Things to Do in Marovo Lagoon, Solomon Islands

Marovo Lagoon in the Solomon Islands is the world's largest double-barrier enclosed lagoon, stretching over 700 square kilometers of pristine turquoise waters dotted with hundreds of tropical islands. This UNESCO World Heritage site candidate offers some of the planet's most untouched coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and traditional Melanesian culture that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. The lagoon is home to vibrant marine life including dolphins, turtles, and countless tropical fish species, making it a paradise for divers and snorkelers. Located in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands, Marovo Lagoon provides visitors with an authentic South Pacific experience far from commercial tourism. The local communities still practice traditional customs, live in thatched-roof houses, and rely on fishing and agriculture for their livelihood. This remote destination offers unparalleled opportunities for cultural immersion, world-class diving, and experiencing one of the last truly untouched marine environments on Earth.

Top Things to Do in Marovo Lagoon

World-Class Scuba Diving

Explore pristine coral walls, underwater caverns, and WWII wrecks in some of the world's clearest waters with visibility often exceeding 50 meters. The lagoon features over 40 dive sites including the famous Wickham's Anchorage and Lumalihe Passage, home to massive schools of barracuda, reef sharks, and pristine hard and soft corals.

Booking Tip: Book with Uepi Island Resort or Pelagic Dive Centre for $80-120 per dive including equipment. Best diving is April-November during dry season. Look for operators with PADI certification and local knowledge of current conditions.

Traditional Village Cultural Tours

Visit authentic Melanesian villages where locals still practice traditional customs, carving, and fishing techniques passed down through generations. Experience traditional welcome ceremonies, learn about local customs, and witness skilled craftsmen creating intricate wood carvings and shell jewelry.

Booking Tip: Arrange through local resorts for $30-50 per person including village fees. Best to visit in morning when villagers are most active. Ensure tours include proper cultural protocols and benefit local communities directly.

Snorkeling in Pristine Coral Gardens

Discover vibrant coral gardens teeming with tropical fish just meters from shore, including giant clams, sea turtles, and colorful reef fish in waters so clear you can see the bottom at 30 meters deep. The shallow reefs are perfect for beginners while offering incredible biodiversity for experienced snorkelers.

Booking Tip: Equipment rental costs $15-25 per day, or bring your own. Best snorkeling is during high tide and calm weather. Local guides cost $40-60 per day and know the best spots and safety considerations.

Island Hopping by Traditional Canoe

Explore remote uninhabited islands and hidden beaches accessible only by traditional outrigger canoe, discovering secluded lagoons, pristine beaches, and untouched coral reefs. These multi-hour excursions offer opportunities to spot dolphins, sea eagles, and experience the lagoon as locals have for centuries.

Booking Tip: Full-day trips cost $100-150 per person including lunch and guide. Book during calm weather seasons (April-October). Ensure boats have safety equipment and experienced local guides familiar with tides and weather patterns.

WWII Historical Site Exploration

Discover remnants of World War II including crashed aircraft, abandoned military equipment, and historical sites where fierce battles took place between Allied and Japanese forces. Many sites are accessible by boat or short hikes, offering both historical significance and stunning lagoon views.

Booking Tip: Guided historical tours cost $60-80 per person for half-day trips. Local guides provide essential historical context and know exact locations. Best combined with diving to see underwater wrecks for comprehensive WWII experience.

Getting There

Reaching Marovo Lagoon requires flying into Honiara, the Solomon Islands capital, typically via Brisbane, Australia or Port Vila, Vanuatu with Solomon Airlines. From Honiara, take a domestic flight to Seghe Airport (about 45 minutes) which serves the Marovo Lagoon area, or alternatively fly to Munda Airport and arrange boat transfers. Most resorts provide boat transfers from Seghe Airport, which can take 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on your accommodation location. Some visitors also arrive by inter-island ferry or chartered boat, though flights are more reliable and faster.

Getting Around

Transportation around Marovo Lagoon is primarily by boat, as the area consists of numerous islands and coastal communities accessible only by water. Most resorts provide motorboat transfers and excursion boats for guests, while local communities use traditional outrigger canoes for daily transport. There are no roads connecting the islands, and walking is limited to individual islands and coastal areas. Charter boats can be arranged through resorts for island hopping, diving trips, and village visits, typically costing $200-400 per day depending on boat size and fuel costs.

Where to Stay

Uepi Island Resort

Pelagic Dive Centre

Matikuri Lodge

Wilderness Lodge

Village Homestays

Seghe Guesthouse

Food & Dining

Dining in Marovo Lagoon centers around fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional Melanesian cuisine featuring fish, taro, sweet potato, and coconut-based dishes. Most visitors eat at their resort or lodge, which typically serve a mix of international cuisine and local specialties like kokoda (coconut fish ceviche) and fresh lobster. Village visits often include traditional meals cooked in earth ovens, featuring locally caught fish, tropical vegetables, and fresh fruit. There are limited independent restaurants, so most dining experiences are arranged through accommodations or as part of cultural tours, with meals emphasizing the incredible fresh seafood and organic produce grown locally.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Marovo Lagoon is during the dry season from April to October, when rainfall is minimal, seas are calmer, and visibility for diving and snorkeling is at its peak. This period offers the most reliable weather for boat transfers, diving, and outdoor activities, with temperatures averaging 26-30°C (79-86°F). The wet season from November to March brings higher humidity, frequent rain showers, and rougher seas, though temperatures remain warm and diving is still possible. However, some remote areas may be less accessible during heavy rains, and flight schedules can be more unpredictable due to weather conditions.

Insider Tips

Bring reef-safe sunscreen as regular sunscreen is harmful to the pristine coral reefs and may be prohibited by local operators

Pack a waterproof bag for valuables as most activities involve boats and water, and humidity is high year-round

Respect local customs by dressing modestly when visiting villages and always ask permission before photographing people, as many communities have traditional beliefs about photography

Things to Do in Marovo Lagoon