Marovo Lagoon

Marovo Lagoon is a large, sheltered saltwater lagoon in the New Georgia Islands of the Solomon Islands’ Western Province, noted for its extensive reef systems. It is widely cited as the world’s largest saltwater lagoon and the largest double-barrier reef.

The lagoon contains hundreds of small islands, reef passes and protected bays, making it valuable for snorkeling, scuba diving and biodiversity observation. Visitors typically encounter reef channels, coral gardens and traditional coastal villages spread across the lagoon.

The area has been used by local Melanesian communities for subsistence fishing and small-scale habitation for centuries, and more recently by eco-tourism and diving operators. The lagoon’s reefs and channels support diverse marine life and provide sheltered waterways for boats.

Marovo Lagoon sits within the New Georgia island group in Western Province; the nearest regional town and usual launch point for visits is Gizo, which is served by small domestic flights and boat connections.

• Global significance: Recognised as the world's largest saltwater lagoon and the largest double-barrier reef system, it comprises a vast protected marine area within the New Georgia island group.
• Access point: Gizo in Western Province serves as the usual regional transport and staging point for boats and small aircraft that connect visitors to sites in the lagoon.

What to See #

• Reefs and channels: A mosaic of reef systems, channels and small islands that together form a very large sheltered lagoon with numerous passes used by local boats and dive operators.
• Local villages: Scattered village groups and small inhabited islets where traditional coastal Melanesian communities live and fish the lagoon.