Fees · Destination Guide
Russell Islands
Sunbeam cuts, WWII relics and jungle-fringed Coral Triangle reefs
Updated Apr 26, 2026 • 18 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
- Solomon Islands tourist visa or visitor entry - Published tourist visa fee USD $100; online lodgement fee USD $50 when applying online
- Marine, port, fuel and local tax package - Varies by vessel; some operators include it while others collect it onboard
- Typical payment pattern: The Russell Islands do not have a single published destinationwide dive tag like some marine parks.
What people usually pay
The Russell Islands do not have a single published destination-wide dive tag like some marine parks. Costs are usually handled through the operator: marine, port, fuel, local tax, village access or kastom reef fees may be included in the fare or billed onboard. Visa and entry costs are separate. Ask for an itemized fee sheet before booking, bring small SBD cash for village purchases and do not assume reef access is free just because a site is remote.
| Fee | Amount | Applies to | Where to pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solomon Islands tourist visa or visitor entry | Published tourist visa fee USD $100; online lodgement fee USD $50 when applying online Typically 30 days for a visitor stay, with extensions possible under immigration rules | International visitors | Solomon Islands Immigration eVisa portal or border process, depending on nationality and eligibility | Check the official Immigration site close to departure because nationality rules, fees and arrival procedures can change. Keep return ticket and liveaboard confirmation handy. |
| Marine, port, fuel and local tax package | Varies by vessel; some operators include it while others collect it onboard Per cruise or itinerary | Divers, snorkelers and liveaboard guests | Liveaboard invoice or onboard account | Ask specifically whether Russell Islands reef access, port fees, local taxes and fuel surcharges are included. Do not compare fares without checking these extras. |
| Kastom reef, village and land access fees | Varies by village, reef owner and operator arrangement Per visit, site or itinerary arrangement | Reef diving, snorkeling, village visits, beach landings and photography stops | Handled by the operator, local guide or host community | Customary ownership is important in Solomon Islands. Responsible operators pay or arrange access rather than treating reefs and villages as public, unregulated space. |
| Private vessel customs and port clearance | Official fees and penalties vary Per entry, clearance or port movement | Yachts and private expedition boats | Official port of entry and customs or immigration offices | Clear at an official port and request permission before going ashore. Honiara, Yandina and Tulagi are among ports relevant to Central Province movement. |
| Village craft purchases and crew tips | Discretionary; carry small SBD notes Per trip | Guests joining liveaboards, village visits or local transfers | Directly with hosts, markets or crew gratuity envelope | Crafts, produce and tips are a meaningful way to put money into communities. Ask the cruise director what is appropriate before handing out cash. |