Logistics · Destination Guide
Wrecks, reef passages and village lagoons in the wild west of the Solomons
Updated Apr 26, 2026 • 34 sources
Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.
Most visitors enter Solomon Islands through Honiara International Airport, then connect by Solomon Airlines domestic flight to Western Province. Gizo uses Nusatupe Airport on a small island opposite town, with a short boat transfer across the channel. Munda is the best gateway for New Georgia, Rendova and Tetepare routing, while Seghe is the usual airport for Marovo Lagoon and Uepi transfers. Schedules can change by season, aircraft, weather and operational needs, so build at least one buffer before international departure.
Honiara International Airport
HIR • AGGH
National gateway; onward domestic flight or sea route required • Plan a domestic connection or overnight buffer
The national international gateway on Guadalcanal. Most Western Province travelers connect onward by domestic flight and may need an overnight in Honiara depending on schedules.
Transport: Domestic flight to Gizo, Domestic flight to Munda, Domestic flight to Seghe, Long-distance ferry or coastal ship when schedules fit
Nusatupe Airport
GZO • AGGN
About 2 km by boat across the channel to Gizo town • Short boat ride, then lodge or town transfer
The Gizo airport sits on a separate island from town. Hotels and operators usually arrange the short boat transfer to Gizo or nearby island resorts.
Transport: Pre-arranged resort boat, Dive operator pickup, Local boat transfer
Munda Airport
MUA • AGGM
Town airport serving the Munda waterfront area • Short road or boat transfer depending on lodge
The main gateway for Munda, New Georgia, Rendova, Dive Munda and Tetepare side trips. Some itineraries use Munda as the arrival point and Gizo as the departure point, or the reverse.
Transport: Lodge pickup, Taxi or local vehicle, Boat transfer to nearby islands
In Gizo, many errands are walkable, while airport transfers, island resorts, snorkel sites and dive sites use boats. In Munda and Marovo Lagoon, lodges usually coordinate road or boat pickups. There is no rideshare-style safety net, and taxi availability is limited compared with large tourist destinations. Plan transfers through your accommodation, dive operator or a known local guide.
Entry requirements depend on nationality and permit type. Tourism Solomons says many tourists, including travelers from the United States, most Commonwealth countries and most European Union countries, can receive a visitor permit on arrival with a passport valid for at least 6 months, onward or return ticket and adequate funds. The Solomon Islands Immigration tourist visa page separately lists tourist visa and online processing fees for travelers who need that route. Check the Immigration Division and your airline before ticketing, because rules and fees can change.
Bring critical personal dive gear, prescription masks, computer chargers, camera batteries, o-rings and any unusual regulator adapters. Rental gear is available through established operators such as Dive Gizo, Dive Munda and Uepi, but sizes, valves, nitrox, camera support and spare parts should be confirmed before travel. Pack soft-sided bags for boats, a dry bag for electronics and enough medication or toiletries for remote islands.
Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD)
Solomon Islands is still cash-heavy, especially outside Honiara. Major hotels, some resorts and established operators may accept cards, but markets, small shops, canoes, village fees and guide tips often need local cash. Bring smaller notes for outer-island purchases.
ATMs are most reliable in Honiara and larger provincial towns such as Gizo or Munda, but machines can be offline, empty or limited. Withdraw before remote transfers and keep a backup card separated from your main wallet.
230V • 50Hz • G, I
Carry a universal adapter and use dual-voltage chargers. Remote lodges may have generator or solar schedules, so charge cameras, lights and computers whenever power is available. A small power bank is useful for boat-transfer days.
Communications
Mobile coverage is usable in major towns and some resort areas, but remote lagoons, turtle beaches and transfers can be patchy. Buy a local SIM or data plan if you need basic connectivity, and do not rely on fast Wi-Fi for cloud backups or remote work in outer islands.
Language
English is the official language, Solomons Pijin is widely used, and local languages vary by island and village. A friendly greeting, patience and asking permission before photos go a long way. In villages and towns, dress modestly and avoid beachwear away from beaches or boats.
Insurance
Carry comprehensive travel insurance plus dive-specific evacuation coverage if you will scuba dive or freedive. Medical evacuation from Western Province can be complex, and the chamber is in Honiara rather than beside the dive sites. Many operators strongly prefer or require recognized dive insurance.
Packing list
Pack light tropical clothes, modest town and village clothing, a rashguard, hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, malaria medication if prescribed, a light rain shell, dry bags, personal medications, backup chargers, save-a-dive spares, SMB, computer and a photocopy of travel documents. Soft luggage is easier on small boats than hard cases.
Trip Planning
External Booking PartnerThis destination works either as a land-based plan or as a longer liveaboard itinerary. Use the guide for local planning, or compare boats if the remote circuit is the priority.
DiveJourney may earn referral revenue. Booking is handled by the partner and operator under their terms.
