🇸🇧 Travel eSIM plans for Solomon Islands

Many visitors base themselves in Honiara on Guadalcanal, where the National Museum and Japanese war relics offer historical perspective. For a slower pace, head to the Western Province to island-hop by small plane or public ferry. The Marovo Lagoon area rewards patient travellers with high-quality diving and remote villages. Stay in family-run guesthouses to support local communities directly; book ahead through the provincial tourism office as internet can be patchy. Diving and snorkelling are the main draws, but kayaking through the lagoons or hiking to volcanic hot springs on Savo Island are equally memorable. Avoid travelling during the wet season months of December to March if you have a tight schedule, as domestic flights are frequently cancelled in poor visibility.

• Honiara and Guadalcanal - Visit the American Memorial, the Japanese Peace Memorial, and the Vilu War Museum. A guided tour of the battlefield sites is recommended for context.
• Marovo Lagoon - A UNESCO tentative-listed site with coral gardens and dugong sightings. Stay on a local island and snorkel straight from the beach.
• Gizo - The town of Gizo offers lively markets, a nearby WWII wreck divesite, and easy access to Kennedy Island, where future US president John F. Kennedy swam ashore after his PT boat was rammed.
• Skull Island and the Roviana Lagoon - A short boat ride from Gizo, this tiny island features a cave with preserved skulls from headhunting days - a sobering but unique cultural stop.

• Kokoda - Raw fish marinated in lime juice and coconut cream, similar to ceviche but with a Melanesian twist. Best eaten fresh at a beachside market.
• Poi - A fermented taro paste that is a staple starch. It is an acquired taste; try it with grilled fish for balance.
• Cassava chips - Deep-fried cassava slices, often sold as street food. They are crisp, filling, and a safe snack for travellers.
• Pudding made from island cabbage - A sweet, starchy dessert cooked in coconut milk. It is commonly served at feasts but also available at larger hotels in Honiara.

Drink only bottled or boiled water. Avoid raw shellfish from markets unless you are certain of the source, as ciguatera poisoning is a risk in some reef areas.

The Solomon Islands has a tropical monsoon climate. The dry season runs from April to November, offering the most reliable conditions for diving, island-hopping, and road travel. Within this period, May through October are the best months for underwater visibility, though the water is warm year-round. The wet season from December to March brings heavy rain and cyclonic squalls that can strand travellers on smaller islands for days. Even in the dry season, expect brief afternoon showers. The most popular tourist period is June to August, when flights and accommodation fill up; book at least three months ahead. If you are flexible, consider September or October for quieter conditions and still excellent weather.

Pack lightweight, long-sleeved clothing to protect against sun and mosquitoes. A high-factor reef-safe sunscreen is essential, as is a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter - tap water is not safe to drink. Bring a waterproof dry bag for boat trips and a head torch for evening walks. A basic first-aid kit with antiseptic and plasters helps for coral cuts. If you plan to dive, carry your own mask and snorkel, as rental quality varies. Pack a sarong or light towel for modesty when visiting villages. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside Honiara’s big hotels, so bring sufficient Solomon Islands dollars in small denominations. A power bank is useful, as electricity cuts are common on outer islands.