Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands is an impeccable Melanesian archipelago in the South Pacific, consisting of six major islands and close to 1000 smaller islands. Only 147 are inhabited, so it’s a little-visited delight for those that like something off the beaten track. It’s almost the perfect, unspoiled pacific wonderland.

Flights land in the capital Honiara, on the main island of Guadalcanal, where you can visit the Central Markets of fresh, locally picked fruits, vegetables and hand crafts, spread over a whole block. Many of the producers travel by boat from outer islands to sell their wares at this well-known marketplace. Guaranteed the pineapples and bananas are some of the sweetest you will ever taste. Stop and buy some to sample or if you are in a homestay, it’s the place to pick up supplies.

Throughout this tropical wonderland, treasures await including some of the best diving sites in the South Pacific. Visit Rennell Island, which boasts the largest raised coral atoll in the world and also includes the largest lake in the South Pacific, Lake Tegano. With endemic species, and surrounded by virgin rainforest, this lake is the Solomons Islands 'jewel in the crown'.

Underwater you can see WWII wrecks including ships, aircraft, and submarines. Morovo Lagoon, Mary Island and Russel Island are also excellent diving sites and the tourists still are few. Sea-life is captivating and arguably there are more tropical fish in the Solomon Islands than in another part of the world. If you don’t like getting your feet wet, even from out of the water the visibility is still breathtaking. From watercraft, jetties, restaurants, and bungalows by the waterside an astonishing amount of sea life of colourful fish, giant clams and pretty corals, all happily continue their daily rituals.

The Solomon Islands are a sleepy part of the South Pacific and the locals like it that way. Resorts are laid back, from modern hotels, idyllic island hideaways to the rustic beach shacks. It's all part of the charm and escapism of this topical isolation.

There’s something for everyone, from private couples, and family holidays, surfing, diving or WW11 history to world-famous birdwatching.

Best Time to Visit Solomon Islands

With a typical equatorial climate, there is little temperature change over the year. There are two typical seasons the Wet, from November to April, and February and May and the Dry Season from December to February and from June to September. Temperatures average around 27°C with the highest average temperature of 29°C and the lowest is 28°C.

The weather and climate of the Solomon Islands are perfect for sun and water vacations. April and May along with October and November, are the best times to visit.  Scuba diving can be done year-round, but the seas are sometimes rough from June to September.