snorkeling Marovo lagoon

We are thinking about going to the Solomon's, maybe Western prov- Marovo lagoon for awesome snorkeling, but we don't want to be dependent on any one's resort boat to take us to good reef. A few boat rides it's ok, but we enjoy just doing our own thing.

Basically we're looking for a place where we can walk around and jump in the water if the reef looks good. From looking on line I can't get an idea of the smaller islands' infrastructure. It looks more like you pick a place to stay and you're sort of stuck with the house reef. Is that true? If no, what island is perfect for us?

If yes, for you avid snorkelers out there (we don't dive) who have been everywhere, what can you suggest? again, easy shore accessible pristine reef...

When do you plan to go there? You are right with the pick a place...not much winging it, If you ever thinking of going to gizo, I have some ideas, here and there for snorkelling and winging it.

You're stuck with the house reef because islands and reefs are usually owned by people, they're not public property that just anyone can use. I've spent a lot of time in Marovo and the snorkelling is amazing (I don't dive). I always stay with friends in their village, so I don't know a great deal about the resorts. Everyone raves about Uepi, and certainly the accommodation looks lovely and even standing on their jetty is amazing. Charapoana is right opposite Uepi - details are on the Solomon Visitors Bureau website, but I think I heard they had closed, so you would need to check that out.

In Roviana, Zipolo Habu is a lovely place with great food, but it's definitely not great for snorkelling. I've never been to Tetepare but everyone I know who's been there says it was the experience of a lifetime.