Currency - Solomon Dollar

It is recommend you take some Solomon Dollars for those gift and comforts like a cold Solomon Beer and souvenirs. Some banks can exchange you currency for Solomon dollars upon request, it may also be possible to exchange money at Brisbane international airport before departure, but check first. Our recommendation is to exchange at Henderson International Airport in Honiara upon arrival as you should get a better exchange rate, even better if you have time (and you may not before your connecting flight, they wont wait) to go into Honiara 20 min cab ride (cab cost about $50 Solomon about $8 Ausie ) to one of the many banks. There is an ANZ bank on the way to Honiara where you will get a good rate, tell your driver it’s at Panetina Plaza

Local Conditions

Weather conditions in Marovo Lagoon are predominantly stable, but in the event of a change in weather conditions that may compromise safety or comfort we would transfer to our motor support vessel and continue the expedition and stay on time.

Locations - Western Province

Is the most visited region of the Solomon Islands.

It is home to many Melanesian and some Kiribati (settlers from the Gilbert Islands in the 1950's and 60's) tribes who appreciate and welcome visitors.

The province has as its centrepiece the largest double barrier lagoon in the world, Marovo Lagoon, nominated for World Heritage Listing. Literally thousands of islands scatter the lagoon.

Inside the lagoon, the islands are surrounded by spectacular coral formations and white sand beach, the lagoon waters shimmering in every shade of blue, turquoise and jade green.

Language & Culture

The Western Province was an area feared for head hunting in the 19th Century. 

The use of human heads or skulls was central in the burial customs and death beliefs of many of the Marovo Lagoon islands' people.

Frequent raiding took place between islands in search of heads that were used in many rituals including burials and the launching of new Tomoko (war canoes). 

Raids extended not only within Marovo Lagoon, but also as far as Guadalcanal and Isabel.

Prior to about 1850 the situation had calmed down for a long time during the so-called "Great Peace"; however, the arrival of Europeans with iron axes to trade quickly destabilized the region leading to renewed raiding.

War canoes carried carved figureheads called nguzu nguzu on their prows in the shape of a dog with either a skull or a dove in its paws depending on the ill or goodwill of the mission.

Whats an average day?

An average paddling day will range from 2 to 4 hours, more for the advanced kayaker, usually in the cool of the morning. This leaves the rest of the day for exploration, adventure and new experiences. Time to catch dinner or try your hand at snorkeling, spear fishing, learn bush craft from the locals or take some photos as we explore the intimate corners of Marovo lagoon.

What do I need to bring? How much personal gear?

An old double bed sheet will suffice for sleeping, one you don’t necessarily want to take home. A small camp or travel pillow is a good idea for extra comfort but our air beds have pillow built in. A compact, high absorption camp towel is also a good idea as they dry more quickly in the tropical environment.

Souvenirs ?

There are plenty of carvings available for purchase at most villages and in Honiara the National Capital a stop over here would be well worth it.

Can I bring a friend?

Not everybody likes to paddle a Kayak, so if your partner chooses not to share in your adventure, they are welcome to tag along in the support boat.

How experianced are the Guides?

Our guides are all local people and have grown up in the Marovo Lagoon area much of their youth was spent building and paddling dugout canoes. They are quietly proud Solomon Islanders and  see themselves as caretakers of Marovo Lagoon. Sea Kayaking is second nature and you will find them most skilful. Their stories and interment knowledge of the area and culture as well as bush tucker will entertain and educate you on those evenings around the campfire. - Experienced, we think so.

What experiance do I need?

You don’t need to be an experienced kayaker as we provide basic skills training and orientation on the first day, with plenty of time and instruction to practice your new or existing skills in the shallow warm sheltered waters of Marovo Lagoon.

Previous Kayaking experience would be an advantage but not essential

For experienced Kayakers?

For the experienced Kayaker we can arrange unsupported expeditions we have all the equipment that you will need and the kayaks can carry a large volume of equipment and supplies.

It is a local requirement that you take a local guide along with you this will make your experience more enjoyable.

Your guide will assist with acquiring additional supplies and local produce from villages along the way.

You can start your jurney at one end of Marovo lagoon and finish at the other as there are air strips at either end with domestic air services we will make all the arrangements for you.

How fit do I have to be?

You do not need to be extra fit, but you must be able to swim and float.

Sea kayaking is an activity that any reasonable fit person can participate in. It could be compared to brisk walking or cycling. We ask that all participants should be confident swimmers and a little surf ski or Kayak paddling before you come would be an advantage but not absolutely necessary.

What are the Kayaks Like?

The kayaks are stable, easy to paddle and control and ideally suited for this type of expedition. They are suitable for beginners to experts. The trips are quite remote and provide great kayaking and adventure opportunities with stunning scenery, excellent snorkeling, fishing and camping on remote beaches.

Communications?

Communications in the western Solomon’s are primitive to say the least but it adds to the charm, it really nice to get as far away from civilization as we know it.  Most communication is done using HF two way radio.

For emergencies we carry a satellite telephone. We will give you a phone number so that friends and family can leave a message for you if necessary you can call back in the evening when satellite communication is at its best  -  but we use this only for emergencies and sometime those important happy birthday calls as it is expensive to operate and dose take away from the solitude experience.