Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands consist of six major islands and about 1,000 smaller islands. The country's capital and largest city, Honiara, is located on the largest island, Guadalcanal. Guadalcanal was one of many places in the Solomon Islands where battles were fought during World War II. The Battle of Guadalcanal was critically important as the first major Allied offensive in the Pacific, stopping Japan's expansion and marking the strategic turning point of the war. Several of the wrecks still lie along the beaches today and are popular diving destinations.

The reef in Marovo Lagoon is the world's largest double barrier reef system. The area is known for its exceptional biodiversity, including over 200 species of coral and 500 species of fish. You can even see hammerhead sharks on the house reef sometimes.

Mount Popomanaseu on Guadalcanal is the highest mountain at 2,335 meters. Makarakomburu, on the same island, is 2,293 meters. The island also has the longest river, Mbokokimbo, which is just under 100 km long, and the country's highest waterfall with a drop of 63 meters, Tenaru Falls.

In 2023, the Solomon Islands were visited by 28,900 tourists, making the country one of the world's least visited countries.

How much does a diving trip to the Solomon Islands cost?

A diving trip to the Solomon Islands can vary enormously in price and it is difficult to give a general answer about how much it costs. A diving trip to the Solomon Islands can cost from about 60 – 70 000 SEK / person with a simple accommodation for flights, transfers, accommodation and diving. If you want to go out with a liveaboard, you can expect from 75-100 000 SEK with all parts.
It is very difficult to say exactly how much a diving trip costs without more information about what you want it to include, how long you want to be away, the structure of the trip, etc. There are several reasons the price may vary and you can find exempel here on our website. Contact us at Scuba Travel for a free proposal and we will put one together for you. 

When is the best time to go to Solomon Islands?

The best time to visit the Solomon Islands is generally during the dry season. When you have less rain, lower humidity, calmer seas and normally better visibility. The rainy season also has good diving but significantly heavier rainfall, increased humidity. There is also a risk of cyclones. If you want to experience lush vegetation on land, this is the ideal time though. Marine life is generally good all year round and can vary depending on the dive site and time of year.

o Dry season, May – October
o Rainy season, November – April

What can I see when diving in Solomon Islands?

An enormous diversity of corals, line the reefs and rock paths here. Huge fan corals and long whip corals form great undulating impenetrable walls and are home to a multitude of fish species. Larger pelagic species such as mantas, eagle rays and various sharks. Bull sharks, reef sharks, silky sharks, oarfin sharks, nurse sharks and zebra sharks along with black tip sharks are all possible to see as well as large groups of hammerhead sharks, especially at the Kavachi volcano, an active underwater volcano known as “Sharkcano”.

Shoals of tuna and barracudas and here there are lots of different octopuses, crustaceans, nudibranchs and various starfish, etc. In addition to the exciting wrecks, diving at underwater volcanoes, caves, wall dives, tunnels and incredible rock formations that make diving spectacular in many places.

Animals and nature

The Solomon Islands are a paradise known for their exceptionally high biodiversity in their coral reefs and tropical forests. The nature here has many endemic species of plants, birds and marine life. The Solomon Islands are located in the Coral Triangle and have some of the world's most important marine ecosystems. Here are coral gardens, teeming with life and a multitude of fish species. The islands have dense forests, unique flora such as endemic orchids and palms and a rich variety of fauna including many species of birds and marine animals such as turtles, sharks and dugongs.

Where is the best diving in Solomon Islands?

The best diving in the Solomon Islands is generally in the western parts, especially around Munda and Gizo, and the Marovo Lagoon. Munda is known for wall diving and encounters with hammerhead sharks. Marovo Lagoon with for example Uepi resort for its large, flourishing coral gardens and combination with wall diving and incredible marine life. Gizo is known for some wrecks and rich marine life.
Other spots include the Russell Islands which have dramatic dropoffs, tunnels and the famous Leru Cut, a narrow passage that extends about 100 metres into Leru Island. It is also home to large pelagic fish such as sharks and barracuda.

Kicha Island is known for impressive wall diving and large schools of fish.
These areas offer a mix of pristine coral reefs, walls, caves and historic wrecks from World War II. You also have very good diving, including wrecks close to shore at diveable depths. Especially near Honiara on the island of Guadalcanal. The Solomon Islands are generally very good diving.

Is there liveaboarding in Solomon Islands?

Yes, there is liveaboard in the Solomon Islands. For those of you who want to go on a liveaboard in the Solomon Islands or another destination or are considering alternatives for diving in the Solomon Islands, contact us with your wishes and concerns on tel: 0301-22100 – Departures

Great species richness

The Solomon Islands have exceptionally diverse marine life with its location in the Coral Triangle. Vibrant and colorful coral reefs. Here, a total of 474 species of coral have been documented, as well as nine species that may be new species. The Solomon Islands have the second highest diversity of coral in the world after Raja Ampat in Indonesia. There are plenty of sea turtles, many different species of sharks, manta rays, dolphins and whales. You can find over 2,000 species of fish. On and off the reefs. Invertebrates such as corals, anemones, nudibranchs, flatworms, crustaceans, squid and sea urchins. There are also many larger pelagic species such as tuna, swordfish, mahi-mahi and sailfish in deeper waters.

For those of you who don't dive

If you're not diving in the Solomon Islands, you can explore World War II history by visiting museums and battlefields. There are beaches for swimming and snorkeling, and you can visit ancient ceremonial sites. Get out into nature and see sea turtle nesting sites or go on a local boat tour. You can also experience local culture by visiting communities and villages and trying local cuisine. There are resorts here that offer spas, massages, and relaxation. 

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LAND-BASED DESTINATIONS IN SOLOMON ISLANDS

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destinations in Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands

GMT + 11

Solomon Islands Dollar

English is the official main language, there are about 60 languages ​​but in common is Pijin (lingua franca) as a unifying language.

You can drink tap water and ice made from tap water, but bottled water is available for purchase.

Not required for travelers from EU countries.

Contact your local vaccination clinic for advice.

Yes, there are pressure chambers in Honiara and one in Port Moresby (PNG) but they are run on a voluntary basis. The nearest reliable pressure chamber is in Townsville, Australia.
Helicopters cost at least USD$30.000 so it's an expensive affair, make sure you have insurance that covers this.

+677

Plug type: Type I
Voltage (V): 230V
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz

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