If there has ever been a destination for intrepid travellers seeking top-notch experiences off the beaten track, the Solomon Islands are it. This remote archipelago in the South Pacific is the epitome of a tropical island paradise - with some intrigue to match. Along with aquamarine lagoons, crocodile-infested mangrove swamps and deep green rainforests, these islands and their seas offer historical interest in the form of numerous World War 2 sites. Visitors can explore tanks long abandoned in the jungle and submerged shipwrecks that have morphed into spectacular dive sites. While this is a fairly rough and rugged destination, those willing to go the distance and brave the obstacles will be rewarded with idyllic scenery, compelling culture and world-class snorkelling and scuba diving.
Situated in the central Solomons, the Russell Islands comprises two small landmasses, Pavuvu and Mbanika, renowned for their significant historical relevance, particularly during World War II. World War II brought international attention to these islands, as they served as crucial military bases for the Allied forces. The landscape of the Russell Islands is characterised by lush vegetation, fringed by sandy beaches and surrounded by crystal-clear waters. Scuba diving enthusiasts are drawn to the vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. History buffs can explore remnants of wartime infrastructure, including abandoned airstrips and rusting military equipment scattered across the islands. Trekking through the dense jungle offers glimpses into the islands' past and present. Despite their diminutive size, the Russell Islands hold a significant place in the annals of global conflict, offering visitors a unique blend of historical intrigue and natural beauty.
Marovo Island, cradled within the Solomon Islands' archipelago, is a paradise fringed by coral reefs. Part of the UNESCO-protected Marovo Lagoon, the island boasts a dramatic landscape. Lush rainforest cloaks its volcanic slopes, while hidden coves and pristine beaches dot the coastline. Divers flock here to explore the vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. WWII wrecks and underwater caves add intrigue to the dives. Above water, traditional villages showcase the artistic heritage of the region, with skilled carvers crafting exquisite souvenirs from local wood and stone.
One of the conservation gems of the South Pacific, Tetepare Island, is located in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands. Enveloped in dense rainforests and bordered by biodiverse reefs, the landscape is enriched with lush rainforests, ancient strangler fig trees, towering coconut palms, and an array of flowering plants. Tetepare remains pristine, a timeless sanctuary with a unique, locally owned and managed ecolodge that attracts visitors from around the world. Tetepare's beaches serve as nesting grounds for three species of turtles, including the endangered leatherback turtle. The island and its surrounding waters are abundant with diverse wildlife, including the dugong, the skink, the endemic Tetepare White-eye, hornbills, diminutive pygmy parrots, the endangered coconut crab, substantial bump-headed parrotfish, schools of barracuda, and pods of bottlenose and spinner dolphins.
As previously described
Scattered across the turquoise waters of the Solomon Sea, the idyllic Nggela Islands, also known as the Florida Islands, form a picturesque archipelago north of Guadalcanal. Historically significant for their proximity to the Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II, these islands now attract adventurers and nature enthusiasts. Following the war, Honiara on Guadalcanal became the capital of the Solomon Islands. The Florida Islands boast numerous remarkable dive sites, notably Twin Tunnels, named for two imposing vertical lava tubes on a seamount. Divers can explore these tunnels, adorned with vibrant fans and corals, encountering pygmy seahorses, hairy squat lobsters, cuttlefish, and even nurse sharks. The crystal-clear waters reveal a diverse marine ecosystem, offering glimpses of octopuses and eels.
