Liapari - Docking

The harbour at Liapari is created by the natural lee of Vella Levalla, Liapari Island and the fringing reef and islets to the East.

Cruisers recommend this as a safe cyclone hole, with good holding and a comfortable anchorage. The shallow area for anchoring is well inside the main reef next to the man-made cutting on the inner reef.

Entering the Lagoon

The following from yacht Adina, who visited in 2015:

You should ideally have satellite images to enter the lagoon which is actually a double lagoon and is poorly charted. The outer entrance (Pos: 07 56.365S 156 43.298E) is marked by posts, after which you need to head North West to (07 56.1888S 156 42.9385E) before turning south to the second pass at (07 56.4137S 156 42.8788E).

The second pass is man-made and narrow/shallow, although it is well posted - favor the left-hand side. Best to enter 2 hours either side of HW.

Call Liapari on VHF16 to check if it is ok to enter. Otherwise, anchor near the pass until it is ok to go through.

Mooring

Liapari Marina has a 100 ft dock for berthing and moorings are available.  This facility is very clean and tidy with beautiful lawns and grounds and a laundry right next to the dock.

Ashore

This is a remote island with a 14-mile journey to Gizo for banks, supplies, and connections to Honiara's international airport. Transport/Transfers are available on request however at a daily rate and every fortnight on a Friday is shopping day when the marina charge only a fare rate.

There are no bikes, taxis or buses on the island, but there is on Gizo Island, as well as an ANZ bank and Bank of South Pacific, good stores to resupply and a fresh food market.

Internet has been installed in Gizo but has been slow. WiFi is now available at Gizo Hotel with a password available from reception.

There are a variety of markets and hardware stores in Liapari and Gizo.

Last updated: October 2023.