Nggatokae Island

Nggatokae Island, often simply called Gatokae, is an under-the-radar destination located in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands. This distinctive volcanic island marks the southeastern entrance to the world-renowned Marovo Lagoon, the largest saltwater lagoon on Earth. Covered in lush, dense rainforest and dominated by the extinct Mount Mariu, the island features steep slopes that plunge directly into the turquoise ocean. Its unique geography makes it a premier destination for adventurous travelers who enjoy both hiking and marine activities. Beneath the waves, divers and snorkelers will find incredible biodiversity. The reefs surrounding Nggatokae are famous for their healthy coral gardens and frequent sightings of large marine life, including sharks and rays. On land, visitors can immerse themselves in the authentic culture of local villages, where traditional woodcarving and sustainable fishing practices remain central to daily life. Local gastronomy features fresh catches and garden produce, with 'Motu' (food cooked in an earthen oven) being a must-try traditional delicacy. To reach Nggatokae, travelers usually take a domestic flight from Honiara to Seghe, followed by a scenic boat transfer to the island. Irregular ship services are also available. The best time to visit is between April and October, when the seas are calm and underwater visibility is at its peak. Accommodations primarily consist of eco-lodges that blend harmoniously with the environment, offering an authentic island experience far from the beaten path. It is the excellent escape for those seeking absolute tranquility and pristine natural beauty.

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.

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Batuna

Batuna is a Seventh-day Adventist mission station in the Marovo Lagoon, known for its vocational training.

Marovo Lagoon

The world's largest saltwater lagoon, a UNESCO candidate featuring hundreds of islands and world-class biodiversity.

Seghe

Seghe is an important transport hub located at the southern tip of New Georgia Island in the Western Province.

Uepi

Uepi is a small island settlement on the edge of the Marovo Lagoon, known for world-class diving tourism.

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Kaevanga

Kaevanga is a rural settlement in the Western Province, known for its agricultural production.

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.

Marovo Lagoon

The world's largest saltwater lagoon.

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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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Pavuvu Island

An island in the Russell group that served as a major rest and training base for the US 1st Marine Division during the Pacific War.

Nature

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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.

Uepi Island

This small barrier reef island in Marovo Lagoon offers access to deep oceanic trenches and vibrant coral gardens.

Tetepare Island

Tetepare is the largest uninhabited tropical island in the South Pacific and a major conservation area.

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Mount Rendova

Mount Rendova dominates the silhouette of Rendova Island in the Western Province.

Roviana Lagoon

Roviana Lagoon features extensive coral reefs and is a center of Melanesian culture.

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Russell Islands

The Russell Islands offer a mix of coconut plantations and pristine coral walls.

More places

Noro

Noro is a major industrial town in the Western Province known for its deep-water port.

Wickham Anchorage

An anchorage on Vangunu Island captured in 1943 to intercept Japanese supply lines to the New Georgia islands.

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.

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.