Generally, there are places that cruising folk would consider ”must see”, but unfortunately other places to quite clearly be avoided because of aggressive people. The hassle just isn’t worth it.

We can only comment on Guadalcanal, Nggela Group, Santa Isobel Island, New Georgia Group, Shortland Islands and Sterling Islands.

PLACES WE RECOMMEND

Tivanipupu –  very welcoming resort, classy.

Roderick Bay – very friendly people, you get the feeling that they are attempting to improve the image of the locals, highly recommended.

Austria Sound Area – all friendly.

Telina Island – very welcoming, friendly, interesting people.

Matikuri Island – nice little resort, very friendly, lunches provided.

Peava – very nice people, interesting.

Viru – very pleasant locals keen to show you around.

Munda – nice place to visit, war relics, resort.

Gizo – no problems.

Simbo Island – very friendly, obliging people.

Shortland Islands – very friendly, war relics.

Treasury Group – very friendly, war relics.

PLACES TO BE AVOIDED WHERE POSSIBLE

Marau Sound – anchorage on west side past Graham Point, pestered for items to be allowed to anchor.

Honiara – if you leave your vessel after dark, almost certainly you will be robbed. Even when aboard, not safe from robbery.

Kia – children quite cheeky and a nuisance.

Ukukoru near Wickham Passage – chief aggressive, unpleasant, demands anchoring fee.

Dokendoke Island (Sassavale) –  demand for anchoring fee.

Bairoko Harbour – surly, greedy owner.

CONCLUSION

Don’t write the Solomon Islands off as a cruising destination, but care is required. Great harbours and anchorages but plenty of chains required as 20m to 30 m anchoring depth most common.

Crew of SV Tantalus