Solomon Islands : Profile

Facts

The Solomon Islands are a double chain of islands in the Western Pacific stretching from Vanuatu to Bougainville. There are over 900 islands, the main ones being Guadalcanal, Choiseul, Malaita, New Georgia and Santa Isabel.
The Solomons' culture, or custom, is rich and varied, from wood-carving to beliefs such as shark-worshipping. Many islanders still live in the traditional way.
The authorities are making a determined effort to preserve this way of life and they enjoy the full support of the customary chiefs in their endeavours. Visiting yachts are welcomed in most villages, particularly by children who like to trade fruit or shells for ball-point pens, felt-tips or balloons.
Some villages will ask for payment for anchoring. Ensure that you are speaking with a village chief before proferring payment. If you have an "instant camera" you may suggest taking a picture of the payment being made in case there are further questions.
In many isolated villages one can trade with the locals to obtain fresh produce, fish, carvings and shells. One should take along a supply of useful objects such as fishhooks, fishing line, matches, sugar, rice, tobacco, clothing and shoes, coffee, soap, needles, cotton and rope.

The political situation in the Solomon Islands is now more stable, but visitors should still obtain the latest travel advice from their relevant government agencies. At the present, travel to Malaita Province or rural parts of Guadalcanal is not advised.

Whilst the majority of Solomon Island villagers are helpful and friendly, there have been recent reports of burglaries from boats and agressive boardings in and around Tulaghi and in Honiara.

It is advisable to lock doors and close large hatches, try to anchor with other boats, near resorts, or in more rural, lowly populated places and talk with other cruisers about the latest security situation and places to avoid.

Last updated October 2011.

Weather

The Solomons experience high temperatures and January to March are the months of heaviest rainfall. April to November is the season of the SE trades, while the rest of the year is the NW monsoon, which is also the cyclone season. Long periods of calm weather are not uncommon among the islands.

The Western Province is reputed to be safe from cyclones.

Solomon Islands Weather Forecast.