Discovering the Undiscovered
Honiara to Munda. A 10-day yacht charter journey filled with adventure. The perfect way to explore the Solomon Islands is with a yacht.
Honiara to Munda. A 10-day yacht charter journey filled with adventure. The perfect way to explore the Solomon Islands is with a yacht.
The Solomon Islands are a little known, unspoilt paradise, tucked away in the South Pacific. 150 of the nearly 1000 islands are inhabited, making this an explorer’s dream. With endless coral reef-rimmed lagoons, sandy beaches, tropical rainforests, waterfalls and volcanoes, these stunning islands are ideal for exploration by private yacht. With few other visitors, you’ll often feel like the first person to have ever set foot on the soft sandy beaches. The Solomon Islands is a remote cruising destination and as such, has limited infrastructure; however, with careful planning you will enjoy a rich cultural experience and witness natural beauty beyond compare.
Honiara
1
Visit Honiara to witness the historical significance of Guadalcanal. During WWII, the island was a crucial stronghold due to its proximity to Australia. After months of brutal fighting, the Japanese withdrew in early 1943. Today, remnants of the campaign can still be seen at key battle sites like Edson’s Bloody Ridge, Red Beach, Skyline Ridge, Iron Bottom Sound, and Henderson Field, all of which remain virtually untouched.
As you take in the sights from the aft deck or hike across the quiet grassy fields, it is hard to imagine that this was considered the turning point of WWII in the Pacific.
Florida Islands
2
Today, head to the stunning Florida Islands, also known as the Nggela Islands. Begin your adventure with a visit to Tanavula Point area, where you'll witness sheer drop-offs brimming with red tooth triggerfish, soft corals, and gorgonians. Next, explore the sandy beaches and many snorkeling spots along the seagrass patches of Anuha, a beautiful island. Keep your eyes peeled for seahorses and coral bombes teeming with fish.
As you make your way through the group of islands, don't miss the opportunity to dive the Consolidated PBY Catalina, an iconic American flying boat that went down in 1943. She sits upright on the bottom of the bay at a depth of about 34m, as if someone had just (badly) parked her there. Though a deepish dive, the visibility here is excellent, making for wonderful photography opportunities as you can often see the entire plane.
Russell Islands
3
Dense green forestation, swaying palm trees, towering limestone rock islands, and stunning white sandy beaches all await you. Immerse yourself in the lush jungle of Pavuvu Island with its decent elevation and serene mangrove forest along the shores, or discover the coconut plantations on the smaller low-lying atolls. Join the friendly locals for a game of football at the local elementary school or take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant plantations.
Several excellent nearby dive sites make these islands a favourite for the scuba enthusiasts, with several exceptional dive sites, including mesmerizing limestone rock caverns and canyons on the northern side.
Take to the mangrove estuary on the eastern side of Pavuvu Island on a kayak or paddleboard or ride in a traditional dugout canoe with a local guide.
End your day on a deserted sand cay in the northeast of the island, surrounded by captivating natural beauty.
Marovo Lagoon
4
Discover the awe-inspiring Marovo Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest double-barrier lagoon on the planet. The low-lying coral atolls, white sandy beaches, and mesmerizing aqua blue waters create the perfect backdrop for unparalleled diving, snorkeling, and fishing experiences.
With numerous uninhabited islands dotting the lagoon, you can easily drop anchor and lose yourself in Marovo’s captivating charm. Prepare to be mesmerized by the exceptional wooden artisanal work that is arguably the finest in the Pacific, a testament to the pride and refined skills of the local craftsmen.
For scuba enthusiasts, Marovo offers several nearby dive sites featuring reef or wall diving options. Explore the lagoon by kayak or paddleboard and witness its natural beauty from a different perspective.
Tetepare
5
Discover Tetepare Island, a true conservation gem in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands. This rugged island, adorned with lush rainforests and surrounded by biodiverse reefs, is the largest uninhabited tropical island in the Southern Hemisphere. Experience the one-of-a-kind conservation project and unique, locally-owned ecolodge that make Tetepare a special destination.
Abandoned for 150 years, Tetepare has an air of mystery and intrigue, with many stories about why it was left uninhabited. Yet, what sets this island apart is its pristine condition. While logging has taken its toll on much of the Solomon Islands, Tetepare remains untouched and home to a dazzling variety of flora and fauna.
Explore the island’s 120 square kilometres of primary lowland rainforest on a nature walk with the park ranger. Admire nesting populations of three species of turtle, including the endangered leatherback turtle, on the island’s pristine beaches. Keep an eye out for the dugong, the world’s largest skink, and the endemic Tetepare White-eye hornbills, as well as tiny pygmy parrots and the endangered coconut crab.
Explore the surrounding waters with a snorkel and encounter huge bump-headed parrot fish, schools of barracuda, and pods of bottlenose and spinner dolphins.
Munda
6
Amidst its haunting past, Munda in the western Solomon Islands has transformed into a serene regional town offering picturesque vistas and tranquil waters for water sports enthusiasts. Venture beyond Munda to explore the dotted islets and their stunning backdrops, perfect for zodiac cruising and island hopping.
For a glimpse into the region’s traditional practices, take a leisurely ride around the islets to Skull Island, where the remnants of the past still linger. Despite being rundown and overgrown, the island’s stone walls still house human “trophy” skulls, a testament to the gruesome history of the area.
Make a pit stop at Lola Island and be sure to say hi to Joe, an American citizen who found himself lost in this little corner of paradise. Joe has set up a rustic guest house and beach bar where you can relax to the sounds of Jimmy Buffet and enjoy an ice-cold Solbrew beer.
Gizo
7
Experience the quaint charm of Gizo, a short and scenic cruise from Njari through the stunning islands of the south. Stroll through the lively streets of the coastal town and get a glimpse of modern-day Solomon Islands, from the vibrant public markets to the local fishermen unloading their daily catch.
Delve into history and pay a visit to Kennedy Island, where John F. Kennedy and his crew found refuge after their PT boat was damaged during World War II. With the help of local islanders, they were rescued from Japanese captivity, making this site a fascinating and poignant piece of history.
Shortland Islands
8
This secluded group of islands in the Solomon Islands was once off-limits to yachts for nearly 15 years due to its proximity to Bougainville and the devastating conflict that took place there. Today, this remote destination remains largely unexplored by foreign tourists.
For those with an interest in World War II history, these islands offer an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the past.
While still considered a somewhat exploratory stop, the region is a playground for the adventurous. Excellent fishing is to be found in the nearby pinnacles and currents, while the months between November and April offer fantastic surfing conditions.
Choiseul
9
Choiseul Island, measuring 3294 square kilometres, is a hidden gem for nature lovers. Its main attraction is the untouched natural wonders that surround it, such as the nesting sands for endangered Hawksbill turtles and sightings of whales in the surrounding waters.
One of the unique features of Choiseul is its commitment to protecting its marine life. It boasts the highest number of sites declared marine-protected areas, which are naturally rich in marine biodiversity that needs to be preserved. An important breeding place for the Loggerhead sea turtle, this island is a must-see for anyone interested in wildlife conservation and exploring untouched natural habitats.
Munda
10
Disembark in Munda and wave goodbye to your crew. Depart from Munda Airport.
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