Making the most of Gizo
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
This is a tender port.
Gizo, the capital of the Solomon Islands’ Western Province, with a population of about 6,000, is the second largest town in the country. It’s a short boat ride from Kennedy Island, significant for its role in the story of PT-109, when former US President John Kennedy (then a lieutenant) swam for his life after his patrol boat was rammed by a Japanese destroyer
Getting around
There is no public transport. Taxis are the only option within town (20-30 SBD).
Take a tour for a full day of exciting diving with specialists, and you will investigate WWII wrecks and reefs that have some of the highest fish counts in the world. Also on offer are tours of WWII sites, bird watching, snorkelling, surf drops, game fishing, as well as village tours.
Money
The local currency is the Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD). Denominations are: SI$5, SI$10, SI$20, SI$50 and SI$100 notes, and coins include 10, 20, 50 cents, SI$1 and SI$2 coins. Currency exchange is available at the local bank branches.