Fees · Destination Guide
Honiara and Iron Bottom Sound
World War II wrecks, Coral Triangle reefs, and Guadalcanal history within reach of the capital
Updated Apr 26, 2026 • 20 sources
Fees And Permits
Confirm these fees before you book so your operator plan and day budget match what you will pay onsite.
Fees You Can't Skip
- National marine park tag - No Honiara/Iron Bottom Sound marine park tag identified
- Customary beach or wreck access fee - Variable, usually paid in SBD cash
- Typical payment pattern: Honiara does not have a widely advertised national marine park tag like some Caribbean destinations.
What people usually pay
Honiara does not have a widely advertised national marine park tag like some Caribbean destinations. Budget instead for customary beach or site access fees, operator fees, occasional museum or memorial access fees, and visa fees if your nationality or stay length requires an application. Cash in SBD is important because small sites and landowners may not accept cards.
| Fee | Amount | Applies to | Where to pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National marine park tag | No Honiara/Iron Bottom Sound marine park tag identified Not applicable | Divers and snorkelers | Not applicable | Absence of a national tag does not remove local obligations. Follow operator rules, customary reef access rules, and no-touch conservation behavior. |
| Customary beach or wreck access fee | Variable, usually paid in SBD cash Per site, per person, or per vehicle depending on landowner practice | Bonegi, Mbonege, west Guadalcanal beaches, and some village or reef access points | Pay on site through the landowner, guide, hotel, or dive operator as directed locally | Do not enter or park first and negotiate later. Ask permission, keep receipts where provided, and avoid photographing people or private places without consent. |
| Honiara day-diving and boat supplements | Operator-priced Per dive day or package | Scuba divers joining guided shore dives, day boats, aircraft wrecks, Florida Islands routes, or technical wreck support | Honiara dive operator or liveaboard office | Some advertised packages include guide, tanks, weights, and standard shore dives, while boat dives, nitrox, equipment rental, or technical gases may cost extra. |
| Tourist visa where required | MCILI lists USD $50 online fee plus USD $100 visa fee for tourist visas Tourist visa category lists 90 days stay; border permits may be shorter | Travelers who need a pre-arranged tourist visa, longer stay, or frequent-entry permission | Solomon Islands Immigration or Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration channels | Many tourists use a visitor permit or border visa on arrival, but rules vary by nationality and can change. Verify before booking nonrefundable travel. |
| Museum, memorial, and guided land access | Variable, usually SBD cash Per visit | Vilu War Museum, selected memorials, waterfall hikes, village visits, and battlefield tours | On site, through your guide, or through a local tour operator | Use a guide for context, permissions, road access, and safety around relics or muddy trails. |