Solomon Islands: Province Information for Yachting Tourists
Download the PDF Guide: Solomon Islands Province Information for Yachting Tourists (GS Agencies PDF3)
The below guide provides a snapshot of the unique offerings of each province in the Solomon Islands.
Choiseul Province: Choiseul offers a blend of adventure and natural beauty, featuring cascading waterfalls and serene local villages.
- Activities: Explore the lush landscapes, visit local villages to understand the unique culture, and keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles.
- Key Attraction: Choiseul Bay is a must-visit for its tranquillity and opportunities to witness unique wildlife in their natural habitat.
Isabel Province: Isabel, also known as Santa Isabel, is rich in biodiversity, including lush forestation, coconut plantations, and secluded mountain villages.
- Activities: Take treks through wild interiors, experience local traditional dances, and visit Hawksbill turtle breeding sites.
- Key Attraction: The Hawksbill turtle breeding sites offer a rare opportunity to see conservation efforts up close and personal.
Western Province: Comprising 11 main islands, the Western Province is a diverse and vibrant part of the Solomon Islands.
- Activities: Enjoy panoramic hikes, invigorating dives, market visits, and fishing in some of the clearest waters.
- Key Attraction: The myriad of islands provides a perfect backdrop for nature lovers, with Gizo offering a lively atmosphere and beautiful vistas.
Central Province: A diver’s paradise, the Central Province is home to some of the most fascinating underwater explorations in the Solomon Islands, with WWII wrecks and vibrant coral reefs.
- Activities: Dive into the history with underwater explorations of wrecks, snorkel among the coral reefs, and enjoy the serenity of the natural landscapes.
- Key Attraction: The coral reefs and WWII wrecks make for an unforgettable diving experience.
Guadalcanal Province: Guadalcanal, housing the capital city of Honiara, is a hub of activity.
- Activities: Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless hiking trails and diving spots, alongside significant WWII historical sites.
- Key Attraction: The WWII relics and the natural beauty of Guadalcanal’s landscapes offer a deep dive into the island’s past and present.
Malaita Province: Known for its cultural richness, Malaita features unique panpipe music, mountain villages, and a deeply rooted culture that dates back centuries.
- Activities: Experience the local culture through music and village visits, and immerse yourself in the island’s stunning natural beauty.
- Key Attraction: The mountain villages stand out for their cultural experiences and breath-taking views.
Temotu Province: Rich in history and natural beauty, Temotu offers an escape to a world of excellent diving, snorkelling spots, and captivating historical tales.
- Activities: Explore the crystal-clear waters, dive into history with visits to significant sites, and snorkel among the vibrant marine life.
- Key Attraction: The diving and snorkelling sites here are among the best, offering a glimpse into the underwater world and the islands’ past.
Rennell and Bellona Province: This province is home to the world’s largest uplifted coral atoll, featuring the unique Lake Tengano, surrounded by endemic species.
- Activities: Enjoy the tranquillity of Lake Tengano, engage in wildlife watching, and explore the natural wonders of the province.
- Key Attraction: Lake Tengano, with its calm waters and endemic species, offers a peaceful retreat into nature.
Makira-Ulawa Province: Makira-Ulawa is known for its rugged terrain, rich biodiversity, and strong cultural traditions. It offers a less-travelled path filled with natural beauty and cultural depth.
- Activities: Bird watching for the ornithologically inclined, cultural tours for a deeper understanding of the local way of life, and exploration of the lush landscapes.
- Key Attraction: The province’s untouched nature and vibrant culture make it a hidden gem for those looking to explore beyond the typical tourist paths.
Solomon Islands: A Province-by-Province Tourist Guide
Download the PDF Guide: Solomon Islands A Province-by-Province Tourist Guide (GS Agencies PDF2)
Each of the provinces offers a unique slice of what makes the Solomon Islands a remarkable destination for yachting tourists. From diving in crystal-clear waters to exploring rich cultural traditions and breath-taking natural landscapes, there’s something for every adventurer in this Pacific paradise.
Choiseul Province
Choiseul offers an adventurous retreat with its cascading waterfalls, local villages, and untouched natural landscapes. Key attractions include snorkeling in the clear waters of Choiseul Bay and crocodile spotting. It’s a haven for those who love the outdoors and want to explore off the beaten path.
Isabel Province
Isabel, also known as Santa Isabel, is covered with dense forests, coconut plantations, and mountainous villages. It’s perfect for trekkers looking to explore wild interiors and for those interested in witnessing traditional dances and the breeding sites of endangered Hawksbill turtles.
Western Province
The Western Province is known for its verdant islands, white beaches, and the capital of Gizo. Here, tourists can enjoy open-air markets, invigorating hikes, stunning panoramic views, and excellent fishing spots. It’s the most developed area in the archipelago for tourists.
Central Province
The Central Province is a diver’s dream with its coral reefs and WWII wrecks ready for exploration. The province is rich in natural wonders and coconut groves, steeped in history and full of exciting experiences for visitors.
Guadalcanal Province
Guadalcanal is home to the capital city of Honiara and is abundant in natural wonders and landscapes. It offers unlimited hiking opportunities and diving spots where tourists can explore WWII wrecks along the coastline.
Malaita Province
Malaita is renowned for its unique panpipe bands, mountain villages, and rich culture. It offers unparalleled natural beauty and a host of unforgettable experiences, making it a must-visit for those interested in the cultural depth of the Solomon Islands.
Temotu Province
Temotu is rich in historical cultures and boasts gleaming sandy beaches, excellent diving, and snorkelling spots, plus a wealth of historical tales. It’s a province that offers a glimpse into the Solomon Islands’ past and present.
Rennell & Bellona Province
Rennell & Bellona is known for Rennell Island, the world’s largest raised coral atoll. Lake Tengano, a former lagoon, is the main feature here, offering outstanding views, calm crystal waters, and a habitat for endemic species.
This guide was enriched by the insights and expertise from various sources, including:
- YachtCharterFleet: www.yachtcharterfleet.com
- Adventures N Sunsets: www.adventuresnsunsets.com
- Out of Your Comfort Zone: www.outofyourcomfortzone.net
- FlySolomons: www.flysolomons.com
Introducing Honiara, the capital of Solomon Islands
For anyone coming to the Solomon Islands, a trip to the capital of Honiara is almost a requirement. This is the cultural hub of the whole islands and plays a major role in the development of the wider nation. Often your first port of call upon arrival, you will find this makes it perfect for you to take your time visiting the various parts of the archipelago.
Indeed, head back a decade and you would have found nothing more than a small port town. Massive urbanization of the city, though, has seen it become one of the busiest points in the region. At first, you might feel a little let down by the architecture and the layout of the city, with little ‘tourist traps’ to capture you. That, though, will soon disperse – take a look into the deeper heart of Honiara, and it grows on you very quickly.
Part of what makes a trip to the capital of the Solomon Islands so fun is that you just get to enjoy its total freedom. Head to most capital cities, and the desire to be economically viable ensures the heart and soul of capital often goes missing. However, take a trip through the bustling old-school marketplace, or take refuge in the many Melanesian museums, and you will get to enjoy a capital city with its heart well and truly still intact.
What should I do in Honiara?
Part of what makes a trip here so fun and so satisfying, though, is the immense nature of the things to see and do from here. For example, you could easily take part in the numerous range of outdoor activities waiting for you in places like Guadalcanal.
We recommend that you take the time to check out the beautiful Botanical Gardens and also take a trip to the National Parliament. One offers you a sense of natural beauty and immense beauty, the other shows you the massive change which has taken place in this nation.
In terms of things to do and see, you should also check out their fine culinary ranges. From outstanding Indian cuisine at the Taj Mahal to a trip to the Hukubai restaurant for some Japanese foods, you’ll find all manner of awesome cuisine to try out. for something a touch more local, check out The Ofis or Mambo Juice.
For those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture, a trip to the White River Village is a must-have. This awesome little Gilbertese settlement sits just outside of the capital, and it’s famous for its amazing betel nuts. Take a trip down here, and you will soon appreciate just how well-respected and appreciated the betel nut is!
Overall, though, a trip to the capital of Honiara is something you absolutely must take part in. Few capital cities can feel like such a fine example of their nation’s culture and overall style. Here, you should immediately feel at home – and, crucially, feel welcome in the Solomon Islands.