Things to Do in Temotu Province
Temotu Province, Solomon Islands - Complete Travel Guide
Temotu Province, the easternmost province of the Solomon Islands, is a remote and pristine archipelago comprising the Santa Cruz Islands, Reef Islands, and Duff Islands. This untouched paradise offers visitors an authentic Melanesian experience with traditional cultures still thriving alongside stunning natural beauty. The province capital, Lata on Nendö Island, serves as the gateway to some of the Pacific's most unspoiled coral reefs, volcanic landscapes, and traditional island communities.
With limited tourism infrastructure, Temotu Province provides an off-the-beaten-path adventure for intrepid travelers seeking genuine cultural immersion and world-class diving. The region is famous for its traditional red feather money, ancient kastom ceremonies, and some of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in the Pacific. Visitors can witness traditional canoe building, participate in village life, and explore waters teeming with pristine coral formations and endemic marine species.
Top Things to Do in Temotu Province
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Explore some of the Pacific's most pristine coral reefs with exceptional visibility and biodiversity. The waters around Temotu feature untouched hard and soft coral gardens, abundant fish life, and unique underwater topography including drop-offs and coral walls.
Booking Tip: Arrange diving through local operators in Lata or bring your own equipment. Costs range from $50-80 per dive. Best visibility is during dry season (May-October). Look for operators with local knowledge and safety certifications.
Traditional Village Cultural Tours
Visit authentic Melanesian villages to witness traditional crafts, ceremonies, and daily life. Experience kastom culture, see traditional architecture, and learn about ancient practices including the creation of red feather money and traditional navigation techniques.
Booking Tip: Arrange through local guides or provincial tourism office. Village visits cost $20-40 per person including guide. Always bring small gifts for the community and ask permission before photographing. Best experienced during cultural festivals.
Island Hopping by Traditional Canoe
Travel between the scattered islands of Temotu using traditional outrigger canoes or small boats. Visit remote atolls, pristine beaches, and isolated communities while experiencing traditional Pacific navigation methods.
Booking Tip: Hire local boat operators through your accommodation or the tourism office. Day trips cost $100-200 depending on distance and group size. Weather dependent - book flexible itineraries during dry season for best conditions.
Bird Watching and Nature Walks
Discover endemic bird species and unique flora on guided walks through tropical forests and coastal areas. Temotu hosts several endemic species and serves as a stopover for migratory seabirds.
Booking Tip: Contact local guides through provincial offices or eco-lodges. Half-day tours cost $30-50 per person. Early morning (6-9 AM) offers best bird activity. Bring binoculars and insect repellent.
Traditional Craft Workshops
Learn traditional crafts including wood carving, weaving, and the creation of shell money from local artisans. Participate in hands-on workshops and purchase authentic handicrafts directly from makers.
Booking Tip: Arrange through cultural centers or village elders. Workshop fees range from $25-60 including materials. Book in advance as artisans may need preparation time. Best to combine with village visits for full cultural immersion.
Getting There
Reaching Temotu Province requires flying from Honiara (Solomon Islands capital) to Lata Airport on Nendö Island via Solomon Airlines, the only commercial carrier serving the route. Flights operate 2-3 times per week and take approximately 2 hours. Book well in advance as seats are limited and weather can cause cancellations. From Lata, inter-island transport is by small boats or chartered flights. Some visitors arrive by yacht or cargo ship, though schedules are irregular and require local contacts to arrange.
Getting Around
Transportation within Temotu Province is primarily by small boats, outrigger canoes, and occasional chartered flights between islands. On Nendö Island, limited roads connect Lata to nearby villages, with walking being the primary means of land transport. Boat hire is essential for island hopping and can be arranged through local operators or your accommodation. Expect irregular schedules and weather-dependent travel. Most visitors rely on local guides who arrange transportation as part of tour packages.
Where to Stay
Lata town center
Nendö Island coastal areas
Reef Islands guesthouses
Village homestays
Eco-lodge accommodations
Camping sites near beaches
Food & Dining
Dining options in Temotu Province are limited but authentic, focusing on fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional Melanesian cuisine. Most meals are prepared using local ingredients including fish, coconut, taro, and seasonal fruits. Village stays often include traditional meals cooked in earth ovens. Lata has a few basic restaurants and the local market offers fresh produce. Visitors should expect simple but flavorful food with limited Western options. Many accommodations provide meal packages, which is recommended given the scarcity of restaurants outside Lata.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Temotu Province is during the dry season from May to October when rainfall is lower, seas are calmer, and transportation is more reliable. This period offers the best conditions for diving, snorkeling, and inter-island travel. The wet season (November to April) brings heavy rains, rough seas, and potential cyclones, though temperatures remain warm year-round. Cultural festivals and traditional ceremonies often occur during dry season months, providing additional cultural experiences for visitors.
Insider Tips
Bring cash (Solomon Islands dollars) as there are no ATMs or card facilities outside Lata
Pack reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent as these items are unavailable locally
Learn basic Pijin phrases as English proficiency varies outside main towns
Respect traditional customs by dressing modestly and asking permission before entering villages or taking photos
Bring backup batteries and portable chargers as electricity is limited and unreliable