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Tulagi, Solomon Islands - Things to Do in Tulagi

Things to Do in Tulagi

Tulagi, Solomon Islands - Complete Travel Guide

Tulagi, the former capital of the Solomon Islands, is a small but historically significant island located in the Central Province. This tiny island, measuring just 5.5 kilometers long and 1 kilometer wide, played a pivotal role during World War II as a strategic naval base and witnessed intense fighting between Japanese and Allied forces. Today, Tulagi serves as a gateway to the stunning Florida Islands group and offers visitors a unique blend of wartime history, pristine diving opportunities, and authentic Melanesian culture. Despite its small size, Tulagi punches above its weight in terms of attractions and experiences. The island's crystal-clear waters are home to some of the world's best wreck diving sites, including numerous WWII aircraft and ships that now serve as artificial reefs teeming with marine life. The remnants of wartime infrastructure, combined with the warm hospitality of the local communities and spectacular tropical scenery, make Tulagi an off-the-beaten-path destination that rewards adventurous travelers seeking both historical significance and natural beauty.

Top Things to Do in Tulagi

World War II Wreck Diving

Explore the underwater museum of WWII relics scattered around Tulagi's waters, including fighter planes, bombers, and naval vessels. The clear tropical waters provide excellent visibility for discovering these historical artifacts that have become vibrant coral reefs. Popular sites include the Corsair fighter plane and various Japanese vessels sunk during the intense battles of 1942-1943.

Booking Tip: Book through established dive operators in Honiara or Tulagi who specialize in wreck diving, with costs ranging from $80-150 per dive. Best visibility is during dry season (May-October), and ensure operators provide proper wreck diving certification and safety equipment.

Historical Walking Tour

Discover the remnants of Tulagi's wartime past through guided walks that showcase bunkers, gun emplacements, and other WWII infrastructure. Learn about the island's role as the British colonial capital and its strategic importance during the Pacific campaign. Local guides share stories passed down through generations about life during the occupation and liberation.

Booking Tip: Arrange tours through local guesthouses or the Tulagi community for $20-40 per person. Morning tours are best to avoid afternoon heat, and look for guides with family connections to wartime events for authentic storytelling.

Snorkeling at Gavutu Island

Take a short boat ride to nearby Gavutu Island for exceptional snorkeling in pristine coral gardens. The shallow reefs are perfect for beginners while still offering incredible biodiversity including tropical fish, sea turtles, and pristine hard and soft corals. The island also features additional WWII relics both above and below water.

Booking Tip: Organize through local boat operators for $30-50 per person including transport and snorkel gear. Best conditions are during calm weather periods, and ensure operators provide life jackets and first aid equipment.

Traditional Village Cultural Experience

Visit local villages on Tulagi and surrounding islands to experience authentic Melanesian culture, including traditional crafts, cooking methods, and storytelling. Participate in daily activities like fishing, gardening, or food preparation while learning about customary practices that have been maintained for generations. Many villages also showcase traditional dance and music performances.

Booking Tip: Arrange visits through community leaders or local guesthouses for $25-50 per person, often including a traditional meal. Respect local customs by bringing small gifts like betel nut or tobacco, and confirm visit times in advance as communities may have ceremonies or other activities.

Fishing and Island Hopping

Explore the beautiful Florida Islands group through traditional fishing expeditions and island hopping adventures. Experience local fishing techniques while enjoying the stunning scenery of tropical islands, hidden beaches, and crystal-clear lagoons. Many trips include beach picnics featuring your fresh catch prepared in traditional style.

Booking Tip: Book with local fishermen or tour operators for $60-100 per day including boat, guide, and basic equipment. Early morning departures offer best fishing conditions and weather, and confirm whether meals and drinks are included in the package.

Getting There

Reaching Tulagi requires flying into Honiara's Henderson Field (HIR), the main international airport of the Solomon Islands, with connections from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea. From Honiara, travelers take a 30-minute boat ride across Ironbottom Sound to reach Tulagi, with regular passenger boats operating daily (weather permitting) for around $15-25 per person. Some operators also offer charter boats for around $200-300, which can be cost-effective for groups and allows for flexible scheduling.

Getting Around

Getting around Tulagi is primarily done on foot due to the island's small size, with most attractions within walking distance of accommodation options. For exploring the wider Florida Islands group, local boats and canoes are the main transportation method, easily arranged through guesthouses or directly with boat operators. Some areas can be reached by small outboard motor boats, while traditional canoes offer a more authentic experience for shorter distances between nearby islands.

Where to Stay

Tulagi Dive Resort area
Central Tulagi near government buildings
Waterfront guesthouses
Community-based accommodations
Nearby Gavutu Island
Traditional village homestays

Food & Dining

Dining options in Tulagi are limited but authentic, focusing on fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional Solomon Islands cuisine. Local guesthouses typically provide meals featuring fish, taro, sweet potato, and coconut-based dishes prepared in traditional earth ovens or over open fires. Fresh tropical fruits like papaya, mango, and coconut are abundant, while kava (a traditional drink) is commonly offered in the evenings. Visitors should expect simple but flavorful meals, and many accommodations can cater to dietary requirements with advance notice.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Solomon Islands

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

Le Bernardin

4.6 /5
(4023 reviews) 4

La Tartaruga

4.6 /5
(608 reviews) 2
liquor_store store

La Villa Restaurant

4.8 /5
(498 reviews)

Restaurant L'Auberge Gourmande

4.9 /5
(349 reviews)

La Vela Italian Restaurant

4.5 /5
(360 reviews)

HOTTO

4.5 /5
(244 reviews)

When to Visit

The best time to visit Tulagi is during the dry season from May to October when rainfall is minimal, seas are calmer for diving and boat trips, and humidity levels are more comfortable. This period offers the clearest underwater visibility for wreck diving and the most reliable weather for island hopping adventures. The wet season (November to April) brings higher temperatures, frequent rainfall, and rougher seas, though it's also when the landscape is most lush and green, and accommodation rates may be lower.

Insider Tips

Bring cash in Solomon Islands dollars as there are no ATMs or card facilities on Tulagi - exchange money in Honiara before traveling
Pack reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent as these items are not readily available on the island and the tropical sun and bugs can be intense
Learn a few basic Pijin phrases as English may be limited outside of tourism operators, and showing effort to communicate in the local language is greatly appreciated by communities

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