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Arnavon Islands
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The Arnavon Islands, set between Isabel and Choiseul provinces, are home to the Solomon Islands' first nationally protected marine park. This small island group is internationally renowned as the most significant nesting site for the critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle in the entire South Pacific. Established in 1995, the Arnavon Community Marine Conservation Area (ACMCA) is a pioneering collaborative project involving local communities and international conservation bodies. Former turtle hunters have been successfully transformed into rangers who now protect the nesting beaches and monitor the health of the coral reefs. The surrounding waters boast incredible biodiversity, with thriving populations of fish, seabirds, and marine invertebrates. Through rigorous protection efforts, the number of hawksbill nests has increased significantly over the past decades. The islands also serve as a vital research hub for studying marine migration patterns and the impacts of sea-level rise on low-lying atolls. The Arnavon Islands represent a global benchmark for community-based marine resource management and indigenous-led environmental stewardship.
- Location: Solomon Islands
- Top sights: Arnarvon Islands · Kerehikapa · Sikopo
- Nearby: Kia (56 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 29 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 29 |
| Rain mm | 304 | 326 | 315 | 240 | 240 | 283 | 317 | 269 | 249 | 240 | 227 | 239 |
📋 Practical info
Best season
The good period to witness hawksbill nesting runs from November through March, with peak activity in December and January. Hatchlings typically emerge between January and May, so a visit during late summer also features good chances to see them.
Best time of day
Turtles almost always nest under cover of darkness, so plan your beach patrols from dusk until dawn. Hatchlings usually emerge at night and head instinctively for the ocean, making evening walks most productive.
Etiquette
Keep a respectful distance of at least ten meters from any turtle and never use flashlights or flash photography. Avoid disturbing tracks or nests, and do not touch the animals under any circumstances.
What to bring
Bring a red-filtered torch to see turtles without disturbing them, and wear lightweight, closed-toe sandals for walking on sand. A pair of binoculars helps observe offshore activity without getting too close.
Getting there
Reaching the Arnavon Islands requires a chartered boat from nearby islands like Santa Isabel or Choiseul. Most visitors arrange trips with local operators, as there are no scheduled ferries.
What to expect
Be prepared to spend several nights waiting as turtle appearances can be unpredictable from one evening to the next. Even on good nights, you may only see one or two turtles, so patience and low expectations are key.
Geography
Facts
- Largest hawksbill turtle nesting ground in the South Pacific
- The Solomon Islands' first national marine park (ACMCA)
- Established in 1995 as a community-based conservation initiative
- Successful transition of turtle poachers into conservation rangers
- Boasts some of the highest coral diversity in the archipelago
- Crucial breeding area for megapodes and other seabirds
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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Sights in the town Arnavon Islands (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit the Arnavon Islands?
Yes, it is a protected area, but visits must be organized in advance.
What can you see there?
The reserve is particularly known for the nesting of hawksbill turtles.
When is the best time to visit?
Visits are dependent on turtle nesting seasons between April and December.
Is there accommodation there?
Options are very limited; camping is often required.
What does a guest need to observe?
Strict conservation rules apply, keep your distance from the wildlife.
Arnavon Islands: where is it located?
Arnavon Islands is located in Solomon Islands.
Arnavon Islands: what is there to see?
Highlights include Arnarvon Islands, Kerehikapa, Sikopo.
Arnavon Islands: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
Arnavon Islands: why is it worth visiting?
The Arnavon Islands, set between Isabel and Choiseul provinces, are home to the Solomon Islands' first nationally protected marine park.
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