How many to visit: I advise
4 to 6 attractions over two weeks. Transfers are slow, boats leave when they are full, and a rain squall can erase a morning. Fewer stops mean time to sit in a village, share a meal of taro and fish and let a canoe ride unfold at its own pace. More than that and the trip becomes a string of wet waiting rooms.
Choosing between kinds: Divers and snorkelers should prioritize
marine sites, because that is where the country is strongest: warm water, coral gardens and wrecks. History-minded travelers should lean to
WWII sites around Guadalcanal, which are easier to reach and cheaper. Culture seekers should choose
village-based visits in Malaita or the outer islands, where carved canoe houses, shell money and singing happen on local terms. Hikers can add a volcano or …
read more 👉 How many to visit: I advise 4 to 6 attractions over two weeks. Transfers are slow, boats leave when they are full, and a rain squall can erase a morning. Fewer stops mean time to sit in a village, share a meal of taro and fish and let a canoe ride unfold at its own pace. More than that and the trip becomes a string of wet waiting rooms.
Choosing between kinds: Divers and snorkelers should prioritize marine sites, because that is where the country is strongest: warm water, coral gardens and wrecks. History-minded travelers should lean to WWII sites around Guadalcanal, which are easier to reach and cheaper. Culture seekers should choose village-based visits in Malaita or the outer islands, where carved canoe houses, shell money and singing happen on local terms. Hikers can add a volcano or rainforest walk, but mud and humidity make it demanding. Mixing one of each kind keeps the trip balanced.
What it costs: Budget about US$60 to 110 a day in local currency (Solomon Islands dollars, roughly SBD 500 to 900) for homestays or basic guesthouses, local meals and short transfers. Dive trips usually run US$80 to 150 for a two-tank outing. Landowner or village entry fees are typically SBD 50 to 200 per person (about US$6 to 24), a local guide SBD 150 to 400 a day, and small boat charters can reach SBD 800 to 2,000 depending on fuel. Cash is needed almost everywhere, in small notes, since change is scarce.
Safety and cultural care: Most attractions sit on customary land, so ask the village before swimming, fishing or photographing, and pay the agreed fee directly to the host. Dress modestly, with covered shoulders and knees, and avoid touching carved or sacred objects. Crocodiles live in some rivers and estuaries, so swim only where locals confirm it is safe. Malaria is present, so take prophylaxis and carry repellent. Unexploded ordnance remains from the war, so never touch metal debris. In Honiara, avoid walking alone after dark. A lifejacket for boat rides and a dry bag for your phone are worth the weight, and the reward is arriving at a quiet beach with everything intact.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.