The Solomon Islands
Overview:
The Solomon Islands are located just 4 degrees south of the equator and are a chain of nearly one thousand tropical islands; some volcanic and others coral atolls, that stretch in a gentle arc from the eastern end of Papua New Guinea to the northern reaches of Vanuatu. Dominated by ocean expanses, dense green rain forest, endless blue lagoons, stunningly diverse coral reefs, and prolific fish life, the islands are so peaceful and serene it is hard to imagine they once hosted some of the bloodiest battles of World War II. Relics of that era are evident in sunken wrecks of boats and planes. Considered part of the South Pacific, this tropical destination lies in the southeast corner of the abundantly rich Coral Triangle, which hosts a greater diversity of marine life than anywhere else on the planet. It’s no wonder that it has gained a reputation for world class snorkeling and diving. The majority of the population are Melanesians who live a traditional lifestyle and a visit to the Solomon Islands will offer a variety of cultural experiences in addition to WWII history, and both topside and underwater adventures.
Itinerary Summary:
Days: 1 – 2 Honiara
Day: 2-6 Gizo Island
Days: 6-10 Munda Island
Days: 10-14 Marovo Lagoon / Uepi Island
Day 14-15: Honiara
Day 15: Depart
The Essentials:
Seasonality: Year Round – Being tropical, rain can occur anytime. The coolest months are May – August when it is more breezy and less humid. The wettest time of year tends to be December – March. Temperatures do not fluctuate much and on average are 85-90 F during the day and 75 F at night. Water temperatures range from 82 F to 87 F
Accommodation: Combination of Boutique 3 star resorts, most meals, complimentary resort activities, diving or snorkeling tours, transfers and domestic flights included
Highlights: Three Regions of the Western Province - Marovo Lagoon, Munda and Ghizo Island / Pristine Diving & Snorkeling / Local Culture / Nature and Birds / WWII History
Cost: from $$$
As with most of our suggested itineraries, this can be customized to add or remove, shorten or lengthen based on what suits you best.
Itinerary:
Honiara – 2 Nights (1 on arrival / 1 prior to departure)
Welcome to the Solomon Islands!
Travel to Honiara requires some planning as flights connecting from the US are not offered daily and flight schedules to the outer islands are also variable. It is often required and always recommended to plan a night in Honiara on both ends of your itinerary.
Honiara is the capital and largest population base in the country and is the closest to a “city” that you will find. It is located on the island of Guadalcanal and battles between the Allied Forces and the Japanese took place where the airport is now located. There is plenty to do while here. The central market is right in town along the waterfront, the US War Memorial is a 5-minute drive offering an excellent tribute to the history of the battles that took place, the National Museum displays the traditional culture of the native people, and the Holy Cross Cathedral and the Botanical Gardens are all easy attractions to visit.
A ½ day guided tour to see the sites and explore the history can be organized dependent on the specific flight schedules either pre or post your outer island exploration.
Overnight City Hotel.
Ghizo Island / Gizo – 4 Nights
You’ll fly to the northern western province of the archipelago, Ghizo Island where your adventure will start with your airport landing! Transfer to your boutique accommodation located a short boat ride away on a small atoll with long stretches of white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons, and ocean reefs teeming with marine life right outside your door. Several restaurants serving a variety of foods using the ample supply of local fruits, vegetables and seafood, are easily accessed in town and neighboring island resorts.
Gizo is the third largest town in the Solomon Islands and is located on the island of Ghizo (different spelling, same pronunciation). There is a main street running along the waterfront with markets and shops and views of palm tree studded islands ringed by coral reef and clear waters. The diving highlights include WWII relics such as the intact Japanese transport, Toa Maru, in addition to unlimited wall diving, coral gardens and exciting drift dives. Surfing, volcano trekking, bush walks, bird watching excursions, village tours and boat trips to John F Kennedy Island and Skull Island, can be arranged. Even an overnight stay in the village for an authentic taste of local life can be included in your itinerary. The people of the Western Province produce fabulous carvings from wood and stone as well as weaving arts; all of which are available for purchase from Gizo.
You have three full days to dive and explore around Ghizo Island.
New Georgia Island / Munda – 4 Nights
Today will be a combination of excursion and transfer to Munda. Departing Ghizo Island in the morning for your next adventure, you’ll be able to do a morning dive or snorkel and include a visit to Skull Island (which features a shrine containing the preserved skulls of Roviana chiefs and warriors and an altar to the local fishing-gods from the days of head hunting) along the way, before being dropped off at your boutique accommodation in the afternoon.
The next three days are available to explore Munda’s reefs, which are in pristine condition, with lush hard and soft corals and gigantic sea fans. Snorkelers can enjoy the extensive, intact coral gardens in the shallows. Divers will find spectacular walls which drop nearly 2000 ft where it is not uncommon to see grey reef sharks, black tip sharks, white tip sharks, eagle rays, shoaling barracudas, hammerhead sharks, and more. And for the macro enthusiast, you’ll be able to spot critters such as Pygmy Seahorses, varieties of Anemone fish, Spiny Lobsters and Fiery Dartfish. In addition to the reefs and abundant marine life, Munda’s seabed is littered with wrecks from WWII, with fighter planes, bombers, a Japanese freighter and a recently discovered dump site with tanks. There is an excess of 40 dive sites withing 40 minutes.
Beyond diving, the area around Munda is a goldmine of WWII relics. Mt Bao and Nusa Roviana have archaeological remains of ancient temples and ceremonial sites. And you can learn “Kastom” cooking and book a fishing tour with the locals.
Marovo Lagoon / Uepi Island – 4 Nights
Today you will take a short flight from Munda to Sege, an airport gateway into the Marovo Lagoon, which is the longest saltwater lagoon in the world, and coined as the “8th wonder of the world”, by author James Michener. This inner lagoon also has numerous islands, one of which is Uepi, an elbow shaped island located along the edge of the lagoon. It is an approximate 1.5 hour boat ride from the airport to Uepi Island Resort, a boutique private island retreat. Uepi Island is a coral atoll barrier reef island covered in rainforest, with a fringing reef and sandy beach. One side is the warm lagoon waters hosting a veritable marine nursery where it is possible to see just about anything just by snorkeling in the shallow waters. The oceanic depths (6000ft) of "The Slot", a deep marine abyss, is on the other side. Tidal currents to & from the Marovo Lagoon and The Slot makes the deep water passage immediately adjacent to the resort a prime habitat for filter feeders such as corals & sponges as well as for reef-fish, sedentary animals and pelagics Other than the cultivated gardens and resort facilities, the island is covered with tropical rainforest interspersed with walking tracks.
In addition to the prime underwater marine environment, Uepi Island is also home base for multi-day kayaking tours. Fishing the relatively untouched waters around Uepi is also offered with a sustainable approach.
Returning to Honiara by flight from Sege Airport with an overnight to allow for connections before commencing your homeward bound international flight.
Please call us on +1 720 494 1530 or email us at the link below to discuss this trip further with a travel expert. We would be happy to discuss ways to tailor this itinerary to your personal preferences.
