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Marovo Lagoon
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Marovo Lagoon, located in the New Georgia Islands, is the world's largest saltwater lagoon and served as a vital hub for intelligence gathering during World War II. Its vast expanse of coral reefs, islets, and dense mangroves provided a good refuge for Allied Coastwatchers, who monitored Japanese naval and air activity from hidden vantage points. Donald Kennedy, a prominent District Officer and Coastwatcher, established a formidable resistance base at Seghe, from which he coordinated guerrilla activities and rescued downed Allied airmen. The lagoon's intricate geography allowed for the covert movement of supplies and personnel, directly contributing to the success of the Solomon Islands campaign. The unwavering support of the local Solomon Islanders was essential to the survival and effectiveness of these operations. Today, Marovo Lagoon is a UNESCO World Heritage candidate, recognized for its exceptional natural beauty and its significant role as a theater of wartime bravery and local collaboration.
- Location: Solomon Islands
- Nearby: Marovo Lagoon (8 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Sep, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 29 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 29 |
| Rain mm | 282 | 307 | 284 | 219 | 212 | 224 | 249 | 203 | 207 | 213 | 198 | 214 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Marovo Lagoon in the Solomon Islands is the world's largest saltwater lagoon and is accessible to tourists. It can be explored by boat, and traditional villages along the shores can be visited.
Typical hours
The lagoon is accessible at any time, but most tours depart in the morning. For the best snorkeling conditions, take tides into account.
Photography
Photography is allowed everywhere, underwater with a waterproof camera is a must. The emerald waters and coral reefs offer striking subjects.
Time needed
A boat tour through the lagoon takes at least half a day, often a full day. For diving or snorkeling, plan at least two days.
Combine with
Marovo Lagoon is in Western Province and can be combined with a visit to Gatokae Island or the traditional villages of Vangunu. Nearby dive sites are also worth seeing.
Getting there
Access is by domestic flight from Honiara to Munda, then by boat. Many resorts in the lagoon arrange transfers for their guests.
Insider tip
Book an overnight stay at one of the eco-friendly lodges right on the water. This way you can enjoy the lagoon at sunrise and sunset in peace.
Geography
Facts
- Marovo Lagoon covers an area of approximately 700 square kilometers.
- Donald Kennedy operated the Coastwatcher post at Seghe throughout 1942 and 1943.
- A strategic airfield was rapidly constructed at Seghe in June 1943 to support the invasion.
- The lagoon contains several well-preserved wrecks of PBY Catalina flying boats.
- Local Solomon Islanders provided critical intelligence that led to the sinking of many Japanese barges.
- The site is currently on the UNESCO tentative list for World Heritage status.
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 in the town Marovo Lagoon (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the lagoon like?
Beautiful, one of the largest saltwater lagoons in the world.
Can you snorkel there?
Yes, fantastic coral reefs.
Are there resorts?
Yes, some eco-lodges.
How to get there?
By domestic flight or boat.
Is it safe?
Yes, very peaceful.
Marovo Lagoon: where is it located?
Marovo Lagoon is located in Solomon Islands.
Marovo Lagoon: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Sep, Nov.
Marovo Lagoon: why is it worth visiting?
Marovo Lagoon, located in the New Georgia Islands, is the world's largest saltwater lagoon and served as a vital hub for intelligence gathering during World War II.
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Nearby cities
Honiara
The capital of the Solomon Islands is located on the north coast of Guadalcanal.
Point Cruz Business District
This district in Honiara is the commercial heart of the country.
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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.
Gizo
Gizo is the administrative center of the Western Province and is known for its tourism importance.
Gizo Town
The administrative center of the Western Province.
Maru
Maru is a coastal community near Gizo, known for its traditional fishing practices.
Buala
Buala is the capital of Isabel Province, located on the Maringe Lagoon.
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Munda Logistics Center
Munda on New Georgia Island serves as a strategic logistics hub.
Munda
Munda is the largest settlement on the island of New Georgia.
Lambeti
A village near Munda that was the scene of heavy fighting as Allied forces advanced toward the Munda airstrip in 1943.
Marovo Lagoon
The world's largest saltwater lagoon, a UNESCO candidate featuring hundreds of islands and world-class biodiversity.
Uepi
Uepi is a small island settlement on the edge of the Marovo Lagoon, known for world-class diving tourism.
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Batuna
Batuna is a Seventh-day Adventist mission station in the Marovo Lagoon, known for its vocational training.
Seghe
Seghe is an important transport hub located at the southern tip of New Georgia Island in the Western Province.
Nggatokae Island
A pristine volcanic island in the southeastern New Georgia Islands, a paradise for divers and nature enthusiasts.
History & landmarks
Honiara City Council
The city council's administrative building is the hub of Honiara's local government.
Marovo Lagoon Cultural Sites
Marovo Lagoon is home to numerous traditional woodcarving villages and historic shrines.
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Kavachi Submarine Volcano
Kavachi is one of the most active submarine volcanoes in the Pacific.
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Skull Island
This small island in the Vona Vona Lagoon houses a shrine with skulls of former chiefs and warriors.
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Vona Vona Lagoon Monuments
The lagoon is rich in historical sites, including war wrecks and traditional graves.
Nature
Uepi Island
This small barrier reef island in Marovo Lagoon offers access to deep oceanic trenches and vibrant coral gardens.
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Mount Vangunu
Mount Vangunu is the central volcanic cone of the island with the same name in the New Georgia group.
Zaira Conservation Area
The Zaira Conservation Area on Vangunu is known for its pristine coral reefs and leatherback turtle nesting sites.
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Kavachi Volcano
This submarine volcano in the New Georgia Islands is one of the most active in the Southwest Pacific.
Tetepare Island
Tetepare is the largest uninhabited tropical island in the South Pacific and a major conservation area.
Roviana Lagoon
Roviana Lagoon features extensive coral reefs and is a center of Melanesian culture.
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Mount Rendova
Mount Rendova dominates the silhouette of Rendova Island in the Western Province.
More places
Noro
Noro is a major industrial town in the Western Province known for its deep-water port.
Seghe Airstrip
An airfield at the southern tip of New Georgia, captured by Allied forces in 1943 to support the offensive on Munda.
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Viru Harbour
Viru Harbour is a natural deep-water port on New Georgia Island, playing an important role in the local economy.
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Viru Timber Port
Viru Harbour is a major export port for the timber industry in Western Province.
Wickham Anchorage
An anchorage on Vangunu Island captured in 1943 to intercept Japanese supply lines to the New Georgia islands.
Viru Harbor
A deep natural harbor on New Georgia captured by US Marines in July 1943 during a difficult overland march.
Blanche Channel
A channel between New Georgia and Rendova.
Rendova Island
An island across from Munda captured by US forces in June 1943 to position heavy artillery for the assault on Munda Airstrip.