Gizo - Local Customs

Where is Gizo?

Gizo is the capital of the Western Province and the second largest city in the Solomons, but it is much smaller than Honiara. It is on the southern tip of the island of the same name and lies south of the island of Vella Lavella.

Gizo is the tourism hub attracting surfers and scuba divers. The town itself is spread along the waterfront with steep hills behind. There is a large fresh market but not much in the way of sights to see in town. Motor traffic is so light that most drivers use the middle of the road!

Gizo Cruiser Highlights

• This is a port of entry/exit.
• Gizo offers options for provisioning, bars, restaurants and fuel. There is a dinghy dock near the local market.
• Gizo is a major transport hub with regular flights and ferries connecting Gizo to other parts of the country. Gizo airport is very close to the town, so easy for a crew change to fly in and out.
• There is a hospital here.
• Nearby Liapari islands has a boatyard and secure boat storage.
•  Some of the nearby smaller islands and resorts welcome yachts.

Entrance Notes or Cautions:

• While this is a port of entry/exit, the Immigration officer here is corrupt. It is better to deal with immigration and visa extensions in Noro.
• The Gizo area, including the many small islands southeast of the island of Gizo, is laced with reefs. The waters have red and green navigation markers and occasionally various posts and sticks. However, a few markers are no longer in place.
• Not all charts are accurate and the use of satellite images to help with navigation is recommended.
• Anchoring close to town overnight may be noisy or pose security risks. Thieves operate at night time. The bays further north are quieter.

Position:

08° 06' S, 156° 50' 34"E (Gizo town waterfront anchorage)

Last updated:  November 2023