Covering an area of 80,000 square km, the Solomon Islands probably own the largest and most unexplored surfing territory in the South Pacific. The largest island is Guadalcanal, located near Malaita and Makira, or other islands such as San Cristobal, Santa Isabel, Choiseul, Rennel, New Georgia, and the Santa Cruz group. The topography varies from low coral atolls to dense mountains, crisscrossed with steep and narrow valleys with fast rivers, passable only by canoes. Ethnologists and Divers paved the way as Marovo Lagoon is blessed with its 30m of visibility, warm waters and many underwater wrecks. At the north end of Malaita, Malu’u Lodge provides a decent base for exploring right-hand reef waves with all swells coming from the northeast, as well as entering the lagoon. Also check the two wave sections on the reef channel in Manu. 61km from Auki, there is Fakanakafo Bay with numerous spots close to each other including the rivermouth peak and a long stretch of beachbreak (a bit difficult to reach). Leli Island is a 20min boat ride from the bay, where heavy lefts hit the corals with great swells. You may sometimes find places with strange handcrafted board built with palm trees both in Uruilangi, a spot of fun and small waves, and in Sinalangu, a fickle right that works at low tide, near the entrance to the port. What are you waiting for? Book your surfing holiday in the Solomon Islands now!
Uluwa Island is home to a coral sand beachbreak at Su’ulausi Harbor and a long left reef at Su’uholo.
2/3 of the population of Makira Island live on the north coast, leaving the south coast poorly populated. Makira has more swamps than the other islands, making land transport very difficult, especially to reach the southern spots. The boat reaches the north end of Malaupaina, one of the 3 “Sisters Islands”, where you can find good rights with weak winds and large swells. This reef is intimidating due to the numerous marine crocodiles in the area. Kirakira is the main town for renting a boat, stocking up on supplies and maybe catching some black sand beachbreaks. Tawarogha is known thanks to the constant and fast rights, which works with both SW and NE swells.
Tariff per person, starting from:
| Departure | Solwata Surf Camp | Papatura Island Retreat | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | Double | Single | Double | |
| From 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020 | € 2,071 | - | - | € 3,024 |
Notes
The best period to surf is between December and April, when the N-NE swells are activated. These swells can last for more than a week giving excellent, clean, great-sized waves. In the months of July and August, the low pressure in Tasmania sends long swells from the South, coinciding with the windswells from ESE, which hit the east part of islands such as Ulawa Island or Tawarogha. The months from January to March receive monsoon winds from west and northwest. From May to October, strong SE trade winds prevail. During the transition months there is less wind. The tides are diurnal and have a maximum range of 3ft.
How to get there : Solomon Islands are one of the most remote places, so there are few connections to Honiara (HR) from Brisbane (BNE, 3 flights a week, around $ 750) and Aukland, Port Moresby, Port Villa and Nadi. Fly with Solomon Airlines for cheap local flights. Airport Motel is only 800m from the airport. The town is 8km away. $ 6 boarding fee.
Getting around : Solomon Airlines flies daily to Kirakira (Makira, $ 135 r / t, 11 times a week) and Auki (Malaita $ 80r / t, 3 times a week). Flights are cheap but unsafe, and board bags can create baggage problems. Road connections are very few so get canoes and boats (cheap).
Accommodation and Food: There are a dozen resorts, mainly in Guadalcanal, Gizo, Munda and Marovo Lagoon. Try Maravagi on Florida Island north of Honlara. In Makira and Malaika you can find rather cheap but also quite dirty houses, without A / C and perhaps with a fan and a network. Food is based on Fish & Chips, sweet potatoes ($ 3-4 per meal). Auki, the provincial capital, has a population of 4,000 and boasts a large variety of shops, hotels and restaurants.
Climate : There is humid equatorial climate all year round. The average temperature is 27 ° C with minimal variations between the seasons. The coolest period is between the months of June and August while the winds from the north-west in the period between November and April cause an increase in rainfall and occasional cyclones. Such precipitations are more intense in mountainous areas.
Nature and Culture: Locals are unique and faithfully Christian. The countries are quiet. Makira: beaches with turtles and Natagera house in the Santa Ana, Malaita: Auki, is a relaxing provincial center, presence of sharks, and money with shell constructions.
Dangers and Annoyances : Ethnic tensions continue to create problems, but tourists aren’t touched. Travel warnings for Malaita and the south of Guadalcanal. Medical equipment is limited. The safest and closest hospitals are in Australia. Air at high risk of malaria. Necessary vaccines: Hepatitis A, Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid fever.
Practical advice : In these islands surfers devote a lot of passion and patience to find the best conditions for surfing. Bring everything you need but don’t overdo it due to transportation restrictions. Bring an all-round board, leashes, wax and good snorkeling gear.
Exchange rate 1 EUR = 1.08 USD; 1 € = 1.51 NZD; 1 EUR = 1.41 AUD
Exchange rate variations (more than 3%) will lead to an adjustment of costs. They will be communicated within 20 days of departure.
The tariff does not include
Duration: 8 days / 6 nights
from € 242 - Excluding flights
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