Marovo Lagoon

Area

A vast saltwater lagoon in Western Province, Marovo offers coral passes, dive resorts, canoe trips to village communities and sport fishing - a base for scuba and cultural visits.

Marovo Lagoon HoniaraMundaMarovo Lagoon
In this guide

Marovo Lagoon essentials

Country: Solomon Islands
Driest months: Sep-Nov
Pay in: Dollar ($)
Language: English

Marovo Lagoon at a Glance

About 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.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Marovo Lagoon

Marovo Lagoon is most easily enjoyed in the dry season (May-October) when boat transfers are more reliable and visibility for diving and snorkeling is better.

Dry season (best for boating)
May-October · 24-30°C
Calmer seas, clearer water and the prime time for diving and boat transfers.
Wet season
November-April · 26-32°C with heavier rain
Higher rainfall and rougher seas can interrupt boat services; expect more mosquitoes onshore.

Weather & Climate near Marovo Lagoon

Climate

Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (3088 mm/year), wettest in January.

Air Quality: AQI 25 Good
Best Time to Visit
JuneMarchMay
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
24°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Acceptable 25° - 31° 32° 376 mm overcast 80% 1.7 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.4h
February Good 25° - 31° 31° 338 mm overcast 81% 1.6 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.3h
March Good 25° - 31° 31° 356 mm overcast 81% 1.9 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.0h
April Acceptable 24° - 31° 31° 244 mm overcast 81% 1.7 m/s 2.3 extreme 11.8h
May Good 24° - 31° 31° 219 mm overcast 81% 2.9 m/s 2.0 very high 11.6h
June Good 24° - 30° 30° 188 mm overcast 82% 2.3 m/s 1.7 very high 11.5h
July Good 23° - 30° 27° 260 mm overcast 82% 2.7 m/s 1.8 very high 11.6h
August Good 24° - 30° 27° 225 mm overcast 82% 2.8 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.7h
September Good 24° - 30° 27° 202 mm overcast 82% 2.4 m/s 2.4 extreme 11.9h
October Good 24° - 31° 30° 214 mm overcast 81% 2.0 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.2h
November Acceptable 24° - 31° 31° 216 mm overcast 80% 1.9 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.4h
December Acceptable 25° - 31° 32° 250 mm overcast 79% 1.8 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.5h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Marovo Lagoon

International visitors generally fly into Honiara (HIR) and catch domestic flights to Munda (MUA) or Gizo (GIZ), followed by boat transfers into the lagoon. Some operators from Gizo run scheduled and charter boats into Marovo; plan logistics well in advance.

Tips for Visiting Marovo Lagoon

  • Book domestic flights into Munda (MUA) or Gizo (GIZ) well in advance - internal flights fill up, especially in the high season.
  • Bring snorkeling or dive gear; local operators will arrange boat transfers and guide marine excursions into the lagoon's reefs.
  • Respect local customary practices - many villages around the lagoon operate by customary rules; ask permission before photographing people and their homes.