Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

solomon islands: off the beaten path

Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea

Hello Fellow Travelers,

I am looking for the most remote part of the Solomon Islands. Any advice?

Thanks!

Capitano Pato Loco

Head for Anuta - good luck.

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Capitano, you would need to be there a year or 2 to get to the most remote areas, such as Tikopia or Anuta, as that is the frequency of transport there. Are you interested in Solomon Islands culture? If so, some less remote places might be better, as the very remote islands are very traditional Polynesian cultures, (more like Tonga or Samoa) whereas most of the country is Melanesian.
Some of the remote Melanesian areas include the Reef Islands in Temotu Province (same province as Tikopia and Anuta, but not quite so remote).
There is actually a low-key resort in the area, although you have to travel over open sea for about 3 hours by outboard to get there (Directships travel every few months, without a regular schedule)
Otherwise, there are weekly flights to Santa Cruz from Honiara (book in advance, and allow at least a week for delayed flights - it happens all the time, due to delayed fuel shipments or trucks spoiling the runway). Then you need boat transport. This website Pigeon Island is a bit old, but I know one of the owners who runs a travel business in Honiara, and could put you in touch with him.

2

thank you so much for your advice!

3

Numerous Solomons dive operations mention diving with orcas. I just want to know if anyone has actually done it there and, if so, where and when.

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I have never seen or heard of an orca in Solomon Islands waters, though I have seen plenty of dolphins and dugong. However, I am not a diver, and haven't been to the dive resorts or on their boats (though I have been to many of the areas where they anchor). They may know something I don't.
Which dive companies actually mention orcas?

5

Orcas are around but specific diving with them isn't on the menu anywhere in the Solomons.

BTW-Orcas aren't whales at all they are the largest members of the Dolphin family, known as the killer of whales and tear them apart they do.

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