Solomon Islands
Oceanic Pacific: 50m-visibility waters, WWII wrecks and Marovo Lagoon
Overview
The Solomon Islands are reputed to have some of the clearest waters among the Pacific islands, and that is quite a claim. Certainly, 50-metre-plus visibility permits easy exploration of a myriad of WWII wrecks, rich coral reefs and hugely diverse marine life.
Guadalcanal is the biggest of the islands, and Honiara Airport was a Japanese military base under construction when Allied forces arrived in 1942. The Solomons' culture is rich and varied, from wood carving to traditional beliefs, and there is a determined effort to preserve the islanders' traditional lifestyles.
This is remote, adventurous cruising, with the vast Marovo Lagoon a particular highlight. The best cruising is from June to September; the cyclone season runs from November to May.
Islands & Map
Map Key - Ports & Cruising
- Honiara (Guadalcanal); VHF 16/09
- Noro (New Georgia)
- Gizo
- Marovo Lagoon
✈ Honiara International Airport
Dive sites: Tulagi, Uepi & Munda. Cyclone season November to May.
Getting There & Clearance
Clearance
Clearance is handled by the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury. The ports of entry are Honiara Port on Guadalcanal (VHF 16/09) and Noro Port on New Georgia.
Government Contacts
Immigration: commerce.gov.sb
Customs: customs.gov.sb
International Airports
Honiara International · Kirakira · Bellona.
Key Anchorages
Point Cruz (Honiara) · Marovo Lagoon · Gizo & Munda · Tulagi (wrecks) · Uepi.
Local Services
Agents
Melanesian Luxury Yachts
Charter & Diving
Indies Trader · Diving Solomon Islands
Shipyards
Sasape International
Yacht Clubs
Point Cruz Yacht Club
Security
Kinetic Fighting
Cruising
Marovo Lagoon & the Western Province
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do superyachts clear in to the Solomon Islands?
The ports of entry are Honiara Port on Guadalcanal (VHF 16/09) and Noro Port on New Georgia, handled by the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury.
When is the best time to cruise the Solomon Islands?
The best cruising is from June to September. The cyclone season runs from November to May and is best avoided.
Why are the Solomon Islands good for diving?
The Solomons are reputed to have some of the clearest waters in the Pacific, with 50-metre-plus visibility over WWII wrecks, rich coral reefs and diverse marine life, especially around Tulagi, Munda and the Marovo Lagoon.
Where do superyachts cruise in the Solomon Islands?
Cruising ranges from Honiara on Guadalcanal to the Western Province, taking in the vast Marovo Lagoon, Gizo, Munda and Uepi, in remote and adventurous surroundings.