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Kayaking between trees

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

9-12 days | Moderate | 5.00
From $6,920 ()
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Most of the South Pacific’s reef coastline has already been mapped, dived, and turned into a resort brochure. The Solomon Islands haven’t. Out here, dugout canoes still serve as everyday transport for locals paddling between villages, WWII wrecks sit largely undisturbed in reef-clear water, and entire lagoons remain far less developed than most of the region’s better-known dive destinations. We explore this stretch of the Pacific from a purpose-built liveaboard, launching kayaks straight off the back deck each morning to glide over reef flats and slip into coves no land-based resort could reach, then switching to snorkel or scuba gear whenever the water gets too good to paddle past. What the boat can’t reach, the kayaks usually can.

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
9-12 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

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

This itinerary follows the same route and liveaboard as its counterpart, just in the opposite direction, starting in Honiara and ending in Seghe — with one key difference: a domestic flight is not included as it's not needed (guests are simply transferred to the liveaboard by boat from Honiara on Day 2).

Over 9 days, we work our way from Honiara through the Russell Islands and into Marovo Lagoon aboard the Solomons Master, kayaking, snorkeling, and diving our way through some of the least-visited coastline in the South Pacific. The liveaboard handles the logistics of getting between remote islands, leaving us free to focus on time in and on the water.

Day 1: Arrive in Honiara
Arrival in Honiara

On arrival, we’re met and transferred to our hotel, with the rest of the day free before meeting the guide for an early evening trip briefing.

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 2: Board the liveaboard
Liveaboard arrival

A free day in Honiara comes first, before a 5 pm transfer out to the liveaboard, Solomons Master. Once aboard, we meet the captain and crew for boat and safety briefings, settle into our cabins, and share the first dinner onboard as the boat sets course for the Russell Islands.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Day 3: Russell Islands
Sandy beach

We wake up to the Russell Islands, a small archipelago partly covered in coconut plantations. Our first snorkel and dive outing happens right off the boat at White Beach, a WWII-era supply site where sunken pillars, trucks, and jeeps now host clear, fish-filled water. After a break, a kayak safety briefing sends us out to explore the inlet, often alongside kids paddling dugout canoes to school.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

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

Two more days go into kayaking between the Russell Islands’ small islands and white-sand beaches. Highlights include Leru Cut, a narrow coral crevice open to both snorkelers and divers, and a hoped-for visit to Karamulon Island for a glimpse of local dance, song, and daily life. We then transit north-west toward Marovo Lagoon, passing the extinct volcano of Mary Island along the way.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Days 6–8: Marovo Lagoon
Kayaking between trees

Marovo Lagoon, the largest saltwater lagoon in the world, is our base for the next three days. We explore by kayak and in the water, spotting dolphins and turtles, snorkeling hard corals both inside and outside the lagoon, and visiting villages to meet skilled woodcarvers. A possible stop at Wickham Harbour brings missionary history and WWII wreck diving into the mix. On our final full day, we cruise to Seghe, closing things out with a celebration dinner onboard.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Day 9: Disembark in Seghe
Island customs

After breakfast and farewelling the crew, we disembark in Seghe at 9 am, with a transfer to the airport included for the onward flight to Honiara (booked separately).

Meals: Breakfast

This itinerary follows the same route and liveaboard as its counterpart, just in the opposite direction, starting in Seghe and ending in Honiara — with one key difference: the domestic flight from Honiara to Seghe on Day 2 is included here, whereas the Honiara–Seghe itinerary transfers guests to the liveaboard by boat instead.

Over 9 days, we work our way from Honiara through the Russell Islands and into Marovo Lagoon aboard the Solomons Master, kayaking, snorkeling, and diving our way through some of the least-visited coastline in the South Pacific. The liveaboard handles the logistics of getting between remote islands, leaving us free to focus on time in and on the water.

Day 1: Arrive in Honiara
Arrival in Honiara

On arrival, we’re met and transferred to our hotel, with the rest of the day free before meeting the guide for an early evening trip briefing.

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 2: Fly to Seghe and board the liveaboard
Liveaboard arrival

After breakfast, we transfer back to the airport for the flight to Seghe, on the south-eastern coast of New Georgia Island. On arrival, we meet the kayak guide and walk to a local guesthouse for lunch, followed by a safety briefing, gear and kayak fit-out, and an afternoon paddle along the Seghe coastline. In the late afternoon, we paddle out to the anchored liveaboard, meet the captain and crew, and settle in for the first dinner onboard.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Days 3–5: Marovo Lagoon
Kayaking between trees

Three days go into exploring Marovo Lagoon, the largest saltwater lagoon in the world, by kayak and in the water, with chances to spot dolphins, turtles, and reef sharks. We visit Mbulo Island for its volcanic caves and canyons, paddle into the sheltered lagoon at the village of Peava, and take time ashore to meet local carvers and browse village markets, before transiting toward the Russell Islands.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Days 6–8: Exploring the Russell Islands
Kayaking on a cloudy day

We wake up to the Russell Islands, a small archipelago of coconut plantations and copra factories, and spend three days kayaking between white-sand beaches and diving pristine walls, pinnacles, and caverns. Highlights include Leru Cut and a hoped-for visit to Karamulon Island for local dance and song. On our last evening, we anchor for a celebratory dinner as the boat sets an overnight course for Honiara.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Liveaboard

Day 9: Disembark in Honiara
Island customs

After breakfast and farewelling the crew, we disembark in Honiara at 9 am, with transfers arranged to the airport or hotel depending on onward travel plans.

Meals: Breakfast

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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 with the 12-day Honiara–Honiara itinerary

      • 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

    Included with the 9-day Honiara–Seghe itinerary

      • An experienced western kayaking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 9-day Solomon Islands vacation on a liveaboard, from Honiara to Seghe
      • Accommodation for 8 nights:
        • 1 night in a hotel in Honiara (double occupancy)
        • 7 nights aboard the liveaboard (classic cabin, double occupancy)
      • Transfers:
        • From airport to hotel on Day 1
        • From hotel to liveaboard by boat on Day 2
        • From liveaboard to the airport in Seghe on Day 9
      • Meals from dinner on Day 2 to breakfast on Day 9, excluding lunch on Day 2
      • 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

    Included with the 9-day Seghe–Honiara itinerary

      • An experienced western kayaking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 9-day Solomon Islands vacation on a liveaboard, from Seghe to Honiara
      • Accommodation for 8 nights:
        • 1 night in a hotel in Honiara (double occupancy)
        • 7 nights aboard the liveaboard (classic cabin, double occupancy)
      • Transfers:
        • From airport to hotel on Day 1
        • From hotel to airport on Day 2
        • From liveaboard to the airport or hotel in Honiara on Day 9
      • The domestic flight from Honiara to Seghe on Day 2
      • Meals from breakfast on Day 2 to breakfast on Day 9, including all three meals on Day 2
      • 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 — pricing shown at checkout

    Not included:

      • International and domestic flights, except the Honiara–Seghe flight included on the Seghe–Honiara itinerary
      • Airport transfers not listed above
      • Meals and accommodation not listed in the itinerary
      • Snorkel equipment with the 12-day itinerary
      • 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, though it isn’t a fully passive experience either.

      • Kayaking: previous paddling experience is required. Outings typically run 2 to 4 hours and compare in effort to brisk walking or cycling
      • Swimming and snorkeling: all participants should feel confident and comfortable in the water, since kayak outings are usually paired with snorkeling
      • Diving: open to all levels, though some sites suit experienced divers only. A PADI Advanced Open Water certification and dive insurance are required
      • General condition: building up cardio fitness beforehand, through cycling, swimming, or gym classes, is recommended, especially if you haven’t paddled recently
      • Humidity runs high year-round and outings happen in full tropical sun, so heat tolerance matters as much as raw fitness
  • Sea kayaking here means gliding over shallow reefs, ducking into hidden coves, and paddling alongside locals still using dugout canoes as everyday transport.

      • Double and single plastic sea kayaks are used for stability and ease of paddling; single kayaks are available on request, subject to the guide’s approval
      • Groups are capped at 12 paddlers plus a dedicated kayak guide
      • A safety briefing and gear familiarization happens before the first outing
      • The liveaboard repositions between sites, so kayaking always launches from calmer, wind-protected water
      • Expect a paddling outing most mornings and another in the afternoon, mixed in with snorkeling, diving, or village visits
  • The waters here hold some of the widest marine biodiversity in the Pacific, with baleen, sperm, and beaked whales passing through alongside spinner, pantropical spotted, and Risso’s dolphins. Green, leatherback, and hawksbill turtles glide over reefs and WWII wrecks in plain view of snorkelers and divers, and dive sites regularly bring encounters with grey reef, whitetip, and blacktip reef sharks, with the occasional silvertip or hammerhead further out. On land, keep an eye out for the mighty Solomon eagle, far-ranging frigatebirds, and the small, colorful yellow-bibbed lory, plus the green-blooded skink, a small lizard whose toxic, bright green blood makes it one of the archipelago’s stranger residents.

  • 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

    Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!

  • Coverage thins out fast once you’re off Honiara, so it’s worth setting expectations early.

      • Guests wanting phone or data service should buy an eSIM before departure, or a local SIM in Honiara from Our Telekom or BMobile
      • Each provider’s network covers roughly 25 to 30% of time spent aboard the liveaboard
      • Starlink internet is available onboard for US$90 per person for the whole trip, payable only once aboard and subject to signal strength

    Reception in the Russell Islands, Marovo Lagoon, and other remote stops is minimal to nonexistent, so plan on being properly offline for most of the trip.

  • Group sizes and pricing

      • For this Solomon Islands vacation, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 8:1. 
      • It takes a minimum of 8 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants.

    Solomon Islands vacation can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Solomon Islands vacation on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • All three itineraries begin the same way: arriving into Honiara International Airport (HIR), located about 12 km (7.5 mi) east of the city. Solomon Airlines connects Honiara to Brisbane, Auckland, Nadi, and Port Vila, with Qantas, Fiji Airways, and Air Niugini also servicing the route from Brisbane, Nadi, and Port Moresby respectively.

    Day 1, all itineraries
    On arrival, guests are met at the airport and transferred to the group hotel, Coral Sea Resort & Casino, for the first night. This transfer is included on all three itineraries.

    Day 2, by itinerary

      • Honiara to Honiara and Honiara to Seghe: a free day in Honiara before a 5 pm transfer to the liveaboard, Solomons Master. This transfer is included
      • Seghe to Honiara: an included domestic flight from Honiara to Seghe, where the kayak guide meets the group before transferring everyone to the liveaboard

    Getting home

      • Honiara to Honiara: disembarkation happens back in Honiara on Day 12, with transfers arranged to the airport or hotel
      • Seghe to Honiara: disembarkation happens in Honiara on Day 9, with transfers arranged to the airport or hotel
      • Honiara to Seghe: disembarkation happens in Seghe on Day 9, with an included transfer to Seghe Airport (EGM). The onward flight back to Honiara is not included and should be booked separately with Solomon Airlin
  • 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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