Joe’s Wall’ tempts braver souls with a dramatic 60-metre plunge just beyond a shallow, sandy bay.

And then there’s Kennedy Island, formerly known as Plum Pudding Island—famed for hosting a rather soggy John F. Kennedy after a Japanese destroyer rammed his PT-109 patrol boat in WWII. Today, it’s a tranquil coral garden perfect for beginners and those undertaking their Open Water Diver certification.

History buffs, fear not—you’ve been looked after too. Gizo’s wartime past remains perfectly preserved in the form of sunken relics, including the 440-foot Japanese freighter Toa Maru and a hauntingly intact US Hellcat fighter aircraft. All lie in calm, clear, shallow waters just a short ride from the resort.

Dive In, Gear Up

The new Fatboys Dive Centre, under the stewardship of an experienced team of six—including a certified SSI Divemaster Instructor, two certified Dive Masters (with a third in training), and two seasoned local captains—offers an impressive array of resources and reassurance.

The facility includes a dedicated wet room, wash tubs and drying racks, a compressor and backup unit, and twenty gleaming new sets of scuba gear ready to be donned by intrepid adventurers. Three custom dive boats, equipped with emergency oxygen, first aid kits, and EPIRBs, ensure peace of mind for guests, both seasoned and green.

The best part? Fatboys caters to all comers. Whether you’re a seasoned diver with a logbook thicker than a phone directory or a curious newbie chasing their first bubble trail, there’s something here for you. Even non-divers won’t miss out, with top-notch snorkelling tours entirely using the surrounding reef-fringed islands.

Community First, Tourism Second

In a nation where tourism is both a cultural touchpoint and a key economic driver, the launch of the dive centre is more than a business move—it’s a gesture of stewardship.

Tourism Solomons Acting CEO, Dagnal Dereveke, commended the resort’s expansion, calling it a “further enhancement for the Solomon Islands dive sector,” which he noted has long been revered by international divers.

“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,” Dereveke said. “Providing increased facilities results in increased visitor arrivals which in turn creates more opportunities for local employment and business partnerships. It’s a positive outcome for the entire community.”

Indeed, the Fatboys’ hospitality model goes beyond guest experience, offering meaningful jobs, vocational training, and collaborative opportunities with local stakeholders. And that, in the ever-evolving world of sustainable tourism, is worth its weight in compressed air tanks.

Anchored in Tradition, Afloat in Promise

In an age when international travel is becoming increasingly conscious, the Solomon Islands—and especially trailblazing outfits like Fatboys—are leading the way in showing how tourism can uplift rather than overwhelm.

So whether you’re diving into history, swimming through coral cathedrals, or just reclining on a deck with a sundowner in hand, know this: you’re part of something larger. A shared story. One of the sea, spirit, and Solomon Islands soul.