A beloved boutique dive resort on Mbombolo Island near Munda in the Western Province. Famous for its unique overwater restaurant and bar, excellent house reef, and relaxed Pacific atmosphere. Fatboys attracts divers from around the world seeking the pristine Western Province coral reefs and nearby WWII wrecks. The laid-back vibe, personal service, and extraordinary underwater environment make it one of the Pacific's most charming dive lodges.
Fatboys Resort occupies the northern shore of Mbombolo Island, a small formation in the sheltered waters near Munda in Western Province, accessible by a short boat transfer from Munda's wharf. Munda is served by daily flights from Honiara on Solomon Airlines, placing Fatboys within roughly three hours of the capital including the domestic connection.
The resort's most distinctive feature is its overwater restaurant and bar, a thatched pavilion built on stilts above the lagoon that serves as the social hub for guests and visiting divers arriving on liveaboard vessels. The structure has been maintained and expanded over the resort's operating history and has earned a strong regional reputation as one of the Pacific's most characterful dive-lodge gathering points.
Accommodation consists of waterfront bungalows and garden rooms arranged across the compact island property. Units are comfortably furnished with natural materials and lagoon views rather than being conventionally luxurious; ceiling fans and private bathrooms are standard, and some rooms have air conditioning. The house reef directly off the resort jetty offers accessible snorkelling with solid coral cover and reef fish in shallow water.
Fatboys' dive centre is the primary draw, operating guided dives to some of Western Province's highest-rated underwater sites: Mbulo Island walls, Mary Island pinnacles, and accessible WWII wrecks around Munda including the Toa Maru and coastal wreck debris associated with the former Japanese airfield complex. Dive operators also run trips to Kennedy Island, where US President John F. Kennedy and his PT-109 crew came ashore in 1943 after their vessel was sunk.
Dining centres on the overwater bar and restaurant with fresh seafood, grilled meats, and tropical produce served in a communal atmosphere. Meal packages are included in most rate structures. WiFi is available in common areas. The resort draws returning divers from Australia, New Zealand, and Europe who value the dive access and the relaxed character over five-star finishes.
Amenities
- overwater bungalows
- dive centre
- overwater restaurant/bar
- snorkelling
- kayaks
- fishing trips
- boat transfers
- WiFi in common areas
Location
Mbombolo Island, Munda, Western Province
-8.3300, 157.2500 View on map
Highlights
- Iconic overwater restaurant and bar built on stilts above the lagoon — one of the Pacific's most distinctive dive-lodge settings
- On-site dive centre with access to WWII wrecks, coral walls, and pinnacles throughout Western Province
- Short boat trip to Kennedy Island, where JFK and his PT-109 crew came ashore in 1943
- Direct house reef snorkelling off the jetty with good coral and reef fish in shallow water
- Intimate island property with a loyal international dive-travel following
Tips for visiting
- Book dive packages well in advance, particularly for the May–October peak season when berths fill quickly with returning guests
- The speedboat from Munda wharf to Mbombolo Island takes around 10 minutes; confirm pickup time with the resort when booking flights
- Munda has a small airport convenience store but limited supplies — buy specialty items in Honiara before flying
- Non-divers can book snorkelling excursions with the dive team or hire kayaks to explore the lagoon independently
- WWII wreck enthusiasts should request the Toa Maru dive specifically — it is one of the most intact accessible wrecks in the Solomon Islands
When to visit
May to October for calmer sea conditions and best diving visibility. The resort operates year-round; Western Province receives rainfall year-round but the dry season brings the most predictable conditions.
Accessibility
Island accessible only by boat transfer from Munda wharf. Property terrain is flat with short boardwalk connections to the overwater structure. Steps at jetty entry points. Guests with mobility needs should consult the resort directly.