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Florida Islands
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The Florida Islands, also known as the Nggela Islands, are situated in the Central Province of the Solomon Islands and represent a significant geographical and historical region. The archipelago comprises the main islands of Nggela Sule and Nggela Pile, along with smaller islets such as Tulagi. Tulagi served as the administrative capital of the British Solomon Islands Protectorate from 1893 until the aftermath of World War II. Geologically, the islands are of volcanic origin and feature a rugged terrain covered by dense tropical rainforests. During the war, the area was a focal point of intense combat between Japanese and Allied forces, particularly during the Guadalcanal Campaign in 1942. Today, the region is known for its exceptional marine biodiversity and the numerous wartime wrecks located in the surrounding waters. The local economy is largely based on subsistence farming and fishing, with Tulagi remaining an important local port.
- Location: Solomon Islands
- Nearby: Tulagi Island (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
| 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 | 284 | 282 | 271 | 215 | 201 | 187 | 195 | 167 | 169 | 193 | 194 | 218 |
📋 Practical info
Best season
The Florida Islands (Nggela) are best visited during the dry season from May to October, when trade winds provide clear underwater visibility. Diving and snorkeling conditions are optimal during these months.
Best time of day
Early morning provides the calmest water and best visibility for dives. Late afternoon you can often observe dolphins and turtles in the bays.
Etiquette
Do not touch corals and avoid using sunscreen that could damage the reefs. Feeding fish is prohibited, and keep a respectful distance from sea turtles and whale sharks.
What to bring
Snorkeling or diving gear is essential to explore the underwater world. Also bring an underwater camera and UV-protective clothing.
Getting there
The Florida Islands are best reached by boat from Honiara on Guadalcanal, taking about two to three hours. Several operators offer day trips or overnight stays.
What to expect
Underwater visibility can vary with tides and weather - be patient and wait for calm conditions. Sometimes it takes a while for larger marine animals to appear, but the reefs are already fascinating.
Geography
Facts
- Tulagi served as the capital of the Solomon Islands from 1893 to 1942.
- The island group belongs to the Central Province of the country.
- Nggela Sule is the largest island in terms of land area in the group.
- The islands border the strategically important Ironbottom Sound.
- The surrounding waters contain numerous shipwrecks dating from 1942.
- The islands' soil is highly ferruginous due to their volcanic origins.
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.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is special about the Florida Islands?
They offer historic WWII dive sites.
How to reach the islands?
Access is usually by boat from Honiara.
Are there tourist resorts there?
There are some simple accommodations, but no mass tourism.
Is the region suitable for nature lovers?
Yes, there are great opportunities for birdwatching and jungle tours.
Do I need a guide?
For jungle tours, a local guide is highly recommended.
Florida Islands: where is it located?
Florida Islands is located in Solomon Islands.
Florida Islands: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Florida Islands: why is it worth visiting?
The Florida Islands, also known as the Nggela Islands, are situated in the Central Province of the Solomon Islands and represent a significant geographical and historical region.
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Nearby cities
Point Cruz Business District
This district in Honiara is the commercial heart of the country.
Honiara
The capital of the Solomon Islands is located on the north coast of Guadalcanal.
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Kokumbona
A former village west of Honiara that served as the headquarters for the Japanese 17th Army during the Guadalcanal campaign.
Lungga
Lungga is an industrial and residential settlement on the eastern edge of Honiara, located by the river of the same name.
Auki Market Center
Auki is the economic center of Malaita Province.
Auki
Auki is the capital of Malaita Province and one of the largest towns in the country.
Buala
Buala is the capital of Isabel Province, located on the Maringe Lagoon.
Tulagi Island
The former capital of the British Solomon Islands Protectorate.
Tulagi
Tulagi was the former capital of the British Protectorate and is now the capital of the Central Province.
A-Tulagi
The surrounding area of Tulagi includes several small island settlements in the Central Province.
Koli Point
Koli Point is a prominent coastal area and settlement known for its WWII history.
Red Beach
Red Beach is a settlement on the coast of Guadalcanal, named after the Allied landing zones in 1942.
History & landmarks
Honiara City Council
The city council's administrative building is the hub of Honiara's local government.
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Ironbottom Sound Memorial
This stretch of water between Guadalcanal and Savo is an underwater memorial to dozens of sunken ships.
Tetere Amphibious Wrecks
Several abandoned US LVT amphibious tractors lying half-buried in the sand at Tetere Beach.
Savo Crater
The Savo Crater forms the center of the volcanic island of Savo north of Guadalcanal.
Nature
More places
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Blue Beach
The primary landing beach on Tulagi for US Marines on August 7, 1942.
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Blue Beach Marker
A simple memorial marker on the beach at Tulagi indicating where US Marines first landed on August 7, 1942.
Tulagi Fisheries Base
Tulagi, the former capital, is now a center for the fishing industry.
Tulagi Wharf and Ruins
Tulagi served as the capital of the Solomon Islands before WWII.
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Tulagi Colonial Cemetery
The old Tulagi cemetery contains graves of British colonial officials and traders.
Florida Ridge
The Florida Ridge is the central mountain spine of the Nggela Islands (Florida Islands).
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Japanese Seaplane Base
The ruins of the Japanese seaplane base on Gavutu and Tanambogo are still visible today.
Gavutu Island
A small island near Tulagi connected by a causeway to Tanambogo.