Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# best places on a budget - Solomon Islands snorkeling Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea
dancingdolphin 07:23 UTC 15 Feb 2011 | Where is the best snorkeling and where are the inexpensive places to stay near them? |
ozziegiraffe 12:06 UTC 15 Feb 2011 | There are many places in Solomon islands you can snorkel provided you bring your own gear. There is a relatively cheap Rest House run by the Mothers Union on Tulagi, a shortish ferry ride from Honiara, which has power, shared bathrooms and a shared kitchen. You need to bring your own fresh food from Honiara, but ou can buy basics like tinned tuna, rice and noodles locally, There is a beach right outside. A homestay might suit you, but most have no mod. cons. Check out Exploring Solomons or Visit Solomons and come back with questions about places you think are interesting. | 1
dancingdolphin 15:42 UTC 15 Feb 2011 | Thanks for the links! We have been to Solomons before staying near Munda, Tetepare and surrounds. Homestay-type accommodations are fine with us as long as we can get food. We are thinking of spending more time in Marovo lagoon, but Uepi sounds too expensive. Do you have a favorite place to stay in that lagoon? Do you recommend any other islands for snorkeling, canoeing? Thanks! | 2
dancingdolphin 15:49 UTC 15 Feb 2011 | We have snorkeled in Banda, Sulawesi and some of the best places in the world, so are looking for decent snorkeling. I know those are hard acts to follow. | 3
miketelemark 22:14 UTC 15 Feb 2011 | Check out Matikuri Lodge and Charapoana Lodge (google). | 4
ozziegiraffe 12:33 UTC 16 Feb 2011 | Most homestays should provide meals. I am much more familiar with the other parts of Solomon Islands, having spent little time in the west. If you have already visited the Western Province, it might be worth considering somewhere less touristy. | 5
dancingdolphin 13:52 UTC 16 Feb 2011 | somewhere less touristy sounds great to us. We want to spend time snorkeling and canoeing around and meeting local people. What are your favorite places for that in the other parts of Solomons? | 6
ozziegiraffe 11:40 UTC 17 Feb 2011 | This is where I usually go, as the owners are practically family. If you are interested, I can give you contact details. All money goes to the extended family and villagers. However, it has no modern conveniences, like power, or a flush toilet. Canoeing would be in dugout canoes, and you would definitelyy need to bring your own snorkel gear. | 7
LtotheK 04:08 UTC 24 Feb 2014 | Hello! Headed to Honiara on Thursday from New Zealand and wondering if we can buy snorkel/masks in Honiara as they are VERY expensive here in NZ. Are there shops to buy a cheap set before heading out to outer islands? thanks! | 8
ozziegiraffe 12:48 UTC 25 Feb 2014 | The short answer is NO! Look in bargain stores like The Warehouse, before you leave New Zealand. All you can get in Honiara are very cheap and nasty diving glasses. | 9