Things to Do in Gizo, Solomon Islands

Gizo, the vibrant capital of the Western Province in the Solomon Islands, serves as the gateway to some of the world's most pristine diving and snorkeling destinations. This charming town sits on Ghizo Island and offers visitors a perfect blend of World War II history, crystal-clear waters, and untouched coral reefs. The area is renowned for its exceptional marine biodiversity, including encounters with dolphins, sharks, and colorful tropical fish in waters that remain largely unexplored by mass tourism. Beyond its underwater treasures, Gizo provides an authentic Melanesian cultural experience with friendly locals, traditional markets, and a laid-back island atmosphere. The town serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding islands, each offering unique attractions from secluded beaches to historical sites. With its combination of adventure activities, cultural immersion, and natural beauty, Gizo represents the Solomon Islands at their most captivating.

Top Things to Do in Gizo

World-Class Diving and Snorkeling

Explore some of the world's most pristine coral reefs and encounter an incredible diversity of marine life including reef sharks, dolphins, and vibrant coral gardens. The waters around Gizo offer visibility often exceeding 30 meters and feature both shallow reef dives perfect for beginners and challenging deep-water sites for experienced divers.

Booking Tip: Book with established local operators like Dive Gizo for $80-120 per dive including equipment. Best visibility is typically April-October. Look for operators with PADI certification and good safety records.

WWII Historical Site Tours

Discover fascinating World War II relics including crashed aircraft, sunken ships, and military installations scattered throughout the islands. These historical sites offer a unique glimpse into the Pacific Theater of WWII, with many wrecks now serving as artificial reefs teeming with marine life.

Booking Tip: Combine with diving/snorkeling tours for $100-150 per day. Local guides provide the best historical context. Book through your accommodation or local tour operators for authentic experiences.

Island Hopping Adventures

Visit pristine neighboring islands including Kennedy Island, Plum Pudding Island, and Kolombangara, each offering unique landscapes, beaches, and cultural experiences. These excursions provide opportunities to experience untouched tropical paradise and interact with local island communities.

Booking Tip: Full-day trips cost $80-120 per person including boat transport and lunch. Best weather is May-September. Book with local boat operators through your hotel for authentic experiences.

Dolphin Watching and Swimming

Experience magical encounters with wild dolphins in their natural habitat, with opportunities to swim alongside these intelligent marine mammals. The waters around Gizo are home to several dolphin species, and sightings are frequent, especially in the early morning hours.

Booking Tip: Tours cost $60-100 per person and are best in early morning. Book with eco-conscious operators who maintain respectful distances. Success rate is highest during calm weather conditions.

Traditional Village and Cultural Tours

Immerse yourself in authentic Melanesian culture by visiting traditional villages where you can witness local crafts, traditional cooking methods, and cultural ceremonies. These experiences offer insight into the rich heritage and daily life of Solomon Islands communities.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost $40-70 per person including cultural demonstrations and local lunch. Book through community-based tourism operators to ensure benefits reach local communities directly.

Getting There

Gizo is accessible via Nusatupe Airport (GZO), which receives regular flights from Honiara, the Solomon Islands capital, operated by Solomon Airlines. The flight takes approximately 1 hour and costs around $200-300 each way. International travelers must first fly to Honiara's Henderson International Airport from Australia, Fiji, or Papua New Guinea. Alternatively, cargo boats and passenger ferries connect Gizo to Honiara, though the journey takes 8-12 hours and schedules can be irregular. Some visitors also arrive via private yacht or chartered boats from other Pacific destinations.

Getting Around

Getting around Gizo and the surrounding islands relies primarily on boats and water taxis, as the town is situated on an island with limited road infrastructure. Local boat operators provide regular services between Gizo and nearby islands for $10-30 per trip depending on distance. Within Gizo town itself, most attractions are within walking distance, and the compact size makes exploration on foot both pleasant and practical. For longer excursions or diving trips, tour operators typically provide transportation as part of their packages. Rental cars are not common, but some guesthouses can arrange transportation for specific needs.

Where to Stay

Gizo Town Center

Nusatupe Airport Area

Kennedy Island

Kolombangara Island

Vona Vona Lagoon

Ranongga Island

Food & Dining

Gizo's dining scene reflects its island location with an emphasis on fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional Solomon Islands cuisine. The town offers several local restaurants serving dishes like fish curry, coconut crab, and taro-based meals, typically costing $15-30 per meal. The central market provides fresh tropical fruits, vegetables, and local snacks at very affordable prices. Many accommodations offer meal packages featuring local specialties and international dishes adapted to local ingredients. For a truly authentic experience, arrange meals with local families through cultural tours, where you can enjoy traditional cooking methods and locally caught fish prepared in coconut milk and island spices.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Gizo is during the dry season from April to October, when rainfall is minimal, humidity is lower, and sea conditions are ideal for diving and island hopping. This period offers the clearest underwater visibility and calmest seas for boat transfers. The wet season from November to March brings higher temperatures, increased rainfall, and rougher seas, though it's also when the landscape is most lush and green. Diving is possible year-round, but conditions are most favorable during the dry months. Keep in mind that this is also peak tourist season, so accommodation should be booked well in advance.

Insider Tips

Bring cash in Solomon Islands dollars as ATMs are limited and credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels

Pack reef-safe sunscreen as the area is committed to coral conservation and many operators prohibit harmful chemicals

Learn a few basic Pijin phrases as English proficiency varies, and locals greatly appreciate the effort to communicate in their language

Things to Do in Gizo