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Solomon Islands vacation

Solomon Islands Vacation: Kayak, Snorkel, and Dive from a Liveaboard

12 days | Moderate | 5.00
From $8,650 ()
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If you’re expecting infinity pools and hours spent not going anywhere, keep scrolling. I come to the Solomon Islands for salt on my skin, a kayak under my feet, and reefs that make you stop mid-sentence underwater. This trip strings together paddling, snorkeling, and diving from a beautiful liveaboard that lets us stay exactly where the good stuff is. The format is simple, the access is rare, and the days tend to fill themselves. The rest is up to you!

Daniel
Daniel

Adventure Highlights

  • A purpose-built liveaboard: The boat is purpose-built for multi-day travel, with comfortable cabins, relaxed shared spaces, and the setup needed to spend long days on the water
  • Front-row seats to the Solomons: Traveling by kayak keeps us close to shorelines, lagoons, and wildlife, offering a direct way to experience the Solomon Islands’ landscapes and marine life at a human pace
  • For people who hate planning: Transfers, accommodation, meals on board, equipment, and guiding are all organized in advance, leaving nothing to manage once the trip begins
Duration
12 days
Season
May and November
Group size
Up to 16 people
Accommodation
Comfort, Luxury: Expedition liveaboard & hotel
Difficulty
Moderate: Good fitness & at least some kayaking experience required
What's included
Guide, lodging, almost all meals & non-alcoholic drinks, kayaking equipment, airport transfers, and more

The adventure, day by day

This trip runs in two directions, choose this itinerary if you’d like to board in Honiara and end in Munda. All inclusions and lodgings remain the same, regardless of the direction.

We spend most of this 12-day vacation doing what the Solomon Islands do best: being on the water. Kayaks shape our days as we move along reefs, into lagoons, and between small islands, with time for snorkeling and optional diving. The liveaboard stays nearby, giving us a solid base for meals, rest, and gear without pulling us away from the action. With guiding, accommodation, and logistics handled, we focus on long days outside, varied routes, and the kind of access that’s hard to get without a boat built for this exact purpose.

Day 1: Arrive in Honiara
Arrival in Honiara

Free time during the day before an evening transfer to the liveaboard. After meeting the captain and crew and completing safety briefings, we enjoy dinner on board and set sail toward the Russell Islands.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Day 2: Board the liveaboard
Liveaboard arrival

Free time during the day before an evening transfer to the liveaboard. After meeting the captain and crew and completing safety briefings, we enjoy dinner on board and set sail toward the Russell Islands.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Day 3: Russell Islands
Sandy beach

The first full day on the water includes kayak orientation and paddling around the Russell Islands. Highlights include White Beach, where WWII remnants sit beneath clear water alongside vibrant marine life.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Days 4–5: Exploring the Russell Islands
Kayaking on a cloudy day

Two full days of kayaking, snorkeling, and optional diving among small islands, white-sand beaches, and coral reefs. Time ashore may include village visits and cultural encounters, with activities split between morning and afternoon sessions.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Day 6: Mary Island and overnight sail
Diving reef

Exploration of remote Mary Island includes kayaking around the island, rainforest walks, and snorkeling or diving on healthy reefs. In the afternoon, the liveaboard begins the overnight transit toward Western Province.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Days 7–9: Marovo Lagoon
Kayaking between trees

Time is spent exploring Marovo Lagoon by kayak and in the water, with chances to see turtles, dolphins, and sharks. Activities include snorkeling, optional diving, village visits, and learning about local carving traditions and daily life.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Days 10–11: Western Province islands
Kayaking in the shallows

Exploration continues around islands such as Wickham Harbour and Rendova, combining kayaking, snorkeling, optional diving, and short walks ashore. WWII history, reefs, and rainforest landscapes shape the final days, ending with a farewell dinner on board before arriving in Munda.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Day 12: Depart Munda
Island customs

After breakfast, we disembark in Munda and transfer to the airport for onward travel.

Meals: Breakfast

This trip runs in two directions, choose this itinerary if you’d like to board in Honiara and end in Munda. All inclusions and lodgings remain the same, regardless of the direction.

We spend most of this 12-day vacation doing what the Solomon Islands do best: being on the water. Kayaks shape our days as we move along reefs, into lagoons, and between small islands, with time for snorkeling and optional diving. The liveaboard stays nearby, giving us a solid base for meals, rest, and gear without pulling us away from the action. With guiding, accommodation, and logistics handled, we focus on long days outside, varied routes, and the kind of access that’s hard to get without a boat built for this exact purpose.

Day 1: Arrive in Honiara
Arrival in Honiara

Free time during the day before an evening transfer to the liveaboard. After meeting the captain and crew and completing safety briefings, we enjoy dinner on board and set sail toward the Russell Islands.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Day 2: Board the liveaboard
Liveaboard arrival

Free time during the day before an evening transfer to the liveaboard. After meeting the captain and crew and completing safety briefings, we enjoy dinner on board and set sail toward the Russell Islands.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Day 3: Russell Islands and White Beach
Sandy beach

The first full day includes kayak orientation and paddling around the Russell Islands. Highlights include White Beach, where WWII relics sit beneath clear water alongside thriving marine life. An overnight cruise west follows.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Day 4: Mary Island
Kayaking on a cloudy day

Exploration of remote Mary Island includes kayaking, rainforest walks, and snorkeling or diving on healthy reefs. In the afternoon, the liveaboard continues toward Marovo Lagoon.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Days 5–8: Marovo Lagoon
Diving reef

Four full days are spent exploring Marovo Lagoon by kayak and in the water. Activities include snorkeling, optional diving, village visits, and time ashore with local communities, with a relaxed daily rhythm supported by the liveaboard.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Day 9: Final day in Marovo and return sail
Kayaking between trees

The final day in Marovo includes paddling, snorkeling, or diving around quieter islets before beginning the overnight return voyage east toward the Russell Islands.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Day 10: Outer Russell Islands
Kayaking in the shallows

Stops in the outer Russell Islands offer a final mix of kayaking, snorkeling, or diving, with time to enjoy reefs, lagoons, and calm anchorages.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Day 11: Cruise back to Honiara
Island customs

A relaxed cruising day back toward Honiara allows time to rest on board before a celebratory farewell dinner in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Day 12: Depart Honiara
Island customs

Disembarkation takes place in Honiara in the morning, with transfers arranged to the airport or hotel as needed.

Meals: Breakfast

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Lodging & food

Adventure, packed to go

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.
Devin
5.00
Devin
With a passion for connecting people to nature and promoting sustainable travel, Devin is a dedicated sea kayak guide. He brings a wealth of experience from leading expeditions in Alaska, Norway, Patagonia, Baja, the San Juan Islands, and British Columbia. For SSV, Devin has guided trips in Svalbard, Fiji, Indonesia, and Melanesia. A Colorado native, his diverse background includes working as a PADI Dive Master, a commercial fisherman in the Bering Sea, and with the National Science Foundation in Antarctica, all of which contribute to his deep knowledge and expertise.
Elijah
5.00
Elijah
Elijah is driven by the thrill of taking adventurers to iconic and remote destinations by sea kayak. His contagious enthusiasm for adventure is clear: “There’s something indescribable about experiencing these hidden wonders from a kayak. It’s wild, surreal—and too good to be true!” Having led expeditions from Ningaloo to the Antarctic Peninsula, Elijah's travels span the globe, with more thrilling adventures on the horizon. With qualifications including WFA and PA Sea Guide, Elijah is dedicated to ensuring everyone has a wicked time on the water!
Daniel
5.00
Daniel
Hailing from the Blue Mountains (Australia), Daniel has always been drawn to the beauty of wild places. With more than a decade of guiding sea kayak trips, he has led expeditions from the icy regions of Antarctica, Greenland and the high Arctic, to the tropical waters of Fiji, Raja Ampat and northern Queensland.

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (2 reviews)
J
Jennifer D.

Is it possible to give 6 stars? There is no possible way to pick out one single highlight of this trip, as there were so many, every day. Of course the location is amazing, but the experience of seeing it all from sea level, with our brilliant guides made it all the more astounding.

P
Paul D.

Excellent trip, Well organised , great guides, Wonderful experience. The local were very friendly and helpful

5.00(2 reviews)
J
Jennifer D.

Is it possible to give 6 stars? There is no possible way to pick out one single highlight of this trip, as there were so many, every day. Of course the location is amazing, but the experience of seeing it all from sea level, with our brilliant guides made it all the more astounding.

P
Paul D.

Excellent trip, Well organised , great guides, Wonderful experience. The local were very friendly and helpful

Things to know

  • Included:

      • An experienced western kayaking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 12-day Solomon islands vacation on a liveaboard 
      • Accommodation for 11 nights:
        • 1 night in a hotel in Honiara (double occupancy)
        • 10 nights aboard the liveaboard (classic cabin, double occupancy)
      • Transfers:
        • From airport to hotel on Day 1
        • From hotel to liveaboard on Day 2
        • From liveaboard to the airport on Day 12
      • Almost all meals, as in the itinerary
      • Non-alcoholic drinks
      • Linen with bathroom towels
      • Snorkeling equipment
      • Double and single expedition kayaks with paddles
      • Life jackets
      • Safety equipment
      • Marine Kastom fee
      • For divers, up to three dives per day, 11 litre (AL80) cylinder with air fills plus weights, weight belt and SMB

    Add-ons:

      • Dive gear rentals — available to arrange, leave us a note if interested
      • Cabin upgrades — available. at checkout

    Not included:

      • International and domestic flights
      • Airport transfers
      • Dinner on Day 1 and breakfast and lunch on Day 2
      • Alcoholic beverages
      • Single room and cabin supplements 
      • Snorkel equipment
      • Wi-Fi
      • Laundry
      • Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
      • Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
      • Guide gratuities — optional
  • The best thing about this Solomon islands vacation is that it rewards steady effort rather than peak performance. 

    This trip is suited to travelers with moderate fitness who are comfortable spending several hours a day paddling at a relaxed pace. Some kayaking experience is required. Snorkeling and short walks ashore are optional, and there is time each day to rest on board. As long as you’re generally active and enjoy being on the water, you’ll be well prepared for this adventure.

  • Clothing:

      • One to two long-sleeve lightweight synthetic shirts
      • Two to three T-shirts
      • Lycra sun top for snorkeling
      • One pair of lightweight full-length trousers and a long-sleeve shirt for evenings
      • Two pairs of shorts and swimwear
      • Sarong for beach and boat use

    Footwear:

      •  Reef shoes for paddling or sturdy sandals that secure firmly
      •  Running shoes and socks for island walks

    Water & day gear:

      • Double-walled drink bottle, 750 ml or larger
      • Small dry bag for sunscreen, glasses, and electronics
      • Compact fold-up day pack for hikes and shore excursions

    Snorkeling & diving:

      • Snorkeling gear is available to hire, or bring your own for best fit
      • Scuba dive gear is available on board, or bring personal equipment if preferred

    Health & first aid:

      • Band-aid strips for minor cuts and blisters
      • Insect repellent containing DEET
      • Mild anti-nausea medication if you are prone to seasickness
      • Antiseptic soap or liquid hand wash.
      • Betadine or equivalent for scratches
      • Electrolyte tablets to stay hydrated
      • Antihistamine for allergic reactions
      • Talcum powder to help prevent saltwater rash

    Sun & personal protection:

      • Wide-brimmed hat for sun exposure
      • Lightweight scarf, ideally silk or similar fabric
      • Sunglasses with a retaining cord
      • Lightweight rain jacket or spray jacket

    Essentials & electronics:

      • Toiletries
      • Headlamp or small torch with batteries
      • Phone and device chargers

    Optional extras:

      • Cycling gloves to help prevent blisters while kayaking
  • A single occupancy room is not available on this Indonesia luxury tour due to limited availability on the liveaboard.

  • This Solomon Islands vacation runs in two directions, starting from Honiara and ending in Munda, and the other one is starting and ending in Honiara. Regardless of the direction, you’ll meet your guide in the late afternoon at the designated hotel on Day 1.

    The starting point of your Solomon Islands vacation is Honiara. To get there, most people fly into Honiara International Airport (HIR). From there, you’ll be transferred to Honiara.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

    Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

  • Deposits

    Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

    Cancellations

    Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

    Basic

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

    Flexible

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 90 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled 60-89 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

    Super Flexible

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 59 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
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