Hear about travel to Solomon Islands as the Amateur Traveler talks to Chris Shorrock from Travel Obscure about his adventurous trip in these remote Pacific islands.
Why should you go to the Solomon Islands?
Chris says, “There’s lots of reasons. One of the reasons we didn’t really focus on World War II history. One of my big reasons for going was it’s an adventurous destination and I like an adventurous destination. There’s not many people going on holiday to the Solomons, so that was one of the big appeals. But besides that amazing natural beauty: jungle-clad volcanic islands, turquoise oceans, and then below the surface of the ocean lots of sea creatures, coral reefs, very spectacular underwater environment.”
This is an adventurous loop through the Central Province: starting in Honiara, crossing to Savo Island for volcano hikes and megapode eggs, then finishing with shipwreck snorkeling at Roderick Bay before returning to Honiara.
Day 1 – Arrival in Honiara (Guadalcanal)
- Flights: Most travelers arrive from Brisbane (easiest option). Other routes exist via Port Moresby (less reliable), Nadi, or Auckland (via Vanuatu).
- Practical tip: Honiara is the last place you’ll find ATMs, pharmacies, or proper shops. Stock up on cash (Solomon dollars), insect repellent, sunscreen, snacks, and dry bags here.
- What to do:
- Visit the Crafts Market Center in Honiara for souvenirs.
- See the Honiara Central Market for fresh produce and local prepared foods (but be prepared for strong fish smells).
- Grab a coffee or meal at Breakwater Café (air-conditioned).
- Accommodation:
Day 2 – Transfer to Savo Island
- Travel:
- Arrange a private morning transfer through Savo Sunset Lodge. The crossing takes about an hour.
- Avoid late-day public dinghies, especially in June–July when eastern winds make seas rough. Seas are calmer in the morning.
- Tip: Bring your own inflatable life jacket (fits in carry-on) and dry bags for electronics. You will get wet.
- Accommodation: Savo Sunset Lodge (rustic lodge with generator, dining hall, and simple rooms with balconies).
Day 3 – Explore Savo Island: Volcano Hike & Cultural Feast
- Morning: Rest after the boat trip or take it easy.
- Afternoon excursion: Hike up the volcano through steaming gorges and hot waterfalls. Wear sturdy shoes — some parts require scrambling over logs and ladders near boiling water.
- Local life: Along the way, you’ll see women preparing copra (dried coconut meat), the island’s main cash crop.
- Evening: Many visits include a traditional mumu feast (pig, chicken, and even megapode eggs cooked underground with hot rocks). Guests sometimes join in celebrations with dancing and singing.
Day 4 – The Megapode Egg Fields & Snorkeling
- Early morning: Walk to the Egg Fields of Savo Island, where megapodes (chicken-sized birds) lay eggs in volcanic-heated sand. Villagers carefully dig them up to eat or sell.
- Tip: Go with a guide; fields are owned by different families and managed collectively.
- Late morning/afternoon: Snorkel off the beach at Savo Sunset Lodge. The coral is healthy, with schools of reef fish, though some species are skittish due to local fishing.
- Evening: Relax in a hammock at the lodge with a cold beer while watching the sunset.
Day 5 – Boat to Roderick Bay (Nggela Islands)
- Travel: Arrange a private dinghy northeast to Roderick Bay (~1 hour). Public boats require returning via Honiara and can take two days, so private is far more efficient.
- Expect minor hiccups (late drivers, detours, reef bumps). Flexibility is essential.
- Stay: Roderick Bay Beach Bungalow – stilted bungalows on the bay with hammocks, verandas, and views over the wreck.
- Tip: There’s no phone signal here. Confirm bookings well in advance (WhatsApp and email can be unreliable).
Day 6 – Snorkeling the MS World Discoverer Wreck
- The wrecked MS World Discoverer (an expedition cruise ship grounded in 2000) sits on its side in the bay.
- Snorkeling highlights:
- Coral-covered propeller and hull.
- Clownfish, lionfish, pufferfish, and giant clams.
- Shoals of fish so thick they obscure the bottom.
- Views through broken windows into the ship’s interior.
- On land: Walk the golden beach lined with huge tropical trees, or join a short village walk with local performances and handicrafts.
Day 7 – More Roderick Bay Relaxation
- Spend the day snorkeling, swimming, or simply swinging in a hammock.
- Dugout canoes pass regularly, giving a glimpse of daily village life.
- Tip: Bring a small solar charger — power is very limited.
Day 8 – Return to Honiara & Departure
- Boat transfer back to Honiara (allow for delays and wet conditions).
- Stay the final night at a comfortable place like the King Solomon Hotel — a shower and pool will feel wonderful after salty boat rides.
- Depart the next day from Honiara International Airport, also known as Henderson Field, a historic WWII airfield.
- Best season: Outside June–July (when strong winds make seas rough).
- Transport: Boats are the only way to reach Savo and Nggela. Morning departures are safest.
- Gear to pack: Dry bags, self-inflating life jacket, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, sturdy shoes for volcano hikes, and snorkeling gear if you prefer your own.
- Money: Carry plenty of cash from Honiara; the outer islands have no ATMs.
- Mindset: Expect delays, rustic conditions, and limited communications. The reward is adventure, unique wildlife, and extraordinary snorkeling.
In short: this is a week of adventure travel — from hot spring volcano hikes to megapode egg fields to world-class shipwreck snorkeling. It’s not luxury, but it’s unforgettable.
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Show Notes
Travel Obscure
Solomon Islands
Honiara
Crafts Market Center in Honiara
St Agnes Mothers Union Resthouse
Honiara Central Market
Lonely Planet Papua New Guinea & Solomon Islands
Savo Island
Battle of Savo Island
Savo Sunset Lodge
Egg Fields of Savo Island
Megapode
The Happy Isles of Oceania by Paul Theroux
Nggela Islands
MS World Discoverer
Roderick Bay Beach Bungalow
King Solomon Hotel, Honiara
Island Hopping Through Oceania – Savo Island
Island Hopping Through Oceania – Roderick Bay
Community
Amateur Traveler Trips
