Nggela Islands

The Nggela Islands, also known as the Florida Islands, are a group in Central Province of the Solomon Islands located north of Guadalcanal. They include inhabited islands such as Nggela Sule and small islets that were important during the Second World War.

The islands offer historical sites, local villages and sheltered anchorages; Tulagi on Nggela Sule is a small harbour town with remnants of colonial-era and wartime infrastructure. Diving, snorkelling and visits to wartime relics on nearby islets are common activities for visitors arriving from Honiara.

Tulagi served as an administrative centre in the colonial period and the area saw significant military activity during the Pacific campaign of World War II, leaving wrecks and battlefield sites. After the war the islands returned to civilian use and remain home to local communities.

The Nggela group lies in Ironbottom Sound north of Guadalcanal and close to the Solomon Islands’ capital, Honiara, with short boat connections linking the islands to the main city.

• Access from Honiara: The islands are close to Guadalcanal and Honiara across Ironbottom Sound, making them accessible by short boat trip from the capital for day visits.
• Wartime heritage: Several World War II sites, wrecks and memorials are found across the islands, attracting interest from history visitors and divers.

What to See #

• Tulagi: Tulagi, a small historic town on Nggela Sule that served as an administrative centre in the colonial period and retains wartime-era sites and harbour structures.
• Gavutu-Tanambogo: Gavutu and Tanambogo, two small islets east of Tulagi known for wartime landings and relics from World War II.