Things to Do in Santa Isabel, Solomon Islands

Santa Isabel, also known as Isabel Island, is the largest island in the Solomon Islands archipelago, offering visitors an authentic Melanesian experience far from the crowds of more developed Pacific destinations. This pristine island paradise features untouched rainforests, crystal-clear lagoons, traditional villages, and some of the world's best diving sites along its coral reefs. The island's rugged interior is home to diverse wildlife and cascading waterfalls, while its coastline boasts secluded beaches and excellent fishing grounds. With a population of around 30,000 people spread across numerous villages, Santa Isabel maintains strong cultural traditions and offers visitors the chance to experience genuine Solomon Islands hospitality. The island played a significant role during World War II, and remnants of this history can still be explored today. From the main town of Buala to remote coastal settlements, Santa Isabel provides an off-the-beaten-path adventure for travelers seeking authentic Pacific Island culture, world-class diving, and untouched natural beauty.

Top Things to Do in Santa Isabel

World War II Historical Sites

Explore remnants of WWII history scattered across Santa Isabel, including crashed aircraft, abandoned military equipment, and historical battlefields. The island served as a strategic location during the Pacific War, and many artifacts remain in the jungle and coastal areas. Local guides can share stories passed down through generations about the war's impact on island communities.

Booking Tip: Hire local guides through village chiefs or guesthouses for $30-50 per day. Best visited during dry season (May-October) when jungle paths are more accessible. Look for guides with family connections to wartime stories.

Diving and Snorkeling

Discover some of the Pacific's most pristine coral reefs surrounding Santa Isabel, featuring abundant marine life, colorful soft corals, and excellent visibility. The waters around the island offer both shallow snorkeling spots perfect for beginners and deep dive sites with dramatic drop-offs and pelagic species. Many sites remain virtually unexplored, providing a true wilderness diving experience.

Booking Tip: Arrange diving through local operators in Buala or bring your own equipment. Costs range from $80-120 per dive including equipment. Best conditions April-November with 30+ meter visibility. Ensure operators have proper safety equipment and insurance.

Traditional Village Visits

Experience authentic Melanesian culture by visiting traditional villages where locals still practice customary ways of life, including traditional fishing, weaving, and storytelling. Many villages welcome visitors to participate in daily activities, learn about local customs, and purchase handmade crafts directly from artisans. These visits provide insight into Solomon Islands culture that has remained largely unchanged for generations.

Booking Tip: Always arrange visits through proper channels with village chiefs, typically costing $20-40 per person including meals. Bring small gifts like school supplies or fishing gear. Best to visit during weekends when more villagers are present.

Rainforest Trekking and Waterfall Tours

Trek through Santa Isabel's pristine rainforests to discover hidden waterfalls, rare bird species, and unique flora found nowhere else on earth. The island's mountainous interior offers challenging hikes with rewarding views and swimming opportunities in natural pools. These expeditions provide chances to spot endemic species and experience one of the Pacific's last untouched wilderness areas.

Booking Tip: Hire experienced local guides for $40-60 per day and allow 2-3 days for interior treks. Best during dry season (May-October) when trails are passable. Ensure guides know first aid and carry communication devices for remote areas.

Sport Fishing

Experience world-class sport fishing in the waters around Santa Isabel, targeting species like giant trevally, Spanish mackerel, coral trout, and various tuna species. The island's remote location means fishing grounds receive minimal pressure, resulting in abundant fish populations and excellent catch rates. Both reef fishing and deep-sea fishing opportunities are available depending on your preferences.

Booking Tip: Charter boats through local operators for $200-400 per day depending on boat size and duration. Best fishing March-November during calmer weather. Look for operators with quality tackle and safety equipment, and confirm whether catch can be prepared for meals.

Getting There

Santa Isabel is accessible primarily by domestic flights from Honiara (the Solomon Islands capital) to Fera Airport, with Solomon Airlines operating regular services taking about 45 minutes. Alternatively, cargo ships and passenger boats connect the island to Honiara and other islands, though schedules are irregular and journeys can take 6-12 hours depending on weather conditions. Some visitors arrive via chartered boats or as part of liveaboard diving expeditions. It's essential to confirm transportation schedules well in advance, as services can be cancelled due to weather or mechanical issues, and booking flights early is recommended as capacity is limited.

Getting Around

Transportation on Santa Isabel is limited and primarily consists of walking, occasional trucks or buses that serve as public transport between villages, and small boats for coastal travel. Most visitors arrange transportation through their accommodation or hire local guides with vehicles for exploring the island. Distances between villages can be significant, and roads are often rough or impassable during wet season. For coastal areas, small outboard motor boats are the preferred method of transport and can be chartered through local operators. Many attractions require hiking or trekking, so good walking shoes and physical fitness are essential.

Where to Stay

Buala town area

Coastal guesthouses

Village homestays

Eco-lodges

Beachfront bungalows

Church-run accommodations

Food & Dining

Dining options on Santa Isabel are limited but authentic, focusing on fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional Solomon Islands cuisine. Most meals center around fish, coconut crab, taro, sweet potato, and rice, often prepared using traditional cooking methods. Village stays typically include home-cooked meals prepared by local families, offering the most authentic culinary experience. Small stores in Buala and larger villages sell basic supplies and canned goods, but fresh produce depends on local gardens and seasonal availability. Visitors should be prepared for simple, hearty meals rather than restaurant-style dining, and bringing some snacks or special dietary items from Honiara is recommended.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Santa Isabel is during the dry season from May to October, when rainfall is minimal, humidity is lower, and transportation is more reliable. This period offers the best conditions for outdoor activities like trekking, diving, and village visits, with calmer seas and clearer skies. The wet season from November to April brings heavy rainfall, rough seas, and potential cyclones, making transportation difficult and some activities impossible. However, the wet season also brings lush green landscapes and fewer visitors for those seeking complete solitude. Temperatures remain fairly constant year-round (24-30°C), but the dry season is generally more comfortable for extended outdoor activities.

Insider Tips

Bring cash in Solomon Islands dollars as there are no ATMs or card facilities on the island

Pack insect repellent, sunscreen, and basic medical supplies as these items are not readily available locally

Learn a few words in Pijin (the local pidgin language) as English proficiency varies among villagers, and showing effort to communicate in the local language is greatly appreciated

Things to Do in Santa Isabel